So, I came across my first Twitter begging scam. It was unfortunate because a couple of my regular followers decided to chip in out of their own kindness. I highly respect people who have big hearts, but sometimes I fear for them at the same time. It kind of goes hand in hand with the beggars on the side of the street or highway off ramps – it is annoying!
I am not going to reveal them as pretty much I am sure some of you have seen begging a time or two on the social network streams.
This particular begging dealt with a person who is relatively unknown with over 8,000 empty followers and yet after viewing their social stream, the majority of their messages were begging with a few empty pieces of chat with people that are smart enough not to reply. The sob story of the “woman’s” 4 kids, and cheating husband who left is enough to pull my sympathy card, but not enough to make me dish out some bucks.
Will we see more of this going on? What can be done?
My own action was to click the link to report for spam because obviously, donations were all they wanted. It is okay to accept donations… I have had my own PayPal button up from time to time, but at least people got something in return – free graphics, great advice to help them make money, or other useful resources.
Perhaps I should have sent her a direct message and said, “Hey, I have some great information that is free that you can use to start your own website and eventually make your own money.”
???
However, I did not think so in this case.
What are your thoughts about Internet begging on the social network streams? Are they a harmless annoyance or should they seek better ways to make money (like build a business or get a job)?
I think it depends on who we are speaking of, and how much exactly there story is true. A-lot of people hit hard times and need to ask for help. Some you should know have already started doing this on the internet.
On the other hand I do kind of see why the 'beggers' of any type would come to the internet. Versus the few hundred who may see them on the off ramp, the internet gives them a audience of millions to display there sob story too. Also internet access is easily obtained via most local libraries.
I think it's really sad when people are reduced to needing — whether it's a legitimate need or something they think they need — money so bad that they beg for it. I'm not one to go around soliciting handouts, but in certain cases I can understand being at the end of your rope and having no alternative. But in most cases, I think it's in poor taste to beg. Put up a tip/donation jar, offer services (written articles, links, banners, whatever) in exchange for money, but don't outright *beg* for it. :/
It is just a matter of time before begging for money online in social networks will be as common as offline on the streets. Once the so-called nigerian scams lose their efficiency, people will just turn towards more easier methods.
You should have made the offer to make their own money through the information you offer. I think the best way to help someone in need is to give them a way to make money for themselves.