Apparently busking in the US and in Gr. Britain are quite a bit different. For one thing, those of us who busk professionally get really irritated at people who call us "beggars". We take great pride in what we do, and work hard at it. Yes, there are some who are essentially just loud panhandlers, but they aren't really buskers, and make the rest of us look bad. As for "great shoes", I have always found that when I dress well, and am very polite, I do far better than others who look far more needy than I. I have no interest in charity, and would much rather receive a smile and a nickle from someone who really enjoyed my music than a ten-spot from someone who thought I was homeless and starving.

We call putting cash in the case or tip jar priming it. I always prime with three dollars- two bills and a handful of change. It seems optimum for me. I also seem to make more the more money rolls in. Generally, I'll pull a 5 out as soon as I can, but I;ll leave tens or twenties- I've only been robbed when I had fives in the case, oddly enough. I don't know why this is.

Many of us frown on the use of amplifiers for all but the quetest intruments. I learned how to project early on in my busking career, and the knowledge has served me well.

Here in Seattle, there's a thriving streetmusic culture, and we're practicly family. Anyone who treats the other buskers with respect, and bothers to learn what's cool and what's not is welcome to join that family. Again, there are some rude exceptions, of course, but that's life for ya.