Spin-off: How to ask for help

[cyndi]

What timing! Lifehacker just posted an article on how to ask for help.

The Best Way to Ask Strangers for a Favor, According to Reddit Data

"What's the best way to motivate someone—even a stranger—to help you out? A Stanford study of the requests and responses on Reddit's Random Acts of Pizza reveals a few key strategies.

If you're not familiar, in the Random Acts of Pizza subreddit, people post requests for free pizza, saying things like "Spare some pizza for the lonesome security guard?" and "No food or money until Thursday, can pay back on Thursday (NY)." If the requests are compelling enough, other Reddit members buy the pizza. It's intended to help "restore faith in humanity, one slice at a time..."

http://lifehacker.com/the-best-way-...rce=lifehacker_facebook&utm_medium=socialflow

 

[WheelEstate USA]

I've never needed to "bribe" folks for help with personal things, but I do "kick down" with something in appreciation, even if its just a few cold beers and a "phat one". I know how to ask nicely and get assistance when needed.

Now, hiring someone is a different story altogether. Terms of hire need to be openly discussed and defined. I've run several businesses over the years and I'd never hire a person who didn't fully understand how they get paid, when, how much, and what was expected of them for that dollar.

I believe in making things clear as to whether its a JOB or simply a helping hand.
So, when someone uses the word 'hire" it denotes a paid position that needs definition in somewhat of a professional manner.
If they are looking for a helping hand it changes the game and if I'm in the area, I'm glad to lend that hand, without any expectations.
In a case where someone is asking for help that might come by car, rail, etc, I'd think there would be some sort of travel allowance, as there are few of us who can afford a tank of gas to cross a state to help out.

This is just my opinion and it may not apply to all situations, nor will it be found to be agreeable by everyone. I do, altho, feel its reasonable and nothing less than fair.

 

[Patrick46]

I agree.

I'm always more then happy to lend a hand to someone in need, if I can help at all...and if they're in need of 'free' help, then they get whatever is offered as a humble gift from another person.

And you certaintly show gratitude for anything someone is willing to give from the kindness of their hearts, as that's where gifts come from.

There's NO SUCH THING as requirements, demands, or qualifiers placed on others 'gifts'...and if there is, then you're just using the other people.

If that's the case, then you're on your own, pal!

 

[caseyc]

I'm no lawyer, but I do know the difference between "hiring" and "bartering". If someone doesn't have either cash or items to exchange, then the last alternative would be charity. There's no shame in asking for a donation (or charity) of one's time and expertise, if there's nothing else to offer and a person is truly broke. If someone says I want to hire someone to do such and such, then I would expect cash payment, as in U.S. currency, preferably in small bills no larger than 20s. Or if someone wants to barter, then simply agree on items of exchange that are mutually beneficial. Otherwise, there's always the Goodwill method of simply donating one's time out of the kindness of one's heart. It would benefit everyone if things could be explained upfront as to alleviate confusion.