I remember when I moved to the big smoke and encountered my first person looking for a handout. It was a young guy, looking for bus fare to get home. I felt for the guy. I grew up dirt poor. There were days I didn’t eat and I still wouldn’t have had the guts to ask a complete stranger for money. That this young man felt he had to…well, needless to say that I reached into my pocket and gave him one of my few bus tokens.
Then he turned around and told the next person the same story.
The next time I was asked, I told the beggar (different from the first) that I was getting on the bus too. I’d pay for him there. He said he was going in the other direction (I never told him which direction I was going) but thanks anyway.
I still give to street people if there’s a doubt in my mind about whether they’re legit (I prefer to give to organizations which help street people). However I’m very picky about which ones.
Does begging work? Yep, one street person confided to me that he pulls down $2,000 a week tax free (this is the same guy who asked me for money and after hearing my excuse that I was “just a temp”, told me proudly “That’s tough luck, girlie. My job’s permanent.”). $2,000 a week is a 6 figure income.
Cyberbegging works basically the same way. The first high profile cyberbeggar was Karyn Bosnak of www.savekaryn.com . This shopaholic got herself in financial trouble by admittedly buying too many Gucci handbags so she asked complete strangers over the internet for money.
And it worked. She paid off her debt and then some (her website claims that she donates all the money to charity). She now has a book out that she’s selling to pay her way in the world.
Other cyberbeggars have followed. I hear it is less lucrative than it used to be but that these sites still pop up means that people give. It works. But as in Karyn’s case, I have to wonder…if you have the skills to put up a site, to organize payment, to write convincing enough copy to get people to donate, why resort to begging?
Comments (4)
I feel bad walking past beggars but you never know how your money will be spent, so I too prefer organisations.
I can't imagine myself begging on a street but I might resort to cyberbegging because it's less direct. There was a NZ guy saving for his OE last year who set up a site where you could 'buy' a country (he had a world map) and the money went towards his trip. Seemed to work. Often you just need a gimmick.
I notice your Amazon graphic offers Karyn's book for sale from '0.01c' (Best Price).
Posted by Rich Minx | May 7, 2007 9:31 AM
Posted on May 7, 2007 09:31
I DO know what happens to the money you give beggars, because I've read the studies. In most cases, begging is seen by the beggar as a permanent job, and the cash goes to pay for things like drugs or alcohol which are not healthy, but which may be self-medication for the depression that the entire situation creates. Most beggars are on welfare, but find that it does not pay their living expenses (housing, food, etc) so turn to begging to make ends meet. Then they find they can make a fair chunk ($2 a week is very high, though; it's usually more like $5-10 an hour depending on location) and become dependent on it, much like those hookers who enter the trade "to make tuition" and who are still on the corner years later.
I don't generally donate money, but I will give food if I happen to have it with me; an apple or a coffee. It's very difficult to abuse food or turn it into heroin.
Posted by raincoaster | May 9, 2007 1:49 AM
Posted on May 9, 2007 01:49
Oh, one more thing. I look at begging as a marketing thing. They are just asking, offering you the opportunity to feel generous or salve your conscience or tithe; you're under no obligation to enter into this transaction, but you are not entitled to abuse them for it any more than you are entitled to abuse the guy at the hotdog stand.
Posted by raincoaster | May 9, 2007 1:52 AM
Posted on May 9, 2007 01:52
I understand the way people feel for and against cyberbegging. I first read about savekaryn and was shocked. Shocked that people would give her money to pay off credit cards. Her site was a success because of the publicity. I am a regular person with a real problem. I am trying to raise money for a bariatric surgery. I think these are two different things all together. The success of my site could actually save my life. I have tried diets of every kind and had little success. I need a medical intervention. I am not on welfare or any type of public assistance. I have a basic medical plan through my county but they do not pay for this surgery. I think that I am a good cause. The few dollars that people can donate could actually SAVE MY LIFE! I have already had my share of abuse and scams but I still believe in general that people are good hearted and will help. Thank you for reading my story. www.helpsavekrystal.com
Posted by Krystal Lamberton | September 25, 2007 6:06 PM
Posted on September 25, 2007 18:06