The Trip: Why the hell should you give me money?
Dan answers the questions of a reader confused by the PayPal button in the upper-right-hand corner of this webpage …
So what exactly is The Trip?
For approximately four months, starting July 19, I will travel across China. From the road, I will try to update this website with words and images as often as possible, hopefully daily. (I’m bringing along a geekload of gadgets to ensure I stay as connected as humanly possible.)
This will be real-time writing, a travel essay for the internet age. Neither writer nor reader know what will happen next. It’s going to be an adventure — and I want as many people to tag along as possible.
For more information, go here: trip.shanghaidiaries.com.
OK. That’s all well and good, but it still kind of sounds like you are just delaying joining the rest of us in the real world. Why should I give you money? Why should I help support your life of leisure?
I don’t expect you to give me money.
Huh? I don’t get it. What’s with the PayPal button at the top of this page then?
Well, you can donate money to support The Trip if you like. But I don’t expect you to. Really, I’ll be surprised if anyone donates at all.
So, why put up the PayPal button at all then?
When I was back in the U.S. in May, some friends suggested I do it. They said they thought people would want to support the project. I didn’t believe them — I mean, I would never give money to some stranger over the internet — but I decided to give their idea a chance.
Oh, and another reason: I’m broke. In debt, actually.
Wait just a minute now. You’re broke? But I thought you were a freelance writer and a former English teacher at Shanghai University. How could you possibly be broke?
I know it’s hard to believe, but somehow I have managed to squander my largess on frivolous items such as food and shelter. Oh, and about $1,000 worth of gadgets.
So if I decide to give you money — which I highly doubt I will do — will you just waste it on more food and shelter?
Unfortunately, yes.
And if I decide to give you money — which I will never do — I bet, since you are a greedy American, you have set a very high minimum donation. Right?
Actually, there is no minimum donation. But PayPal does take a cut of each transaction: USD 0.30 plus 2.9 percent. So, of a $1 donation, I would only receive 67.1 cents. But every little bit helps.
But really, how much could just $5 or $10 help in an expensive country like China?
Actually, contrary to some reports, $5 could buy me lunch for an entire week … even in a city like Shanghai. And $10 could cover a ticket for a five-hour train ride.
OK. But what do I get out of this?
Um, a warm fuzzy feeling? Also, I will add your name to my list of Sponsors, unless you ask me not to. And, who knows, if I end up publishing a book about this trip, I just might put your name in that, too.
What if I don’t want to give a donation, but for some reason I decide that I want to help. What can I do?
You could buy something from the shanghaidiaries.com online store. I get $3 for every item sold. You know, I think you would look great in a Mao thong.
07.18.2004, 4:21 PM · The Trip
6 Comments
This blog design is defintely better than before.
are you interested helping us building a website of our baby?
Hey Dan…ran across your blog while surfing for some stuff on China. Very interesting.
While you are there, you might enjoy my new book, China Diaries. Check out the website. Might give you a different historical perspective. None in the bookstores there?…You can download an e-version from the publisher, iUniverse.com.
Best
Hi Dan
I am sure you have heard all this before but I find you very interesting. I am a fledgling writer in Shanghai and am dying for literary conversation. I am sick of talking to name droppers and giving free English lessons. Would love to sit and have a chat with you about writing and books in general. Don’t worry I am not fishing for ideas. Just looking for fellow writers to have meaningful conversations with!
If you are up to that, drop me a line and I will call you, we’ll meet up!
Thanks for your time
Kat
Hello,
I found this page while doing some research on making money and travel. I find it fascinating that so many people were kind enough to support one man’s travels through donating money, sending supplies and keeping good communication. I think it’s even more wonderful that you are giving back to those who supported you by keeping everyone updated on your journey through this website.
The reason I decided to post something here is because I too, am in need of some support, suggestions or donations. Unfortunately I will not be traveling to China or anywhere else, instead I will be focusing on helping out family members who are in need. So far I have not received any assistance, no responses and not even a dollar in donations. I can only access the internet while I’m at work, so I don’t have a lot of time to advertise my plea. If you all would be so kind as to learn about my position and possibly pass the site address to others you think may be willing to help, I will greatly appreciate it. Every little bit helps, and if there is something I can do for you in return, please do contact me, I’m willing to discuss options.
Thanks again. And, I hope that someday I can go to China too!! I’d love to walk the ENTIRE length of the Great Wall! Wow, what an experience that would be! :o)
~Andrea
http://www.savemesites.com/pages/freepage.php?site=3200
This donation site also works through paypal by clicking on the “donation” button at the bottom of the page.
Please help.