You know those people that stand in front of stores, and as you leave or enter ask "do you have a moment for [insert cau

[N-OS X-tasy!]

M A V I C wrote:
[quote=3d]
No need to be a jerk about it with a "creative" answer. A simple, no thanks, is all that is needed. They do this all day long. They don't take it personally.

So my issue with just saying "no" is that I just said "no" to the question of "do you have a minute for the environment?" The answer is actually yes, but that doesn't mean I want to talk to them about it.

I want to say "Yes, but that doesn't somehow mean I want to talk to you. You've already shown disrespect by asking a loaded question."

And when they come door knocking, I ask if they're getting paid. They say no, then I ask something like "so how does it feel to be giving your time for free to a company that's making a profit off of your beliefs and your time? Do you feel good about walking around trying to get people to give money to a for-profit company by telling them it's a non-profit? Have you ever wondered why donations this so-called 'non-profit' are not tax deductible?"
Just say no. What do you care what they think of you? In fact, you've already demonstrated that you don't. Just say no and keep walking - simple.

[DaviDC.]

"Not today."
I have absolutely no problem coming off as a possible jerk to these people. Chances are I'll never see them again.

[Big Daddy Cool]

pretend you're talking on your cellphone…

"can you believe these silly solicitors in the street, it's like walking a gauntlet just to try and go back to my apartment…"

[lost in space]

Fake being deaf, and hope they don't know ASL.

[BernDog]

lost in space wrote:
Fake being deaf, and hope they don't know ASL.

I'll use sign language, but I'll be using signs they're sure to understand.

[vision63]

They're not being jerks, they're just trying to persuasively accomplish their ends. There isn't a door you can walk into around here that doesn't have a beggar or solicitor present. Just be real with them. I'll say "Good Afternoon. Don't have time." "Good morning, nope." "Hey, Good Evening, gotta run, have a good one." "I don't have time but good luck." "Not today... Nope, I don't have one penny to share with you, but good luck with that."

I flip the page all the time. I'll walk over and say hi to homeless people. They'll wave and say hi back but look at me like I'm crazy. Then I'll say "take care of yourself." If I have a little I may share it with them if it looks like they don't abuse.

[AlphaDog]

BernDog wrote:
[quote=AlphaDog]
I'm with BernDog. Since the odds favor them not being what they're claiming to be, I figure they started the "jerk" stuff before I came along. I absolutely do not have time to stand around talking to jerks on any subject, at any time, or in any place. If I want to talk to a jerk, I know where I can go to do it while sitting down indoors.

So, you talk to yourself a lot, do you? :ohsnap:
Absolutely! I'm the only one here! However, I was thinking about some of the people who participate in the "discussions" that take place on the other side.

[Jimmypoo]

"You have great looking t!ts!! Do you mind if I feel 'em? I've never felt rubber ones! Can I see the scar? Are your nips made of steel?"

[rjmacs]

Jimmypoo wrote:
"You have great looking t!ts!! Do you mind if I feel 'em? I've never felt rubber ones! Can I see the scar? Are your nips made of steel?"

Oh dear, Poo is channeling George Carlin again.

Actually, the reason that many of these non-profits can't allow you to deduct your contributions has nothing to do with profit, but with the fact that the groups soliciting funds use your money for lobbying Congress. Political contributions are not tax deductible, but that doesn't make the groups "for-profit."

Personally, i treat these folks with respect, as though they were fellow human beings trying to live and thrive. If i don't have time and money to share, i say that and move on. Canvassers are not the embodiment of the groups they represent - they are often young and/or poor folks who are working a tough job. I guess i'm slower to anger than a lot of people here, but i see the person first and hear the annoying pitch second. It brings me no joy or satisfaction to make these people feel bad, or to try to teach them a lesson or change their behavior.

[M A V I C]

rjmacs wrote: Actually, the reason that many of these non-profits can't allow you to deduct your contributions has nothing to do with profit, but with the fact that the groups soliciting funds use your money for lobbying Congress. Political contributions are not tax deductible, but that doesn't make the groups "for-profit."

But when you look up their business license and it says "for profit"...

Personally, i treat these folks with respect, as though they were fellow human beings trying to live and thrive. If i don't have time and money to share, i say that and move on. Canvassers are not the embodiment of the groups they represent - they are often young and/or poor folks who are working a tough job. I guess i'm slower to anger than a lot of people here, but i see the person first and hear the annoying pitch second. It brings me no joy or satisfaction to make these people feel bad, or to try to teach them a lesson or change their behavior.

That sounds like the ideal viewpoint, but I can't seem to master that myself. It bothers me when people don't bother to do the footwork. They think they're doing good, when really they're being taken advantage of and they are trying to take advantage of others by perpetuating a lie.

I tend to look at results. What are they actually doing? It tires me when people say "they're good people" yet they are doing bad by scamming people.