Being a paid busker is an oxymoron. It is not what busking is about. Artis the Spoonman is a long-time successful busker in Seattle's Pike Place Market. Here is what he says about the profession of busking - reprinted from his column in the NW HOOT. Copyright, 2009, Artis the Spoonman.

"Busking is the most admirable, honourable, respectable, integrated and difficult form of entertainment there is. Busking has no cover charge, no minimum drink, no ethnic, sex, age, religious, or economic segregation and there is no 'middle man' restricting material. Busking is presented to everyone, whether they slept under a bridge or on the 40th floor the night before. Busking is performed for fair exchange, i.e., the audience pays what they determine applicable, after having viewed and enjoyed the show, if they care to contribute at all. However, as essential as the money is, the first contribution an audience member makes is when they stop."

"Keep in mind; before becoming an audience, a citizen has already predetermined a destination, if only strolling. There is no intention to see a show. We are going from point A to point B and along the way there's an act that attracts our attention. Stopping to listen is, straight up, a 100% compliment and contribution to the show. To remain is an addition to the 100%. To applaud is a further addition, to tip is yet again an increased contribution, and to talk of the act later that day, or the next, is an astounding plus from the first determination to stop while bound elsewhere. People often arrive late to work deliberately, miss appointments intentionally, skip classes at schools, colleges, and universities, and some actually change their whole lifestyle and vocational direction. Those are massive compliments and effects contributed to busking."

"The act can receive as little as nothing, two tips (a $1 bill and a dime), $100 bills, $50 checks, gigs that pay well, food, shelter, information for other entertainment opportunities, meet mates, or connect with other awesome performers that can change your whole life to everyone's advantage. All of the above have happened to me, and much, much more."

That says a lot about busking.

Cheers, S. in Seattle