This is a pretty common reaction you get whenever you first try to monetize anything on the net. People feel entitled to whatever you do at no cost to yourself. They always say "you could make money in other ways" but never suggest any specifically or show any evidence they would actually gain traction.

If you like what the guy does enough to shell out some $, fine. If you don't, also fine. But the guy has a right to try to make money from his work. It's not a "bait and switch" to add in a business model.

It's also sad when just charging for stuff is seen as "easy and lame".