We have all heard it a million times: beggars can’t be choosers. Whether your mother slipped in the phrase when offering you a cookie (but not the type of cookie you wanted!) or you had to use it when dealing with a demanding houseguest who had taken advantage of your hospitality, the saying rings a lot of truth and bears repeating. Yet somehow, not everyone learned the importance of this adage, and some entitled individuals are out there right now wreaking havoc in Instagram DMs, on Facebook marketplace and other places online demanding free art, discounted services and other outlandish requests.
Apparently, beggars can be choosers, they will just be ridiculed for it online. We've gone through the Choosing Beggars subreddit to gather some of the most infuriating posts to share with you all down below, so be sure to upvote the pics that make you want to call up these people’s parents and tell them that they need a reminder that “beggars can’t be choosers”. Keep reading to also find interviews with artists Jill Arwen Posadas and Carrie Brummer to hear their thoughts on people requesting work for free, and then if you’re looking for even more of these frustrating posts after finishing this list, be sure to check out Bored Panda’s last publication featuring the same subreddit right here.
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Ketchup Critics
The Choosing Beggars subreddit features a variety of different situations, from people actually begging for money or services to individuals demanding that they receive special treatment from artists who make a living selling their creations. (No, exposure and networking do not pay the bills.) And some of these posts are astonishing. The sheer level of entitlement some people exhibit is ridiculous, but sadly, it is not uncommon. This subreddit has over 2 million members and receives new posts almost constantly.
The page is flooded with potential landlords offering ridiculous accommodation and people asking photographers to shoot events for free because “there will be a lot of future clients there”. But the moderators do clarify who counts as a “choosy beggar” to keep the group from getting out of control. For example, the beggar must be a “person seeking goods or services at a reduced cost, for free, or for a laughably lopsided trade or a person using social media, dating apps, or otherwise to seek out a specific type of relationship”.
This Is How You Deal With Them
I think this is happening more and more often. I had a kid around 14 or so come up to me when I was buying petrol and ask if I could get him something to eat. I wouldn’t have minded but he starts rattling off several things that he wants and then an energy drink as well (as if petrol isn’t expensive enough!). I told the staff and they said he did it all the time and they always had to chase him off.
When it comes to how “choosy” people must be to qualify for a post on the page, the rules state that they must “have unreasonable standards or have a comical sense of entitlement”. I wish that it was not so easy to find people like that, but clearly, the page proves that there are many encounters with choosy beggars every day. When it comes to who does not qualify to be roasted on the page, the moderators have set some more ground rules.
“Unattractive people seeking a normal relationship and having reasonable standards are not a good fit for this sub,” the rules state. “Ugly people are allowed to want a partner with a job, or no kids, or anything else we would consider reasonable for the beautiful people.” The page is not about bullying, so it’s great that there are guidelines. No one will be shamed for how they look; this is an equal opportunity page where anyone who displays gross entitlement has opened themselves up to criticism.
My Sister-In-Law Has Had Enough Of The Exposure Clientele
The rules also clarify that “a person asking for help with life's necessities out of desperation is not a choosingbeggar”. “The person begging must be at least in the gradient of being an entitled jerk, this sub is not a place to mock poverty,” the moderators explain. They provide the example of someone running out of money and asking for gas through a Facebook status so they can make it to work. “They got the beggar part down, but this sub is not /r/beggars so that post wouldn't fit. If that same person turns down someone offering to give them a ride to work because they don't want to be seen in a PT Cruiser, then that post would fit.”
They also explain that, “A parent asking for handouts because their kids want an Xbox for Christmas and the only way that could happen is if someone donates one, that isn't a choosingbeggar.” If a person is begging without a sense of entitlement, they don’t deserve to be shamed on the page. “If that person is offered a Nintendo and they scoff at the suggestion, then that would be a good post,” the rules note.
Influencer Wants Personal Song Written Plus One Hour Set At Wedding For Free
One of the most common issues brought up on the Choosing Beggars subreddit is the fact that people feel entitled to free art. To address this topic, we reached out to artists Carrie Brummer and Jill Arwen Posadas to hear what it's really like to deal with these "choosy beggars". First, we asked both artists how often they are reached out to about working for free. "On average I would say 2-3 times per year I receive serious requests to either give away my art or do art teaching for free," Carrie told Bored Panda.
"I haven't been asked lately, but I think being asked once is once too often," Jill replied. "I used to get asked a fair bit when I was just starting out. Back when I was younger I thought it was worth it 'for the exposure' and the 'experience points' if I got a good look at who was asking and what 'actual exposure' and experience I would be getting. But these days it would take far more than just 'exposure' (like maybe if it was for charity?) for me to do it."
On second thought, though, Jill remembered that she had been reached out to more recently. "I had been asked when the pandemic was in the thick of things for free art a fair bit. It was for the pandemic, so you'd have to be pretty hardhearted, they must've thought, if you'd said no. But hey, we had to eat during the pandemic, too." Jill admitted that she did create the free art a couple of times, but said she would be lying if she said she had no hard feelings about it.
Waaahhh I Didn’t Get A Less Than $2 Discount At An Already Fairly Priced Diner
We also asked Carrie why she thinks people feel entitled to free art. "Our society and culture sets a tone that says art is barely worth our time, let alone worth investing in," she explained. "Not only can this set us up to expect to pay 'less' for art, it sometimes discourages artists from setting fair prices for their work. In general, people feel more permission to spend money on a dozen streaming services than support an artist."
In terms of how she likes to deal with these individuals, Carrie told Bored Panda, "I've established clear boundaries about what feels good to me to give away or participate in at a discounted rate and what doesn't. If it doesn't meet the criteria it's a no. For whoever needs this reminder: no is a full sentence! I find it a waste of time to offer lengthy explanations to people who won't ever truly invest in my work. I'd rather be making more art."
Customer Is Upset That A Mattress Store Won’t… Help Them Move…?
I'm glad that 2 years later they figured out that the store selling beds is actually just a store selling beds
We also asked Jill why she thinks people feel entitled to free art. "They don't think it's as 'important' as being a doctor, lawyer or so on," she said. "They think it's something people 'just do for fun'. Maybe it's plain ignorance, and you can't blame somebody for something they don't know, I guess. Unless it's someone who thinks they're entitled to free anything and not just art."
And her response to these entitled individuals? "Be polite and say no thank you. And then to not engage further. I don't think it's worth your time, energy or patience to get into that conversation with people like this."
The Guy In The Comment Section Gets It
I used to do photography as a side hustle and I had someone hit me up like this for a highschool graduation shoot. I told her my price and she gave me the whole "exposure" line and wanted me to do it for free. I gave in and told her I'd do it. She got 3 hours on location and then I spent a few hours retouching everything up to get them to look just right. Then I sent them to her. The ones I sent looked pretty much like the photos in this post. She called me all bent out of shape because I blurred her face out of the shots. When she asked why I did that, I told her that that was the free exposure. If she wanted the full exposure, it was gonna cost her $250. In the end, I got my $ but she didn't tip at all. I wonder why.
Lastly, Carrie added how she has found a healthy way to handle these situations. "I personally felt more frustration and resentment towards these 'choosy beggars' before I sat down and truly asked myself when or where I'd be comfortable working at a discounted or free rate. Reflecting on what works for me, which won't be the same answer for everyone, has really helped me shift away from resentment and move closer to amused ambivalence."
If you'd like to support Carrie and check out some of her beautiful artwork, be sure to visit her website right here.
$10 For A Mobile Haircut
Exactly YouTube is a miracle I learned how to punch someone while I had no hands or feet
Jill left us with some words of wisdom as well, "Maybe someday, everywhere, art as a profession would stand on equal footing with other professions. And I do mean all forms of art, including music, literature and so on. But I get this feeling that even if it did, there will always be people who think they can just ask for free stuff whether it's art or not. Let's just feel sorry for them, I guess, while at the same time protecting ourselves and our livelihoods. That's probably more positive than hating on them for being the unfeeling pernicious underhanded unscrupulous freeloaders they are," she added with a laugh.
Be sure to check out Jill's website and her wonderful artwork as well right here.
Forgot About This Gem From The Other Year From When I Was Trying To Sell My Old Phone!
Whether a choosy beggar wants a painter, a graphic designer, or a photographer to create something for them, they are somehow not shy at all about asking for what they want while knowing they can’t offer any money. Influencers slide into the DMs of artists and restaurants requesting free pieces and meals assuming that the “exposure will be worth it”, meanwhile the artists and chefs just want to pay rent and buy groceries without worrying about taking on extra jobs. One clever artist found his own way to put choosy beggars on blast and created a whole Twitter account for it. The account is called For Exposure and was started by South Korea-based cartoonist Ryan Estrada in 2013. In fact, we even have a Bored Panda article featuring some of their best posts right here.
Cb Wants To Sample A Filet To Make Sure It’s Up To Family Standards
Please Make Sure It's In Good Condition Also
No not for free, they’re willing to pay a princely sum of zero dollars
Twitter Art Commissioner Gets His First Choosing Beggar
The For Exposure account invites followers and fellow artists to share the most outlandish responses they have received from potential clients after informing them of their rates. “Surprised by your invoice,” reads one tweet. “I put a lot of smileys in my emails, so I thought we’d become friends and you wouldn’t charge.” Another boldly states, “If we had money for this, we’d be going after real artists… who paint on real canvases. Not the digital fake stuff.” Unfortunately, a lot of artists are willing to take on free labor at the beginning of their careers, but that does not mean they should. “I was very confused as a young artist,” Estrada told the BBC. “I had all of these people telling me that they were just small companies, so they couldn't afford to pay me, but could offer me exposure so that big companies would want to hire me.”
It's Fun To See Them Get This Kind Of Attention Once In A While
Super Roomy Bathroom??!!
Can You Please Deliver That Free Item For Free? And I’ll Make You Feel Bad When You Decline. Smh
"I realized that I had to be my own advocate for my work, and figure out a way to make a living,” Estrada went on to say. And his account has clearly hit home with a lot of other creatives, as it now has over 240k followers. He wants to make it clear to those who don’t understand what being an artist is like that no matter how passionate an artist is, they are still putting in extremely hard work. Not to mention the high cost of materials that many forms of art require. “People think that art is just a fun hobby,” Estrada says. “But it's the difference between enjoying baking brownies on the weekend and working as a chef in a restaurant. That person won't be able to afford their own food if all their time goes into cooking for strangers. Many businesses just don't see that.”
Free Suv, Not Old, Low Mileage, Good On Gas
Oh You Are Selling For $300-$600? How About $20
I Know The Commenter's Math Is Wrong, But Still, Oof...
Now, you might be wondering how it is even possible for so many entitled people to exist and to demand whatever they want for little to no cost. Don’t these people understand how the world works? Well, apparently, they might just find rules unfair. According to a series of studies published in the journal Social Psychological and Personality Science, it is very difficult to get entitled individuals to follow rules because they just don’t think they should apply to them. Emily Zitek of Cornell University and Alexander Jordan of Harvard Medical School conducted a series of studies to understand why entitled people just won’t follow rules, but nothing seemed to motivate them.
That Is Kinda Specific, Isn't It?
Nr 12. Whenever I see that kind of comment I always think "So he's that small".
Make Me A Costume
Wants To Pay $50 For Completely Handmade Robe
“We thought that everyone would follow instructions when we told people that they would definitely get punished for not doing so, but entitled individuals still were less likely to follow instructions than less entitled individuals,” said Zitek. Finally, Zitek and Jordan reached a conclusion that, “Entitled people do not follow instructions because they would rather take a loss themselves than agree to something unfair.” Zitek explained that anyone in charge of entitled individuals, like managers or educators, needs to navigate the challenge of making rules seem “fair” to them if there is any chance of the guidelines being adhered to.
Hahahaha No
Anyone Have Just Too Many Tax Breaks??
What the hell?! Even more so for those who (hopefully no one) actually will do this.
I Guess He Is Asking For A Slave?
So what is the best way to deal with an entitled individual? According to Emily Zitek, “It is hard to change someone’s personality, and research indicates that it is particularly difficult to make someone feel or act less entitled. But we can do things to avoid reinforcing someone’s sense of entitlement. For example, when entitled people make unwarranted demands, it might be better not to give in, because doing so may make them even more certain that their entitlement is justified. And when saying ‘no’ to entitled people, it may help to explain why your refusal is fair, because perceptions of unfairness are linked to even more entitled behavior in the future.”
Make Me Milk, Deliver It To Me Consistently, And Make Sure You Don’t Have That Vaccine
‘No vaccine’ O_o I must. Stop. Scrolling. Or I might lose hope completely in the human population.
Entry Level Job. You Only Need To Have 10-15 Years Of Experience!
I have more than that! Since I was a baby I always loved banging on computers and once wrote the word ‘a’ at three years old!
"Influencer" Wants To Post This Restaurant On Their Page But Asks For Money Off Their Bill To Do So, Owner Denies Their Offer Then Has Influencer Bash Their Restaurant On Their Ig Story
We hope you are amused by this list of bold "choosy beggars". Although beggars are not supposed to be choosers, clearly many of them try to be. Keep upvoting the pics that leave you baffled so your fellow pandas can roast those choosy beggars, and then let us know in the comments if you have ever dealt with an entitled person demanding far too much from you. Remember to compensate artists well, be thankful for kindness that is shown to you, and don't expect to have your cake and eat it too. If you want really delicious cake, you are not going to get it for free.
Don't Even Bother Giving Me $100
Too Good For The Food Bank, Whilst Begging For Groceries
I'm gonna take the oportunity to ask for help as well, my nutritionist recomende me to eat more fish, só i would need some help to get prawns, Lobster, and crab, alas the foodbank closest to me its very low lvl, they don't even have shrimp there, and i can't eat canned tunna, thats poor people food, só please help me lol.
yeah, I was told I need to eat more seafood for my skin, my nutritionist said this, and can I have $800 for caviar I can't eat normal food i'm a princess my mommy said so
Load More Replies...I’d like to say something as a human who relied on food pantries for many years: sometimes it can be degrading and y’all are super judgy. I know every food pantry/food bank is set up differently. But they all have a system set up usually based on points and you get certain number of points based on family size and if you have babies. The people I’ve interacted with have always been very helpful and non judgmental. However, sometimes you just get sick of getting what feels like people’s left overs. It’s donated food so it’s not always in the best condition. Often things are very close to expiration dates. Packaging is almost always damaged, which can affect the food inside. Sometimes it makes you feel like a second class citizen. The first time I was able to get non bruised produce at an actual grocery store I was very close to tears. If you’ve never had to use a food pantry/bank then you need to say a great big thank you to life!
Indeed .when I was younger my family was heavily dependent on ebt and the food bank. My father worked graveyard and my mother worked at a call center . Thankfully we no longer need the help but other people still do.
Load More Replies...This person just described the foods that almost all food banks give out.
Here in Austria we have an App called "TooGoodToGo". Depending on the shop you can get a lot of food for around 4€ (like 2-3 kg fruit and veggies, or a whole bag of stuff from a bakery, a mixed box with something from every department of the store).It might be a little bruised or the packaging is damaged - or it's close to the best before date. It's for everyone to use and you get what you get. I use it regularly, if there is stuff in it I don't like there is always someone willing to trade (family, neighbors, colleagues). There are food banks too, but you have to qualify. The app is just something to reduce waste and save money.
Yes, but I’m assuming that if you can’t afford groceries, you can’t afford a house or an apartment with a lawn to garden. If you’re fortunate enough to have a community garden nearby, those slots often fill up quickly.
Load More Replies...Hmmm.... can afford going to a nutritionist but can't afford to buy the food. Someone needs to re-examine priorities.
Wanna bet that that "nutritionist" is a pyramid scheme/MLM that sunk them in debt so now they can't afford food anymore?
Load More Replies...Our food bank locally does an AMAZING job of giving totally fresh food. They get huge grants from wholesalers so people getting food bank food are getting stuff that's fresh and really good. Not just expired cans donated. :\
I volunteer at a food bank, and they provide fresh fruits and vegetables constantly. I'm not sure about meat, but there is always beans, lentils, rice, etc. for protein sources. I'm going to say OP never even looked at a food bank.
Load More Replies...I don’t think this is horrible. I don’t know who they’re messaging but it’s true that cheap food can be really unhealthy and we Don’t know this person’s back story (maybe pre-diabetic, anaemic, etc). Asking for help isn’t a crime, maybe this was just worded in not the best way.
I am Diabetic and the food bank food is usually terrible for me. DKA could occur and cause loss of limbs, death...so I kinda get it, but I've taken what was offered and upped the insulin.
Idk about judging this one without more info. Some people have legit medical diet needs. Food banks aren’t a great option for this. The person is being polite at least in the post.
The problem with the Food Bank is that you are required to go to the one in your County. If you live in a rural area, these can often be VERY limited.
Food banks really don’t provide as much in the way of fresh fruits and veggies, not to mention meat. This isn’t a picky chooser it’s someone who can’t afford healthy food and is asking for help in supplementing what they can get. You can live off of pasta and dried grains and canned food, but food bank selection varies by location and it’s possible theirs just has flour, oil, and noodles. It is not advisable to raise a family on that diet.
No shaming this woman. She may be just looking out for her family in an awkward manner about an awkward situation. Should we always give boxes of cheese macaroni and feel "Good enough for those people".
A local food bank I had to use was so bad. And I'm grateful at that time I got help but tinned burgers and all high fat tinned foods that were unfortunately not going to feed a large family. It's sad because I've used a food bank and it was bread and vegetables jusy different areas with different ideas. I now can donate to food banks and I try to make sure its items that would be useful and useable.
I worked with a woman who wanted sustenance hunters of wild game to hunt for her, for free, since her child had lone star disease and could no longer eat commercial meats. My clinical dietician friend asked her why not feed her child vegetarian foods and fish and the woman went nuts that my friend wanted to kill her child! We left her alone with that. BTW, the hunters couldn't do much for her either due to bag limits and seasonal restrictions.
Both times I volunteered at the Food Bank we processed fruits and vegetables. Obviously that's a very small sample size but they do have them.
TBH, food banks really don't provide well. It's a small box containing mostly random stuff. Unless you like plain spaghetti with off-brand peanut butter smeared on top, your nutritional needs aren't going to be met.
Food banks often also need period products and various other hygiene items
I will buy you some groceries but you'll pay (any form of help is appreciated)
Hi, yeah, I need help with some food, I need steaks, game, venison and foie gras. Also I desperately need the finest wines known to man. Can anyone help? I’m so desperate.
Welcome to the real world. Good food is expensive, trash food is cheap, and there's always discount produce. Won't last long, but it's food.
I think this poster just came across poorly. The food at many food banks is never fresh and it often isn't enough for kids to be healthy. As she says she debated whether to ask for help, maybe she's trying not to sound whiny, so the tone is odd, but I'd give her the benefit of the doubt.
An Absurd Post In A Roommate Finder Group
What If I Am Hungry At 8:01?
The fact that they end this with "No negative comments" just shows they know how ridiculous they sound.
Looking For A Girlfriend, Iq Under 130 Need Not Apply. Roommate Too
So wants someone who can prove they’re intelligent….but doesn’t want them to say anything? Man needs a cardboard cutout not a roommate. (Also - ‘I don’t believe in pronouns’ yet uses them constantly)
I’d Love To Watch Your Dog For Like $2 An Hour!
The Sense Of Entitlement Is Strong Here, Even With A Significant Portion Of Their Expenses Paid For By Family
This Model Looking For A Free Wedding Photographer. Dancing Will Be Free For You Too
You Pay Me $400, Remove All My (Slightly) Damaged Decking, And Then Haul It Away. Sounds Like A Bargain
“I Believe My Idea Will Work”
“I’m going to pay you with money I don’t have yet” obviously trustworthy right?
Building Wealth On Charity
Pay Me $700/Month To Be My Caretaker And Handyman
Uh-oh. Crazy, dumb and unreasonable Airbnb rules are bleeding into everyday living.
What's The Point Of Paying Someone To Help Us Move When We Could Just Pay Professional Movers?
This is very culture dependent. In my area, it's normal for people to help friends and colleagues move house if it isn't too far. The 'going rate' for payment is providing food, drinks, and the understanding that you will make yourself available when they are moving (or need help with something).
Note: this post originally had 57 images. It’s been shortened to the top 40 images based on user votes.
Top post said it best, we're living in the stupidest timeline in history. I leave for work tonight, I'll be gone a minimum of two weeks with potential for more due to the end of summer coming up, my sister knows I could be gone for a long time. Asked me to go on an all day road trip today to the next town. I said no because I just want to relax for my last few hours of freetime, in my house. She's now all over Facebook telling everyone that I'm lazy and don't want to spend time with family. I've been home two weeks, there was plenty of time to ask me for a small road trip, not last minute!
I work for a bank and investigate joint account ownership disputes (you find out that a relative opened an account with you as an account owner such as primary or secondary and dispute it). I once determined a person wasn't responsible for the account and they were legally released from a $7k+ credit card debt (as well as any negative credit bureau impact). After that, this same person wanted us to refund more than 6 months of payments for her late husband's account. Like, "I just absolved you of $7k of debt but shame on us for not refunding money your ex spouse paid to their card"
Top post said it best, we're living in the stupidest timeline in history. I leave for work tonight, I'll be gone a minimum of two weeks with potential for more due to the end of summer coming up, my sister knows I could be gone for a long time. Asked me to go on an all day road trip today to the next town. I said no because I just want to relax for my last few hours of freetime, in my house. She's now all over Facebook telling everyone that I'm lazy and don't want to spend time with family. I've been home two weeks, there was plenty of time to ask me for a small road trip, not last minute!
I work for a bank and investigate joint account ownership disputes (you find out that a relative opened an account with you as an account owner such as primary or secondary and dispute it). I once determined a person wasn't responsible for the account and they were legally released from a $7k+ credit card debt (as well as any negative credit bureau impact). After that, this same person wanted us to refund more than 6 months of payments for her late husband's account. Like, "I just absolved you of $7k of debt but shame on us for not refunding money your ex spouse paid to their card"