Would you have helped ‘Save Karyn’?

I just finished reading Save Karyn on the recommendation of one of my favorite authors, Jen Lancaster, and I have to say that I wasn’t thrilled with her story.

Karyn moves from Chicago to New York and quickly finds herself $20,000 in debt. She starts one of the first “internet panhandling” sites, and becomes debt-free in 20 weeks.

Now, I’m not going to bash Karyn, because frankly, the book came out in 2002 and I’m sure someone has already said all the nasty things I’m thinking, but there are a few things that I can’t quite grasp.

Most of us, if we’re going to splurge, aren’t going to buy Gucci and Prada. We’re going to shop at GAP and Target. I do my fair share of splurging, but even I can’t comprehend charging $700 Burberry coats and $400 haircuts. I get queasy just thinking about someone else charging those things.

The buy and return scam Karyn pulled with AMEX also makes me ill. It’s far too unethical and deceitful than most people would consider attempting. Basically, because returns were credited to AMEX before charges were applied, she would make large purchases and return them to reduce her current amount due.

Finally, I totally agree that there was no harm in Karyn asking for money. Hell, anyone can ask for anything they want, but I didn’t think the tone of the website was cute or funny and I personally wouldn’t have been compelled to help. I don’t think creating a “silly little website” and having strangers help pay off your debt in under six months is much of a learning experience. I didn’t see the hardship or the struggle that millions of people have experienced, and I believe that’s part of the lesson to be learned.

So, have any of you read the book? What is your take on Karyn’s situation? Would you/did you send money?