I can't make up my mind on this one, while driving past the station this morning I saw a big issue seller stood at the pedestrian crossing asking all the commuters if they want a big issue.

It made me think, after spending millions doing up the area so that people visiting Sheffield are impressed is it a good or a bad thing that more or less a minute after entering the city they are asked if they want a big issue by a rough looking chap?

Not really sure what I think, or even if it's important just made me wonder what other people think? :confused:

Big issue is sold by the homeless trying to get back on the tracks
They don't allow the sellers to be forceful and they don't take drug users.
I've seen this bloke and he's always polite and never forces his paper on someone who says no.

If you don't want it just be polite and say "no thank you" but don't just ignore his efforts to be part of society.

Why can't Big Issue sellers offer a selection of magazines, for those of us who don't wish to read articles written by tramps? Perhaps they could also serve drinks and a selection of light refreshments?

This is something I have had issues with in the past and would vaguely agree with the OP.

However the current chap selling them behaves OK and does not use aggressive techniques, he is a fairly friendly and reasonably presented person. I have no problems with him.

Did seem him with a mobile phone in front of potential customers that doesn't really help the whole help the homeless line though..

Did you see the apprentice last season? The one where Michelle Dewsberry won? Big Alan Sugar got some of the top guys in his company to interview the last 4 candidates I think. One of the guys being interviewed also said he was annoyed by people selling the big issue and that they (homeless person) should improve their marketing stratergy, I think his interview ended there, as it was obvious he just didn't 'get it'.

I have always wondered that - if they sold a magazine that was like zoo or similar, I'm pretty certain they'd sell to a wider audience. The magazine just isn't interesting enough.

I have a lot of respect for Big Issue sellers. These people are trying to turn their lives around. They never offend me. Give them a big smile and wish thema good morning/afternoon even if you don't want to buy a mag. I have never come across a miserable one yet and they always respond.

theres a guy outside spar on eccy rd sells big issue, the thing that really annoys me about him is, he will ask you if you want 1 when you go in the shop, you politely refuse, then when you go out the shop he asks again, yes he will see a lot of different people through the day, but within the space of a couple of minutes he should realise he,s just asked you, sorry, but they get on my nerves. And as for been homeless, if they are, why can they afford mobile phones and dogs? If you cant afford to look after yourself, dont get a bloody dog for gods sake, its not fair on the poor animal :rant:

It made me think, after spending millions doing up the area so that people visiting Sheffield are impressed is it a good or a bad thing that more or less a minute after entering the city they are asked if they want a big issue by a rough looking chap?

It will acclimatise visitors to meeting the further cohort of Big Issue sellers on Fargate and the Moor. :rolleyes:

I saw one seller with a bluetooth headset chatting away, then when I walked past he managed a "Hold on .... Big Issue please"... then went back to his chat when I said no thanks.

Bluetooth headset and mobile phone? not doing too badly afterall.

It will acclimatise visitors to meeting the further cohort of Big Issue sellers on Fargate and the Moor. :rolleyes:

This is true, maybe we need some clipboard question people there as well! :hihi:

I saw one seller with a bluetooth headset chatting away, then when I walked past he managed a "Hold on .... Big Issue please"... then went back to his chat when I said no thanks.

Bluetooth headset and mobile phone? not doing too badly afterall.

No home though, can't be doing that great.

No home though, can't be doing that great.

Funny how you never see them on the street at night.....

No home though, can't be doing that great.

glad they've got their priorities right then.

If you cant afford to look after yourself, dont get a bloody dog for gods sake, its not fair on the poor animal :rant:
Actually I thought about this a lot after the RSPCA turned us down for rehoming a dog (we work full time so it would be alone for too long) then the Big Issue guy at Orchard Square said his dog was from the RSPCA. At first I felt annoyed/jealous and had the same view as you, but then thought, the thing a dog needs most (apart from food & water) is companionship, and this guy takes his dog everywhere & is with her all the time... so I'm sure the dog is having a much happier life with him than they would do sat on their own in someones nice house for 8hrs/day. ;)
Dog food doesn't cost much, and the PDSA will cover vet treatment.
Plus maybe having the responsibility and companionship of owning a dog (not to mention the unconditional love a dog gives) might help keep the owner on the straight & narrow?

People aggressively selling things round the station or Fargate or wherever is really irritating. If they just kept quiet and weren't so in your face I wouldn't mind but they insist on interrogating you. It was opticians or some such the other week.

The staff in M&S don't leap out and accost me saying 'do you want a sandwich'?' every time I pass, so why do I have to put up with it from Big Issue vendors?

.....Plus maybe having the responsibility and companionship of owning a dog (not to mention the unconditional love a dog gives) might help keep the owner on the straight & narrow?Studies have already proven that this is the case Katie :)

Big issue sellers I can cope with - it's the scam merchants scrounging dosh on the station concourse itself I think needs addressing :gag:

Funny how you never see them on the street at night.....

Aren't there homeless shelters and such?

glad they've got their priorities right then.

Thing is, these guys actually get used to living on the street and will choose not to live in homes. It doesn't mean they don't need help though. Why wouldn't he need a mobile phone just like everyone else?

Why wouldn't he need a mobile phone just like everyone else?

Was his laptop not working or something?

More disturbing still is the fact that rough sleepers are 35 times more likely to commit suicide than average, and life expectancy is a miserable 42 years (less than Ethiopia).

Studies have already proven that this is the case Katie :)
Yeah it stands to reason :)

I think it's important to remember that dogs couldn't give a to55 how rich or poor you are, just how much you love them :)

Yeah it stands to reason :)

I think it's important to remember that dogs couldn't give a to55 how rich or poor you are, just how much you love them :)

But if it was starving to death on the streets a dog would have no qualms about eating its owner.

Big issue sellers are making an attempt to provide for themselves.

One or two are little bit too noisy, but salespeople need to let you know that they are there, and what they are selling, and with the Big Issue they are very honest i.e. Thy shout out Big Isssue is all they sell and what you get for your money. We cannot say the same about all other businesses can we?

They are trying not to be homeless, they don't have the luxury of setting up a shop and waiting for us to come in like Marks and Sparks.
What on earth is wrong with them using their own earnings to buy what they want such as mobiles?

Was his laptop not working or something?

I'm sure you can pick up a mobile for 2nd hand for next to nothing these days and if it benefits him being able to call big issue or whoever, then what's the problem? most probably cheaper than a payphone in the long run.

Was his laptop not working or something?

Basil I love your comedy, but we never get to know your real opinions.
Tell me to p**s off if you like but I would like to know your opinion on this one.

Quote:

The Big Issue in the North is sold by homeless people across the north of England. Alongside selling the magazine most of our vendors take part in The Big Life Plan, a tailored programme of support to help vendors achieve their goals and move away from the streets for good.

Selling The Big Issue in the North gives homeless people the opportunity to earn a legitimate income. It also gives homeless people motivation and self-esteem.

* 85%of vendors say that selling gives them the motivation to change their lives
* 79% say it has improved their self-confidence
* 95% say they want more from life than selling The Big Issue in the North
* 82% say that since selling the magazine they have committed less crime.

Basil I love your comedy, but we never get to know your real opinions.
Tell me to p**s off if you like but I would like to know your opinion on this one.

P**s off!

No but seriously, if you walk through any city centre, you'll be accosted 4 or 5 times by homeless people trying to sell you the same product. Even if you do buy it, you're only going to do so once a week, so it's a complete waste of time to have so many people spending their whole time selling it. The fact that most Big Issue sellers have ...er... personal hygiene issues is also a bit of a negative.

Whatever the PC crew say, homelessness is always a choice. The responsibility to change your circumstances rests solely with the individual; thus if any homeless person wants to make something of their lives it's up to them to do something about it. There are numerous homelessness organisations offering shelter and support, and most local councils have housing available; perhaps not desirable houszing but surely better than living on the streets.

Far from helping the homeless, The Big Issue actually perpetuates it. It encourages the sellers to be dependent on it for their money and, by making being homeless slightly more tolerable prevents its sellers from escaping a life on the streets. If The Big Issue Ltd really wanted to help the homeless it would sell its magazine in normal newsagents; thus those who want it could still buy it while the rest of us can walk through town without being constantly accosted.

i think its good that they are trying to help themselves and the guy on the moor outside sainsburys is very polite indeed even when you don't buy one

my mum never buys one but she always gives them the money for one and tells them to sell it to someone else.

the people who bug me are the canversers in fargate trying to get you to have a catalogue they really do my head in the hound you as your walking past.

as for the guy at the station like another member said if you dont want one just say "no thank you" its not hard. as for him being there, whats wrong with that, he has every right to be there doesnt he ??


as for beggers on the street i won't give them the time of day, probably the majority of them are on benefits anyway and living in council accomodation.

If The Big Issue Ltd really wanted to help the homeless it would sell its magazine in normal newsagents; thus those who want it could still buy it while the rest of us can walk through town without being constantly accosted.

That's a very good point and idea, would more people buy it if they didn't think of it as a "Nuisance" as they are trying to walk through town?

P**s off!

No but seriously, if you walk through any city centre, you'll be accosted 4 or 5 times by homeless people trying to sell you the same product. Even if you do buy it, you're only going to do so once a week, so it's a complete waste of time to have so many people spending their whole time selling it. The fact that most Big Issue sellers have ...er... personal hygiene issues is also a bit of a negative.

Whatever the PC crew say, homelessness is always a choice. The responsibility to change your circumstances rests solely with the individual; thus if any homeless person wants to make something of their lives it's up to them to do something about it. There are numerous homelessness organisations offering shelter and support, and most local councils have housing available; perhaps not desirable houszing but surely better than living on the streets.

Far from helping the homeless, The Big Issue actually perpetuates it. It encourages the sellers to be dependent on it for their money and, by making being homeless slightly more tolerable prevents its sellers from escaping a life on the streets. If The Big Issue Ltd really wanted to help the homeless it would sell its magazine in normal newsagents; thus those who want it could still buy it while the rest of us can walk through town without being constantly accosted.

I hate to say it but you do have some good points there, particularly about perpetuating the situation.

We all make mistakes in life. The Big Issue sellers have probably just made bigger ones than most of us. They are trying to get their lives back on track. Show them some compassion.

How dare such scruffy oiks be allowed to loiter outside the station! Why, everyone using Sheffield station ought to be required to have a regulation shirt back and sides, collar and tie and shoes so shiny that you could see your own @rsehole in them! What. What.

Sorry, I divide the world into two sorts of people. The ones who don't mind Big Issue sellers and just say "No thank you" if they do not want a magazine and those who have 'problems' with them - which seems to be churlish, ignorant and wholly selfish to be perfectly blunt!

Anyway. Homeless folk with mobiles - they're not going to be able to have a landline, are they?! Duh! And a mobile can cost just a few quid second hand, top up in the supermarket, and off you go. A mobile also means these guys are contactable about possible flats and jobs, and are in touch with any drugs counsellors or health care.

Went past the station on Sunday - there are massive blue plastic sheets hanging in the windows near the ticket office [not sure why ?], and there was masses of rubbish all over the place, the few bins that were there were overflowing. That doesnt help with the atmosphere at all.

Big issue chaps in sheffield are fab - if you say no thanks they say have a nice day etc. Same goes for a bloke begging near the Odeon, who had only one good eye and was drunk beyond belief - looked like he was on his last legs :gag:

dont get a bloody dog for gods sake, its not fair on the poor animal :rant:

Dogs provide company, security, friendship and warmth - surely you can't deny a homeless person this???

I have a lot of respect for Big Issue sellers. These people are trying to turn their lives around. They never offend me. Give them a big smile and wish thema good morning/afternoon even if you don't want to buy a mag. I have never come across a miserable one yet and they always respond.

And if you dont want to be the big issue but only give them 20p for their pocket they're really just soo happy. Wish everyone else I knew could be so readily pleased.

Whatever the PC crew say, homelessness is always a choice. The responsibility to change your circumstances rests solely with the individual; thus if any homeless person wants to make something of their lives it's up to them to do something about it. There are numerous homelessness organisations offering shelter and support, and most local councils have housing available; perhaps not desirable houszing but surely better than living on the streets.


Have you ever worked with homeless people Basil? Although for some it is a choice, for many its a cycle of events, such as relationship and family breakdown, mental illness, alcoholism etc. I've had to turn people away who desperately needed somewhere to stay, because they didn't tick all the boxes that the government states makes someone eligible for housing via the homeless route. I've known at the time that the only 2 self referral hostels for men in Sheffield would be full. If the people were reasonably streetwise they would know somewhere they could doss down, maybe a mate's floor? Single people/couples without any children, health or disability issues, between 18-60 are rarely classed as vulnerable, and are expected to source their own housing.

The demand for any council housing in Sheffied outstrips supply by a large percentage nowadays, so what they could have had 5 or 6 years ago isn't available now. And one more point, Big Issue sellers are either homeless or in temporary accommodation, but being homeless doesn't always mean roofless. It means having no permanent accommodation.

Big issue is sold by the homeless trying to get back on the tracks
They don't allow the sellers to be forceful and they don't take drug users.
I've seen this bloke and he's always polite and never forces his paper on someone who says no.

If you don't want it just be polite and say "no thank you" but don't just ignore his efforts to be part of society.
I've seen vendors of the Big Issue injecting crap into their systems on the Odeon before.

Why can't Big Issue sellers offer a selection of magazines, for those of us who don't wish to read articles written by tramps? Perhaps they could also serve drinks and a selection of light refreshments?

I actually thnk the Big Issue is value for money. Thoughtful articles and a source of 'social' job ads.

A considerable number of 'homeless' people have service histories - used up and then left on the scrap heap. Let's not judge too readily.

Actually I thought about this a lot after the RSPCA turned us down for rehoming a dog (we work full time so it would be alone for too long) then the Big Issue guy at Orchard Square said his dog was from the RSPCA. At first I felt annoyed/jealous and had the same view as you, but then thought, the thing a dog needs most (apart from food & water) is companionship, and this guy takes his dog everywhere & is with her all the time... so I'm sure the dog is having a much happier life with him than they would do sat on their own in someones nice house for 8hrs/day. ;)
Dog food doesn't cost much, and the PDSA will cover vet treatment.
Plus maybe having the responsibility and companionship of owning a dog (not to mention the unconditional love a dog gives) might help keep the owner on the straight & narrow?

Just had to say how lovely I thought this post was. You're obviously a very sensitive, together person.

I have a lot of respect for Big Issue sellers. These people are trying to turn their lives around.

couldn't agree more. i find the mag itself reasonably interesting in parts as well. as for selling it outside the station, well, it appears the person who sells there is well-mannered and polite anyway, but regardless, someone would have to be the first big issue seller that people meet from the station anyway.

oh, and i just saw some bull about homelessness always being a choice - wake up sunshine and educate yourself about homelessness issues (and indeed the bigger issue of the tension between structure and agency). sometimes it's a choice, sometimes it's a choice between that and a lot worse, and sometimes it's not a choice at all.

the big issue sellers were only allowed to sell for a certain period of time (albeit quite a while!), then they're supported to move on, so i'm not sure how it perpetuates homelessness? (unless of course this has changed)

Basil I love your comedy, but we never get to know your real opinions.


if you want a real opinion from basil, just mention the arctic monkeys...:hihi:

Heyup how about the arctic monkeys then basil

Whilst in theory, Big Issue is a good idea, it is a bit off-putting going into a shop with a vendor stood there. It really does put me off going in M&S and John Lewis and hope the Management of shops are aware of how off-putting it is.

A couple of years ago, I heard a BI vendor swear at a little old lady for ignoring him. Fortunately she was that old she did not hear his remarks.

The bloke selling outside Somerfield in Broomhill does actually approach people to buy the BI and also he has a couple of cronies hanging around him. I find his selling techniques very intimidating. For this reason I very rarely go into Somerfield even though it is my local supermarket.

Why can't BI be sold in Newsagents instead?

Why can't BI be sold in Newsagents instead?

Because that would defeat the object! The sellers get 50 pence (or thereabouts) from the sale of each issue - that's how they make their living.


There are occasionally sellers who don't behave as well as they might - the big Issue are well aware of this and publicise phone numbers to encourage the public to reprt any seller who's unfit through drink, drugs or is abusive.

It really does put me off going in M&S and John Lewis and hope the Management of shops are aware of how off-putting it is.

Yes, they seem to target more 'middle class' shops such as the two you mention and WH Smith, Debenhams and Sainsburys etc. Consequently, I've always suspected that Big Issue selling isn't simply the innocent magazine operation it's made out to be but that there is an element of political demo about it.

Yes, they seem to target more 'middle class' shops such as the two you mention and WH Smith, Debenhams and Sainsburys etc. Consequently, I've always suspected that Big Issue selling isn't simply the innocent magazine operation it's made out to be but that there is an element of political demo about it.

What? Political demo? Who's demonstrating at whom? What a load of baloney. More like simple economics - think about it, if you want to target people with a fair bit of disposable income where are you going to hang about?
Poundland? Gregg's?

Since this came up, it reminded me about what ahppended the oterh week to me by the interchange.

I was walking to the station and thought rather than by a magazine for £2.50 with a load of crap articles about the latest dsigner sunglasses to read on the journey I would by something with something meaningful inside and help out the dude selling it too. I get out my £1.50 and he says something about could he keep the magazine as its his last one and he's £3 short of a bed for the night, so I say, here, have the extra £1.50 and get yourself sorted for a bed.


He then says, oh no, I meant another £3, but you don't mind me keeping the magaizine do you....erm, well, yes actually I wanted to read it. I try to explain that I am happy to buy the magazine, even for over the odds, because I would have paid that for some old toss anyway, but he refused to give it me, point blank, even when Igot to the 'no, i really want the magaizine and I'm paid you for it, you need to give it me'

Now , I know I should have checked his badge and reported him, but you tend not to think of this at the time do you.

Its a great idea, but as in all walks of life there are some tossers that screw things up for eveyone else.

More like simple economics - think about it, if you want to target people with a fair bit of disposable income where are you going to hang about?
Poundland? Gregg's?
So you agree that there is socioeconomic targeting?

Poundland wouldn't be great perhaps but I think there are some upmarket cheese and onion pasty munchers.

So you agree that there is socioeconomic targeting?

Yes and why not? If your customer base is likely to be based on people with a social conscience and a certain amount of money the pitches you look for are going to reflect that.

Heyup how about the arctic monkeys then basil

I can only hope that when their bubble bursts they'll end up on the streets selling the Big Issue themselves!

likely to be based on people with a social conscience

So you agree that the sales technique involves psychological pressure?

There are very few sales with no psycological pressure, just go into any dixons or phone shop :P

I can't make up my mind on this one, while driving past the station this morning I saw a big issue seller stood at the pedestrian crossing asking all the commuters if they want a big issue.

It made me think, after spending millions doing up the area so that people visiting Sheffield are impressed is it a good or a bad thing that more or less a minute after entering the city they are asked if they want a big issue by a rough looking chap?

Not really sure what I think, or even if it's important just made me wonder what other people think? :confused:

Definately a bad thing. What makes it worse is that he quite deliberrately hang around the crossing knowing that people have to wait there and cannot get away from him. Talk about a captive audience.

Definately a bad thing. What makes it worse is that he quite deliberrately hang around the crossing knowing that people have to wait there and cannot get away from him. Talk about a captive audience.

where as advertising boards opposite crossings don't have the same effect at all, right?

where as advertising boards opposite crossings don't have the same effect at all, right?


I don't feel most commuters would be as uneasy with their presence.

where as advertising boards opposite crossings don't have the same effect at all, right?

Advertising boards are there if you want to look at them, they don't approach you. I think advertising boards are so widely used that many people just glaze over there existence anyway! :)

Definately a bad thing. What makes it worse is that he quite deliberrately hang around the crossing knowing that people have to wait there and cannot get away from him. Talk about a captive audience.

That's what I thought... And every morning you use that crossing you get asked, gets a bit old after the 100th time I guess?

Advertising boards are there if you want to look at them, they don't approach you. I think advertising boards are so widely used that many people just glaze over there existence anyway! :)


No one said you couldn't glaze over the big issue sellers-its just that such ignorance is an acquired art.

Depsite my bad experiences I always manage to find the seconds to say 'sorry mate not today' and you know what, most, if not all of them, of them then wish you well. I would much rather give a guy £1.50 for a magazine I won't read than give the tax man hundreds to give to the lazy scummers who sit in their council houses, living off the doll and using it to buy computers to come on here and slag off big issue sellers.

No one said you couldn't glaze over the big issue sellers-its just that such ignorance is an acquired art.

Depsite my bad experiences I always manage to find the seconds to say 'sorry mate not today' and you know what, most, if not all of them, of them then wish you well. I would much rather give a guy £1.50 for a magazine I won't read than give the tax man hundreds to give to the lazy scummers who sit in their council houses, living off the doll and using it to buy computers to come on here and slag off big issue sellers.

Living off the doll. This is a big problem in Sheffield it has to be said. Living off the immoral earnings of a blow up doll is indeed serious.

Didn't Cliff Richard do a song about living off the doll?

There are some unscrupilious men around who hire out blow up dolls and do very nicely from it indeed. All it costs them is the price of a puncture repair kit and a dishcloth.

[QUOTE=tomjerry;2155394]Whilst in theory, Big Issue is a good idea, it is a bit off-putting going into a shop with a vendor stood there. It really does put me off going in M&S and John Lewis and hope the Management of shops are aware of how off-putting it is.

The M&S Big Issue seller is a lovely man. Used to pass him every morning on my way to work. He always gives you a big smile and a cheery Good Morning. It is impossible not to smile back at him. A lot better mannered and cheerful than the majority of people in M&S.

Would not put me off at all. Why are you so uncomfortable with 'poor people' trying to earn a living? Not trying to bait you but I would rather see them trying to get back on their feet than signing on.

Depsite my bad experiences I always manage to find the seconds to say 'sorry mate not today'

I think it's only polite to say "no thanks" or acknowledge that they have spoken to you in some way, ignoring them is just rude and uncalled for.

There are 3 entrances to John Lewis and 2 to M&S, only one has a BI seller by it, if you don't like it use one of the other entrances ?

I think it's only polite to say "no thanks" or acknowledge that they have spoken to you in some way, ignoring them is just rude and uncalled for.


But when you encounter two or three of them within the space of a few minutes the novelty starts to wear off.

I think it's only polite to say "no thanks" or acknowledge that they have spoken to you in some way, ignoring them is just rude and uncalled for.

There are 3 entrances to John Lewis and 2 to M&S, only one has a BI seller by it, if you don't like it use one of the other entrances ?

Yeah. :thumbsup: Me heart, it bleeds so much for people who have nothing more to stress over than a Big Issue seller cluttering up the street that they find it soooo stressful simply saying "No thanks" to.

I can't make up my mind on this one, while driving past the station this morning I saw a big issue seller stood at the pedestrian crossing asking all the commuters if they want a big issue.

It made me think, after spending millions doing up the area so that people visiting Sheffield are impressed is it a good or a bad thing that more or less a minute after entering the city they are asked if they want a big issue by a rough looking chap?

Not really sure what I think, or even if it's important just made me wonder what other people think? :confused:

I can understand the dilemma here, and the postings prove that everyone has their own opinions /ideas probably based on their own experience.
Most of us want to see Sheffield and other towns looking good, we also want to be able to move about without being accosted, however charmingly the seller is pushing it.
Basil, I believe has a point about The Big issue in an odd way perpetuating homelessness.
Quote {Mathom
Sorry, I divide the world into two sorts of people. The ones who
don't mind Big Issue sellers
and just say "No thank you" if they do not want a magazine and
those who have 'problems'
with them - which seems to be churlish, ignorant and wholly
selfishto be perfectly blunt! }
I don’t believe this issue is as black and white as you say Mathom people are far more complex.

People are entitled to ask you in the street if you wish to buy something from them - can range from a greengrocer shouting out the cheap price of his cabbages to a big promo by Red Bull handing out free drinks and vouchers. A Big Issue seller is just the same! Just someone trying to make a living, that's all.

All the ones I've met have been polite and all you need to say is "No Thanks!" if you don't want one, simple as. If they really are threatening then report them as they are not supposed to do that! People only get an 'attitude' about them because they are homeless and asume they are therefore nasty people.

I mean, if people have a problem with the thought that a stranger might dare to approach them in the street and ask if they want to buy nothing more innocuous than a magazine, then maybe they ought to stay indoors as it's more than a bit @nal!

And what does what the Big Issue sellers look like have to do with the price of fish anyway? It's not like there's a dress code on the streets!

Hear hear Vicki85!! I've never heard such a miserable bunch of old scrotes whingeing on about homeless people. It could so so easily happen to any of us!! Just as it did the people selling the Issue. The problem of homelessness will sadly probably never be solved particularly while so many fascist tossers are relishing in their crap uneducated cotton wool world of ignorance. I know which bunch of people I would rather have dealings with and if any of you actually stopped to talk to these men and women you might actually realise that the world does not revolve around you and your (probably obese) shallow tacky life! Do you not buy it because you can't read long words?!!!
Oh and Basil wotsyerface - it isn't written by tramps you foul old fart.

Oh and Basil wotsyerface - it isn't written by tramps you foul old fart.

Basil, I think I just found out what you can put under your user name :D If you don't want it then I'm nicking it!!

Back on subject, I don't really think that it presents a good image of the city having a hobo squawking "Biggg errr Shoooe" to the passers by.

I always think that it's a redundant function as my shoes fit perfectly, why would I want a bigger one?

[QUOTE=tomjerry;2155394]Whilst in theory, Big Issue is a good idea, it is a bit off-putting going into a shop with a vendor stood there. It really does put me off going in M&S and John Lewis and hope the Management of shops are aware of how off-putting it is.

The M&S Big Issue seller is a lovely man. Used to pass him every morning on my way to work. He always gives you a big smile and a cheery Good Morning. It is impossible not to smile back at him. A lot better mannered and cheerful than the majority of people in M&S.

Would not put me off at all. Why are you so uncomfortable with 'poor people' trying to earn a living? Not trying to bait you but I would rather see them trying to get back on their feet than signing on.

I don't generally have anything against BI sellers, but when they actually approach you and hear them swearing at little old dears, it is a bit offputting and your opinion of them goes downhill very rapidly.

Another BI seller with a dog - was stationed at the entrance to Orchard Square (last year), the dog was barking at people and trying to chase shoppers. Good job the dog was tied up, again not a very good advert for the BI cause.

It doesn't bother me. I thought he was quite clever setting up there with a captive audience. I just smile and say 'No thanks'.

The Big Issue seller at Orchard Square??? That blokes' dog is as soft as muck! It's a lovely old dog! Methinks some of us are getting a little bit too wound up...;)

I have to laugh though, creating about the bloke outside Sheffield station - all he does is ask you if you want a mag. Ever been to York? Now there's a BI seller who goes too far! You cannot leave the station without him leaping around like a loonie with ants in his knickers demanding you buy a mag! (I still say NO though if I dont want one) :o And that's York - a top flight world city packed with tourists. Somehow I doubt Sheffield's city fathers are going to be breaking a sweat over the bloke by our station...

Ever been to York? Now there's a BI seller who goes too far! You cannot leave the station without him leaping around like a loonie with ants in his knickers demanding you buy a mag!


He is what I'd call......."a character". :hihi:

He is what I'd call......."a character". :hihi:

It is all very well having these in your face 'characters' the problem is that not everyone feels comfortable with them.

Most fit and healthy confident men will find it no bother, but the world is made up of more than just fit ,healthy confident men.