I understand that. I know he's probably very nice and well appreciated but for me, a tip is a way to say "thanks for your time." Otherwise, people just get used to getting everything for free and giving nothing in return and thinking it's OK. I port or enchant (though never advertise) and appreciate tips. I sometimes ask for runes just to let them know that it takes SOMETHING to do this. I play this game for me and help my friends and guildies (and absolutely refuse tips from them). I also try to refuse outrageously large tips, though some people generously insist.

I wanted to hear more about "sweat equity." What does he expect people to do when he crafts things for them? Maybe if that was better explained, I might appreciate it more.

I've just had too many experiences with freeloaders (beggars, people who want one dungeon run after another, people who seem to be incapable of doing quests without someone at least 20 levels higher following them around, that all ports or unlocking should always be free, etc.) to where I even refuse to give people 6c. It sounds horrible, but I feel better telling them where they can easily obtain said 6c. (Go kill the mobs right outside SW . . . you'll get 6c easily and learn that it's faster and easier than going around asking people, or I might tell them that they could possibly make 20g on the AH for a stack of copper - I look at the AH for current prices). And also, I accept tips because I think it's correct to compensate people for their time and the effort (and the cost) it took for them to get the profession skilled up (or to get their class level up to where they can do that). After all, if you count the all the time you spent doing stuff for strangers, that can be significant. I always tip (in WoW and in real life) and try to be generous about it.

What I do is try to foster independence, self-sufficiency, cooperation, courtesy and gratitude for other people's time and energy, in a world where a lot of that sometimes seems to be in short supply. I try to do it through example but I don't know if anyone is paying attention. While I think generosity is wonderful, I think there are too many people who EXPECT that EVERYTHING should be free for them. You can tip me or not but I'll respect you more if you do. I have enough gold, so it's not that - I respect your appreciation of the time you ask of others. And friends get things for free because I don't become friends with everyone. I don't become friends with jerks and if I find out that you are a constant freeloader, you don't get to be my friend for too long and a drag on my energy. Just as I try to be a good person and a good friend (thereby earning friendship), I think others should as well. It's how life works, or should, anyway.

And it may seem odd but I sometimes offer things when no one asks - free 16 slot Netherweave bags to new players, or low level gear I find when farming for Small Eggs in Westfall. (It's actually a lot harder and quite time consuming to give stuff away then to just DE, AH or vendor them). Sometimes the sudden and unexpected gifts from strangers are more fun anyway. If I'm questing with someone I don't know, I'll offer a port back to town (free).