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centrelink computer==Monday November 18th 2010
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Date Posted: 7/11/10 19:24:49
In reply to:
It is a beggar's pride that he is not a thief. - Japanese proverb
's message, "How to Panhandle" on 7/11/10 18:48:54
>How to Panhandle
>originated by:Anonymous, Jack Herrick, Lisa Brooks,
>Viennatech (see all)
>
>Article Edit Discuss View History Tweet
> It is a beggar's pride that he is not a thief. -
>Japanese proverb
>
>
>
>A panhandler is a person who depends on the
>spontaneous charity of strangers for their survival.
>In some parts of the world, begging is the only
>alternative to starvation, especially in the context
>of a poor economy or an oppressive government; in
>other parts of the world, panhandling is illegal
>because of its association with addiction and
>irresponsibility. You never know when you might have
>to ask strangers for help, whether you've been mugged
>in a foreign land, and need enough money to make it
>home; or life deals you a particularly harsh hand of
>cards (like abuse, disability, illness, war); or you
>become so dissatisfied with your existing options that
>begging seems like a better alternative.
>
>
>edit Steps1Swallow your pride. Most people find it
>difficult to quietly beg for money from friends or
>relatives; it’s even harder to beg from complete
>strangers where everybody can see you. Still, you’re
>going to have to suck it up and be humble. If you've
>already exhausted the alternatives (see Tips) and
>begging is your last resort, it may help to keep in
>mind that in many countries, begging does not hold the
>stigma it does in most of the Western World, and in
>some places asking for alms is considered an honorable
>profession.
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>2Remember what you're offering. People who give you
>enough money do so because it makes them feel good. A
>person is more likely to help you if they can identify
>with you, and if they feel their contribution will
>make a significant difference in your situation.
>Sometimes, people give alms for religious reasons, and
>other times because they feel guilty for having been
>born with so much more than others without having
>necessarily earned it. The more you learn about why
>people give, the better you'll be at receiving.3Clean
>up. Before you begin, make an effort to look
>presentable. You certainly don’t want to be smelling
>of alcohol, for example, but you also should comb your
>hair, practice overall good hygiene, and dress in
>clean, but cheap clothes. If you stand out, people are
>more likely to give you money. Wear comfortable shoes
>and dress in layers so you don’t get too warm or cold.
>You want to present an image of a hard-working, normal
>person who is just like the people from whom you are
>asking for money, except that you’re a little down on
>your luck.4 Sign reads: "I've been in your place and
>I didn't care. Don't be like me."Make a sign. A simple
>sign on a piece of cardboard makes you more noticeable
>and tells your story—it’s advertising, plain and
>simple. Remember, you want to make people feel good
>for giving you money, so give them a reason: you just
>got laid off, you’ve got a family to feed, etc., and
>you need help. Tell your story concisely, and make
>your sign in neat, large letters. Make sure the
>letters are bold enough to read and it might be a good
>idea to purposely include some misspellings; It will
>help you to look more patethic or it may start a
>conversation with a potential customer.5Find a
>suitable location. Location is all-important to a
>successful begging endeavor, and the most important
>facet of location is traffic. The more traffic you can
>get, the better. There are two general approaches to
>location: you can target foot traffic or automobile
>traffic, but usually not both.
>
>
>Foot traffic: Find a busy sidewalk and “set up shop”
>so as to be noticeable and unavoidable, but
>unobtrusive. Street corners and public squares (places
>where a lot of people tend to slow down or stop) are
>usually good locations. Stores where people make small
>purchases, such as grocery, liquor, and convenience
>stores, are often good because people will come out
>with change. Experiment a bit with different locations
>to find the best spots. Don't hit the people up for
>change when they go into the store. Wait until they
>come out.Auto traffic: Find a median or curb at a busy
>intersection with a long stoplight. The median should
>be right next to stopped cars’ windows, preferably on
>the driver’s side (every car has a driver). You can
>stand in place or, better yet, slowly walk up and down
>the median when cars are stopped at the light. See
>Warnings for safety considerations when dealing with
>auto traffic.6 Beggar in Balkans puts on a smile,
>despite collapse of the social system and rampant
>inflation that created her situation.Smile and greet
>people courteously. You'd be surprised how far a
>simple, unassuming smile will go. Smiles are
>welcoming, and put people at ease. Especially in the
>U.S., people generally appreciate a positive attitude.
>Then again, remember that you’re down on your luck,
>and you may want to play it a bit differently.
>Regardless of your approach, say “hello” or “good
>morning” to people and make an effort to notice them
>politely—they’ll be more likely to do the same to
>you.7Ask for money directly and softly. You may assume
>that people know you want money, and most people do,
>but you’ve still got to work for it. Ask passersby
>nicely and in a quiet voice—they’ll have to listen
>more carefully and may slow down, and you’ll also
>appear less aggressive. Have something to put money
>in: a cup, a cap, a guitar case, a pan, etc. This
>makes it easier for people to quickly drop some change
>in. Empty it regularly so people—both customers and
>potential crooks—can't see how much you’re bringing
>in.8Remember the regulars. If you frequent a certain
>location, make an effort to remember the people who
>give you money. You probably won’t get a chance to
>know them by name (although you may), but you can
>recognize their faces and any distinguishing
>characteristics—for example, a person may carry an
>umbrella every day, even when it’s not raining—and
>give them a special greeting. Maybe even give certain
>regulars endearing nicknames if you don’t know their
>real names.9 Grateful beggar in Shanghai, his wife in
>wheelchair in the background.
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