Yesterday I received an email from a new crowd funding platform called “CoverrMe.com” that helps readers in need raise cash from total strangers for mortgages, medical bills, vet bills, debt, etc. This isn’t new. Some while ago musician Kanye West appealed to his Twitter audience for cash donations, saying he was $53m.in debt. This tendency to ask for money from strangers seems to be quite a phenomenon. Regularly, people write in to the Washington Post and say they have been invited to a wedding and the bride has asked them just to send money – no presents required. One British couple told a guest to their wedding that the £100 she had sent as a present was insufficient, adding, “If you wanted to send any adjustment it would be thankfully received”.
There are several correct, perfectly understandable ways of dealing with people like this. One is on no account to attend the wedding and to write off any money sent as a sunk cost or a learning experience. Secondly, erase the name, address, telephone number snd Facebook details of the couple and go and find a couple of civilised, well brought-up friends instead. The third way to deal with it is to reply to the above letter, as follows: “Dear X, I received your demand for more money. I would point out that is costing X dollars in airfares to get to your event. Your remittance towards the cost would be thankfully received”.
The first and second options are the most Epicurean ones, being the least aggressive and stressful.
I would never express any kind of ingratitude for any money I receive. But then as a student, I have no choice but to be grateful! I think the trend towards asking people for money online has potential though. For instance, I know a lot of musicians and other artists who survive only through regular donations online on sites like Patreon. In exchange for receiving money, these artists will often treat their donors to exclusive content, early releases of new music, or the chance to meet with them.