Are you also frightened?

I'm thinking maybe if I spell this out for as many people as possible it will help my fellow under-tipped servers out there. Here are the facts:

> Yes, those of us who work these counter places instead of acting as wait staff get paid higher wages than waiters. About a dollar more an hour. BUT, we have to do a lot more stuff, like take out the trash and clean and crap. Basically, we're waiters and busboys put together.
> This is not to say we should get more than average gratuity, but for Godsakes, please give us something. I'd say 75% of people give us nare a cent when I give excellent service. I know, I know. You're broke. So am I. You're going out to eat, you're enjoying a luxury. You can luxuriate a little more by rounding up to the nearest dollar or even 50 cents! Give your spare change. Something! Jesus.

That said, I was one of three first year students in my program to be awarded the opportunity to TA next semester. The TAship requires 8 hours of work a week, and pays just a little less than my 35 hour a week pizza place job. I will be putting in my two weeks in January.