A gratuity is a volunteering gift to show appreciation for good service. The way we've allowed out system to play out is a sham. It's moved from showing appreciation to doing it out of guilt. We feel bad because it's hard work and they don't make much. Well, there are a lot of people of work really hard and don't make as much as they should. Lot's of people who provide a service that many never even think of tipping. Ever tipped the guy cleaning your carpets? Or the DJ you hired for your company's Christmas party? Or the lady who took your fantastic family photos? I'm guessing no. Most don't think about it, but we're wrapped up in tipping servers because they make so little. The problem is, that's not my fault. I was a server and thought, "Wow, this is hard and I don't make enough to show for it. I should find something else to do that has a better work/wage ratio." Aside from that, I do believe that you should tip on the entire experience of the restaurant. The server's where I worked had to share their tips with bussers, bar tenders, runners, etc. Everybody got a cut because every facet was important. If the food's bad or your drinks are wrong, it's OK for the tip to reflect. Besides, how else can you really illustrate their shortcomings other than with your wallet? Call and complain all you want, but as long as you're paying and tipping big, you're approving of the food and service provided. And, I'm with the previous poster that talked about tipped a higher percentage on lower bills and lower on higher bills. The $1.50 on my $10 bill seems like too little, while no server could ever do enough to deserve 15% of the bill for one of my family's trips to a character breakfast buffet.