Congratulations to last week's winners: Virginia Carrillo, Monyca Drone, Christie Grabyan, Phokion Kolaitis, and Calen Lopata. Please note: Even if you've won a mug, we welcome your votes and comments.

Responses to last week's question: Currents readers were evenly divided on the question of whether credit card companies should be allowed to solicit students on campus, with 11 voting yes, 11 voting no, and three unsure. A sampling of readers' views follows.

On the yes side:

"I think it is a great time for students to gain credit eligibility. Once you don't have that 'student' title, it is very hard to establish credit."

"Absolutely, students have to learn responsibility some time and a credit card is a great way to do that--that way they're weaned off mommy and daddy's money."

"I think that it is fine for credit card companies to solicit students at UCSC, but ONLY if UCSC screens the credit card packages first. The only companies who should be able to solicit are those who will actually give students a good deal (low interest rates while they are a student, etc.). "

On the no side:

"No, no, and no. In general I'm so sick of solicitors, calling, showing up on campus etc. If I want a credit card, I'll go get one."

"Most students are living in finanical crisis as it is and many are not aware of the dangers of high-interest rate cards."

"If you are ready to begin building your personal credit, it is easy to do without being harangued on campus by vendors offering free junk to rope you in on a card with 18% interest."

Unsure:

"It depends on how they are solicited. Certainly it calls to [students] attention a good way to establish credit and for that reason is a good thing."
 

Tell us what you think: Each week, we post a question about a topic that's been in the news, is of general interest, or has been suggested by our readers. You have a chance to "weigh in" with a simple "yes," "no," or "unsure," or you may elaborate if you like. Responses are due by Friday at 8 a.m.

Win a nifty Currents Online coffee mug: Each week, the names of five respondents are drawn at random to win a mug. Participants must be UCSC staff, faculty, or students. Please submit your name and campus e-mail address on the response form. One mug per person.

This week's question: From Seattle to Portland, residents of the northwest were caught by surprise last week when they were rocked by a 6.8 quake. Are you ready for our next earthquake?

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