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Super Contributor
Posts: 750
Registered: ‎03-12-2010

Re: Have You Ever...Paid For The Order Behind You In Line

On 9/14/2014 biancardi said:
On 9/14/2014 ktlynam said:
On 9/14/2014 biancardi said:
On 9/14/2014 Hildegarde Withers said:
On 9/14/2014 ktlynam said:

I totally agree with the random acts of kindness, but this sounds like a publicity stunt and who, in the end, really benefited from this "random act"? I guess contrived situations for the benefit of the business to get their name in the newspapers kind of negates the whole idea of spontaneous and anonymous generosity for me. I wonder how many people jacked up their orders knowing that the person in front of them was going to pay for it.

I thought the same thing. What's the point of it? Wouldn't be easier and faster for everyone to pay for their own order?

oh well. If you don't understand or like the concept, then you won't get it.

No, we understand and "get it." Just don't like the silly commercialization of it.

how is a bunch of people participating "silly commercialization"? It isn't their fault that the media picked up on it.

I would rather have this type of "silly commercialization" that some of the horrors that are currently going around in this world.

It's silly commercialization because Starbucks set it up and alerted the media that they wanted to "set a world record" according to an earlier poster. Believe me, the media didn't just accidentally "pick up on it."

So the point was not really to encourage people to engage in random acts of kindness, but a staged event to help Starbucks set some kind of world record. It's just distasteful to me when a corporation takes a good-hearted concept and sullies it for their own benefit. And believe me, Starbucks was the only true beneficiary because it no doubt increased their sales tenfold as people wanted to get into the act and be a part of the publicity stunt. No one else really got their order for "free" as they had to pay for the person's order behind them. I guess the last person in line was the true beneficiary.

Money doesn't talk; it swears. --Bob Dylan
Trusted Contributor
Posts: 3,697
Registered: ‎03-09-2010

Re: Have You Ever...Paid For The Order Behind You In Line

On 9/14/2014 happy housewife said:
On 9/14/2014 biancardi said:
On 9/14/2014 Hildegarde Withers said:
On 9/14/2014 ktlynam said:

I totally agree with the random acts of kindness, but this sounds like a publicity stunt and who, in the end, really benefited from this "random act"? I guess contrived situations for the benefit of the business to get their name in the newspapers kind of negates the whole idea of spontaneous and anonymous generosity for me. I wonder how many people jacked up their orders knowing that the person in front of them was going to pay for it.

I thought the same thing. What's the point of it? Wouldn't be easier and faster for everyone to pay for their own order?

oh well. If you don't understand or like the concept, then you won't get it.

Your right - i don't get why my paying for a meal or a toll or anything else for some stranger who may well be a multimillionaire is of any worth in the world when there are so many people who can't provide a meal a day for their children and could really use that money.

I agree but then I guess I'm just not with it.

It's always a victory for me when I remember why I entered a room.
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Re: Have You Ever...Paid For The Order Behind You In Line

On 9/14/2014 terrier3 said:
On 9/14/2014 occasional rain said:

I don't want anyone to pay for me, I'd much rather they donated to an animal shelter or PETA. In a way it can be insulting, the person has to wonder whether it was just a nice gesture or did the payer think they looked needy.

Are you always looking to be insulted and/or offended?

It's not based on who looks "needy" - it's just a nice gesture...I don't even glance to see what the people are like behind me in line.

Expecting someone else to donate to a charity of your choice - that's a bit beyond the scope of this little gesture.

I never said I'd be insulted only that a person may be insulted.

Where did I say I expected anyone to donate anything to anyone? I simply said that rather than paying for something I can well afford myself, I'd rather they did something worthwhile with their money like donating to a shelter or PETA.

Somehow you seem to read between the lines and get it wrong a lot of the time. Why not just take what's posted at face value.

Honored Contributor
Posts: 32,639
Registered: ‎05-10-2010

Re: Have You Ever...Paid For The Order Behind You In Line

No.... It's silly. I'd rather do something for someone who NEEDS a little help.
Super Contributor
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Registered: ‎04-18-2013

Re: Have You Ever...Paid For The Order Behind You In Line

This was posted this morning on my FB Work for a cause not for Applause. Live life to express not to impress.
Honored Contributor
Posts: 12,543
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Re: Have You Ever...Paid For The Order Behind You In Line

It's better to give a smile, a compliment, attention than to play big spender by covering another's bill.

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Re: Have You Ever...Paid For The Order Behind You In Line

On 9/14/2014 occasional rain said:

It's better to give a smile, a compliment, attention than to play big spender by covering another's bill.

for some, it is not "playing a big spender"

I do not belittle how you wish to behave, please do not belittle others and their motives

If you can't fix what's broken, you'll go insane ~ Max
Look, I don’t like the taste of broccoli, but it doesn’t get tastier if you call it “Broccoli!”!
You mustn't be afraid to dream a little bigger, darling. ~ Eames
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Registered: ‎03-30-2011

Re: Have You Ever...Paid For The Order Behind You In Line

Lovely idea OP. Giving and giving for any reason is good. Here are some reasons for giving and passing it on and yes, it does make the giver feel good, its supposed to!!

For the person who has a bountiful eye, or who is a generous giver, there is a promise. It's the promise of being blessed. The scripture goes on to say, "for he gives of his bread to the poor"


God has built into life this principle, that it is more blessed to give then it is to receive.

Ac 20:35* “I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive."


What are the blessings of being a giver?

1. A personal joy in your own heart.

2. A renewed perspective on the use of our funds and material possessions.

3. A realization that others have needs that we may have once had.

4. A sense that the Lord is pleased with our giving.

5. A real act that is in keeping with how the Lord acted when on earth.

6. A knowledge that treasures are being stored up in heaven.

7. A desire to do more of the same. Be a consistent giver.

I saw this on a blog and it made sense. Proverbs 11:24-25 says this, " There is one who scatters, yet increases more; And there is one who withholds more than is right, But it leads to poverty. The generous soul will be made rich, And he who waters will also be watered himself". So true...it is more blessed to give than to receive and the blessing is in the giving, because we get our eyes off our own needs, hurts, wants, etc., as we give to others. Do you want to be happy? Then give of yourself...May we be like our Master who said in Mark 10:45, " For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and give His life a ransom for many.

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Registered: ‎12-17-2012

Re: Have You Ever...Paid For The Order Behind You In Line

On 9/14/2014 bluegrassbaby said:

It has become apparent to me that there are a "few here" who think that the motive for this thread was purely for my pleasure and benefit...that could not be farther from the truth.

I wanted to give "inspiration" to others to do some random act of kindness.

For those of you who have not read the entirety of this thread...we did this for a small group of mentally challenged kids.

If I insulted you...I am sorry.

If I inspired you...I am truly truly grateful.

My heart is heavy from all of you who have given your time to post here in my defense...when we stopped for lunch and I read this, I just had to take time to give thanks.

You have no reason to apologize to anyone. It is they that should apologize to you. You did something your heart told you to do. You felt good doing it and I feel sure they were thankful, too. Because of you, they may be able to go out again before having to save their monies. Please continue to be you and don't worry about those that don't understand.

Fate whispers to her, "You cannot withstand the storm." She whispers back, "I am the storm."

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Posts: 3,757
Registered: ‎11-28-2012

Re: Have You Ever...Paid For The Order Behind You In Line

There are places acts of kindness and generosity will always be appreciated. There are shelters, food banks, animal rescue organizations that always need some kind of help, particularly financial.

Our armed forces members appreciate a thank you for your service along with a cup of coffee.

To single people out because they are elderly, or handicapped, or have well behaved children to be recipient of what you feel is your kindness, may not be received in the spirit you think it should.