'But me a coffee'

[PeppermintParty]

I play some free online games. Sometimes the creator will say something like 'You have had 10 free goes. If you have enjoyed playing the game how about you buy me a coffee?' Then there is a link to click on to presumably send a few quid to the creator. I don't click on the link to send them money. I am of the opinion that if they want to earn money from the game, I would sooner they allow ads to pay for it, or make it subscription, but I am now wondering if I am unreasonable not to donate.

How many of you would click to buy them a coffee?

YABU - you tight arse - just buy them a coffee

YANBU - most people don't buy them a coffee

If you enjoy the game, it's not unreasonable for the creator to request a few quid to cover their costs and time.

Much more honest and far less annoying than the 99% of "free" games which are riddled with adds or locked content.

This

Ads are super annoying!

If you’re enjoying it then why wouldn’t you?

YABU - why shouldn’t they ask, it’s much nicer than ads or subscriptions. You don’t have to do it - they’re hoping you will but it’s ultimately voluntary.

I don't click on links. Too scared.

If they said their username is xyz and they can be found on (some safe site I've heard of and can google myself which I don't think is dodgy) I'd pay them via that.

I also pay Wikipedia now and again. We all should if we use it as it's free and fab.

dont click on dodgy links, you have no idea what you are opening up. No security at all

Ko-Fi is a well known website to transfer small payments to online creators of all sorts. Why would you consider a Ko-Fi link to be any dodgier than any other online link?

I suppose the reason I don't is that I might play say 10 different games in a day, each lasting about 2 or 3 minutes. If I bought each of them a coffee at say £3, then I could easily spend £30 and I can't afford to spend £30 for half an hour of scrolling and playing games.

But I take the point that I am being a tight arse and should at least consider donating to the ones I enjoyed and am likely to go back and play again. Perhaps I would be better off trying to find a platform that I can subscribe to and play a number of games.

Good point about Wikipedia. I wonder how many people use that and have never contributed anything. (I did once).

I would if I'm regularly enjoying the results of their work. Seems fair.

If you appreciate someone’s work, Ko-Fi is a good way to show that in a way that counts.

If you never pay for any content, you’re relying on others to do it for you. That makes you a bit of a leech.

I contribute to the ones I like most, rely on others to do the same and figure it evens out.

Agree. I would and have.

I have used Ko-Fi occasionally to thank content creators (not for games) who provide useful information re my hobby. It's a good thing to do and, at worst, you only "lose" £3 a time.

I'd much rather pay someone for their hard work than have to sit through tedious ads.

These online games are not easy to make and the people doing it are not paid for their time or effort. I'd always contribute something to one I enjoyed playing.

It is interesting to see that the poll is currently showing that 60% think IANBU, compared to 40% who think that IABU, but the comments on my post show that most think IABU, so those that have voted but not commented are probably too embarrassed to admit by commenting that they are tight arses like me.

Think of it as like a busker. You are not obliged to give anything to a busker. You are free to give to a busker who has made your day brighter or your mood better. Buskers know that only one in a hundred people who heard them will throw change in their direction but still choose to busk.

Everyone knows the rules. No-one is being forced to make games for you.

Perhaps this would be the best option for me to take - contribute to the ones I am likely to play again and like most and hope that it evens out with others contributing to games that I might only play once in a blue moon.

I would infinitely prefer to pay the creator a couple of quid directly than pay through my time with ads. And this way you get to try the game before you decide if it’s worth it.

I read blogs which have this, and no, I never do. Possibly different as these people are making money through affiliate links and brand deals.

I've used Ad Blocker for years and send an annual contribution to the creator.

He has saved me hours of sheer annoyance.

I think it’s because people agree that most people don’t buy them a coffee (your IANBU) but also may think that it’s a nicer payment option than ads or subscriptions.

You don’t have to, it’s fine, and I’m sure they don’t think you’ll pay £3 every ten plays, but they’re nudging you to remind you how much you like their game. Just pay sometimes if you like it.

Agree with most PPs. If someone is creating something you enjoy then pay what you can for it.
anything to avoid adverts and sponsored content which is killing the internet.

I am guessing you don't tip either, OP

If we're on the subjects of adverts in games, I find the ones that say "no adverts" in their advert particularly annoying.

Although a close second are those that either have someone pretending to be a doctor saying "all over 80s must play this game" or tell you, normally at the beginning, "omg this game is so relaxing" then say towards the end, something like "only *1% of people (or people with an IQ over 165) can complete this" or "hardest word game ever". So which is it? Relaxing or difficult?

*I normally suspect only 1% of people are stupid enough to continue what looks like a boring game....

I have a list of games I will never do because their adverts are so irritating. Royal Kingdom is top of that list.

I do tip in restaurants, hairdressers, taxis etc.

I see that the poll currently says 61% voted IANBU. Assuming most of those are people that do the same as I have in the past, I bet most of them tip too, as I seldom see people not tipping.