Hopefully you politely refused, but just in case you didn't, here are five reasons to help you keep from doing it again. If you're lucky enough that this hasn't happened to you, keep this story in mind. It's good reference for when someone does ask -- and they will.

1. One of the main reasons people ask for clams is because they don't play the salary-raising games. Maybe they say it's "too hard" or, I hate to say it, but they may just be pure lazy.

You worked hard to get your clams, and they belong to you. If other people in Whyville are poor, that's their problem! It's not your job to pay for them.

2. "My account got hacked" is the lamest excuse I've ever heard because of two things. One: If they truly got hacked, it's unlikely they'd be able to get back into their account; and two: It's such an easy lie. I mean, seriously, there is no reason you should believe it. You can feel sorry for them, but don't let them sucker you into giving them your money.

3. Don't count on them paying you back. You probably don't know them, and they can easily just ignore your Y-mails and keep the money forever. Sometimes, it's even as simple as forgetting, never getting around to it. Whatever the reason, don't trust their integrity.

4. Once you give someone clams, they will probably come back for more. Maybe not to you, but it'll make them feel like they can get clams out of anyone, and you don't want someone who isn't as experienced as you to go broke giving away their hard-earned clams! Just say "No, I can't help you, sorry," and if they Y-mail you again, don't respond.

5. Giving someone clams will not help them get further in Whyville. It'll teach them that begging is the way to go, and other people will always be there to save the day. This is NOT true, and definitely NOT the Whyville way! They need to learn that if they want something, it won't be handed to you on a silver platter. Giving away your clams completely contradicts that, and is not helpful.

In conclusion, DON'T GIVE AWAY YOUR CLAMS! Warning: Big mistake! Caution: Could be disastrous!

Have I made my point? I hope so. If not, DON'T GIVE AWAY YOUR CLAMS! Okay, had enough yet? :-)

I hope all of you will never give away your clams, because it is wrong, stupid, and all of the reasons above.

-penny305

Editor's Note: In Whyville, all you have to do is play games to earn money, and if you don't have clams, it's not like you can't buy food or you might die. On the other hand, giving away clams is no skin off your nose -- you lose very little to help others. It's not black and white!

How you feel about charity in Whyville doesn't have to be the same as how you feel about it in real life. But I'm curious. If you give clams to beggars in Whyville, do you give out real life money to people on the street? One person definitely needs it a lot more than the other, on the one hand... but there are many arguments about how you should or should not donate money to those in need. So I'll not get into that just now! But it could make for an interesting series of articles and interviews.

Point is, in Whyville, what's the rule? Is it cool to beg? Have you ever begged for clams from a stranger? Did you feel bad? Why or why not?