Because the Internet makes anonymity easy, I usually don't have a problem with buskers knowing a tip came from me. (After all, it's not as if I have to provide my real name or that most people on LJ would recognize me if they passed me in the street! :) My only real issue with online tipping is the use of PayPal, which we've discussed before.

But in person? Then tipping or other types of interaction become much harder for me. So I appreciate the buskers who pretend not to notice or just smile and say a quick, "Thank you."

(Almost forgot to add: I'm sure there are shyer folks than me online, so it would be nice to have anonymous tipping options for them, if feasible. Besides, it's an extra chance for extra income for the buskers!)