Desember in NYC - Trip Report
Dec 18th, 2002, 01:43 PM
#41
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Why are people so uptight about how much OTHER people pay for museum admissions? Many people here are trying to be helpful and simply inform visitors who are unaware that the admission price to the Met is a suggested one just in case they feel they want to give less.
Let me pose 3 simple scenarios (at my own peril, I know
):
1)You find a legitimate discount coupon for a museum (the Met or another)--(either in a magazine for tourists, in a publication for locals or a website--Do you use it? or do you say to someone who might use it --what a cheapskate, the museum deserves the support, cough it up, etc, etc.? But the museum accepts the discount and may even have sent it to you...
2) A local area resident, instead of paying museum admission(a set fee or the full "suggested one") each time on his monthly visits , buys a membership to the museum. Is that OK? But the museum now gets only $25 or $50 or $75 out of that person instead of 12 X $5 or $10???
Boy, don't the museums know they're losing money on those membership deals???
3+)What about if you have a membership to a museum in your own area and it allows reciprocal privileges at other museums? What if your work affiliation or credit card grants you free admission to a museum because the company/credit card company is a sponsor of the museum?
There are so many situations like these--
Many cultural institutions and other nonprofit organizations need and deserve our support, but coercing or shaming people into giving doesn't have to be the way to do it.
Let me pose 3 simple scenarios (at my own peril, I know
):1)You find a legitimate discount coupon for a museum (the Met or another)--(either in a magazine for tourists, in a publication for locals or a website--Do you use it? or do you say to someone who might use it --what a cheapskate, the museum deserves the support, cough it up, etc, etc.? But the museum accepts the discount and may even have sent it to you...
2) A local area resident, instead of paying museum admission(a set fee or the full "suggested one") each time on his monthly visits , buys a membership to the museum. Is that OK? But the museum now gets only $25 or $50 or $75 out of that person instead of 12 X $5 or $10???
Boy, don't the museums know they're losing money on those membership deals???
3+)What about if you have a membership to a museum in your own area and it allows reciprocal privileges at other museums? What if your work affiliation or credit card grants you free admission to a museum because the company/credit card company is a sponsor of the museum?
There are so many situations like these--
Many cultural institutions and other nonprofit organizations need and deserve our support, but coercing or shaming people into giving doesn't have to be the way to do it.
Dec 18th, 2002, 01:48 PM
#42
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Thank you, Think About It! Very legitimate observations.
That city-ownership thing is a crack-up. Like when drunken fans in a sports arena stand up cheer: "We're Number One!" No you're not - You're just ticket holding drunken losers!
Glad we're still allowed to play on this post at least!
That city-ownership thing is a crack-up. Like when drunken fans in a sports arena stand up cheer: "We're Number One!" No you're not - You're just ticket holding drunken losers!
Glad we're still allowed to play on this post at least!
Dec 18th, 2002, 02:26 PM
#43
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I think that being a city resident, your taxes also contribute to museums and such. Therefore, if you get a pass to the museum, which allows you in for less than the asking price, you are still supporting the museum with your taxes.
Do not think that anyone is getting away without paying. When a tourist or someone who wants to pay less, does so..eventually prices go up elsewhere.Like the gift shops etc.
The really great concept of paying a "suggested fee" is that all people are able to go to the museums and pay what they can afford. Students, and the elderly for example.
I would feel like a real jerk, paying less when I can afford it. The whole idea of not paying the suggested price is so petty and mean.
Do not think that anyone is getting away without paying. When a tourist or someone who wants to pay less, does so..eventually prices go up elsewhere.Like the gift shops etc.
The really great concept of paying a "suggested fee" is that all people are able to go to the museums and pay what they can afford. Students, and the elderly for example.
I would feel like a real jerk, paying less when I can afford it. The whole idea of not paying the suggested price is so petty and mean.
Dec 18th, 2002, 02:33 PM
#44
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KS,
I cannot agree with you. Petty and mean? It's not a personal thing. Do you have a family? Take every admission/ticket for a weekend of entertainment and then times it by five. Does it seem so affordable now? Someone in the Carribbean forum even ragged on a poster who wanted to put five in a room (including 3 little kids)! Even if you make a decent salary, the funds don't go far when you are trying to take along a family.
I cannot agree with you. Petty and mean? It's not a personal thing. Do you have a family? Take every admission/ticket for a weekend of entertainment and then times it by five. Does it seem so affordable now? Someone in the Carribbean forum even ragged on a poster who wanted to put five in a room (including 3 little kids)! Even if you make a decent salary, the funds don't go far when you are trying to take along a family.
Dec 19th, 2002, 06:18 AM
#45
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Yeah!! I am loving that response, "Get Lost"! It is about time someone stood up to irresponsible breeders with huge families they can't afford. This is a real pet peeve of mine, I'm sick and tired of hearing people whining about all the trips/toys/computers/cars/clothes yada yada yada they want for their kids but can't afford. Hey -- you can't afford them then don't have them! Real simple!
Dec 19th, 2002, 07:03 AM
#48
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It's not just New Yorkers who call their hometown "their" city. Everyone does it. I think it has more to do with a sense of civic pride than anything else. I don't understand why anyone would have a problem with that. Furthermore, my taxes do help keep NYC running. I'm sure someone will pipe in to say so do tourist dollars; well, that's true, but not to the same extent. I pump a lot more money into NYC than any visitor does.
Also, I personally pay the full amount when I visit a museum because I am very interested in supporting such cultural institutions. When the suggested donation is up to the visitor, I think the visitor should pay whatever he or she feels comfortable paying! I'd never think someone was cheap for paying five bucks or whatever. I'm just saying that in the scheme of things, I don't think twelve bucks is too much to pay for an experience that is rarely equaled in terms of history, beauty, and culture.
Also, I personally pay the full amount when I visit a museum because I am very interested in supporting such cultural institutions. When the suggested donation is up to the visitor, I think the visitor should pay whatever he or she feels comfortable paying! I'd never think someone was cheap for paying five bucks or whatever. I'm just saying that in the scheme of things, I don't think twelve bucks is too much to pay for an experience that is rarely equaled in terms of history, beauty, and culture.
Dec 19th, 2002, 07:29 AM
#50
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But J, government grants don't just appear from thin air. Governments collect taxes from their citizens (and their visitors) to provide the money for those grants.
Don't get me wrong - I fully support city government funds going to cultural institutions. After all the Metropolitan brings in tourists that pay in sales and hotel taxes far more than the city contributes. And the paltry amount doesn't compare to the bribes the city pays to big companies like Bear Stearns to keep their offices in the City. But let us remember that the amount paid at the ticket booth is, as clearly stated, a donation. We all have already paid for our admission through the taxes we have paid, whether they be income, sale, hotel, etc.
Don't get me wrong - I fully support city government funds going to cultural institutions. After all the Metropolitan brings in tourists that pay in sales and hotel taxes far more than the city contributes. And the paltry amount doesn't compare to the bribes the city pays to big companies like Bear Stearns to keep their offices in the City. But let us remember that the amount paid at the ticket booth is, as clearly stated, a donation. We all have already paid for our admission through the taxes we have paid, whether they be income, sale, hotel, etc.
Dec 19th, 2002, 07:55 AM
#51
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Get Lost: I have to laugh at your post in spite of myself! But I pity your bitterness. Please remember that the only kids you're subsidizing are the lost souls who really don't have a chance in life.
The rest of us are raising lovable, bright, polite little "brats" that will surely fulfill our vain fantasies of superier acheivment and be supporting you in your old age! We can afford them, alright, but do look for bargains as we enhance their education through cultural events and travel.
Have a nice day!
The rest of us are raising lovable, bright, polite little "brats" that will surely fulfill our vain fantasies of superier acheivment and be supporting you in your old age!
We can afford them, alright, but do look for bargains as we enhance their education through cultural events and travel. Have a nice day!
Dec 19th, 2002, 08:07 AM
#52
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As a native New Yorker, I don't believe it's a big deal to pay less than the suggested $12 admission to the Metropolitan Museum. I've never caught an attitude at the entrance counter. I don't go enough to get a membership but when I go, I never pay the full amount. In fact, most of the museums on Fifth Avenue's 'Museum Mile' have a free night. There's also some city pass one can buy for discounts to museums and other NY events.
Years ago I believe the suggested donation at the Met was $7.50. I had a friend who was a semi-broke professional artist who loved the Met but couldn't afford the suggested donation so she gave whatever she could. When she was in the chips, she gave more than $7.50.
Art is inspiring and enriches the soul. I see no reason why people should get judgmental if it's a suggested donation and not a set admission fee.
Years ago I believe the suggested donation at the Met was $7.50. I had a friend who was a semi-broke professional artist who loved the Met but couldn't afford the suggested donation so she gave whatever she could. When she was in the chips, she gave more than $7.50.
Art is inspiring and enriches the soul. I see no reason why people should get judgmental if it's a suggested donation and not a set admission fee.
Dec 19th, 2002, 09:34 AM
#53
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Yes, I have children and one grandchild.
If the day comes that I cannot afford to go to the Museum, then that suggested fee will be whatever I CAN afford. That is the point! IF you can afford it, why not pay for what you want?
If you can't afford it, then there it is for you anyway!
But remember, when you don't pay, someone else is paying for you, somewhere along the line. Nothing is really free.
Would you still pay less if you had to wear a sticker that said " Paid Less to get in"....?
If the day comes that I cannot afford to go to the Museum, then that suggested fee will be whatever I CAN afford. That is the point! IF you can afford it, why not pay for what you want?
If you can't afford it, then there it is for you anyway!
But remember, when you don't pay, someone else is paying for you, somewhere along the line. Nothing is really free.
Would you still pay less if you had to wear a sticker that said " Paid Less to get in"....?
Dec 19th, 2002, 09:56 AM
#54
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I agree with Lizzie, Chris, and Flynn about museum admissions. Very reasonable posts.
Question for Kim: Is Canal Street street vendors? Is the real thing or fakes? What intersection is the shopping near? Thanks for any tips - if you're still hanging around after all this commotion!
Question for Kim: Is Canal Street street vendors? Is the real thing or fakes? What intersection is the shopping near? Thanks for any tips - if you're still hanging around after all this commotion!
Dec 19th, 2002, 11:40 AM
#55
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Anon,
Canal street is knock offs and it is street vendors and stores. I thought they could only get away with selling knock-offs if they could pack 'em up and move quickly when the cops come, but you can actually go into stores along canal and purses are hanging up. The watches are in small cases at the front of stores and they can be closed up quickly. there were a lot of cops in the area and the actualy sidewalk vendors were constantly packing up and moving, but I guess that is because they are not supposed to be there at all (feel free to correct me if any of this is wrong). Any way, we got out at the subway exit near either Canal and Lafayette or maybe Broadway. It seemed to be about four blocks that were really bussling (is that bustling?). Lots of Kate Spade, Burberry, Gucci purses, and tag heuer, swiss army, rolex, and seiko watches. It was pretty funny because apparently the Burberry scarf is the thing to have for all of us cheapies, everywhere we went we saw lots of people wearing them!
Canal street is knock offs and it is street vendors and stores. I thought they could only get away with selling knock-offs if they could pack 'em up and move quickly when the cops come, but you can actually go into stores along canal and purses are hanging up. The watches are in small cases at the front of stores and they can be closed up quickly. there were a lot of cops in the area and the actualy sidewalk vendors were constantly packing up and moving, but I guess that is because they are not supposed to be there at all (feel free to correct me if any of this is wrong). Any way, we got out at the subway exit near either Canal and Lafayette or maybe Broadway. It seemed to be about four blocks that were really bussling (is that bustling?). Lots of Kate Spade, Burberry, Gucci purses, and tag heuer, swiss army, rolex, and seiko watches. It was pretty funny because apparently the Burberry scarf is the thing to have for all of us cheapies, everywhere we went we saw lots of people wearing them!
Dec 19th, 2002, 11:57 AM
#58
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Be forewarned: whenever you bring up the discussion of Canal St., the fashion SNOBS come out in force against the idea of *gasp* strangers looking tacky! It's b/c these people need to make themselves feel superior on the internet b/c they have major inferiorty complexes. Personally I think that's worse than people wearing knock-offs.
