While I agree that's not what not ideal in this economic climate he is taking a risk on his dream and just didn't see all the turns ahead (getting half a paycheck instead of one). But asking for donations is never tasteless when you need help. And if you don't want to see it as a donation look at it this way, here is a great guy on the maemo platform thatas innovative ideas and wants to bring interesting software and uses to Maemo and the Nokia devices. As a user of said products by supporting him, you also benefit from him not having to stress as much about getting bills paid, or how to feed his family. Giving him time to think, program, create, etc.

It's a model straight out of the Renaissance. :P