A “bleg” is a support request sent by a blog owner, often for financial or material support, but can also be for non-material support such as comments or updates. Responses vary, with some readers finding it acceptable and others suffering from donor fatigue. Bloggers are careful not to alienate their readers.
The term “bleg” is a portmanteau of “blog” and “beg” and, as you might guess, refers to a support request sent by a blog owner. In some cases, an entire website may be a blog post, run specifically for the purpose of asking for something, and in other cases, a blogger may post a blog post asking for help under special circumstances. Some people find blogging distasteful, especially on sites that are already enjoying advertising and other promotions, while other people find it acceptable under certain circumstances.
People can post blegs for any number of reasons. For example, some bloggers ask for help when they need to purchase new blogging-related equipment, such as a laptop or other technology. If a blogger falls on a hard time, they might even request support from readers to help pay utilities or meet rent. Some blogs have also used blegging as a fundraising tool to finance trips to sites and events that the blogger writes about or to raise money on behalf of an organization or individual.
While bligging is often done for the benefit of the site owner, it can also take on a more altruistic nature. Bloggers often lend a hand to help each other with medical bills and disasters, publicizing the needs of other bloggers to expand their support base. A bleg could also be posted on behalf of someone in a community who needs assistance; for example, a blog focused on Houston, Texas might ask people to step in and help fire victims get back on their feet.
Sometimes, a bleg involves no financial or material support. For example, a blogger might ask about something, such as updates from people in a disaster area or comments from international readers. Some bloggers ask for reader responses on topics of interest, asking readers to engage more with the website and with each other.
Responses to blegs vary. Many readers recognize that maintaining a blog costs money and time, especially on sites that are updated frequently, and as some bloggers try to make a living through blogging, readers may find the placement of advertisements, wish lists, and relatively harmless strategic blegs. Other readers suffer from donor fatigue and can be turned off by things like frequent blogging, sponsored posts, and advertisements. For this reason, bloggers are usually careful about how and when they bleg, as they don’t want to alienate their reader base.
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