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RANT: Real Change Nightmare

Started 1 year ago by triplecp
Latest reply from blackwatch

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triplecp
Member Profile

<rant>

Alright first of all let me clarify and say that I am in no way against helping the homeless that want to get helped. However, I'm against these boozers and bums that sit around at every entrance to Safeway asking you for money every time you walk by. It's really just becoming unpleasant to go to the grocery store in the Junction because of constant harassment for money.

Real Change....in my opinion makes no change. None whatsoever. All it does is aggravate the people that have to listen to that monotone "Real Change" chant everywhere they go, and that's about it. Most of these people in the Junction that do retail Real Change aren't even badged retailers, they are just bums, looking to get more booze and cigarettes. Which you know what, that's fine with me, their life sucks and I'd be drinking too, I just don't want to be hassled everywhere I go.

If Safeway really likes to keep these people around the store, maybe they should instead hire them and give them jobs. If you don't want them to bag groceries, then make them clean up the back room, take out garbage, sweep the street - SOMETHING ! Something that will actually pay them at least minimum wage and make some substantial difference other than providing chump change off paper sales to further induce their bad habits.

I'm just glad the lady with the glasses ( the one that now conveniently guards the doors of the Junction liquor store ) is finally gone from there. Comments like "come on young people, I know you have money" makes me want to cry wolf and tell her where to go and what to do with herself.

I really wish Real Change editors and owners would come up with a better plan if they really want to help, just like any other businesses that seem to enjoy their customers being bummed for cash every single day ( if not more than that ).

</rant>

Posted 1 year ago #
pam
Member Profile

I agree - I'm tired of being accosted each time I walk into the store. And it's not a question of being able to be able to politely say no or just walk past, they have become more and more aggressive. It's to the point where I don't want to shop at the stores where the Real Change people are 'working'. And I realize that once I release my money to them it's no longer mine and none of my business what they spend it on, but it is disheartening to see someone go straight to the beer cooler to spend the money they just got.

Posted 1 year ago #
WSB
Member Profile

This post was flagged so we have reviewed. I will likely delete this anyway as it makes unsubstantiated allegations against Real Change sellers - have you asked each and every one for their credentials?

But in the meantime, per our rant rules, what have you done to bring your rant to the attention of Real Change and Safeway, which seem to both be targets?

Posted 1 year ago #
JoB
Member Profile

check their badges and only buy from those who have them...
easy enough to do.

Posted 1 year ago #
triplecp
Member Profile

I don't think this post necessarily makes any allegations against Real Change, except the ones that are obvious. I've lived in West Seattle for over 7 years now and I see the same people doing same things, sitting in the same places. I've asked people at Safeway why coming to the store became a nuisance and the only thing I've been told is that "they are not panhandling", which is arguably untrue since most of the Real Change Retailers" hardly even give you a paper after you finally break down and give them money.

There is one lady that sells Real Change by Bartell Drugs in the Jefferson Square and she is nothing but pleasure to talk to. She's got her badge on her and she has a little Beagle dog. Always polite, always off to the side of the store and very courteous. Not like a few others that decide to put on a show and force you into some conversation for you to fork over the money.

In regards to checking their badges...who's really going to do that ? I don't think anyone that's tired of being bombarded with "spare change ?" will really take their time to stand there and involve themselves more when they are trying to avoid the problem in general. My argument was simply about not standing in front of the doors of a business and gang up on every exit and entrance. I honestly don't care who and how they sell it, I'm just tired of being in a bad mood every time I hit the sore and have to walk out of the back door just not to be asked for cash 5 times within 30 minutes. It's really just an unavoidable situation when it comes to shopping. Sure you can ignore them, but it becomes a little hard after it's inevitably been forced to be a part of your every day routine.

PS:

I've edited my original post to include "in my opinion" so not to blatantly accuse Real Change of making little change whatsoever.

Posted 1 year ago #
Carson
Member Profile

Before this gets flagged. if you tell the manager at the Safeway that a vendor is being over-aggressive they will ask them to leave. If they don't leave, they will call SPD. I have never complained but I have witnessed the managers response. This was at the Admiral Safeway. SPD "removed" the Real Change Vendor...

Posted 1 year ago #
Carson
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and as a follow up, for every aggressive vendor there is another like the lady in front of PCC that will watch Carson when we shop.

Posted 1 year ago #
triplecp
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Yeah and this goes back to the whole discussion of "what is aggressive ?". I think standing right in front of the main and back entrances is aggressive, it's unavoidable. It would be one thing if you could walk out of the store and walk up to a retailer that's nearby to purchase a paper, or simply donate them some money, but it's another when you're faced with one immediately after walking through the door.

Posted 1 year ago #
Kevin
Member Profile

Let me play the devils advocate here. There are good and bad apples every where, and Real Change is no exception. I have met a number of Real Change vendors - both good and bad. One vendor is a very good friend who I first met on the corner of 1st and Marion when I was working in downtown. Some of you may know him - he is more commonly known as "Smile Guy"
.
I have also met a few others who - IF YOU TAKE A MOMENT TO REALLY TALK TO THEM are real people who for whatever reasons are selling the paper because they need the money.
.
I agree - there are the ones who are overly aggressive, but keep in mind there are some who lack self confidence or are under educated. Case in point is a guy who I have seen a number of times in front of the Walgreens on 35th and Morgan.
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The poor guy just stands there holding a paper and looks at no one in particular - hoping they will buy a paper. I took a moment one day to encourage him to be a bit more aggressive. I suggested he should smile and look at folks and verbally tell folks that he has Real Change papers for sale. I gave him a dollar and told him to keep the paper since I can read it online for FREE. He seemed to appreciate the advice, but last time I saw him he was back to just standing there. I feel for him.
.
For those of you who think selling RC is a quick way to make change for smokes and alcohol - keep in mind that the vendors only make about 50 or 60 cents per paper and if you FAIL to sell all of the papers you have purchased (IN ADVANCE) you are stuck with them.
.

Posted 1 year ago #
GenHillOne
Member Profile

I'm always taken aback by these Real Change threads because I've never felt threatened or even bugged as described. Sometimes I buy (usually on the way out), sometimes I don't. Never received - or witnessed - less than a "have a nice day or god bless" in response to my "sorry, not today" and never, ever have I seen a RC vendor go in and shop, for anything. Even specifically at the store mentioned. By all means, talk to management if it's out of hand, but I also wonder if there is something else contributing to your discomfort.
-
and fwiw, I totally agree about the woman outside the junction liquor store - who is NOT a RC vendor, but definitely a panhandler and works that whole parking lot.

Posted 1 year ago #
RarelyEver
Member Profile

Wow, I'm very surprised to read so much negative comments about Real Change and its vendors. Frankly, I buy Real Change every time I get the chance - it's a really good paper! I actually find myself reading it front to back and enjoying both the content and the writing.

It seems a lot of folks just see it as another way of panhandling, but before reading this thread I never even thought of it that way. It's a bit disappointing, frankly.

Posted 1 year ago #
msfan13
Member Profile

Let me just take a wild guess here triplecp, you've never actually read a Real Change newspaper before? In fact, I'm sure you know absolutely nothing about the organization itself. Because if you did, you would realize that one of its primary missions is to address and counteract some of the very issues you have with the so called "bums" of Seattle. My advice, go to their website and do a little research before posting such an uneducated rant. Or, move to the eastside if you're looking for a sterile environment.

Posted 1 year ago #
HolyKow
Member Profile

I am all for helping people that have not had the lucky breaks in a row that I call my life. However, 'questionable street vending' is problematic at best.

As a rule, I do not support panhandlers or 'questionable street vendors'. You just do not know what the real story is, so I choose not to play their game.

Some people say check their badges (real change, door to door salespeople, et al)...I do not care if they have badges or not. I feel like a NYC cop looking at an Idaho Drivers License. I have no idea what an Idaho DL looks like(!), so how do I know if this is fake or not. You just do not know.

I say play it safe, do not be mean or nasty. Smile and nod/wave and keep on goin.... If you would care to engage them on a personal level, good luck to you. I choose not to.

To me, door to door salespeople and unlicensed street hawkers need to go. If you wanna advertise something, fine, gimmie a card with your special vendor number on the back. But the minute you ask me for money, buh-bye.

hk

Posted 1 year ago #
triplecp
Member Profile

I think I've read it maybe once or twice, primarily for the front page. Do I know much about the organization ? No, but it doesn't take much to know what you see for years and years on end. Yes perhaps there is a small percentage of people selling real change that do actually make a difference in their life and end up getting a place to live, food on the table and what have you, but a lot of them really don't. I don't think making 50 cents a paper and selling a medium amount of them in a day can make a change for anyone. Like I've said before it would only make sense to employ these people with whatever jobs you have ( attending the parking lot, watering flower beds, cleaning the loading areas, taking out the garbage etc. ) instead of paying some big company to do it for you and pay these guys at least minimum wage so they CAN rent a place and not be homeless anymore.

I also don't think colorful and non-sterile neighborhoods should be described by the presence of a million vendors and panhandlers. I love West Seattle and I think it is a great neighborhood to live in, I just like to get out of the house and go about my business in a relaxing manner instead of constantly being pulled in by someone that always either wants my time or my money.

I also don't recall slamming every Real Change vendor out there, just the ones I see around the Junction on a daily basis. I'm sure the thought and the mission is genuinely good hearted, it just doesn't solve the problem in my eyes.

Posted 1 year ago #
Dalamar437
Member Profile

I've only had good experiences with real change vendors. I respect the fact that the legitimate badge holders are doing "something" to earn the money and look for a hand up instead of just a hand out. I especially like to chat with them
if I have a chance and buy all their remaining papers in hopes they can go find a warm/dry place to be or go get off their feet for a bit instead of standing tirelessly in front of a store. I wish there were more programs like it!

Posted 1 year ago #
ericak
Member Profile

One of the field organizers has requested to be on the upcoming Junction Neighborhood Organization (JuNO) meeting agenda. I am working to confirm his availability now. The meeting is on Tuesday, July 13 at 6:30pm at Ginomai. Please feel free to join us to understand more about Real Change vendors in the Junction. This request was not a result of this thread - it has been in process for several weeks and thought this was a good opportunity to share.

Posted 1 year ago #
cjboffoli
Member Profile

There are a lot of causes worthy of support, including the issues of homelessness (and mental illness and addiction that sometimes goes hand-in-hand with it). However, I'm not convinced that giving out cash in the streets is the best way to solve any problem, even if those with their hands out are organized and vetted by Real Change. My greatest concern is that the cash I'm giving out would be doing more harm than good.

I've heard the opinions of Seattle Police Officers who have had plenty of interaction with perhaps the most unruly demographic of homeless people out on our streets. And I've actually taken the time to speak with and listen to some of the people in the local homeless population (including Roger, pictured below) connected to Real Change. And my personal conclusion is that I simply don't feel comfortable giving out money randomly. It also bothers me to be solicited for money when walking on the street, including being "greeted" by a Real Change solicitor when walking into or out of a store. There are more effective ways to help the homeless, IMHO.

Posted 1 year ago #
AlkiCabCompany
Member Profile

The guy in front of Safeway is obnoxious. He asked me if I want to buy..I say no thank you..so as I am pulling out he asks me again and I just ignored him..he yells at me and says "WOW RUDE!!" I know the rules of the rant but I am not going back to the obnoxious scary guy to voice my complaint to him..I am going to avoid Safeway instead. Which I do most the time anyway because PCC is much nicer. So I got over to PCC and there is a sweet lady that is always there and has never been mean to me if I happen to ignore her. I went up to her and told her how much I appreciate her approach and bought a paper from her.

If Safeway wants to continue to have obnoxious rude people yelling at their customers then they will have to accept the consequences of losing a lot of business.

Posted 1 year ago #
guidosmom
Member Profile

I agree about Safeway in Jefferson square. I rarely go there now because of the aggressive real change people. I mentioned it once to a manager and they said they were sorry, but didn't do anything. The majority of the other real change people have been fine.

Posted 1 year ago #
Taram
Member Profile

Hello West Seattle Bloggers,

My name is Tara Moss, and I am the Director of Vendor Services at Real Change. I want to let you know that only vendors with a 2010 Real Change Badge have an active vendor status with Real Change. If you decide to buy a paper from a vendor and can't see a vendor's badge (which they are required to have on and visible while selling the paper) please request them to show it to you. Non-badged vendors are quite possibly not current Real Change vendors.

We ask vendors who are selling the paper to abide by a code of conduct which includes treating both customers and non-customers with respect. If you have a negative interaction with a vendor I highly encourage you to contact me either by phone (206) 441-3247 ext 204 or at taram@realchangenews.org.

Thanks,

-Tara Moss

Posted 1 year ago #
k
Member Profile

there are good and bad vendors plain and simple. i used to support Real Change on a regular basis, but have had far too many "run ins" with vendors who are not legit. i have been harassed more times than i care to mention while parking behind the liquor store on California. it's too bad that the bad vendors seem to be ruining it for the ones who are legit.

Posted 1 year ago #
triplecp
Member Profile

Thank you for your reply Tara. I've forwarded an email to the Safeway service department in Phoenix just to address the issues with illegitimate and aggressive vendors they do little about at the Junction Safeway, and in order to further satisfy the requirements of a "rant" on WSB.

Posted 1 year ago #
bebecat
Member Profile

I just go in the other door and keep my head down. I quit going to PCC a long time ago as I didn't like being hit up by the vendor.

Posted 1 year ago #
acemotel
Member Profile

Real Change has, IMO, one of the best news reporters out there: Cydney Gillis. By and large, the writing and reporting in the paper is really excellent. I always buy the paper from badged vendors, and they are always kind and polite. Some of these people have mental health issues (i.e. the guy by Safeway who stands so quietly) and you folks who are complaining about the vendors need to get a life. I mean, really! Nothing else to complain about today? as you go about your pampered existence? do you have a roof over your head? are you free of mental illness? do you have some food to eat? friends? There but for the friggin grace of god..... because there is no grace here.

Posted 1 year ago #
triplecp
Member Profile

Pampered ? Hardly. My life is 7:30 - 5:00 and bills bills bills. But yes I do have those things. I guess some people enjoy their lattes with no foam, and I enjoy walking around my neighborhood without being bothered left and right. Yesterday I got hit up at Easy Street, 3 times at Safeway, Puerto Vallarta, and on the side of Cupcake Royale. This was my walk from home to Safeway, up to the post office and to UPS store. I say a little much for one trip. And out of all those supposedly registered I only know one that I've seen around and that is Roger, the guy with a walker.

Posted 1 year ago #
Escondido
Member Profile

I heard this recently and it has given me a new outlook:

Be kinder than necessary. Everybody has a challenge in their life that we know nothing about.

And btw, when I do buy a paper, I always try to make eye contact and ask how they are doing. Have had some wonderful conversations.

Posted 1 year ago #
GenHillOne
Member Profile

Again, I don't know how my experience is so very different, including the JS Safeway, which I visit at least once a week. Where ARE these people? I've just never encountered them. Perhaps a smile goes a long way.
-
If, as reported, there are people representing themselves as RC vendors all over West Seattle, maybe that's a discussion for the agenda, Erica/Tara. There are only 3 listed on Real Change's website, which is where you can go to read more about the organization; it's about more than providing money for booze and smokes - http://www.realchangenews.org

Posted 1 year ago #
triplecp
Member Profile

....I guess everything will just get paraphrased. Either way I've sent another email over to Safeway this afternoon, I guess if they allow solicitation outside of their stores they should at least confirm who is really there doing what RC stands for and who is there to get some fast cash by for a tall can of hurricane.

And yes I forgot to mention, after looking it up - there are only 3 registered. And I've only seen two of them, which is Roger and the lady with the dog. She did have a badge, but I didn't see her on the website. The rest.....who knows.

Posted 1 year ago #
maryws
Member Profile

I buy Real Change every week. I've never had a bad encounter with anyone selling Real Change, even outside Safeway. I think it is an excellent paper and a good cause.

Posted 1 year ago #
JoB
Member Profile

i too am often asked to buy Real Change when i venture out into the world. If they are wearing a badge i buy a paper... If they aren't i point that out to them and tell them that when they are registered with Real Change i will be glad to buy a paper from them.

I would never buy anything from anyone who is intoxicated or obviously hung over... but since i have never been asked by a Real Change vendor with a badge.. i haven't had to make that decision.

I have a difficult time with people who label purchasing the Real Change newspaper from a street vendor a handout.

I am purchasing a product.. and the vendors make it convenient for me to do so. I am not sure what differentiates them from any other sales service we choose to patronize... except for the idea some have that they are all homeless and therefore somehow less deserving to make money.

I also tip. I don't see any reason why tipping a Real Change vendor is considered a handout when tipping other service people is considered and obligation.

there is something about looking people in the eye and acknowledging them as human beings that almost always ensure a more positive interaction.

triplecp..

it strikes me that when faced with the choice of emailing the director of the program and talking with someone who has some authority to do something about the illegal vendors... those illegal vendors are getting their papers somewhere... you chose instead to contact Safeway to get all Real Change vendors removed from their premises.

you state you are "no way against helping the homeless that want to get helped" .. yet you don't take the time to differentiate between those who are doing just that and those who are using the paper as a vehicle for panhandling...

if a registered Real Change vendor loses their sales territory because of your complaints.. you will have done just that...

Posted 1 year ago #
triplecp
Member Profile

JoB,

In my letter to Safeway I've specifically referred to these individuals as "unlicensed RC retailers", there was not a tiny bit of any exaggeration in my letter to them. So no I have not asked for "All Real Change retailers to be removed from their premises." Neither has there been any time when I depicted licensed RC badge holders as "aggressive annoying bums that ask me for money every day" in any of my correspondence. I've also explained what RC is and provided them with links to their website, so they can do their own research and see how the program works and so on.

I don't have any problem with the two people that I've mentioned in my previous posts. They are always nice, respectful, and I've talked with them numerous times myself, donated money, talked about the dogs and what have you. Always polite - always a pleasure.

It's the overwhelming and constant nagging of the other 5 or 6 that I absolutely can't stand anymore. There is one guy that puts on a giant charade, acting like he's an auctioneer, waving his hands and being all loud and obnoxious. Starts with Real Change, ends up with spare change and then closes with a cigarette.

Another lady that's now at the liquor store on California that has not an ounce of decency or modesty with her everyday's "Come on young folk, you've got all your life ahead of you, you won't notice a buck or two gone !". The other day she even had the guts to tell me "If you have a dollar or more I'll take all you want to part with !".

One guy that's there every night, standing around like a ghost muttering to himself, asks for money on the way in, on the way out, then for cigarettes. He also has another friend with him, sometimes they tag team the entrance together.

Fourth guy is a little more heavier set, usually squats right in front of the entrance, got grayish long hair. I remember going to spend my last 10 bucks before payday to get some dinner for me and the wife, we walked out and told him "sorry, we don't have any spare cash" and got a good ol' "well, you had enough to get all that food in there !"

I don't think stuff like that repeating over and over is grounds for me to be considered some insensitive jack that has a grudge against homeless people. It's frankly annoying. I think when you get to the point of wanting to shop elsewhere because of these things it's a pretty valid thing to complain about.

Are these people legitimate RC vendors ? Honestly, I don't know, like I've said before I don't intend to ask every single one for their badge. If they are, and if I am in fact to consider them as vendors providing a service this kind of stuff is not appropriate.

Posted 1 year ago #
jan07
Member Profile

Real Change is a terrific paper which I buy and read at every opportunity. I also value the chance to interact with members of our community I would normally not have much exposure to, through the structure of the Real Change paper purchase. I deliberately patronize stores which feature Real Change vendors.

Posted 1 year ago #
GenHillOne
Member Profile

So, triplecp, at least 3 of the people that are bugging you are probably not RC vendors and aren't at Safeway and yet in your thread title, and original post, you rip both. Have you also spoken with management and written the state about those 3 around the liquor store? You're changing your tone a bit now, but I'll address the elephant in MY room. Not that long ago, you posted this:
http://westseattleblog.com/forum/topic/looking-for-just-about-anything
I'm glad (truly, unemployment stinks) that it sounds like things have turned around for you, but as acemotel pointed out above, but for the grace of god/goddess/dog/whatever, go I. And when you set the whole thing up with statements like "their life sucks and I'd be drinking too," I just can't give you much empathy. I'm happy to see I have other neighbors who know what that word means.

Posted 1 year ago #
triplecp
Member Profile

I don't think it's as much of me changing the tone but rather clarifying some of the things that I've missed on my original post. I "assume" they are not RC vendors. Just like now I assume a large portion of them aren't, and not just as West Seattle.

The lady that now resides at the liquor store, yes I indeed have asked them about that. My answer was "she's not hurting anyone" which seemed slightly strange to me.

Did I generalize in the beginning, yes I suppose I did and I apologize for that. Perhaps the overwhelming amount of people selling RC in one place blindsided me. Especially when it's combined in large numbers.

As far as the other post, I'm not quite understanding what you're aiming at.

Posted 1 year ago #
JoB
Member Profile

triplecp..

if they aren't wearing a Real Change vendor badge.. no question... they aren't real change vendors... even if they do have papers in hand.
i have never met a badged Real Change vendor who was anything less than polite.

if the lady panhandling at the local liquor store bothers you that much... buy your liquor from another store... i certainly would. I can't recommend the one in White Center though if you don't like drunks... the junction lady is a real lady in comparison :(

Posted 1 year ago #
me on 28th Ave SW
Member Profile

For what it is worth, I have witnessed two odd Real Change events in the past week. While driving through the parking lot, I saw a (likely unregistered) Real Change person being escorted away from the front door at Jefferson Safeway arguing and yelling all the way (made me think of earlier posts about this location) and then on Monday evening my daughter (I was waiting in the car) witnessed a Real Change vendor (registered?) yelling at the driver of a parked car in front of the pet supply store (next to QFC). I only post because I thought that both events were so strangely opposite of the interactions I usually observe with the vendors. That combined with the big increase in numbers of sellers in our area makes me wonder what is going on. I get that lots of people are struggling (my friends and family are certainly not immune!) but it is the new aggressiveness I find off-putting, and frankly unexcuseable.

Posted 1 year ago #
me on 28th Ave SW
Member Profile

And, yes I buy Real Change from registered sellers and I have never had a problem.

Posted 1 year ago #
AlkiCabCompany
Member Profile

I don't mean to be a pampered person who complains but when my son is in the car and someone yells at me on his side of the car when the window is down...it bothers me.

It doesn't have anything to do with who has a roof and who doesn't. I used to be homeless and I was still nice to people. I know people with mental problems and they can still manage to be nice. Maybe we just need to figure out how to help these people..if they do have mental problems that make them shout at other people. But to just accept it because they have a disorder and allow them to shout at people who have children in their car just doesn't seem right.

So any ideas for how we can help the rude man at Safeway? I am open to any suggestions. And will try and help if I can.

Posted 1 year ago #
ttt
Member Profile

We moved here from Wallingford & there is definitely a difference in the RC vendors. Many of them here smell of alcohol and do get in your face. I like the paper and used to buy it regularly in Wallingford, but I don't here.

Posted 1 year ago #
JoB
Member Profile

the question is..
where are the non-registered real change vendors getting their papers?

i saw the guys at QFC Westwood and they couldn't produce badges...
i reported them to the store management and they were gone when i came out of the store.

Posted 1 year ago #
triplecp
Member Profile

And this kinda sends me back to the "why didn't you talk to the RC people" question.

Well...what can RC really do about unlicensed vendors ? Take their papers away ? What will that achieve ? They can still find the papers around town, I've seen a lot of people buy 10-20 papers from someone and give them 20-50 bucks in return. Two blocks away they would throw them in the trash and go about their day. I assume most of the illegitimate vendors simply "find" their papers and get rid of what they can. From the standpoint of RC...you can't really regulate how and where the papers are distributed/found. That would just be impossible to do.

Posted 1 year ago #
Kevin
Member Profile

Perhaps the unlicensed sellers are buying their papers from a legitimate RC vendor who is perhaps an entrepreneur and "wholesales" some of his / her papers or is simply doing a favor for friends Just one theory.

Posted 1 year ago #
JoB
Member Profile

Kevin...

i suspect that is a more realistic scenario..
and one that that Real Change can do something about. I am pretty sure that is not allowed under their vendor agreements.

triplecp...

and that is why i think talking with Real Change would be more effective....

if your actual goal is to prevent unregistered Real Change vendors from harassing people on the street... talking to Real Change about the problem is likely to produce results.

If it is simply bashing a program that is actually doing something productive to move some homeless people from the street into housing then you are going about it the right way :(

Posted 1 year ago #
JoB
Member Profile

btw...

i am guessing those in the "how dare they make a living hawking their paper on the street" crowd are not old enough to have purchased a mainstream paper on the street from a newsboy...

or to have watched any of the 40s and 50s movies where the story was moved along by a visual of the presses running followed by the kid hawking the headline on the corner as loudly as he could shout...

Or to have purchased their alternative paper in the 60s from a hippy standing on the corner doing the same with a smile and not so much noise ...

Real Change vendors are part of a long standing American tradition that began just about the time we set our leather soled boots on this continent... the town crier... pursuing the great American dream.... capitalism.

What's not to like about that?

Posted 1 year ago #
HolyKow
Member Profile

Newspapers and door to door sales were a longstanding American tradition.

Now they are a dying breed. And rightly so.

We have moved on to things that have less environmental impact and can be accessed via free internet connections and computers at city locations (libraries and other public terminals).

As far as the door to door sales, that should be considered trespassing and should be made illegal because of all of the shady things that it can entail.

Street hawkers should be licensed by the city, have set hours and conditions (perhaps even locations) to operate, and be held accountable to complaints under penalty of loosing their license.

Door to door should be wiped off the map.

hk

Posted 1 year ago #
KBear
Member Profile

"We have moved on to things that have less environmental impact"

Don't be too sure about that.

http://www.google.com/search?q=carbon+footprint+of+google+search

Posted 1 year ago #
JoB
Member Profile

HolyKow..

but hey..
you really want everyone to have equal opportunity..
as long as it's no inconvenience...
;-(

Posted 1 year ago #
triplecp
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Maybe each batch of papers sold to a vendor can be marked with a specific number ( kind of like screener movies are when they are presented to a movie theater. If a pirated copy leaks and a number is seen on the screen, everyone knows which movie theater leaked it. ) that way if an unlicensed vendor gets caught without a badge, the papers can be tracked back to whoever is supplying them to others. Sounds a bit ... "Mission Impossible" for something this ridiculous, but...who knows.

Either way I want to apologize for my perhaps edgy approach to this situation, I just really am bothered by such an uprise of solicitation on the streets. I tend to be a rather cut off person when it comes to my free time, and any kind of personal intrusion just really gets under my skin. I'm really glad I don't get door to door salesman at my house otherwise I would probably up and move to another area, but even small things like getting accosted by random folks in front of my own grocery store really get under my skin. Being respectful and tactful is one thing, but there really hasn't been any of that lately in the junction when it comes to panhandlers/homeless/etc.

Hope you all had a good Thursday !

Posted 1 year ago #
JoB
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don't get me started on door to door salesmen..
even beware of dog signs don't stop them :(

Posted 1 year ago #
triplecp
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Just route some cables from your door bell to the doormat and soak it with water. Will give them a bit of a shock when they ring.

Posted 1 year ago #