[Paul Atreides]

I am about tipping like I am about where I take my business: if I am treated with courtesy and like my business is appreciated, I return and give them more business. If I have a waiter/waitress, who is courteous, attentive, and appreciates the fact that I am helping to pay his/her salary, I leave a tip. However, I don't appreciate going to a place of business, where I am paying for the product, and having to hunt down someone for a refill of drink or the only times I see the waiter/waitress is when I am brought the meal and then the check.

[HairOfTheDog]

I return and give them more business.

Of course! - I am a firm believer in the 'regular place'. Drives some that I know nuts, but I like to go to the same couple of places, where I know it will be good, everyone knows me, and I them.... I have no interest in exploring new places, but then I am a hobbit through and through. ;~D

Being a regular though, I get to see the regular waitstaff on good and bad days, some days they are on top of their game, some days, they are dealing with troubles like the rest of us.... I tip them the same usually, because I can dig it.... If I were new I might think they were always scattered or didn't care... But I know them.... a good tip on a bad day for someone might turn it around for them in some small way. I wouldn't feel that way about a stranger at a place I've never been.