Blogiquette -- or flowers, books, and candy

Why do some bloggers (of reasonable economic means, incidentally) think that it's somehow okay (translation: in good taste, socially acceptable) to suggest -- by implication, overt suggestion, or the placement of a widget on their blog -- that they will accept gifts or money from readers (to whom they do not have a personal connection) for their own private benefit?

I don't get it.

I may not get it -- but I sure see it often in a range of different blogging contexts.

I can understand asking for donations to a good cause that will benefit someone else -- or selling something on one's site that's specifically dedicated to commercial, for-profit enterprise. But to solicit gifts or money for oneself from strangers, simply because, hey, they read what you voluntarily and freely put out there to be read and because you'd like to have something? Go on a trip? Purchase a service?

How is that okay? How is that not tacky and presumptuous? 

(I'm not knocking any individual blogger, by the way; I couldn't, really, because I've seen such things on any number of blogs. I really am just trying to understand the behavior. It's not an isolated phenomenon and I'm clearly not comprehending what makes the phenomenon okay.)

Admittedly, while I'm not quite of the generation that believed a woman should accept only flowers, books, or candy from an admirer, metaphorically that basic concept does govern my notions of etiquette. A corollary to it is that one does not solicit gifts from strangers (or anyone, really, because then it's a request, not a gift).  Among intimates and friends, different conventions may apply, but in the blogosphere? Surely the most basic rules should obtain.

What's the deal, people?

i saw a beautiful pair of boots the other day, and I'd also like to go to Paris.  Anyone want to ante up? (Honestly, that's how crass such behavior in a public sphere seems to be to me.)

Comments

[*S*]

Usch! I've seen this too and it's just beyond sad. It's not like they are soliciting for a new kidney, or anything. I'm not even so keen on personal supposedly not-for-profit blogs flogging items. And I think we *are* from the generation that was taught that you didn't accept expensive or personal (i.e. lingerie, jewels, furs, cars) gifts from people with whom was was not seriously affiliated or related. I remember still having to return a costume necklace and earrings that our 14 year old neighbor boy had purchased for me (with money he'd saved from shoveling walks) when I was 12. We both cried, but my parents were adamant that accepting such things gave the wrong impression to the young man in question. Sounds positively quaint, if not to say antiquated. *Sigh*

[Tia]

I totally agree. I would never ever do that and I would never give anyone a dime who did. I don't mind being generous for a charity or for a good cause (official or not), but because you have the most difficult life *ever* and all you need is a trip to the beach to make it all better?!? Uh, no.