Big Issue

[pie_and_a_pint]

There were a couple of official Big Issue vendors on the main drag near Greenpeace on Saturday. I bought a copy and had a nice chat with one of the guys. Is this a new thing, or have vendors always been on site and I've just not noticed?

[verrymerry]

I bought a copy last year in Shangri-la, I think it's new in the last couple of years

[philipsteak]

got a mate who works for The Big Issue, although he isn't involved in this. Last year was the first year, he reckons there were 3 vendors on site. I didn't see any though (don't think he did either and he was looking out for them)

[buddiepaul]

Never seen it before and only saw a vendor once  this year. Walked passed initially but went back and got one as soon as I realised. 

[John_P]

Be a good patch for a week but I imagine sales will be a lot slower over the next 2 years

[Upside down frowner]

Yeah seen a chap on the bridge selling and talking to folk, girl gave him a five spot I think and didn't want change.

[rinzeanne]

Which reminds me, was there a Q magazine Glastonbury Special this year? I remember buying guide one on other years at the exit on Monday 

[JamboNelly]

3 minutes ago, rinzeanne said:

Which reminds me, was there a Q magazine Glastonbury Special this year? I remember buying guide one on other years at the exit on Monday 

Always kept an eye out for Q vendors on the Monday but none that I could see this year, none last year either.

[TobySinclair_]

One of the Big Issue sellers from Glastonbury, William, is on the front page of this weeks Big Issue. Had a lovely chat with him and his story is very inspiring.

[themuel]

I saw two, love the mag. 

Although my local vendor is annoying me because he's stopped offering change which I'm sure isn't the point. 

[Quark]

41 minutes ago, themuel said:

I saw two, love the mag. 

Although my local vendor is annoying me because he's stopped offering change which I'm sure isn't the point. 

It isn't.  There are a couple of vendors near me, one has a regular spot and she's lovely; the other guys has a tendency to come and go.  Not only does he not offer change, he'll also ask for extra cash once you've bought the magazine.

Now my grumble with that is (a) as you say it's not really the point, but also (b) there's a good chance it will put some people off buying the magzine full stop because the perception will be that "all Big Issue vendors are just after your cash as well as selling the magazine".

I don't begrudge the guy trying to get extra cash because I'm generally not an arsehole, but the Big Issue relies on credibility and the whole "hand up not a handout" philosophy, and I do worry that shenanigans like that can damage that credibility for all the other vendors.  Dunno. Maybe talking out of my arse.

Edited June 30, 2017 by Quark

[whisty]

Bought one off a seller in 2007 or perhaps 08 in the Circus & theatre field, thought he was a walkabout, asked him if he was real, "of course" he said. He was also a poet and included a sheet inside with one of his poems which brought tears to my eyes. 

I still have both the big issue and poem, glad you brought that memory back

Edited June 30, 2017 by whisty