Hand-to-hand help for hand-to-mouth times

Here's an idea, leave the greedy bankers stewing in their own juice. Peer-to-peer or P2P websites link private lenders with people who need a loan but don't want to grovel to the greedheads. Prosper and Lending Club are two leading sites. Basically you set the amount you need and the rate you want and lenders bid on your proposal.