The Oatmeal probably should have tried to first contact Tesla Motors or Elon Musk privately. There was no need to resort to a public plea.

Its a lose lose for Mr. Musk now. If he pays up then he'll be open to future requests. If he doesn't he'll be the billionaire dick who won't pay up for a good cause.

He could just ignore it, this usually reduces the Streisand effect. Let the next big problem take the scene.

He could give a private donation.

Anyhow, I know they need money now. Any publicity is...