Slog - Comments on Comment of the Day http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5 Over in the reader comments on our 2008 Back to School Guide (or Your Indispensable Guide to the Things No One Else Will Tell You by the Only Newspaper in Seattle That Isn’t Ridiculous and Irrelevant™), we find this remark from the_smith: I find the bar I work in taken over by college age kids who are impatient and messy and don't tip. Stranger, you gave great advice about how to order a drink like an adult but that needs an etiquette follow-up. Please mention the buck-a-drink standard and tipping at least 15%, esp. late. I can put up with... Copyright 2008 Mon, 22 Sep 2008 16:38:20 -0800 Tue, 23 Sep 2008 13:27:23 -0800 http://www.movabletype.org/?v=3.34 http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Comment by John Bailo
For the past 2 years I have adhered to the policy of always tipping 20% for tabs under $20.

This is my way of investing in my neighborhood.

Lunches, drinks, etc require a 20% tip.

]]> John Bailo http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1147874 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1147874 Housekeeping Mon, 22 Sep 2008 16:40:07 -0800 Comment by Non TIP:


GET A DIFFERENT FUCKING JOB AND STOP WHINING / BEING JEALOUS ABOUT COLLEGE STUDENTS

]]> Non http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1147877 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1147877 Housekeeping Mon, 22 Sep 2008 16:41:42 -0800 Comment by Jillian Don't hand over 20% extra of a product's value to somebody who transfers liquid from a tap to a glass to your table.

It's asinine, it's not deserved, and the greed and self-entitlement of it all is apparent in this very letter

]]> Jillian http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1147880 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1147880 Housekeeping Mon, 22 Sep 2008 16:44:56 -0800 Comment by John Bailo
@2: Look, your family came to visit me:

http://www.dennispatten.co.uk/Images/vent.jpg

]]> John Bailo http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1147883 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1147883 Housekeeping Mon, 22 Sep 2008 16:46:46 -0800 Comment by w7ngman $1 per drink is a stupid rule. I am NOT paying some asshole bartender with a sense of entitlement $1 to open my PBR.

]]> w7ngman http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1147884 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1147884 Housekeeping Mon, 22 Sep 2008 16:46:51 -0800 Comment by perpetual drunkness So you, the bar, have already charged me $8.50 for this one glass of whine from which the bottle at whole costs $9.00. Figuring in the fact that you, the bar, got it wholesale for probably $6.00 a bottle....and still feel that I should pay your help 20% extra?

No thanks.

]]> perpetual drunkness http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1147887 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1147887 Housekeeping Mon, 22 Sep 2008 16:49:10 -0800 Comment by tiptoe tommy As a long term server, I always thought a buck a drink was over the top--especially for a beertender. I tip 20% on my bill if I have a tab. I tip a buck on the first drink if I am ordering from the bar and then leave whatever I feel appropriate based on service when I leave.

But always tip...if you can't afford a tip, you should drink at home.

]]> tiptoe tommy http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1147888 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1147888 Housekeeping Mon, 22 Sep 2008 16:49:45 -0800 Comment by Drudged If I don't have a tab, I'll always put a dollar in just so the people behind me know that I tipped something; not exactly for the "service" rendered.

]]> Drudged http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1147891 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1147891 Housekeeping Mon, 22 Sep 2008 16:52:29 -0800 Comment by Levislade Those drawings are very lovely, but is it just me or are they rather Dzama-ish?

]]> Levislade http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1147892 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1147892 Housekeeping Mon, 22 Sep 2008 16:54:29 -0800 Comment by Bellevue Ave i'd tip 20% for a cocktail that was basically 2 cocktails such as the screwdrivers at the 5 point.

I wont tip 20% for tap monkey.

]]> Bellevue Ave http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1147901 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1147901 Housekeeping Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:06:32 -0800 Comment by Aarrroonn Surely this isn't the comment of the day, but just a vehicle for plugging that the stories have comment features now?

Because it is a really shitty comment.

It was just a plug for the comments feature, right? RIGHT?

]]> Aarrroonn http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1147909 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1147909 Housekeeping Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:13:23 -0800 Comment by Steph in St. Lu ^ 11 has a good point. I think accurately the comment of the day would be from the same thread:

the annual (back to school issue), completely lame, attempt to "win" the hearts and minds of innocent college freshman so that the stranger can milk what they can from u-district advertisers the rest of the year.

so tired. the "neighborhoods" section pretty much tells you Everything You Need to Know About The Stranger. Too cool for school. Study hard kids, or you'll be working for a low wages at a rag like this one and resenting 85% of Seattle for their apparent wealth.

]]> Steph in St. Lu http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1147912 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1147912 Housekeeping Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:16:40 -0800 Comment by sherman a question for the grownups: tipping at at open bar, yes/no/maybe/a/s/l?

]]> sherman http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1147917 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1147917 Housekeeping Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:18:17 -0800 Comment by Hernandez @13 I have tipped at open bars, for one of two reasons:
1. The bar service was above and beyond what I was expecting (i.e. lightning-fast service at a crowded wedding)
2. The bartender is putting up with an inordinate amount of shit and I feel pity for him/her. But that's kind of a general rule for any kind of tipping.

]]> Hernandez http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1147928 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1147928 Housekeeping Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:28:03 -0800 Comment by Dougsf Whoa, people think $1 per drink is crazy? Even when I made minimum wage in my early twenties I'd tip a dollar on every beer. What the hell is wrong with people, they think the $4.25 an hour and the privilege to hang out with your cheap asses is enough to make for a friendly bartender?

If you don't want to indulge in the customs, stay home. If the extra $5 for a night out is gonna break the bank, you shouldn't be out at the bars. Finally, if you're just not tipping on principle, well, who needs another asshole at the bar?

]]> Dougsf http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1147944 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1147944 Housekeeping Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:44:16 -0800 Comment by jrrrl i'm going to break new ground in psychology by inventing the "do you tip for drinks" test for asperger's syndrome. we live in a society, and if don't follow social rules and niceties you either need to try your hardest to learn them or get a tattoo that says "assweed" on your forehead.

]]> jrrrl http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1147953 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1147953 Housekeeping Mon, 22 Sep 2008 17:52:42 -0800 Comment by genevieve @15 - bartenders make at least the regular minimum wage in WA ($8.07/hr), whereas in most states they make the reduced federal wage for food/beverage tipped workers). I can't find the reduced wage info (very brief search) but the federal minimum wage is currently $6.55. Other than that, I agree with Dougsf.

]]> genevieve http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1147963 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1147963 Housekeeping Mon, 22 Sep 2008 18:05:04 -0800 Comment by Dougsf Businesses here in SF - legal or not (I'm not sure if it's been remedied yet) - often pay bartenders and wait staff below minimum wage, or nothing, as a base salary.

But no disrespect intended on shorting them that dollar amount I made up.

]]> Dougsf http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1147978 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1147978 Housekeeping Mon, 22 Sep 2008 18:20:30 -0800 Comment by Julie in Chicago Bars definitely fall into the "must tip" category. I don't think there's any gray area here. $1 a drink is pretty standard for me, though I'll admit that if I'm getting more than one drink, it might be less than that, especially if it's just beer (e.g., $2 for three).

The "don't order" list is stupid though. Obviously beer bongs and Goldschlager are only for the kiddies, but I'm 30 and I still order a Diet-and-x (no sugar) or a Cosmopolitan (they're tasty, and I don't care that you are too cool for them) on occasion.

]]> Julie in Chicago http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1147991 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1147991 Housekeeping Mon, 22 Sep 2008 18:42:14 -0800 Comment by Banna You're going to tell me I can't order rum and coke and then want a dollar tip? Ferget it.

]]> Banna http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1148022 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1148022 Housekeeping Mon, 22 Sep 2008 19:32:42 -0800 Comment by phillip drummond context

]]> phillip drummond http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1148033 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1148033 Housekeeping Mon, 22 Sep 2008 19:55:04 -0800 Comment by hehehe The writer of the guide is being disciplined, eh? Is he enjoying it?

]]> hehehe http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1148076 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1148076 Housekeeping Mon, 22 Sep 2008 21:50:06 -0800 Comment by Emily The drawings are cute or whatever, in that retro 2002 kind of way, but "Jessixa" has got to be the stupidest fucking name in the history of the human race.

]]> Emily http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1148078 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1148078 Housekeeping Mon, 22 Sep 2008 21:53:03 -0800 Comment by asdf Don't like you pay? Get a raise or a new job. Don't fucking beg from your customers

]]> asdf http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1148085 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1148085 Housekeeping Mon, 22 Sep 2008 22:19:17 -0800 Comment by Smade Not a lot of adult drinkers in this comment list. Hope you like the spit in your beverages the next time you come in.

]]> Smade http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1148137 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1148137 Housekeeping Tue, 23 Sep 2008 08:06:29 -0800 Comment by Nony Mouse Wow, Emily aka comment #23--- who put the sand in your vagina today?

]]> Nony Mouse http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1148139 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1148139 Housekeeping Tue, 23 Sep 2008 08:16:24 -0800 Comment by Non The duality of demanding extra and if not received, spitting in your drink, demonstrates precicely why this is not a special profession which deems extra commission.

These are children who never moved on from their first minimum wage jobs; only on to "better" minimum wage jobs with over-the-table bonuses (as a play on under-the-table).

FAIL.


]]> Non http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1148161 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1148161 Housekeeping Tue, 23 Sep 2008 09:07:58 -0800 Comment by Q*bert H. Humphrey If there were a bar or restaurant on Capitol Hill that would pay its workers well enough and then ask that you not tip (or at least just Euro-style tip), I would patronize it exclusively. Until then, I'll continue to tip at least 18-20% and $1 per drink. Anything else is probably a sign of mild sociopathy (or aspergers, per @16).

]]> Q*bert H. Humphrey http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1148224 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1148224 Housekeeping Tue, 23 Sep 2008 10:10:46 -0800 Comment by Greg You know, I understand that the pay sucks for bartenders, on top of the other shit they have to deal with. But don't you think that you're blaming the wrong person for why you aren't getting paid well? I'm not signing the checks.

Now, sure, I'm going to be giving you a tip in the 15-25% range anyway, but I want us to both understand that my doing that is what enables your boss to stiff you on your wages.

]]> Greg http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1148400 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1148400 Housekeeping Tue, 23 Sep 2008 12:15:20 -0800 Comment by inkweary @13 and 14 That is a generous impulse and the answer lies in the type of event. If private, such as a wedding, large holiday bash, etc you do not tip. The open bar is being paid for by your host and is therefore an extension of your host's hospitailty. When I invite people to my home I am not asking them to subsidize the evening by paying my help. You don't tip your friends after they have given you dinner in their homes so you shouldn't tip their help when they they invite you to a large party with staff.

If it is some corporate event and you are bribing the bartender to serve you before others then that is something else entirely.

]]> inkweary http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1148495 http://slog.thestranger.com/2008/09/comment_of_the_day_5#c1148495 Housekeeping Tue, 23 Sep 2008 13:27:23 -0800