Odd guest posting outreach

I have a high ranking blog in my niche that openly accepts guest posts; I have a page outlining my requirements, how to submit and keyword focused for my niche. I especially like this, because if someone asks a question that is clearly answered on the page I delete it.
Recently I have had people reaching out to discuss guest posting, when I explained that I don't charge for guest posts due to my high content standards, and site approval(site must be quality, not spammy garbage), they decline to post on my site stating "sorry I pay for backlinks to guarantee quality" or something about "paying guarantees article posted"... Umm... Free.
What I find weirdest here is that in a year of running this site, and 2yrs running 5 sites like this, I have never had someone decline because I wasn't charging, but in the past week, 6 people have declined because I don't charge...

DO NOT email me asking for a guest post, not going to happen, as I am not here for self promotion.

That's great news.

Hang on to your brand's quality reputation.

Whatever CHUMP CHANGE they pay isn't worth the LOSS of brand equity you'll suffer when you post keyword-targeted garbage.

Maybe some agencies or new "internet marketers" have just found your sites?

EDIT: and wasn't able to buy you.

I'm guessing your site made it onto a list of outreach leads and you're getting hit by more link building agencies than genuine outreach requests. They want to pay because they want their posts accepted regardless of quality.

Have you updated your page to state you will not accept payment for guest posts?

I can see no reason why you won't accept the little donation...
The payment is made after the article is delivered/published. So if you do not like the content, you simply reject the article (and the payment).

If you prefer to not touch the money, you can ask them to send it to a charity of your choice (most charities accept PayPal nowadays) and send you a proof of payment.

Personally I accept guest post for $100 "donation". But I have no problem rejecting someone if their website is shitty or misleading for visitors.

blackbeans said:

That's great news.

Hang on to your brand's quality reputation.

Whatever CHUMP CHANGE they pay isn't worth the LOSS of brand equity you'll suffer when you post keyword-targeted garbage.

Click to expand...

My brand is indeed more valuable in the long run.

seocrab said:

I'm guessing your site made it onto a list of outreach leads and you're getting hit by more link building agencies than genuine outreach requests. They want to pay because they want their posts accepted regardless of quality.

Have you updated your page to state you will not accept payment for guest posts?

Click to expand...

Huh, maybe. I work with several link sellers, who work with my requirements, but they seem to have the other rules down. Huh, who knows, humans are weird.
It has always said "no charge for guest posting", among my 12 in total rules.

Kikerinka said:

I can see no reason why you won't accept the little donation...
The payment is made after the article is delivered/published. So if you do not like the content, you simply reject the article (and the payment).

If you prefer to not touch the money, you can ask them to send it to a charity of your choice (most charities accept PayPal nowadays) and send you a proof of payment.

Personally I accept guest post for $100 "donation". But I have no problem rejecting someone if their website is shitty or misleading for visitors.

Click to expand...

I don't accept payment, on 6 different sites now, I still don't accept payment.
Not what my site was designed for, not something I want to hassle with.
Still no insight into WHY would someone refuse free on a site THEY approached, obviously they liked what they saw.