Brucie: sorry but what are Buskers Auditioning for? I find it hard to accept that Busking is the same as going for an Interview.

The Shambles: So`lic`i`ta´tion
n. 1. The act of soliciting; earnest request; persistent asking; importunity.
2. Excitement; invitation; as, the solicitation of the senses.

Stilly River Sage: There are such things as Professional Beggars (or maybe all that do it to make a crust are?)who I'm sure also work very hard at their profession.

You seem, instead, to be trying to justify your own performances in the name of charity I said: because the money goes to charity doesn't change the fact that we are begging (all be it by proxi)

And I would politely point out that whether a busker turns in a tax return or not is none of your business Really?

Maybe I mis-read the topic? "Busking is Begging?"

Most of the answers above would be more on the topic of Are Buskers Talented, is busking a profession, do buskers work hard?

I have simply, looked at the definition of the two words - placed those definitions on the thread and stated my opinion on whether those definitions could apply to both pastimes. Which is yes?

I do not criticise either Busking or Begging nor Buskers or Beggars and just state several observations - If I upset anyone by stating my opinion on what is after all a discussion board - sorry but "that's life".

Brucie: MY understanding, if it's not yours or anyone else's Fine - I didn't comment to convert, just to add MY opinion, which is that Busking is Begging, my reason is based on the two definitions stated and nothing I have read so far in this thread has changed my mind - if that's your aim in life feel free?

and if we look to the origin of the word Beg and it's association with Lambert Begue and the Mendicant Order and maybe compare this with the music making of Hari Krashna or Salvation Army, why should anyone feel there is a stigma attached to Begging?

and if we look to Busking and the origin of the word busk coming from the French busquer which means "to Prowl"

which would you rather be associated with a charitable group or a Prowler :-)

and to pass on a quote made to me "Busking is Begging to music"

P.B.

"I'm a hard man to ignore - but well worth the effort"