DEAR MISS MANNERS: Is it acceptable to solicit cash donations to fund my child's extracurricular school trip from friends, family and business acquaintances? In the event that someone solicited does not reply, is it reasonable to ask again, or should the silence be interpreted as a "no"?
GENTLE READER: Do you have reason to believe that these people have enough interest in your child's extracurricular activities and sufficient discretionary funds that they would welcome the opportunity to contribute?
Would you gladly do the same for their children?
If you cannot say yes to both questions, Miss Manners advises you to refrain from attempting to embarrass them into complying.
But she gathers that you did not refrain. Can you at least refrain now from dunning those who did not respond? Silence does indeed mean "no," if not "Please go away."