"Supporting" bloggers and podcasters

[Talia]

I was interviewed by over a dozen podcasters when my latest novel (my 5th) was released. A month or two after the interviews were aired, one podcaster solicited me for a donation to help sustain his project. I politely turned him down.

Then I got an email solicitation from a blogger who had posted rave reviews about my last three books (spaced out over a decade.) She's also promoted my books to book clubs. Now she's asked for a donation for her literary blog.

I truly appreciate this woman and am grateful for what she'd done for me unconditionally, just being a great fan. I also understand that full-time literary mavens have no income from this labor of love. And while I hate to turn the relationship into a commercial one, I see why she would appeal to her base users. Yet coming on the heels of the podcaster's solicitation, I'm wondering whether this is a new trend.

Mind you, neither was a paid service, as there had been no strings attached, no mention of a financial exchange prior to the interview and review.

I'd like to hear your thoughts.

[Anna]

I hope you get some responses, Talia. This is important. I know what I'm thinking off-the-top-of-my-head, but I want to think about it.