Tell Me What You Think? from Would You Rather Be Praised or Paid?

rms Moderated by rms

I'm interested in knowing what everyone else thinks about this. Please share your thoughts here.

Which do you prefer, a compliment or a little money? And Why?

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Flattery Will Get You Everywhere.

Tahamtan says:

It was so obvious for me I didn't think anybody goes for the other option but it seems it is not so obvious after all. Interesting...! I go for praise.

destination-beach-wedding-dress says:

If I get praised then I will have the confidence to get the job that pays!

nataliejoan says:

Praised. What good is a few bucks? Praise will motivate me to keep going, and make the real money.

keepitreal12 says:

People think that money can get you everything. It can't give you a family!

linda145d says:

Praise!

Blackchai says:

I'm self motivated, therefore don't need to praised by others. I get more out of giving the money to someone who needs it more that I do.

Jesterzusmc says:

Unless I'm working for tips, I'd much rather be appreciated than paid-off.

BlindOptimism says:

If it's only £5 or £10 then I'd rather be praised everytime. It shows you actually matter - you actually mean something to people.

However, increase that reward and the line becomes thinner. £50, for example? I could use that...in that case, I can get all the praise I need from my friends ;)

Metalchic says:

Compliments in front of your peers and a talking me up to the team/dept/managers is much better!

Forrest_Lamb says:

it's subjective. i would rather make a little money while feeling good about it. if it didn't feel good to make the money, i wouldn't want the money.

GeoDitton says:

I really do need money but $5 is probably about £4 at the moment, I could get 2, possibly 3 big bars of chocolate with that, it wouldn't even cover my weekly installment for my TV license. It depends purely on circumstance of course, if I took the compliment and then walked on and found I was £1 short of buying something I needed then I'd feel a bit stupid.

Compliments really feel good especially if it's from somebody you respect or who is considered an expert. Of course in an ideal world I'd be given both (actually in an ideal world I wouldn't need the money and so I'd only take the compliment). But that small amount of money, they either have no other money to spare, in which case why take it from them when they need it or they are just really stingy in which case who cares about them anyway. I'd definitely rather have a compliment than nothing and if it's a case of money or nothing then they obviously don't actually like what you've done and are only trying to shut you up with the money.

Trebor43 says:

if the amount is very small, I would rather have the pat on the back. Money is NOTthe most important thing inmy life.

lawrie2904 says:

I would prefer a compliment because for most people, that is a much harder thing to give than money and therefore it would mean more to both myself and them.

TinkerM says:

Everyone likes to be told they are doing good, unfortunately in todays times there is never enough time to help anyone unless we want something in return. But to answer the question... I believe what you give you get back so hey give a compliment and watch what happens..or two or three.

Pastiche says:

I like to get an atta girl. As a manager I tried to make sure I let people know I realized they were doing a good job and I appreciated their accomplishments, even when I could not give them a salary increase. It costs nothing but time, and means so much.

cryptid says:

5-10 dollars is not worth anything in the long run, that might by a family a pizza. In this context I'd preference the compliments. I'm not exactly materialistic, but I do enjoy both compliments and money as money allows me to do things I can not do (concerts, movies, etc). Theres reasons beyond just having cash to want money. Eh, I'm most in the middle!

dollys says:

I'M A FAN OF THE GOOD BOOK! YOU KNOW THE (BIBLE) AND IT SAY'S THAT A MAN WILL BE JUDGE BY EVERY IDLE WORD THAT COME OUT OF HIS MOUTH. I REALLY WOULD TAKE THE KIND WORDS OVER THE MONEY, BECAUSE THING LOSE THIER VALUE REALLY QUICK,BUT THE BIBLE SAY'S A WORD SPOKEN IN A TIMELY MANNER IS LIKE APPLES OF GOLD IN A CUP OF SILVER!!! NOW WHAT CAN TOP THAT!!! NAMESTEE=THE GOD IN ME ACKNOWLEDGES THE GOD IN YOU!!!

CreativePigpen says:

Someone selecting my jewelry and paying for it is a HUGE compliment right there! Compliments warm my heart though. I must say a compliment lasts for a long time and feeds your soul and your creativity.

TessaGreen says:

Oooh .. This is a hard one. Depends on so many things.Okay taking it as read that the compliment is sincere, it is very hard to put a monetary value on a compliment. It has huge knock-on effects on your self-esteem, on the people you interact with, that day, and on the people they come into contact with. A compliment is priceless. On the other hand, we all need money for our basic needs. If you and yours have nowhere to sleep tonight, no amount of compliments will make that better. So it would depend on how close to the bread line I am. If I am within sight of that line, I am inhaling those pennies without a second thought.

Right now, I am humbled and enormously grateful that I can choose the luxury of a warm, sincere compliment.

Cari_Kay says:

I really enjoy when somebody tells them I've helped them in some way. So, I guess that would tilt me toward the compliment side.

nooranwer says:

Definitely Compliments!

wherrelz says:

Compliments, man, compliments!!!

sewphisticate says:

Extra cash is nice and all, but I need to hear that I am doing well. When I am told I am doing well, I work harder and strive to do even better. I won't do that for a couple extra dollars here and there. Now, if you were talking about a significant amount of money, then I might think differently. But a few dollars in no way competes with the power surge I get from being told I've done well.

Tipi says:

A store that I go to hired a very good looking man. He was having trouble with the cash register, and admitted out loud that my beauty distracked him. Then, every time I went there, his smile would get even bigger when he seen me. It was nice to be appreciated for beauty. I walked on air for weeks!
I don't think I would have felt the same if he gave me some money, since I still don't know him. He has stopped coming on to me. So, maybe money would be ok, now! lol!

MiaD says:

both, if it is a survival matter
praise, if there is something i do by going the extra mile
paid, if is something i must do, but no enjoyment included

CraigMiller says:

A compliment. If you do a good job on something it's always nice to hear that someone appreciated what you did. If you're good at it you will get paid but a compliment is a barometer to let you know where you stand.

JGramble says:

A Compliment. I work for Disney, and we don't generally don't do it for the money. Its the happiness, the interaction, and the "magic" that we experience every day. A couple bucks can certainly help with mundane things, like gas prices, but a compliment always seems to brighten the day a bit.

opalship says:

My reason for starting a blog was neither!
It is to remedy yet another American travesty, operating under a guise of public services, and their damages and injustice to people, our valuable ecosystem and environment.

I observed on Squidoo.com that it also is income to many people, thats fine.

My blog offered rewards, so that places it at the exact opposite end of your spectrum.
Meaning it is merely "Doing the right thing for sake of it," being , "THE RIGHT THING TO DO."
Positive ecological results is the only reward sought.

I can understand the need to be paid for effort.
Perhaps I should consider placing our business banners on my efforts to excuse my lengthy lapses from work it causes?

Forced to opt to a side, I elect the non monetary here for the present.

kevinflatt says:

A compliment is a reflection of your self-worth and recognition for your work. Praise rather than a little money.

Lien says:

Compliments are really good if praising your efforts and money is great if you are being paid for doing something. For my Lenses I prefer compliments.

Joan4 says:

I immediately thought of the many days that a happy comment on one of my lenses gives me the encouragement I need to create one more. There is great power in praise; hopefully the money will follow.

ArtByLinda says:

It is amazing what a good compliment can do for a person. Some of the best supervisors I have worked for have taken the time to say "You did a great job on that" or "You work so hard, what would I do without you"!. You can pay someone all the money in the world, but unless you use money as a sort of compliment (kind of like squidoo does) than your workers still may not be satisfied, will work less.

shynab56 says:

I like to be complemented because being what we are, especially if we're positively complemented serve as our initial investment in life. hence, money will no longer be our problem.

transfatfree says:

If you're talking praise vs. a minor amount of money, assuming I'm not starving/desperate, praise all the way. I think being appreciated is worth so much in my well-being/self esteem. In the same way that I took a pay cut from my job for other perks - flexible hours, no commute, I'd rather be paid less by someone who treats me well and values my contributions than bought off by someone less appreciative. Just my .02. Oh, wait. You aren't going to give me .02 for this, are you?

LibbyGudzdesign says:

gosh, i really could use the money, but i think in the long run a compliment (or two or three perhaps) can make more of a difference.

jhanztheron says:

I'd say I want to be praised. Well, praise eventually will lead to pay. Like in a job if a tap in my back is consistent I know I will be promoted sooner and so I get a higher pay. Thta's both sentimental and practical.

shynab56 says:

I like both, though i like to leave a legacy. This is my ultimate goal in life, to have a legacy...but, to be praise for what I am, I doubt! Only God is entitled for this. I know that being a better person will open another door for success and that success will showers us complement and money. They go together I know!

Well_I_will_be_MOGADORED says:

I would like a little money, but flattery really makes your day, and if the flatterER hires you again, you have more chances!!!:)

Kristina Laumer says:

praise works for me if it is REAl, praise when you have done a average or below average job is counter productive for me, it make me doubt the person and then everything they say to me after than, and it makes me feel there is no point in trying to improve or work any harder

says:

I need compliment rather then money, because compliment is mean a lot to me than money. If my quality work is giving me some better compliment & that turn towards through my own a then I can except.

skywind says:

if it's a little money, than compliment is my choice

thakidinme says:

Recognition for your efforts is 'priceless'. Money is short term, positive feedback can touch, sometimes change, someone's life forever.

ElizabethJeanAllen says:

It depends on what its for. If I offered, a thanks is enough. If its something I didn't want to do, a card or some show of thanks beyond words is nice.

Pantherart says:

Compliments can sometimes make you perform better then money can.
Yes I say a good compliment is better then money, it can make you feel better and when you feel better you do better in any area of life. And then the money will come.

MarcEdwards says:

I'll take the compliment. I don't need a money handout. Besides... compliments are uplifting and depending on the type of day you're having, a compliment will only make it better.

Miksas says:

A cheesy compliment is seen as flattery. Why not speak the language that EVERYONE never misunderstands: in Jacksons and Benjamins ;) Give 'em to me!

Anyway, as the saying(or cliche')goes "The best things in life are free". Hey, wait, that would be a great lens!

Spook says:

In my experience I've never had either.However having said that at times I've employed up to 200 people and have always felt complimenting a member of my staff on a job well done,however trivial goes a long way to improving overall staff morale.They are getting paid to do the job in the first place,but if I'm really pleased with them and their consistency then I will increase there salary.Everybody needs a leg up.I'll go for a compliment

scrapdiva says:

I would feel much better receiving a compliment for a job well done rather than money, in my eyes while money is nice, praise is priceless.

jmurphy says:

Although we could all do with a little more money, praise really feels good and the effects probably last a lot longer than a couple of pounds or dollars. On the otherhand - it all depends on how many zeros are involved here.

Susan52 says:

After thinking about this a lot, I agree with gabi_kiana that the praise sticks with you a lot longer than the money, which is soon long gone and forgotten. I certainly wouldn't turn down the money, though, if it was offered.

emre says:

i prefer a compliment and enough money :) because be praised and be paid,all of them good..

LisaLogan says:

These aren't necessarily mutually exclusive. After all, payment IS a form of thanks for a job well done, whereas we refer to the term "paying" someone a compliment. Still, I think our society places far too much emphasis on the Almighty Dollar, which we largely equate with the Search For More Useless Stuff. Give me heartfelt thanks any day. Sure, I need some of 'da green to survive, I'm hoping that becomes less and less necessary as I turn to more sustainable habits.

famousmortimer says:

Money is a compliment, I agree with that theory. And I am a poor mofo so every cent means a lot to me. But really, I do what I do because I want people (well, certain people) to like me and appreciate me. So I side with compliments, but only slightly.

gabi_kiana says:

Praised, praised, praised! Money comes and goes but to feel good about something you did is unbeatable!

Jimmie says:

Honest praise (not flattery) is worth a lot to me!

spirituality says:

Money feeds the tummy, praise (when sincere) feeds the mind to make you feel good about yourself. As long as the tummy has what it needs, praise just makes my day.

fefe says:

This is a tough one. I noticed that I am in a better mood when someone compliments me so I will just go with that. However, I'm also in a good mood when the bills are paid. Hmmm... I'll just stick with a compliment because it's nice to be appreciated and money isn't everything.

EelKat says:

My first response is praise. I love to know I did something good, made someones day, or otherwise made a difference in the world. It inspires me to try to do more and be better next time.

Money is not much of a motivator to me, never has been. An example of that would be in the late 1980's when someone offered me $5,000 cash for my car. I turned them down. That car has been in my family since it was new, he is part of family now, I will never sell him. A few weeks ago, yet another man, came up to me and asked, "How much money would it take to get you to sell that car?"... my answer was this ... "If you paid me 12 million cash for that car, I'd turn around and use the entire 12 million to buy it back, money has no value to me, other than the things I could buy with it, and when I already have the thing I'd buy with the money, why would I sell that thing to get more money, just so I would have to buy it back?"

Praise works wonders on me. Money, does nothing for me.

Greekgeek says:

Praise, but not empty praise. I like to know what I'm doing is worthwhile and really made a difference to someone. After I've posted a story or piece that I've spent days, maybe weeks on, trying to nail that dialog or provide an interesting page on some obscure subject, I want to know someone got out of it what I was trying to put into it. So when I get feedback and comments like "kewl stuff" or "nice lens" or "good work," I very much appreciate the compliment and the effort someone made to leave feedback, but feel crestfallen -- after all that work, I can't tell if I actually achieved my goal.

On the other hand, a token $5 or $10 doesn't tell me much either!

bdkz says:

My answer is a little more complcated, but basically praise is more inportant. http://bdkz.typepad.com/cowabunga/2008/04/would-you-rathe.html

Show Me the Money!

says:

money

BestTeethWhiteningProducts says:

What's wrong with the people here who would rather be praised? This is America, so I would rather be paid. You can take your compliments and shove it! I would much rather have someone buy me a good lunch than hear that I look nice. I don't care how I look, but I do care about good food and not being hungry. If your boss gives you some more money you weren't expecting, then he/she doesn't need to tell you, "good job," because you'll know you're doing a good job.

cjsysreform says:

Compliments can be confusing. Sometimes it's hard to tell whether a compliment is genuine or not, and if it turns out not to be, then you end up having to deal with this person who thinks you're going to give them something in return... whether you want to or not. Money is a lot more straightforward.

Dixieb31 says:

well, well, well ....mayI have both?

DMarieLittle says:

Being paid money is part of being praised for your accomplishment. Though money is not everything it has its place.

RickCarter says:

We don't have to choose one over the other. Money - being paid is praise. Someone thought enough of the value you created to give you value they created. We need to ditch the idea that there is money on one side on happiness on the other. Being paid money is always a positive thing.

Maxius says:

I'd say money because that says as much as a compliment coming from someone that finds it hard to say good and encouraging things to others

KelenaNova says:

both would be nice!

Fibrofriend09 says:

I'll take the money thank you very much!

BrianWelch says:

I would rather be paid, I am confident in what I do, I don't need compliments to feel good about it

Treasures-By-Brenda says:

There's no reason why you cannot be paid and receive a compliment.

peterzeller says:

I do what I do for the money...being well-paid implies you're good at it; this is my compliments...

Soul-Mate says:

Well for me money is a sign that you're worth a compliment. That's why there#s such a thing as tithing and tipping. After a waiter has served you well you give him a tip - makes me feel good and him know that you really mean it - when you say thanks for the excellent service.

BleuMoonsAttic says:

Well, being an "I want it all" type of person, I wanted to choose both, but that wasn't an option. :)

Flattery is great, but after awhile you get to the point where you say "enough! if I'm doing such a great job, Show me the money" LOL....

sumosalesman says:

I can't hand a compliment to a doctor for a physical, pay down my college debts or eat it.

divacratus says:

Hmmm. Flattery will get you nowhere actually. It just makes you feel good whereas if you get a lil money you feel good plus you can buy stuff with it!

xBox360Guru says:

Show me the money!

laugheveryday says:

Paid. Praise, while nice and appreciated, doesn't pay the bills.

PaulG2 says:

Who cares about compliments, they won't feed my family. Money on the other hand is all good.

kiwisoutback says:

Show me the money! Compliments are great, I love getting them, but I didn't join Squidoo to get compliments -- I did it to make money (and drive traffic, which is indirectly kind of like money). Compliments can only get you so far, then, you really do need the money.

vyrnlp says:

A little money.Because I can't afford therapy,And I need therapy desperatley.

fatesoverated says:

Money talks, and it says: great job!

goldenecho says:

Honestly, it depends on the situation (like a compliment from my husband means more than being taken out to dinner) cause I know he doesn't say things he doesn't mean. But my first thought on this was regarding my artwork. It's very easy for someone to say "Oh, that's pretty" or "I like that" when I show them something, but when I see that a design is selling I KNOW that people like it enough to pay for it, so that's more substantial to me that people just saying they like it, which they might just do to be nice.

says:

In this economy? Are you kidding?

asishnair says:

i prefer money because with a compliment you get the
satisfaction for that moment or for a dew days.after all we are human
we will after some days think it would have great if they have given me money instead because it would have been useful in my day today life.Sir its a real world and everyone needs money and with it someone gets a little complement for that work then it would definitely encourage to work more harder.Hope i am not hurting anyones feelings.

Mbizo says:

Money, every time. Money, unless it's counterfeit, is positive. It's in your hand. You can believe in it. Praise can be false and while it's nice to have a bit of appreciation, it really can't take the place of loot!

MariaB says:

a compliment honey! I praise myself, especially if I have a few dollars in my pocket.

rubinabakshi says:

Mix of both. Without compliment i would not be motivated to write & with out money-well nothing is for free in this world.

says:

If I had my way I would have to say both, but if given a choose between the two I would have to say; Get Paid, because knowing that I can take care of myself, and my children is compliment enough for me.

ColeEckhoff says:

paid definitely

Iris says:

I guess i would rather have the money. By recieving the little bonus bucks here and there I will know that my good work, positive attitue, or stunning appearence is appreciated.

Sojournseeker says:

Actually I can get further materialistically with cash and holidays on the way but actually whats more important is getting further spiritually and psychologically in which the compliment is the confirmation we seek.

Mybissnes says:

i have payed and they say good job looking good

Margo_Arrowsmith says:

They are both important. However, I don't want to see a compliment being used in place of money. It is then too easy to manipulate people. I have seen that happen too often.

CoachBrown says:

We can't get far without both. I think the way the question is stated the first priority goes to the money, but once you have paid your expenses a sincere compliment fuels your self-image, which in turn makes you work harder with the satisfaction that you are making a difference and are valued. People I've known who say they are only interested in the money are some of the most miserable people and no fun to be around. My response tells you a little about where I'm at right now!

garyr_h says:

Paid! $5 or $10 may not seem like much, but it does add up and I can buy a lot more soda with $10 than with praise :)

blogmasters says:

The secret with blogging success is to consistantly make a little with many blogs the answer is the volume of blogs that you have. $10 each with 1 or 2 or even 3 hundred different lenses makes you real money. So pick very focused niches and give all the information you can on your subject.I personally use Wordpress more than Squidoo but that is a choice for the individual.

teamloya says:

Can I get some money for a compliment?

kingkurt2001 says:

I need money to help me survive on this planet. Without money; I will wither away and die. Compliments are nice but they don't put food on the table. I need food, clothing, and shelter to help me survive and all that stuff costs money. So, I would say I prefer money.

shevans says:

Compliments are truly nice, but money talks pretty loudly.

Mamapaul says:

I am always receiving compliments from my family, friends, and online friends, people that don't know me personally just met them on Social Networking Sites. Hey! with our slow economy everyone needs money these days.

sugarismypet says:

It's tied!

sugarismypet says:

Sorry, gotta go with this! I need all I can earn!!! Although flattery will get me anywhere, well, I don't wanna sound selfish so this is my choice! SORRY!

Tipi says:

I feel loved when someone I know gives me money. I don't want them to miss the blessing they will get for giving. Can always use the extra cash myself or use it to give to others. Lord knows I'm generous when it comes to giving. Never have been able to out-give God!

ltraider says:

If the small amount of money is representative of a pat on the back, taking the money would serve both purposes. A compliment and cash.

JUNiverse says:

a little money? how little? but hey, if it's consistent that i get paid everyday, a little will go a long way, so definitely i say pay!

mommahawk says:

Paid

BuilderAdam says:

Money, of course! Cannot go to store and tell them: "oh, I've just got some praise from my boss, so now gimme your bread/aspirin...whatever"

Nelly-Sanders says:

I rather some money

jeana900 says:

Since I was recently injured at my job and still waiting on my first workman's comp check, I would have to say I would appreciate the compliment, but right now I would have to say show me the money.

JaguarJulie says:

Robin, this is definitely one of the more interesting debates as I think everyone can weigh in one way or the other with regards to which they would prefer. If you asked me this back when I was younger, I always wanted to please and be liked -- coming from a divorced family perhaps that dictated my wants and needs. However, today -- I hope to be liked and complimented for my work, but really need the money to pay the bills. No more Mom to help out. But, I still carry my values from when I was younger and appreciate the compliments, but show me the money -- the tax man cometh.

LePoochie says:

I like the compliments, but I still gotta pay the bills!

leacharlton says:

I think that it just depends on the situation. For example, if a friend or potential client needs a little help, and says that my assistance was helpful and/or has a complement for me, then that is very much appreciated because I do like like helping my friends and clients. On the other hand, if I have a friend or client, that not only wants help here and there, but wants me to always tell them how to do something or do something for them, then I want paid - especially since they know that I am a consultant and they have been taking great lengths of my time for which I am accustomed to being paid.

ahashim says:

Getting a small amount of money would be the best compliment to me.

Diamond_Wizard says:

I would say both. I would like the praise and the money. Either one would make me want to do more!

says:

I believe the answer would depend primarily on where an individual is in life and his or her status. If one is financially strapped, then of course, money would be more important. However, if the same person had no money hardships, then praise would be at the top of his/her wish list. If both situations are even, I've never known praise to put bread on the table and to take care of family needs!

bettydonelly says:

hello

i am a musician and a good review works great as a pat on the back..but my idea is that a written compliment on my music works both ways...you surely can get the best of both worlds because a written compliment or a nice review can be used as a testimonial, which then can attract potential fans and buyers...so, i believe to make the moest of it, you do can mosetise from a nice written compliment, be it indirectly, in persuading your potential fan or buyer to at least check out your stuff!...but where a compliment is nothing short of a pet on the back, receiving my first dollar from my online exploits, really did make me feel much prouder than a good review of my song, since back in my mind i already knew somehow that i am a talented songwriter (no, im not trying to self-bragg here)...it's just that a positive review or positive comments from friends or family after having played live or after showing off my recordings, has become sorta 'normal'..the other day i posted a song for review, specifically asking for harsh criticism, but reviews are always so positive, (i've not yet received one negative review, although critique would be more useful to me, because it makes me reflect on aspects to improve, in areas i might overlook myself)...

so in conclusion, my first online dollar made me happier and prouder than compliments, but a well written short testimonial can be monetised upon, so i would go for a combination of both!

betty donelly

thekidsrule says:

The payment is the praise. If someone pays you, then they think you or what you offer is worth the money.

says:

i will chose both...i want to be complimented and make money at the same time....in this kind of life today many people would chose money over compliment....then why not have both...

AdamTaha says:

Both but if it's a decision for one then..PAID.

chilipoker says:

Praise is good but I would rather be paid.

GaryHarvey says:

Praise is good. It's affirming and empowering. But they dont yet accept compliments at the checkout desk of the trading establishments I visit, so give me money - thanks!

DeborahWolfe says:

Pay IS praise.

JigsawForte says:

Compliments help, but a kind word is an end in and of itself; Money, on the other hand, is an incentive to try and earn more.

When it comes to my websites, I need both, but money is much more proof of a good job done than a hollow word.

thrivingmom says:

I have 2 in diapers and quit my job to stay at home. So, I'll take the money!

InspiredWritingResearch says:

Paid,paid,paid please. (I have kids! And some of them are teens, say no more!) Forget the kudos and just give us the pay for the ever-tightening household budget!

Margaret_Schaut says:

I like both, and I attempt to contribute as much as possible of what I have in free time and assistance. Sooner or later, though, the mortgage comes due, the cupboard is bare, and at that point compliments make little difference- especially when it becomes overly stressful. A balance of both keeps them both appreciated as they should be. Otherwise, one can feel used, which is NEVER a good feeling and compliments don't help, at that point.

ElkieRog says:

Cash is the ultimate seal of approval for a job well done. Talk is cheap. Put your money where your mouth is. That is my take on the job.

As to personal things like "You are looking good today." or "That is a pretty blouse." Talk is the proper medium. A lunch offer would seem like a pickup line and an offer of cash would be an insult.

mrsjordanjr says:

Well, would you prefer hearing "I love you" or be shown that you're loved? I think both are equally important.

ccrcats says:

a compliment could be hollow. But if it's accompanied with a £10 note. Then you know it is heart felt.

Increase-Online-Traffic says:

My identity is settled for eternity as champion, so praise or no, it's still the same.

Money answers all things according to the bible.

Squidoo-Pat says:

Praise is nice but I can't go to the grocery store and the gas pump and pay with the praise I was given. As the old R & B song says "Ain't Nothin' Going On But The Rent" (or mortgage for owners). You've got to be confident enough not to need to be praised. Those who need praise obviously lack confidence in themselves. Instead, seek to be humble and multitalented and you'll have all the confidence you need.

LadyJtalks says:

at this moment I need the pay....as a double leo born on the first in the year of the dragon I have enough praise to hold me over. LJ

compulady says:

A pat on the shoulder is not bad. But tomorrow somebody develops a better lens and I am history. My business has to do with CASH. And we all know, MONEY talks. Time is MONEY. I can invest money, I can spend the MONEY with my friends and enjoy it in the process, I can keep it for emergency. I need MONEY!

RawBill says:

It would depend on who the compliment was coming from and how much money it was, but my initial instincts tell me to go for the money.

dab0neman says:

Pay my aiiish! I'm sure there are studies where monkeys press a button and they get a few bananas for doing a good job. Therefore: (according to the million dollar study) Everyone likes bananas for doing a good job.

Fugettaboutit... caaish money wins hands down every time. So, gimmie my $5 or $10 now!

Protasker says:

Compliments are a dime a dozen. You can help the older neighbor or the little kid who fell off his bike. I do things like this all day long every day.

These good deeds do not help me when it came time to stop the foreclosure on my home!!

SHOW ME THE MONEY!

Jofelyn says:

Humility aside, growing up I was never really short of compliments that I'm almost wary of recieving it specially in excess.I think if you're doing a gret job at work being paid well is a gret compliment as any.

JudasX says:

I can't pay my mortgage with compliments and kindness. Enough said.

Grasshoppa says:

Praise doesn't pay the rent, and it won't appreciate or earn interest. Well, it might draw some interest, but not the kind you can invest in!

LeslieBrenner says:

Actually, I prefer a third option: Money and praise, please.

veron308louis says:

I will have to say that I prefer money. I mean you put in all the hard work, if that's what you want to call it. The truth is I will work harder once I see that money coming in. If someone praises me, it is for the moment. If I get paid for what I am doing, wow! that would be fantastic, I will work even harder. The harder you work the more money.

Lex says:

you can call me girl so long as you pay me

InfinityMC says:

The way it has been going, getting paid would be a compliment!

says:

Show me the money! Praise is subjective, but money is tanible. I can invest or spend that money to make me happy. I don't need external validation.

PaulRushing says:

I'll take the money. I know if the money is there they are happy with my work even if it is not verbalized. You don't pay people well when you do not appreciate their work!!

mulberry says:

Tough one. As a young person I worked terribly hard just for praise, but when $$ is missing it just feels deceptive. Now, I am more "internally motivated" and don't need the praise from others so much. And then of course, there is a little thing called reality...you need $$.

Victoria_Neely says:

If I hate my job or don't see it as having much value, money is a far better balm than praise. If I love my job, I don't need praise to stay motivated, but I do need money to pay the bills.

Praise is nice when it's genuine. But when praise isn't backed up with pay raises or rewards of some kind, it doesn't take long before you realize it's bunk. False praise is worse than no praise at all.

chefkeem says:

Let's examine the roots of the word "praise", maybe dissect it a bit. Say it very slowly - puh-raise. See? "puh" is an old form of the more modern spelling "pay". So, what have we got here? The word "praise" is actually a short form of the more traditional term "Pay-raise"!
Where I come from - Bavaria, of course, we used to reward any special service providers like plumbers or carpenters with a bottle of beer and a hefty slap on the back, while pinning a wad of greenbacks to their sweaty jackets. We "p(ay)raised" them, so to speak! Usually, their grateful response was: "Got any more beer?" So, where shall I post this now? Oh, well - I join the current underdogs.

jeffwend says:

At my last job, the owners read a lot of new age books that talked about positive words and what it does for people. The problem was, their words were empty and did not match up with their actions. I love hearing when I did a good job, but let's be real, if you are being underpaid, a pat on the back only goes so far and for so long, especially when you are making your employers a ton of money. To me, a decent raise or bonus tells me job well done. Don't just talk the talk, you gotta walk it too.

Rock_The_Ice says:

Money is good! =]

 
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