I've been busking on and off for around 10 years. I was once walloped on the ear by a drunk who demanded I play something different, but other than that no particularly violent episodes.

One of the things I find annoying is BAD buskers. What do people think? Is the street an equitable free market where good buskers will make good money and lousy performers won't? I don't think so. I personally give money only to buskers I think are particularly good, but I wonder what motivates others?

For instance, several times I've recieved money before I've even started to play...does this mean they had spare change that they were going to give to a busker already and I was just the first one they saw? Why do YOU give money to buskers? And what do you give...does it depend on what's in your pocket or whether you feel poor that day or the weather or do you grade the busker and give them 50 cents per point or what?

Interesting thread...keep it going!