# Hey, BlackKnight, ya cheap fuck! **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [May 7, 2003, 4:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-blackknight-ya-cheap-fuck/173592 "2003-05-07T04:40:58Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 8
**Author:** ![D\_Odds](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/d_odds/32/2882_2.png) [@D\_Odds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D_Odds)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2003, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-blackknight-ya-cheap-fuck/173592/141 "2003-05-07T18:49:12Z")
Well, **Amp** , I’ll agree with you if you drop the kitten-stomping. ---
**Author:** ![Velma](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/v/85e7bf/32.png) [@Velma](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Velma)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2003, 6:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-blackknight-ya-cheap-fuck/173592/142 "2003-05-07T18:49:19Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by smam \* > \*\*Then why the hell is it called a tip? > Why dont the owners just fess up to being cunts then up the price so they can pay their staff? \*\* That’s where I (and I think others) agree with you. (Well, except for the ‘cunt’ usage:p ) I think waitstaff should be paid a decent wage - at least minimum (whether or not that is a living wage is another debate that I don’t want to get into.) Let the tip be an “extra” incentive to provide special service and pay them to be good, normal servers. That’s not the way it is, unfortunately. Until it is that way, I still think it’s required to leave a tip for (adequate) service. Otherwise the server is being forced to essentially work for free (I know, it’s ultimately the owner’s fault, but I’m not going to punish the server for having a boss who won’t pay her a living wage). ---
**Author:** ![smam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/46a35a/32.png) [@smam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/smam)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2003, 6:50pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-blackknight-ya-cheap-fuck/173592/143 "2003-05-07T18:50:18Z")
As long as you tip the pet shop owner who unlocked the cage, you could whittle a kitten into a pencil case on the spot for all they care. If you dont tip, I am sorry , you gotta take it home and do it. I might actually start a new line in T-Shirts, “there is a cat up my ass right now, but I always tip the guy who puts it there, even if he sometimes replaces it for a hamster wheel by mistake” ---
**Author:** ![D\_Odds](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/d_odds/32/2882_2.png) [@D\_Odds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D_Odds)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2003, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-blackknight-ya-cheap-fuck/173592/144 "2003-05-07T18:59:10Z")
**Velma** beat me to it. **smam** , you’re advocating a revolutionary change in the status quo. Unfortunately, the people most affected are those who would be earning far less than minimum wage if we did stop tipping. I don’t think waitresses are willing to bear the brunt of the revolution while still trying to house and feed themselves. And the owners don’t up the price because if there is one lesson many American consumers have given them, it is that price counts. Many Americans will walk a mile to save a dime, and then complain about the walk. Unless every owner is legally and equally obligated to pay a fair (or at least, a higher minimum) wage, it’s not going to happen. ---
**Author:** ![MLS](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/919ad9/32.png) [@MLS](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MLS)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2003, 7:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-blackknight-ya-cheap-fuck/173592/145 "2003-05-07T19:33:51Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by smam \* > \*\*Why dont the owners just fess up to being cunts then up the price so they can pay their staff? > \ > It could be tough for a while but I am sure I can stand it if the staff can. \*\* Maybe for the same reason some people don’t know how to use an apostrophe and other punctuation marks. As per “…if the staff can” The waitstaff probably can’t. To listen to you, you would think waiters and waitresses are taking home megabucks for sitting around eating bonbons all day. :wally ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2003, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-blackknight-ya-cheap-fuck/173592/146 "2003-05-07T19:42:50Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by smam \* > \*\*So what if there is only on decent restaurant close to you and it is one day before you get paid, you have nothing in the fridge and there are no local shops open? > Say the cheapest thing on the menu is a tenner and you only have a tenner on you? > You can bet that I would go in have that meal and leave without tipping rather than starve myself for a waitress who may have already earned more in tips that night than I earn in a week. > > What If I give a homless person a quid for a cup of coffee (as if I would) ? Does that mean I have to give the tramp three extra quid so that when he goes and buys a cup of tea or whatever he will be able to leave a tip. > Maybe all the homeless have good intention and when they ask for the price of a cup of coffee they reall mean to spend it on coffee, but when we dont give them enough to tip they just think " Aww to hell with the embarassment of not tipping, I am just gonna buy a tin of Carslberg Super with this. " > > Why dont all waitresses just go get jobs in call centres till the restaurant industry get their act together? \*\* So why didn’t YOU get YOUR act together and budget your money better? :rolleyes: ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2003, 7:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-blackknight-ya-cheap-fuck/173592/147 "2003-05-07T19:49:06Z")
> [@](#): > > If everyone in America stopped tipping then would the owners not have to pay the minimum wage, eventually? > It could be tough for a while but I am sure I can stand it if the staff can. Tell that to a single mother who has bills, rent, sick kids, and car that’s about to be reposessed. Asshat. If you ever come to the States, and display THAT attitude, I can guarantee you’re getting a nice juicy loogie in your burger. ---
**Author:** ![tdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/94ad74/32.png) [@tdn](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tdn)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2003, 7:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-blackknight-ya-cheap-fuck/173592/148 "2003-05-07T19:59:01Z")
I find it both amusing and sad that some people in this thread will bend over backwards and twist themselves around the strangest bits of “logic” and rationalize to the end of the next millenium to convince themselves and others that they are morally justified in being cheap bastards. Quityerwhining and pay the damn tip already. ---
**Author:** ![BlackKnight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/eb8c5e/32.png) [@BlackKnight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlackKnight)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2003, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-blackknight-ya-cheap-fuck/173592/149 "2003-05-07T20:08:21Z")
I missed the part where waitpersons were forced into a job where their total pay was uncertain. With the same skills (fewer skills, actually) they could work fast food or many other jobs that do not involve tipping. If they wish to be certain about their pay rate, they should not be in a profession where it is inherently uncertain. There are plenty of other opportunities available. My god, I’m surprised you people can even type from up there on those high horses. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2003, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-blackknight-ya-cheap-fuck/173592/150 "2003-05-07T20:11:19Z")
So what, **BlackKnight**? I’m surprised you can reach the keyboard from that hole you’ve dug for yourself. ---
**Author:** ![LolaCocaCola](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7cd45c/32.png) [@LolaCocaCola](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LolaCocaCola)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2003, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-blackknight-ya-cheap-fuck/173592/151 "2003-05-07T20:14:40Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by BlackKnight \* > **If they wish to be certain about their pay rate, they should not be in a profession where it is inherently uncertain.** The only reason it’s uncertain is because of cheapskates like you! ---
**Author:** ![BlackKnight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/eb8c5e/32.png) [@BlackKnight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlackKnight)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2003, 8:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-blackknight-ya-cheap-fuck/173592/152 "2003-05-07T20:32:14Z")
Do you people really, honestly think I’m a horrible person because I decline to make a voluntary payment? You ought to have your heads examined. I mean that. Not because you disagree with me, but because of the vitriol with which you disagree. Get a fucking grip, or at least some medication. Oh, and don’t forget to tip the pharmacist. On a completely different note, I’d like to say I’m disappointed in all of you. I gave you all a perfect opportunity for a joke that nobody picked up on. Therefore, I must mock myself … er, myself. > [@](#): > > **Hehe! What fun! The only other pitting I recall recieving was one I gave myself. I can finally consider myself to have truly made a difference at the Straight Dope. Cigars for everyone, it’s celebration time! (Don’t worry, they’re bubblegum.)** Why! Look! I’m even too cheap to buy real cigars! 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![BlackKnight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/eb8c5e/32.png) [@BlackKnight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlackKnight)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2003, 8:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-blackknight-ya-cheap-fuck/173592/153 "2003-05-07T20:35:08Z")
Oh, and let me point out for those who seem to have forgotten: **I DO USUALLY TIP** , provided the three conditions I listed are met. And then I kill orphans and kittens. ---
**Author:** ![D\_Odds](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/d_odds/32/2882_2.png) [@D\_Odds](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D_Odds)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2003, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-blackknight-ya-cheap-fuck/173592/154 "2003-05-07T20:40:01Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by BlackKnight \* > Why! Look! I’m even too cheap to buy real cigars! 🙂 I gave you the benefit of the doubt. I thought you were looking out for our health. ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2003, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-blackknight-ya-cheap-fuck/173592/155 "2003-05-07T20:43:38Z")
It’s only “voluntary” in the sense that it’s also “voluntary” to be a courteous, kind human being. ---
**Author:** ![blanx](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/f04885/32.png) [@blanx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/blanx)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2003, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-blackknight-ya-cheap-fuck/173592/156 "2003-05-07T20:47:21Z")
This is all well and good, but I refuse to tip the bartender when I pick up carryout. ---
**Author:** ![Audrey\_Levins](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/73ab20/32.png) [@Audrey\_Levins](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Audrey_Levins)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2003, 8:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-blackknight-ya-cheap-fuck/173592/157 "2003-05-07T20:47:50Z")
Okay…I have to go to work, and just checked in on this thread, so I don’t remember exactly who asked me these things, but someone asked me a.) How I manage not to get fired if I “ignore” asshole customers, and b.) I believe **Garfield** said it’s my job to serve 'em anyway, regardless of their attitude. Look. I’ve worked at my current bar for a year and a half. I’m head bartender; I work five nights a week. It is the bartender’s job to control the bar; it is also their liability. So if someone sits down with a bad attitude, I don’t have to serve them. That’s Texas state law; if I say someone doesn’t get served, they don’t get served, period. And I’m sorry, but assholes don’t get rewarded at my bar. If you’ve got a negative attitude, you’re going to get it right back, until you either figure it out or you leave. Either way, I win. As I said, most people respect me more for this than if I just meekly said, “Yes sir…sorry sir…let me get that for you, sir.” I’ve had people call me a bitch. I’ve had people tell my manager, “You should fire that bitch!” And you know what? My boss laughs. You know why? Because he knows I’m damn good at my job, and that every bar attracts its fair share of assholes. I can count on the fingers of one hand the number of people who’ve had a real problem with me; I’ve had countless people tell me I’m the best bartender they’ve ever had. So the moral of the story is that, no, regardless of what you think, it _isn’t_ my job to serve everybody, no matter how shitty they are. Bartending isn’t retail. I’m serving liquor here; the patron’s state of mind plays a large part in whether or not I’m comfortable giving them alcohol. I’ve taken the TABC class; I’ve got the certification. This is my liability, and my bar. The last thing I want to do is serve a sober asshole, b/c he’s going to turn into a bigger asshole once he’s drunk. TRUST ME. Like I said, my bar is _my_ world. ---
**Author:** ![BlackKnight](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/eb8c5e/32.png) [@BlackKnight](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BlackKnight)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2003, 9:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-blackknight-ya-cheap-fuck/173592/158 "2003-05-07T21:01:27Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Guinastasia \* > \*\*It’s only “voluntary” in the sense that it’s also “voluntary” to be a courteous, kind human being. \*\* If I ever become a serial killer, I’m going to tip very well. Obviously, that will offset the sin. I like to kill the orphaned kittens last, since it’s more evil that way. ---
**Author:** ![Mockingbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c68b51/32.png) [@Mockingbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mockingbird)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2003, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-blackknight-ya-cheap-fuck/173592/159 "2003-05-07T21:35:35Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by Guinastasia \* > \*\*It’s only “voluntary” in the sense that it’s also “voluntary” to be a courteous, kind human being. \*\* Bullshit. A tip is voluntary and is based upon a variety of variables. When it is mandatory, it is no longer a tip. ---
**Author:** ![Mockingbird](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/c68b51/32.png) [@Mockingbird](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mockingbird)\ **Post date:** [May 7, 2003, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-blackknight-ya-cheap-fuck/173592/160 "2003-05-07T22:11:00Z")
> [@](#): > > \*Originally posted by LolaCocaCola \* > \*\*The only reason it’s uncertain is because of cheapskates like you! \*\* I’m sure your charming personality has _nothing_ to do with it either. :rolleyes: Again: a tip is not a tip if one doesn’t have a choice to not leave one. Further, just because I don’t have the money to tip does not mean that I shouldn’t eat out. Nor does it give you the right to tell me or others that we shouldn’t eat out. Knight is a college student. I’m disabled and on a fixed income. Because we both have little money and want to eat somewhere nice, we shouldn’t and then be told we’re cheap fucks? He tips when he can and I tip when I can. I’ve been a waiter and made great tips when I did it. They were TIPS. I never treated anyone better or worse based on what I thought they would tip, and I did not bother to stress out over it. Good service will be recognized and more often than not, rewarded well. I knew that there would be some of my customers that wouldn’t tip because they were older and on a fixed income. I filled their coffee cup with the same speed and smile that I gave to those who were in a better position to tip. I’d suggest you crawl out from Knight’s ass and climb off the cross. If you aren’t doing well as a waitress, perhaps it is because your attitude is transparent and not winning you any favor among patrons. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-blackknight-ya-cheap-fuck/173592.md?page=7) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/hey-blackknight-ya-cheap-fuck/173592.md?page=9)