Walking proof that I am more stupid than I thought I was.

You're not stupid Art. Just a guy with a heart and some bad luck recently. Many have also found themselves in bad circumstances recently with this terrible economy. Including myself.

One thing I think you can make money at is article writing. You obviously have a way with words and an interest in information. You are a natural to be an article writer. Have you tried this avenue?

Hi, Tim,

Bad luck - yes, I suppose that's it.

I used to write articles but gave it up after being accused of plagiarism by EZA with no justification (I have to be blunt and ask why the hell I would want to copy someone else's work) and the prices people are prepared to pay for a well researched and original piece of work is now far beyond a joke.

There are a couple of organisations that I support by donating my writing to them but these are very specific, medical topics like pylonidal synus treatment and prevention of adhesions after surgery particularly related to ileo-anal pouches.

Many of my articles and reports in my various blogs do get a very wide readership so I am looking at ways to monetise them without diluting the intent.

Maybe I will try using some of the other article sites if I am allowed to stay on line.

Thank you for your kind words.

That does it. We can slam the 'pay it forward stuff' in the can, or at least what people might think with a title like that.

There is a problem if you are basically honest. You expect everyone else to be the same. It took awhile to get that mistaken impression drummed out of me. There are people around in human bodies that even so don't really qualify to be called human. When dealing with someone I always try to keep in mind that there is so much variety that it is a good idea to be cautious.

A really good question to ask when someone wants to borrow something is: "temporarily, or permanently?" So far it has just been between friends wanting a small tool when it wasn't at all in question and was just for a laugh. But I think it might be a good question in a serious situation too. Something out of the blue like that and the way a person reacts to it might give you a little insight into them.

best wishes, lloyd
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Check your PMs Art.

That does it. We can slam the 'pay it forward stuff' in the can, or at least what people might think with a title like that.

That, and the 'free line' as far as I am concerned.

I am now getting some help and advice from the Royal British legion and one of the questions they asked me was why I had given so much financial help to so many people. It had simply never occured to me to say 'No' - that must have made me one of the easiest 'touches' ever.

The daft thing is, I am still being asked for help and, if I am able to, I still automatically give what help I can. Maybe it's a character flaw?

Yesterday proved my stupidity beyond a shadow of a doubt.

I had been feeling really well for a day or so and when one of my clients (medically related - not business) called for help with a problem that could not be discussed on the telephone, I decided to visit and see what I could do.

The first problem was that there are no buses to where he lived - and I didn't have the fare even if there was - so a walk was called for. I set off with all confidence but discovered that although 11kms is just about within my capacity, I had forgotten to bring water with me and arrived at his home a lot worse for wear.

We were able to sort out his problems and I was very pleased that he had called because, like me, he is very stubborn and would not have sought other help.

On the walk home (strange how I saw the journey as 11kms - forgetting that it was two ways!) the 110º and almost overhead sun really got to me and. although I realised I was in trouble, I was too confused to work out what to do about it (ie. seek shade and get a drink) and finished my journey in an ambulance. Apart from an even worse head ache and legs like jelly, I have recovered from the ordeal but, as I was told, I am old enough to know better but too stupid to take any notice.

It is beginning to seem to me that I am one of those people, and there are millions of us, who are put on this Earth to be utilised and exploited and, no matter how many salutory lessons we are given, we simply cannot ignore a plea for help, even when we are more in need of help ourselves.

We are the living proof that to give out of generosity is stupid but to give in the expectation of a return or reward is only simple common sense. Maybe the expectation of a return or reward is transmitted to the beneficiary in some way while all we transmit is "mark for the taking".