[tschmidlin]

Yeah, I could use the help on a cleaning day, but not on a brewing day.  Or they could mow my lawn, weed the ditch, prune the apple tree, pick up dog poo, clean the gutters, remove/treat the moss on the roof of the shed, power wash the driveway, wash and seal the concrete slab, wash and seal the deck, paint the pergola, build an arbor for the grapes, put in posts and wires for the other grapes, paint the fence, paint the house, replace the windows, cut down the maples that lost their tops in the last wind storm, fix my chipper/shredder, clean out the pile of stuff to be chipped/shredded, take a load of debris to the dump, help me take everything out of the garage and seal any holes where mice might be coming in then put everything back, build two benches, build a picnic table, and build a chicken coop.  

[gordonstrong]

Yeah, I could use the help on a cleaning day, but not on a brewing day.  Or they could mow my lawn, weed the ditch, prune the apple tree, pick up dog poo, clean the gutters, remove/treat the moss on the roof of the shed, power wash the driveway, wash and seal the concrete slab, wash and seal the deck, paint the pergola, build an arbor for the grapes, put in posts and wires for the other grapes, paint the fence, paint the house, replace the windows, cut down the maples that lost their tops in the last wind storm, fix my chipper/shredder, clean out the pile of stuff to be chipped/shredded, take a load of debris to the dump, help me take everything out of the garage and seal any holes where mice might be coming in then put everything back, build two benches, build a picnic table, and build a chicken coop.  

But it's easier to just come steal your beer when you're working.

[weazletoe]

 Yeah, I really don't care about having help. I brew because I enjoy it. And for me, it's one of those things where an extra hand just gets in the way. Kind of like holding the trash door open for someone at McDonalds. No one really needs this done for them, but we end up doing it because it seems polite. But, in the end, they just end up dumping half the trash on the floor, and you end up with ketchup on your wrist, and lettuce on your shoe. It would have been better just to walk away.
 I really could use the money. When I had real work, and was brewing mainly for myself, it was not an issue. But, now that work has changed (and I'm not complaining, it's my choice. I love my life now) and I seem to be brewing for half the town, money is what I need. If you wanna come brew with me, fine. Just bring your checkbook!! 

[glastctbrew]

  If you wanna come brew with me, fine. Just bring your checkbook!! 

And leave your pants at home?   

[narvin]

Neither help nor money will give YOU more time to allocate to brewdays.  I think you just need to tell them that you aren't able to brew enough to supply the whole neighborhood with beer.  Nothing personal to any of them, just the truth.

[punatic]

You know weaze, reading everyone's responses, something occured to me.  Many non-homebrewers think we homebrewers brew our own because it's way cheaper than buying store-bought beer.  Of course we know that is not the case.  Perhaps your friends think that your beer doesn't cost you much, in money or effort.  Seems like they've known you for quite a while, and understand the beer sharing customs.  Perhaps they just don't understand about homebrewing yet.

Oh yeah, if you think it might help some, keep a pack of stale girlie menthols on the dashboard to share with the diehard deadbeats... 

[ccarlson]

The truth is, now that my equipment is paid for and I buy in bulk, it really is a LOT cheaper than store bought beer. If yours isn't, then you're doing something wrong.

That said, your friends still shouldn't mooch off of you.there is a lot of your time involved.

[punatic]

The truth is, now that my equipment is paid for and I buy in bulk, it really is a LOT cheaper than store bought beer. If yours isn't, then you're doing something wrong.

Yeah, and I know what it is I'm doing wrong - shipping stuff to the middle of the Pacific Ocean to brew with... 

[ccarlson]

The truth is, now that my equipment is paid for and I buy in bulk, it really is a LOT cheaper than store bought beer. If yours isn't, then you're doing something wrong.

Yeah, and I know what it is I'm doing wrong - shipping stuff to the middle of the Pacific Ocean to brew with... 

That could be the problem.

[weazletoe]

 I have to agree, brewing it yourself, especially AG, is about as cheap as buying, if not cheaper. For my next batch, 5 gallons, I got 10# pound of grain, 4 oz of hops, and my yeast for 15$. Tell me what IPA your gonna buy that cost 1.66 a 6 pack.
 A lot of it to me, is also the princple, as well. And like I said before, times changed for me. Now, 15 bucks is a big deal to me. I know some people may say, dude, its 15$, suck it up. But, it really means a lot to me now, and is harded to come by. (disclaimer, again, I'm not complaining. It's my choice, and I'm happy with it)

[Steve]

There are so many responses, I can't keep up with them so I may be repeating someone.

Go with a pre-mug club or a Keg Club where they have to pitch in for ingredients. The % they pitch in is what they get out of the batch.  If they don't pitch in have a case of Keystone unrefrigerated (yeck) for the cheapskates.

Just remember the 100 gal/year/house/21 part of the Jimmy Carter Law.  There's always something huh?

[punatic]

100gal/year/person - 200gal/year/household

And by golly ya better not cheat!   

[ibru]

Punatic- I bet they (the Beer Gestapo) would love to audit your records on the Big Island.

I know I'll be on my wife's yearly allotment soon.

[weazletoe]

Got four adults, in this household. 

[Hokerer]

Got four adults, in this household.  

Sorry Weaze, not gonna fly...

(b) The production of beer per household, without payment of tax, for personal or family use may not exceed:
(1) 200 gallons per calendar year if there are two or more adults residing in the household, or
(2) 100 gallons per calendar year if there is only one adult residing in the household.

...from http://www.homebrewersassociation.org/pages/government-affairs/statutes/united-states