I was reading through the morning newspaper and came across this ethics
question from Barb Schaller. Thought you all might be interested

Unfortunately you have to register to read the column.

http://www.startribune.com/stories/614/4669989.html

Barb Schaller of Burnsville recently asked me to weigh in on one of the
most contentious and momentous ethical issues of our times: the use of
discount dining coupons. Scores of foodies responded to a question posted
by Sheryl Rosen of Bridgeport, Conn., on the Internet newsgroup
rec.food.cooking. The original post can be found online at
http://tinyurl.com/2eupr,but here's my summary:

"A" has a book of discount coupons that entitles him to
"buy-one-get-one-free" deals at local restaurants and shops. One day, he
decides to buy lunch at a local sandwich shop that accepts these coupons.
Before he goes, he offers to pick up lunch for "B." B places his order,
and gives A enough cash to cover the purchase.

Is it OK for A to take the cash, buy the sandwich and soft drink, get his
own lunch for free, and never tell B about the coupon? Should A split the
cost of the lunch with B and give him half of his money back?

ASchaller contends that "the gracious, ethical ... thing to do is split
the cost of the entire order in half without quibble. Rationale: B's order
enabled A to use the BOGO [buy one, get one free] coupon. What's to
discuss? Clear cut."

In my opinion, it all depends on A and B's relationship, and the
expectations that they have created. If A and B are mere acquaintances or
complete strangers, then this is in essence a business transaction, and
all that A owes B is to deliver what he has promised. We buy merchandise
all the time without knowing the particulars of what the seller paid.

But if A and B have a more substantial relationship, then I agree with
Schaller: The gracious thing to do would be to split the cost. One good
test is to imagine how B would react if he knew about the coupon. I
suspect that if A is just a casual acquaintance, B would be neither
surprised nor disappointed; but if A is a friend, B would regard his
behavior as pretty cheesy.

So there the official answer!

Jody

"Jody L Kempf" wrote in message
...
I was reading through the morning newspaper and came across this ethics
question from Barb Schaller. Thought you all might be interested

Unfortunately you have to register to read the column.

http://www.startribune.com/stories/614/4669989.html

Barb Schaller of Burnsville recently asked me to weigh in on one of the
most contentious and momentous ethical issues of our times: the use of
discount dining coupons. Scores of foodies responded to a question posted
by Sheryl Rosen of Bridgeport, Conn., on the Internet newsgroup
rec.food.cooking. The original post can be found online at
http://tinyurl.com/2eupr,but here's my summary:


I was able to get right to it with no registration. Pretty much agree with
the answer. Nothing illegal, just tacky to do it.
Ed

http://pages.cthome.net/edhome

"Jody L Kempf" wrote in message
...
I was reading through the morning newspaper and came across this ethics
question from Barb Schaller. Thought you all might be interested

Unfortunately you have to register to read the column.

http://www.startribune.com/stories/614/4669989.html

Barb Schaller of Burnsville recently asked me to weigh in on one of the
most contentious and momentous ethical issues of our times: the use of
discount dining coupons. Scores of foodies responded to a question posted
by Sheryl Rosen of Bridgeport, Conn., on the Internet newsgroup
rec.food.cooking. The original post can be found online at
http://tinyurl.com/2eupr,but here's my summary:


I was able to get right to it with no registration. Pretty much agree with
the answer. Nothing illegal, just tacky to do it.
Ed

http://pages.cthome.net/edhome