Well, just to show that city employees are all about the money, I decided it was high time to start making some changes around here to help defray some of the expenses involved in running the site. It’s not like it’s a huge burden yet, but as I watch my download meter ticking higher every month (what with the graphics I’ve been adding), I think I should make sure it doesn’t become one. It’s also time to get a little back for the time I spend on the site; I’m not going to be seeing any bonus money (legal or otherwise) from the City any time soon, but it’s not like my blogging (or hell, living) expenses will go down.

Eventually, once readership reaches a high enough level and I figure out how to put something in the blank space to the left and right, I will probably put some ads on the site, in order to generate an income that isn’t dependant on direct largesse from generous readers. In the meantime, I have added two links well down on the right side (though I might move them up later). Overly generous readers with more money than sense can use either of them to send me anonymous donations through the Amazon Honor System, or especially insane readers can select an item from my Wish List and have it shipped to me. It won’t offset expenses directly, but everyone likes a surprise gift! And since I won’t have to buy it for myself, it has the same effect in the long run.

Of course, it is entirely unnecessary for you, the reader, to donate. I’m going to blog either way; the only thing that might change is if the increased traffic starts running up against my bandwidth limit (or God forbid, I ever get Instalanched — not holding my breath on that one), I’d have to cut back on graphics. (I’m not sure how interested everyone is in seeing the ads from the SEIU and AFSCME anyway. I’ve currently got two on hand waiting to be scanned in, but the AFSCME NOW is a multi-pager.) But if you feel generous, or just want to make a statement of appreciation, well, now you can.

Finally, a very necessary disclaimer: City of Houston ethics rules are worded so tightly that this may run afoul of them. The last copy I was provided was so absurd as to be unbelievable. As written, I can accept zilch. No gifts for any reason, even unrelated to City business, such as everyday promotions that anyone is eligible for; no exemption is made. Even Christmas presents are technically illegal under the letter of the rule! Therefore, I should not accept donations, even if this site had absolutely nothing to do with the city.

Such an asinie set of rules deserves to be broken, but lets be clear about this: A reasonable rule is one prohibiting any gift by someone I am assisting in the course of my official duties, or from someone behalf of such person. And an ethical rule is that I don’t provide anyone with any special consideration, tangible or otherwise, related to the City, whether or not it is requested. One of the reasons I have remained anonymous all along has been the possibility that I might set up something like this, and even if I didn’t, I don’t want people contacting me and going “oh, I love your blog, and by the way, I need some help. . .” Heck, even if people called me at work to say they hate the blog, it would be a detriment. So those are “Ubu’s Blogging Rules of Donation Ethics,” and that’s what I’m standing on.

“Should you donate or purchase me a gift, neither you, nor any person or entity designated by you, will receive any consideration in the form of city services, whether from myself, or any other employee of the City of Houston at my direction or request.”

And that’s the way it should be.

Edit: I have obtained the current policy on gifts, and donations to Houblog do not violate the policy.