i
think its fine as long as they take no for an answer every1
has the right to a trouble free life wether we get it or not.
Rachel, Malton |
Big
issue sellers are usually polite and helpful.They are not begging
they're doing their job to keep themselves off the streets.
If you don't want a copy of the big issue they still say have
a nice day.
Jakki, Sheffield |
Why
do most of the Big Issue sellers I see have a scabby little
dog with them? Is it to get a sympathy sale? They can't be that
hard up if they can support a pet as well as themselves.
Rob, Leeming |
My
freind john dykes was homeless for a few years the big issue
really helped him get back on his feet they gave him hope from
the gutter so to speak. The big issue is a really worthwhile
charity and trading on its name is the one way of making its
self known. Those who know john know he was a polite young man
with ambitions the same as any one else.
Steve, Harrogate |
The
Big Issue is a product but people still think selling it is
a form of begging... vendors are doing exactly what homeless
people get moaned at for not doing, getting a job and a means
to find your own way out of difficulty. Of course, just like
checkout operators, there are friendly and unfriendly ones.
Why should it be a specific issue with Big Issue vendors?
Simon,
York |
Big
Issue Sellers are doing their best to pull themselves out of
their situations. It is not a form of begging. Except for one
seller in Leeds who I believe has not been taken off, I have
always found them to be completely polite and pleasant. They
need all the help they can get. The Big Issue organisation does
a tremendous amount for the homeless, addicts, etc. to get them
back on their feet. Apart from anything else - Big Issue is
a really good magazine to read!!
Sue, Scarborough |
I
think if Big Issue sellers actually sold the magazine by telling
people what features are in it, I might actually buy it. It's
a lot better than..."it's my last one pllleeeeaaaase buy it."
Malcolm, York |
You're
all missing the point. the Big Issue is the fact that so many
people lvie on the street and can't find a way out of a desperate
situation. The least you people can do is buy a copy of the
mag from a genuine seller.
Ian, York |
I
used to be very anti BI sellers, standing on corners harrasing
passer-bys to buy the BI or asking for money, but, at least
that is my experiece in Glasgow. But wether genuine or conning
personnaly I would not like to be out there trying to sell the
BI to anyone.
Adrian, formerly of Newcastle |
We
often stop to chat with the BI seller in Westborough, he is
a very nice friendly chap who appreciates my wife's baking!
Enuf sed:)
Roger, Scarborough |
I
can certainly comment on the Big Issue vendors in Scarborough
and Whitby and can confirm that they do not "force themselves"
upon people. They are extremely polite and friendly and work
hard in often difficult circumstances. If only people would
take time out to talk with them they would find that they are
human beings who have often lived through some nightmarish situations
(that most of us could bearly begin to imagine) who simply want
to be able to help themselves and thankfully the Big Issue is
their to not only give them a chance of work, but to help with
finding a place to live and to train to hopefully find future
long term work. Please give them a chance - don't just walk
past on the other side of the street, why don't you go out of
your way to say hello!
Annie, Whitby |
It
is often the case that the Big Issue sellers have the politest
and friendliest attitudes in the city. Some bus drivers and
office workers would do well to take a leaf out of their books.
Julian, Leeds |
In
my experience they are becoming a real pain, they do not only
approach you and ask if you would like the magazine they ask
if you have change once you refuse to buy the magazine. On a
night out you are approached by them at least four times some
of them are the same one! They have been known to wait until
the night clubs have finished at 2-3 in the morning to ask us
for change. They shouldn't be allowed to force themselves onto
people in such a way which I find extremely uncomfortable.
Claire, Leeds |
|
I
can only agree with most of the comments expressed here. I
work in Leeds and regularly pick up a copy of the Big Issue.
The official vendors are usually very polite and the magazine
itself usually has interesting (although occasionally a bit
too much PC) articles. It's also good to see people making
an effort to try to improve their situation.
I
would echo the view that people should buy from badged vendors
only, and avoid the unofficial "this is my last copy so can
I have it back" sellers. Unfortunately they give the BI a
bit of a bad name and might put occasional buyers off.
Ben, York
|
As
far as the vendors they are all the same, whether you're from
Darlington or Shropshire the majority are nice, polite friendly
people. If u ever visit a strange town or city and end up finding
yourself lost 9 times out of 10 there is usally bi seller about
more than willing to help, so come on people put your hand in
your pockets and pay a pound for a worthy cause and get a good
read at the same time.
Darren, Shropshire |
|
I
have had nothing but courtesy and friendly small talk from
Big Issue vendors in Darlington & Northallerton. I was once
a hair's breadth away from becoming homeless and I think it
is a worthwhile initiative to support - the magazine's articles
are usually of interest to me as well. It does sound as though
there might be the odd vendor who is not behaving correctly
but AFAIK the BI takes complaints about vendors very seriously
if they are legitimate complaints.
I
also think it is a little unfair to be talking about the vendors
smartening up eg. haircut, smarter clothes etc. given that
they are homeless and their income is coming from the magazine
sales (about 70p goes to the vendor I think, the rest to cover
the costs of producing the mags - sorry BI if I've got that
amount wrong).
Aly,
Northallerton
|
I
agree with Kate, and have you ever stopped to chat and ask how
and why? Some of these sellers, guys mostly, (except for Harrogate's
lady very tunefull BI seller who seems to have gone), seem to
have much personal integrity. People are people. Some are uptight
and some 'aint.
Dahc, Harrogate |
All
of the BI people in York are very polite. I have never seen
any being rude, even when some of the older generation (who
perhaps don't understand modern life) have insulted them. I
think that the magazine is very good, and a worthwhile charity
to support.
Emma, York |
I'd
like to comment that the BI vendor here (Ripon) seems merely
to be tolerated rather than accepted, although he is always
polite and respectful. Perhaps vendors have to be seen to conform
with the general ambience of the area they are selling to in
order to improve sales e.g. get their hair cut and smarten up
a bit! Quite a few people think that vendors lower the tone
of a place which is a shame.
Eve, Ripon |
Why
don't the Big Issue vendors sell the content of the magazine.
They trade on the title too much - I would be more inclined
to buy it if I knew what was in the latest edition. They need
a few tips on selling techniques.
Charles, Fulford |
When
I've been in York, I've found the Big Issue sellers to be generally
very friendly. I'd far rather pay for some entertainment than
just as a good deed. What is Sarah on about though? I admit
there are some pretty awful buskers also on the make in York,
but what a breath of fresh air the old man and the dogs are.
His rendition of 'a green and yellow basket' brought tears to
my eyes. Several hats off to the guy who plays the piano outside
Betty's at the weekend. God only knows how he gets it there!
Such dedicaition earns my spare thr'penny bits. And a damn sight
better than what's on offer in Leeds
Steve, Leeds |
I
find the BI sellers in York very friendly not like some who
sell the mag in other cities. But, I find some of the people
who beg in York really intimidating. I've had abuse shouted
at me for not 'sparing a little change'. I know this sounds
petty but I find the tunes they play badly on their pipe, recorder
thingies really irritating. Sorry for being so politically incorrect
but often I wonder if a song book might be more useful to them
(and for the sanity of the rest of us) rather than 50p?
Sarah, Bootham |
Although
I think it is important not to generalise, I have been angered
by the attitudes of some BI vendors, especially in Leeds. On
two occasions, I have bought a copy, only then to be told by
the vendor that it was their last copy so could I give it back.
The first time this happened I was so surprised that I duly
handed the mag back - like a donkey. I was really peeved because
I actually buy the BI because I like to read it, not simply
because it is a good deed, I felt like I'd been taken for a
mug. The second time I wasn't so wet behind the ears, but ended
up still feeling bad about it. Looking back on it I don't recall
the first one wearing an official badge, so I've tried not to
tar all with the same brush.
James, Leeds |
I
visited York over Easter and I thought that the Big Issue sellers
you have working there are unusually polite and sincere. I didn't
want to buy a copy, but when I said so they thanked me and wished
me a good day. And no, it wasn't said through gritted teeth
with the insincerity I have sometimes come across. There was
genuine cheerfulness and goodwill. I just wanted to know if
other visitors or residents in York have noticed it too.
Kate, Clapham, London |
 |
