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

[M A V I C]

I really dislike how they word the question. Because my answer is usually yes, but that doesn't mean I want to talk to them. If I say no, then it sounds like, for example, I don't have a moment for the environment.

What bugs me about them is they often claim to be a non-profit but if you look up their company name in the state business directory, you see they are a for-profit company. And they have no federal non-profit status.

So how do you handle these people without sounding like jerk?

[threeprong]

"not today"

[pinion]

I've been known to yell "No!" before they finish saying whatever it is they are saying to get my attention. Oh wait, without being a jerk... nevermind.

[Mac1337]

Where do you live?

[M A V I C]

Seattle

[NewtonMP2100]

. . .just say. . .buzz off little girl. . .

[GGD]

Don't make eye contact, say nothing, keep walking.

[BernDog]

I don't worry about being a jerk. They started it!

[TheTominator]

M A V I C wrote:
So how do you handle these people without sounding like jerk?

Reply, "Give me your home phone number and I'll call you at my convenience."

[Yoyodyne ArtWorks]

Invent a foreign language and respond with a friendly "Zerbec snorp flegtit?"