I agree, I find the term “donation” annoying and insulting. I use it about half the time. It implies that my service is not worth a solid rate and that I am so desperate for money and/or the sexual attention of my clients that I will take whatever they’re willing to give me. Excuse me, no, I’m offering a discernible service and have real expenses that need real amounts paid to them. If I simply gave my utility company a “donation,” I would be sitting in the dark.

Of course on the flip side, the fact that I am totally at will to alter my rates at any time is a privilege that does not come with regulated work. Ahh the nature of duality.