I always if possible give just a little . Why? Because the very act of doing something, deserves some small encouragement. Who knows they may develop to real life success stories and we know them all. Bob Maldoff, MIorca aussie/pixi, all the ones we know that use other forms of socially acceptable forms of " Coercion " to make money for their own benefit. You want to scorn small endevour -I guess you have never been the downtrodden in say a really devestated by war country. where most everyone does absolutely anything to survive. Ask the fleet of ladies aboard the floating brothel that came here for our roosters delights. So on behalf of those that do "whatever it takes" ( oh the best CEO's are that) to survive will always get my small encouragement. The rest of you can keep getting fleeced by the top end of town who does it "nicely" making you feel good while they take it. I feel good just doing a small good thing whenever I can. Do I expect you to change or even wish you do - No . Your responses to any of that is either to throw money at it (for your loss or gain) or be disgusted at it ( at both ends of the scale). So we make our choices. But everyone - enjoy you own lives?

I disagree jeff the quality and diversity of the charlestown mall busker is excellent.Wide range of talent on hand from the usual guitar balladere to young kids woodwind and brass efforts for a few chrissy bucks.Good on em they never jingle a cup in your face asking alms for the poor just go about there business entertaining or trying at least.You cant possibly tell me your scribblings in this rag is any more or less entertaining.

I don't mind a good busker, with the emphasis on "good". I've seen some exceptional talents on the footpaths and the malls and these people are doing something they love (think about it) and making a few extra dollars out of it. I've also seen some absolute shockers. One time at Raymond Terrace there was a kid with an electric guitar, amplifier and microphone making some truly hideous sounds while his proud grandfather watched on and at every shop I went into the staff wanted to throttle him. This type of busker doesn't deserve a cent. Bottom end of the scale is "the drummer" as he calls himself. I used to see him back in the 80's sitting on a bench with a tambourine asking for money "for an old drummer". I moved back to Newcastle in the late 90's and the first time I was in Hunter St there he was, sitting on the bench as if I hadn't left. Can't be too harsh though with mental illness making some people unemployable. Just be thankful that you don't live in a country where begging is a career. One thing though, even a good busker is not paying tax on their earnings and if they're on welfare then their contribution to society is effectively zero.

Musicians are notoriously work shy. This may be caused by some sort of psychiatric condition, while enhancing musical talent, prevents the performance of a regular job.

Jeff I'll take the buskers over the beggars any day. And when I say beggars, I mean the ones with jobs in Hunter street (formerly the mall) or on beaumont st that try and stop me to sign me up for somethingerother. There are always a few of them in the one area so you can't avoid them. So I don't think we are better served by them begging for a job. And I do sit on a park bench and get to listen to the buskers - some of them are really good and I will always give the talented ones money. The old codger with crazy colored hair and beard that often 'plays' a one string ukelale or bongo drums can be rude if you don't give.... so he can just bugger off. And on a feel good note. I took my 6month old son for his first swimming lesson yesterday. We both had heaps of fun.

"Can't be too harsh though with mental illness making some people unemployable." is an interesting comment! http://www.abc.net.au/catalyst/st ories/s1360571.htm makes the point that the most diabolical, dangerous and serious mental illness makes you fully employable at the top of the top end of town. Funny times we live in. Oh Michael moore just made a good point about the guys that are employed by Obama as being the same ones that caused the mess. Something ive heard before from credible sources. Hes' going to make a doco on the mess and had actually started it before it happened. Who else picked up on Maccas closing 20 stores in bankrupt Iceland? back to fishcakes if they can keep the scots at bay from their grounds with another war. See you all at the soup kitchen!

I firmly agree with you JC. Unless they are particularly talented, and by that I mean they get nothing from me. In most cases it is just a form of begging. I really don’t understand “notashrink” (you must be busy not being things) philosophy of giving them something just because they “are doing something”. Why on earth would you want to encourage talentless boobs. Would you pay your mechanic for trying and failing to fix your car?

Isn't it funny how, no matter what the daily topic is, some people always manage to sneak in a comment about their own personal bugbears and agendas. Gets boring after a while. Global warming comment anyone?

DS, I believe that talentless boobs are paid for in Islington.

I don't care how talented they are,I give them the same amount of cash I would give a "beggar",$0.They can get a job and earn their money like I have to.