The streets were buzzing. People moving in and out of discussions. Others offering stories to the masses in the likes of a face to face radio presenter. Some were just mingling amongst themselves, making the most of the atmosphere. It was a great time to be out amongst it all.

A street performer was doing his thing, hat in front of him, waiting for the crowds to gather and give him a little something for his efforts. The people that gathered loved the atmosphere too, yet were they the type to drop a dime in a hat, or weren’t they?

Axel watched as people came and went, some literally paying their respects with a little bit of cheddar, breaking off a piece for the entertainment that was had. Others, not so much. Some just walked on by anyways, yet some also stood and took in the performance without leaving a little something for the performer.

After a moment of crowd and people watching, Axel took some thoughts away with him that he wanted to explore further. He simply wanted to know what other people’s perspectives were on tipping those that came out into the streets to offer their bit of activity to keep the buzz alive.

After a mind fuck of a day ticking over about it, he decided to bring the topic to the masses. Dressed in a new suit, feeling sharp and expressive, he took to an empty spot and began his spiel.

“Tips! Money! If you want something for nothing then make a sound! Or, if you want nothing for something still gather round! For here there’s money to be found!”

After attempting his rhythmic persuasion to entice passers-by to stop and take a gander, he quickly got on with it, facing and addressing those that did stop to give some of their time. What is time though, like, really.

“So what’s your take on tipping those out here that spend time bringing these streets to life? Are you someone who tips on the regular, with one hand constantly in your pocket? Do you maybe enjoy what’s presented at the street level yet just don’t make that effort? Do you hardly even venture out here to warrant giving some of your hard earned moolah? Or, are you a casual tipper?”

“What’s your take on tipping in the streets and the businesses and why? Or, why not?"

"And if you're a sometimes tipper what is it that has you tip sometimes, and not at all at others?"

Lacey looks around at the others gathered, some with their hands in their pockets and some without before speaking up.

This is a very interesting thought, and I've often pondered this as well. For me personally, I reserve tipping for when someone puts in what I consider to be effort that is outside of the norm; or when someone offers a viewpoint that I either agree with, or explains a counterpoint so exquisitely that I feel they should be acknowledged for their standpoint.

I have approached this subject with my peers on occasion as well and I've discovered in my discussions that people value the act of receiving a tip far more than any monetary value that it holds.

I am very interested to see the reasons that people generally tip for and what metrics they hold to points or counterpoints when they judge whether or not an addition to a discussion or publication is worthy of a tip.

Axel welcomed both Lacey and Conn with a casual salute. His cigarette was done and dusted, which it then met, the dust, on account of a flick of the forefinger. After lighting another, he responded.

"'People value the act of receiving a tip far more than any monetary value that it holds.' I like that and can see how it could influence more trips out here, which is like what you also said Conn about tipping in businesses."

"This is why I also like to part with some moolah, to encourage the street speakers and performers and business owners and employees to keep at it, as technically, if they ain't getting tips they ain't making a living off their efforts, and making some money is a big part of life."

"I can also see value in tipping for efforts outside the norm, because if someone really gets your attention and has a hat out, why wouldn't you? It adds to their day, as they have added something different to yours."

Axel takes another puff of his cigarette.

Veronia steps up and adds her tip to the conversation. 

I for the most part can definitely see tipping in the business District something that holds importance for anyone that posts, no money sadly means no incentive to keep it up active and worth the "time" to keep looking at it.  It wasn't untill a few weeks ago that i really learned the value of the Tip of the post, and that there can be a couple of different ways to give income to businesses! 

I believe that tipping in the business District is something that is warranted when you like and enjoy the business it tells them that you like the work and what they have to offer and that gives you the drive to keep taking orders; to keep improving and showing up for work outside of your initial family. 

Prime Example what i mean is.. someone opens up a business.. and sets pricing.. or even ticketing system like i've seen in other cities by alot of people.. it gives meaning to giving to them through the city banks. I also see tipping as something  to mark the start of a great business model. So if Johnny's Bar and Grill has a double deal for $12.50 let him have the 12.50.. but if i like the service i get.. why not "tip him to the side for his services".

I've also seen alot of people have their work done for free. It can be done but getting free refills every visit definitely doesn't give the business the boost in sales that it needs.  Either way.. if i really enjoy the service or speech in the street, i'll give then a generous tip!

So many ways that you can go about it.. i'd definitely like to see more of a standard.. If you could have some base price to visit the business.. and buy a meal at "tip" price and extra from minimum tip goes towards an incentive.