Comments on: Working For Fame Or For Cash

By: Marie-Aude

Marie-Aude — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 22:34:46 +0000

You're right, you did not say it was non-profit and interesting enough, I get this kind of feeling from the overall discussion in the post. I think I translated your “work for love” into “non-profit”

I also agree with Nicole on this “what is in it for me”, it is better than “fame” because “fame” is just a part of it. Some people would look for example for an experience, and a proof that they can do something, some people would look for the opportunity to reach some others, some people might be interested on starting a partnership.
For example on one of my projects, which is fundraising, I bartered working for nothing at the beginning, till they get the funds, for a higher price at the end, that pays for my risk they never get the funding…

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 21:35:49 +0000

I guess I use "fame" as a replacement for "what is in it for me" -- lots of people want recognition in exchange for service, when bartering. That's basically what sponsorships and partnerships are about, often.

I didn't say Going Solo was a non-profit -- quite the opposite. I said: "this is not a non-profit venture." It is a for-profit... even this year, if it's possible!

By: Nicole Simon

Nicole Simon — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 20:31:38 +0000

(hint: if it is generated by something but displayed visible on the site, it IS harvestable – another reason not to put email addresses online).

You use cash or fame, whereas I would like to see a third option, the “what is in it for me”. I am very much a fan of the barter system – but only if it is a true win win plus if one does not loose track of earning money.

I would not label Going Solo non profit btw, because this year it is making no profit but is supposed to be doing in the future. It must be this controlling background which makes Marie-Aude and me cringe at this mentioning

By: Marie-Aude

Marie-Aude — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 17:34:46 +0000

You’re right, you did not say it was non-profit and interesting enough, I get this kind of feeling from the overall discussion in the post. I think I translated your “work for love” into “non-profit”

I also agree with Nicole on this “what is in it for me”, it is better than “fame” because “fame” is just a part of it. Some people would look for example for an experience, and a proof that they can do something, some people would look for the opportunity to reach some others, some people might be interested on starting a partnership. For example on one of my projects, which is fundraising, I bartered working for nothing at the beginning, till they get the funds, for a higher price at the end, that pays for my risk they never get the funding…

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 16:35:49 +0000

I guess I use “fame” as a replacement for “what is in it for me” — lots of people want recognition in exchange for service, when bartering. That’s basically what sponsorships and partnerships are about, often.

I didn’t say Going Solo was a non-profit — quite the opposite. I said: “this is not a non-profit venture.” It is a for-profit… even this year, if it’s possible!

By: Nicole Simon

Nicole Simon — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 15:31:38 +0000

(hint: if it is generated by something but displayed visible on the site, it IS harvestable – another reason not to put email addresses online).

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 14:39:13 +0000

Suw, thanks — it was kind of what I was thinking. Design is worth putting $$$ in. The question now is how much (as I mentioned, my designer will “adapt” to my budget). By design, I'm speaking “design in general” here rather than just “web design”, which is a part of the package. (Lots of the conference sites I've seen are so stiff that there is little chance of looking worse, even if I take a ready-made WP theme and slap a banner with a great logo on top.)

By: Suw

Suw — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 14:35:06 +0000

One thing – always pay for design work if you can. It's very hard to find a designer prepared to work for nothing, because they are always inundated with offers to work for free, which often they rightly turn down. And if you do find a designer who's working for nothing, then you are in a very weak position if you don't like what they do, or need a change made. And design is so important that it's worth getting it right.

By: Marie-Aude

Marie-Aude — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 14:13:00 +0000

The plugin is Obfuscate email http://www.coffee2code.com/wp-plugins/ it's rather old, but works pretty well

And if not, I use http://xhtml.css.free.fr/js-mail.htm with a separate js file that I can re-use on any site. Quite effort-less

I think what you say about soloist is quite true, and to be able to clarify this blur line is essential.
Maybe a topic you should put on your agenda ?
OK, you said you would

By: Stephanie

Stephanie — Tue, 15 Jan 2008 13:38:11 +0000

What's the name of the plugin? I use JS to obfuscate it on sb.com, and used to on CTTS — but template changes happen way too often and it's the kind of thing I forget to reinsert in the theme. I'm trying to move this kind of thing into plugins now. I agree with you 100% that customers will not search for you, and you need to stick everything under their nose.

If I don't find a suitable plugin, I'll probably just simply stick the code in the “stats” widget in my sidebar. Thanks for nudging me about this.

The thing about separating work for profit and work of love is, I think, a problem for many soloists — because I think that many people become freelancers as a way to turn a passion (work of love) into a job (work for cash). So, we're stuck. The line between work and fun is blurred, private and personal, and it's not always easy to manage. It's a topic I want us to talk about at Going Solo, by the way.

You're right with your example — this is what I'm trying to do. I'm just not finding it that easy