Tipping has long been a controversial topic in the service industry, with many people feeling obligated to leave a gratuity regardless of the quality of service they receive. While it may seem like a small gesture, the truth is that not tipping can have a much bigger impact on the industry as a whole.
One reason I choose not to tip is due to the consistently poor quality of service I have received at many restaurants. Whether it's slow service, inattentive staff, or just a general lack of effort, I feel that if I am paying for a meal, I should not have to also pay for good service. In many cases, I feel that I am being taken advantage of as a customer, and that the staff are simply going through the motions in order to get a tip.
Another issue I have with tipping is the mandatory charges that are added to the bill at many restaurants. These charges, which are often disguised as "service fees" or "gratuities," can add a significant amount to the overall cost of the meal. While these charges are meant to be distributed among the staff, I feel that they are often used to pad the profits of the restaurant instead. In these cases, I feel that I am being asked to pay twice for the same service, and that my money is being misused.
In addition to these issues, many restaurants now require customers to bus their own tables after their meals. While this may seem like a small task, it is one that is traditionally done by the staff in order to keep the restaurant clean and presentable. By having to bus my own table, I feel that I am being asked to do the job of the staff, and that the restaurant is saving money by not hiring enough staff to do the job properly.
Another issue that I have with tipping is the fact that the suggested tips on checks seem to be constantly inflating. In most cases, the default suggestion for a tip now starts at 18%, and it only gets larger from there. This can add a significant amount to the overall cost of a meal.
While it may be argued that these suggested tips are meant to reflect the cost of living and other factors, I feel that they are simply a way for restaurants to increase their profits. In a time when many people are struggling financially, I feel that these inflated tip suggestions are unreasonable and unfair.
Furthermore, I believe that these suggested tips can create an unhealthy dynamic between customers and staff. In some cases, customers may feel pressured to leave a large tip in order to receive good service, while in other cases, staff may feel entitled to a large tip regardless of their performance. This can lead to a cycle of dissatisfaction on both sides, and can ultimately harm the dining experience for everyone involved.
One final reason I do not tip is that there is no separate tipped minimum wage in California. This means that all workers in the state, regardless of whether they receive tips or not, must be paid at least the minimum wage. This is in contrast to other states, where tipped workers are paid a lower minimum wage and are expected to make up the difference through tips. In California, there is no need to tip in order to ensure that workers are being paid fairly, so I feel that it is unnecessary to do so.
This holiday season, I have been having a good experience tipping less. While I have always felt a certain level of discomfort when it comes to tipping, I have found that not leaving a gratuity has actually been a liberating experience. I no longer feel the pressure to conform to societal norms, and I am able to be more selective about where I choose to eat.
One thing I have noticed during this time is that there has been no discernible difference in the quality of service I have received. In fact, the service has been just as mediocre to bad as it has always been, with mediocre food to match. This has only reinforced my belief that tipping does not necessarily lead to better service, and that other factors, such as proper training and good management, are much more important.
As a result, I have decided to make it my New Year's resolution to tip less in 2023. While I know that this may not be a popular decision, I feel that it is the right thing to do for myself and for the industry as a whole. By standing up for what we believe in and refusing to accept poor quality service, we can help to create a better dining experience for everyone.
Ultimately, I believe that the best way to bring about change in the service industry is for everyone to stop tipping. By refusing to leave gratuities, we can send a message to restaurants and other businesses that we expect better quality service and fair wages for all workers. This holiday season, I hope that others will join me in standing up for what is right.
I really want to try Mastodon, but I only want to do it if it’s 100% self hosted on hardware I own. I looked into doing this recently and I got started but it was a bit too complicated. For now, I’ll stick with good old ehLabs.
It was November when I found myself in the bustling city of Seoul. My trip started off with a visit to Gyeongbokgung palace, a stunningly beautiful and historic landmark. The palace was surrounded by lush gardens, and the architecture was truly breathtaking.
Next, I made my way to Jogyesa, the headquarters of the Jogye order and a temple known for its peaceful atmosphere. As I walked around the grounds, I couldn't help but notice the white pine tree, a symbol of longevity and eternal youth. I also marveled at the three large buddhas located within the temple, each one representing a different aspect of the Buddha's teachings. It was a truly serene and calming experience to spend some time at Jogyesa, taking in the sights and sounds of the temple.
After visiting Jogyesa, I headed to Gwangjang market, a bustling and lively place filled with stalls selling all kinds of food and goods. Just like Anthony Bourdain, I couldn't resist trying some of the local street food, including live octopus. Despite being a bit nervous at first, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it tasted fresh and not at all fishy. It was definitely an interesting and memorable experience. Just be sure to chew it thoroughly! In addition to the octopus, there were so many other delicious treats to try at the market. It was a fun and tasty way to spend an afternoon.
From there, I made my way to Bongeunsa, a temple located in the bustling Gangnam district of Seoul. As I walked around the grounds, I was struck by the intricate carvings and impressive architecture of the temple. One of the most notable features of Bongeunsa was the giant statue of Maitreya, the future Buddha, which stood tall and proud within the temple. It was a peaceful place to rest and reflect for a while, surrounded by the beauty of the temple and the hustle and bustle of the city just outside its gates.
Finally, I ended my trip with a visit to Doseonsa, a stunningly beautiful temple set on the side of a mountain. The views from there were absolutely breathtaking, and I spent some time taking in the beauty of the surrounding landscape. One of the highlights of my visit was seeing the giant stone buddha carved into the side of the mountain. It was truly an impressive sight to behold. I also had the opportunity to have lunch with the monks at the temple, which was a truly memorable experience. It was a peaceful and serene way to end my trip to Seoul.
All in all, my trip to Seoul was an incredible experience. I was able to visit so many beautiful and historic landmarks, and I will always remember the sights and sounds of the city.
The following post was written by ChatGPT:
In today's digital age, social media has become an integral part of our daily lives. From connecting with friends and family, to staying up to date on the latest news and trends, social media platforms have become a central hub for online communication and information sharing.
However, with the increasing dominance of a few large social media companies, the centralization of these platforms has become a cause for concern. The reliance on a single company to host and manage our online conversations and relationships has led to a number of issues, including the censorship of certain viewpoints, the collection and misuse of user data, and the manipulation of information.
This is where microblogs come in. A microblog is a type of online platform that allows users to share short-form content, such as thoughts, ideas, and updates, in a more decentralized manner. Unlike traditional social media platforms, which are owned and controlled by a single company, microblogs are often decentralized and run on open-source software.
This decentralization has a number of benefits for users. For one, it allows for greater control over the content that is shared and the conversations that take place. Without the need to adhere to the policies and regulations of a single company, users are free to express themselves and engage with others in a more open and authentic manner.
Additionally, decentralization also helps to protect user privacy. Without a central authority collecting and managing user data, the risk of data breaches and misuse is greatly reduced. This is especially important in light of recent data scandals involving large social media companies.
Furthermore, decentralization also helps to promote a more diverse and inclusive online community. Without the influence of a single company dictating what content is allowed and promoted, a wider range of voices and perspectives can be heard and represented.
In short, running your own microblog is a way to take control of your online presence and communication, and to participate in a more decentralized and open online community. It is a way to protect your privacy and to have a greater say in the content and conversations that take place on the platform. In an increasingly connected world, it is more important than ever to have a platform that promotes decentralization and inclusivity.