I do think that everyone should fly signs & or spange (regardless of need), even as just a secret sociological experiment. If anyone wants to witness the best & worst of strangers than this is a great way to do it. Alternatively, it is a great way to get thicker skin and find humor, joy & or empathy in the stupidity, evil, kindness or love from interacting with strangers from such a defenseless position.
This X 1000. I refused flying signs and busking until I needed to. Everyone that travels has different views on this, but when I traveled to the point that I couldn't find work, ran out of money, or whatever, I didnt have any other choice.
I remember the first time I busked in Arcata, I was so fucking ashamed and embarressed, I only played a song or two, and then just sat down with my sign and sulked.
I had a local homebum come up and say, "let's hear that guitar, my dude!" I was like "naw, I'm not that good and I dont feel like it" he called my bullshot and told me 'you traveling? How the fuck you gonna make money if you dont play? You know wagon wheel? I'll sing if you play"
So I did, and he sang. We got invited in for free drinks at Toby &Jack's, and I got kicked some cash and weed.
After that it was sealed. I learned new songs, learned how to play and sing at the same time, and started to fund my travels. I remember GREAT success in Eugene. Making way more cash than the crusties in Eugene that would just sit and yell at people for money, they would get pissed and they to run me out, until other travellers came and got my back, telling me to keep it up, and not give into the homebums agression.
My first time flying a sign without busking was on another trip in Eureka. At the Taco Bell. I was so fucking conflicted, but I was going to starve to death (didnt know about the soup kitchen) of I didnt. And I wanted beer. Another great success.
I am a proponent of doing something for money, that's why I busk, but I in no way look down upon straight up panhandling. Live and let live, fuck people that mess with panhandlers. I've intervened many times with asshole fucking with homebums flying signs.
However, I did just have a recent encounter with a dude flying a sing that said 'Hungry and Homeless'. I tried to kick a burger down, and the dude told me to 'fuck off you are messing up my game'
Fuck those people. I wanted to go up, punch the guy, and rip up his sign. I do not suffer people who fuck up flying signs for everyone. The motherfucker got in a car and left later that day. Asshole.