Note to local singer-songwriter who boasted on his Facebook fan page that he gave $5 (or $25) to a homeless man on his way out of a music networking meeting:

Yes, it is still in poor taste to broadcast to the general public that you did a minor nice thing for somebody else.  No, it doesn't make it less distasteful if you couch it as "food for thought", as if your only concern is inspiring others to random acts of kindness.  And the fact that you first reported the amount as $5 and changed the amount to $25 later in your update makes me seriously doubt your credibility. 

Not to mention that the block where you allegedly gave this hand-out is the one bright, rejuvenated spot in an otherwise blight-ridden lower Market street area.  Did you know there's a homeless shelter nearby?  I'm sure the owners of the restaurant outside of which you rewarded this pan-handler for his efforts will be really pleased once word gets out that their corner pays off for pan-handlers.  Here's a thought: next time just donate your $5 or $25 or "old jacket" directly to the homeless shelter - it'll go further.  And then do please resist the urge to rush to Facebook to alert your fan base - it kind of nullifies the karma.

UPDATE: The News Journal is reporting that area soup kitchens and food closets are experiencing bare cupboards amidst increased demands.  Article here.  So really.  If you have $5 or $25 to spare, you're better off donating it to a food closet than encouraging pan-handling.