[RuleOfBirds]

You'd rather an ad-network, or you just expect people to share, give, and benefit you for free, or...is there another option? Kudos to the author for providing value and getting compensated.

[GEBBL]

One blog post is not enough to warrant a request for money. How do you know they are even telling the truth?

[leetcrew]

DoreenMichele is pretty well known around these parts. if she's running a hoax, it's an elaborate one.

[CosmicShadow]

Maybe click their profile and see 27k karma and them in the top HN user list? Don't pay if you don't know who they are or care. Just because you don't know someone doesn't mean others don't.