Hmm... what is the better of two evils? Displaying ads or requesting donations?
Let's see. Sometiimes I find the ads worthy of clicking through...
...rarely do I respond to begging requests from websites that offer marginal value.
There's your answer

Let me say it again, stop begging!
Typical [Suspicious link removed]ignature: "If I've made your day then tip me at BTC: 1GthT13Yumol9091q2e4rfm7gH"
Are you the Red Cross or UNHCR or anything like that? No, you're not, you're just a beggar, so you can forget it.
Pretty simple. Use adverts on your site, don't beg.

To each their own. I work hard on the site and if people find value in it then they have a choice to contribute.