I created Chart Porn because I love graphics. I love data. I love visualizations.  I love sharing with other people the information, perspective, and inspiration that I gain from all these works of data art.

I maintain Chart Porn because it’s fun. I have enjoyed watching it evolve over time, and I am regularly entertained by the emails I get behind the scenes from designers, news outlets, researchers, students, and other bloggers. One of my favorites from last year asked very politely if I could please mirror the blog under a different name so they could forward it to their family without embarrassment. (Ummmm… No.)

A friend asked me recently if I was making any money from the site now that it has a bit of a following. To be honest, I hadn’t thought seriously about it. I have a full time job. Hosting Chart Porn doesn’t cost all that much (though I did just upgrade to a bigger server), and I’ve always thought of it as a gift. I love the minimalist design of the site and don’t want to mar it with advertisements – so that’s not going to happen anytime soon.

After giving it some thought, I have decided to add a donation box to the sidebar of the website. I’ve read that some people view blog tip jars as cheesy panhandling. I don’t see it that way. It’s a tip – a sign of appreciation for doing good work.

If Chart Porn makes you laugh or think on a regularly basis and you want to show your thanks, then feel free to click on the donation box. If not, that’s fine too. I’ll keep posting cool charts either way.

Thanks!