Tip your Porter

[Nordenwatch]

When a porter says "porting for donations" you know damn well that they want money, but don't want to specify an amount. Just because the literal meaning of "donation" means a voluntary gift does not mean that the porter wont be sad if no one gave them anything.

I think the problem is you're taking everything too literally, unpack the meaning of what people say. Why would they sit in EC advertising that they port for donations if it was cool that no one paid them?

When I needed money in my lower levels I didn't tip if I could avoid it, because I couldn't afford it. Now that I can afford it, I pay.

And porters have a right to complain just as you have the right to not pay your porter.