Magazine sellers posing as members of Sheffield Raising and Giving (RAG) have been denounced by RAG Chair Rachel Colley as “aggressive” and their publication “obscene”.
The magazine, titled GAG MAG, is being sold along Fargate in the city centre under the pretence of raising money for Sheffield RAG.
But in fact, the profits from magazine sales are being taken by the vendor, rather than donated to charity.
In the introduction to the magazine, the writers claim that it is produced “as an initiative to give students, ex-students and the unemployed, the opportunity to earn money by the selling of it.”
GAG MAG also states it has been ”compiled and printed by scholars and top wits” at various Russell Group universities, including the University of Sheffield.
Sellers of Gag Mags have also been spotted in Leeds and Birmingham.
Several formal complaints to South Yorkshire Police allege that the sellers have been abusive towards members of public. But currently none of the victims of the abuse have decided to press charges.
Sheffield RAG has also received numerous complaints from people who believe that they are responsible for the magazine’s publication and distribution.
Chair of RAG, Rachel Colley, said: “This publication is nothing to do with RAG. Sheffield RAG has a great affinity with the local community and due to the original RAG magazine Twikker, people are buying these editions, which are obscene and are ruining the name of RAG.
“The sellers are aggressive, even chasing some members of the public into shops hurling abuse at them and hassling passers by.”
Community Fundraiser at the University, Emma Damian-Grint, spoke to South Yorkshire Police on behalf of RAG yesterday.
She said: “The police officer that we have been dealing with will be pursuing them the next time they are in the city centre. They do not have a charity number, but because they dress up their activity as selling a periodical magazine, they do not need a permit or license.
“However, the officer involved has said that he has had complaints from other charities and will now be tackling them the next time they are in the city. We hope that this operation will be shut down by the beginning of next year.”
On September 17, 2011. They were selling Gag Mag in Southport Merseyside claiming to be students!
And they were selling it in York today pretending to be a homeless charity.
and in hull!
I don’t really see the issue with this. Bought it today, the guy told me honestly that he was unemployed and this is his way of making money. I didnt expect it to go to a charity. I know it’s going to him, he’s unemployed. He doesn’t have a job, at least he’s off his ass an off trying to make a bit of his own money? I don’t get what all the fuss is about. Oh wait…the government don’t receive tax. Just like everything else…the government arn’t making a gain, therefore do not like. I get it.
I bought it last week from a guy in Redcar, he was upfront and told me he was unemployed and wnated to make money. I see no problem with this. However the content of the magazine is disgusting!!! Some of the “jokes” are highly offensive and not at all funny. I’m not at all of a sensitive nature and it would be different if someone down the pub told me them but the fact that they are in a magazine is sickening.
I have been hassled into buying at least 3 of these stupid things, and for one thing have payed more than 3 of them are worth, but when ever I go to MIDDLESBROUGH I am always on look out for the guy selling the Gag Mag so I don’t have to buy another one. Get the scumbag locked up.
harry ashworth, you were ‘hassled’ into buying three of these magazines? looks like it’s true what they say about a fool and his money.
Was pressed into buying one of these yesterday in Llandudno. Thought it was being shut down !
They’re back hassling people in Sheffield city centre. Were being aggressive to passers by yesterday, especially lads intimidating women. This really needs stopping.
i have bought this magizine on a few occasions and thought it was very amusing indeed,the seller told me he was unemployed and it was his way of making a living rather than spongin of the social ,so all in all i think its a great idea and also it gave me a giggle so i suggest people lighten up and if they can afford to help a honest hardworker and give them 3 quid for a laugh ,so be it
What a waste on money £3 for utter shit,the funniest thing about it is me for buying it
Bought one from a couple of girls claiming it was produced by Shrewsbury collage of Arts & technology Drama Students,
They were perfectly pleasant though.