You know what really grinds my gears?: The moaning thread.

[pocaracas]

The tipping system is stupid and its perpetuation depends on the society.
You guys are perpetuating it.

I agree. But as I said, there is little incentive for it to be changed. I won't shortchange waiters in the hopes that a movement will spring up and lead to positive changes, and I'm simply not invested in it enough to care to start one. And I don't have it in me to be a dick to a waiter/waitress over such a flimsy principle.

I see.... but it's not being a dick.
It is, actually.... but it's a society imposed dickish behavior.
It is viewed as "being a dick" by society at large, however the same is not applied to other jobs , regardless of wages, where no one tips... no one expects you to tip people for those other jobs.
What makes waiters so special?

That said, I think you should tip, or hand out a bonus, if things actually exceed your expectations.
If the doctor was exceptionally nice and caring and explained patiently everything to you, if the supermarket cashier helped you put the groceries in the bags while you were attending your crying baby, if the waiter that understands your special tastes and advises you to eat something particularly good, if the guy that takes care of your pool goes above and beyond to keep your wife entertained.... that sort of situations.
Not give it out as a rule and be thought rude when you don't. If that's the case, then it should be included in the price... and that should be reflected in the wages.

I need to start the atipist movement.... perhaps start with an online forum for atipists...

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But as I said, there is little incentive for it to be changed.

What would it take to change that?
Don't teach your kids to tip.
Don't teach your kids to expect tips.

Now, does that remind you of something...?