Ethics of partying

[Farang]

I've been living here for 5 months and am on good terms with my roommates. They put together a big party every few months and this time the bill may be as much as $500. I guess I'm expected to pay 1/5 of that.

There are a couple of things I don't like about this. First, none of my friends are coming to the party (live 6 hours away). All of the beer and food will be consumed by them and their friends. Second, there is a new guy who is taking my room and he has been sleeping on the couch. So far nobody has mentioned him having to pay. Third, I'm moving out next week and to be honest I plan on playing some beer darts but I probably won't be hanging around the whole day. Also because I'm moving out they will get all leftover beer, liquor, and food that I helped pay for.

I've wanted to say that I'll pay the entrance fee ($5) and not my share because of what I just mentioned. I've already contributed plenty of work to setting up the party also. There may be a profit involved but to be honest I don't care and I think they'll be lucky to break even.

Would I be a jackass to only pay the entry fee?

 

[Mo0o]

You could just skip the whole thing all together so they can't fault you for any of it

 

[Farang]

Originally posted by: Mo0o
You could just skip the whole thing all together so they can't fault you for any of it

I could but I don't have anything to occupy me the whole day and don't want to be locked in my room. I should also mention I didn't take part in any of the planning for this and the price tag was basically presented to me after the fact.

 

[PingSpike]

You make a compelling arguement. They will not see it this way. However, you're moving out in a week so who cares!

 

[jdoggg12]

Go do errands all day - spend your $100 doing/buying something you'll enjoy.

 

[Bryophyte]

There is no compelling reason for you to give them a hundred bucks. If I were you, I'd tell them you don't plan on attending the party and go find something else to do that evening. Make sure your stuff isn't going to get broken or barfed on while you're gone.

 

[Farang]

To be fair I don't expect it to hit $500.. if it was $20 I'd just drop it, that is worth it for the food and drink. But upwards of $40 I feel like I should say something.

 

[Mo0o]

i think just to avoid the headache of arguing with people and any possible hurt feelings, just tell them you're not going to be at the party. that way they can't fault you for not paying.

 

[Bryophyte]

Don't be a doormat.

 

[Farang]

Originally posted by: Bryophyte
Don't be a doormat.

That's not me at all Knowing myself I tend to make these arguments in my head to justify things and then when I act on that people think I'm an a-hole. Sometimes later I realize I was an a-hole. I'm just wondering if this makes sense and from the responses so far it seems it does.

 

[mugs]

Originally posted by: Farang
To be fair I don't expect it to hit $500.. if it was $20 I'd just drop it, that is worth it for the food and drink. But upwards of $40 I feel like I should say something.

Well if the total cost of the party is $500 and they're charging $5, they only need 80 people to come for your share to drop to $20

 

[Koing]

Originally posted by: Mo0o
i think just to avoid the headache of arguing with people and any possible hurt feelings, just tell them you're not going to be at the party. that way they can't fault you for not paying.

Go to the park or walk, cycle somewhere

Koing

 

[2Xtreme21]

Skip the party, drive the 6 hours and spend some time with your friends.

 

[Farang]

Originally posted by: mugs

Originally posted by: Farang
To be fair I don't expect it to hit $500.. if it was $20 I'd just drop it, that is worth it for the food and drink. But upwards of $40 I feel like I should say something.

Well if the total cost of the party is $500 and they're charging $5, they only need 80 people to come for your share to drop to $20

There is a certain risk element and I think I definately need to let them know before we find out what the profits are. I have no idea what turnout is going to be like... form my experience 90% of parties are busts but apparently this one will be big.

 

[iversonyin]

$100 for a house party? No thanks? But since you guys charging $5. I'm guessing if you get enough people it wouldn't be that bad. Try to bus some friends over...if not, i feel sorry for you.

And charging $5 isn't very smart....

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

Originally posted by: Farang

Originally posted by: mugs

Originally posted by: Farang
To be fair I don't expect it to hit $500.. if it was $20 I'd just drop it, that is worth it for the food and drink. But upwards of $40 I feel like I should say something.

Well if the total cost of the party is $500 and they're charging $5, they only need 80 people to come for your share to drop to $20

There is a certain risk element and I think I definately need to let them know before we find out what the profits are. I have no idea what turnout is going to be like... form my experience 90% of parties are busts but apparently this one will be big.

lol profits? are you serious? if they're so confident it'll turn a profit, why do they need your money?

oh, and it's your choice on what to do, don't be pressured into pitching in. you live with them, you didn't commit yourself to being a business partner and investing in their adventures.

I personally wouldn't get involved, just say you want to stay out of it entirely as a personal choice. Also, since you're not going to be there long, where are you staying? Maybe you can just say you're short on cash since you just paid for a new place?

 

[AlienCraft]

Tell him it's time to break in the new guy.....

 

[doze]

If your gonna be there most of the day eating and drinking then give them $20 or whatever you think the value of your food and drink was.