Discussion on another forum about charities asking for things to auction. Basically the participants are saying their work isn't being properly valued and is regarded as a 'hobby' - after years of practise, apprenticeship and the direct costs of materials etc. We're talking the world of art here, and yes, some people do paint as a hobby, but many others try to make a living and are constantly undercut by the hobbyists. Art works have a value and even hobbyists should recognise this and ask for appropriate payment.
I'm an ex IT professional and get a similar effect. Anyone who knows me think it's fair game to ask for advice about their PC problems. I don't mind a quick query, but some individuals expect me to go away, research an answer, and if they can't fix it to actually do the work for them - all for free. I know I'm retired and no longer make a living from this activity, but I left this work because of the stress so don't want to get involved, and the work HAS A VALUE which they should be prepared to pay. My normal response is that, yes I can help, but my rate is £x, x being dependant on if I actually want to help. There's a similar thing with free software being made available on the web. Personally I think anyone using free anti virus software (or any other free software come to that) is taking a huge risk. If someone gives you for free something that takes many hours of hard work to develop, why do they want to give it away? You really need to question their motivation. I like to see how someone is making money from me on any trade, if I can't, I do get suspicious.
Another related subject is the army of social organisers and club committee members who give their time free. Here my views contradict the previous paragraph. These people are giving up their time and organisational skills to benefit themselves (without them no club or activity) and also all the others who enjoy the fruit of their labours. At this point I'm not suggesting they should demand payment from the other members but would plead with club members to be a bit grateful. It's ALWAYS the members who've never organized anything in their lives that moan and grumble if anything doesn't run perfectly. I have in the past organised social events at workplaces and been on the committee of clubs. What made me give up was the hassle from these ingrates and the experience of 'going pro' when I was made redundant. Paintball, kart racing etc. organisations will pay organisers to bring along full groups of participants as it saves them the advertising and admin loads. While people were happy to let me do the work for free, once I was doing it for money the attitude was that they wanted a discount (equal to what I would get paid) or they'd do it themselves - despite the fact they would then have to do the organisation and still get a worse deal from the companies.
The moaners and groaners just don't get the value that the organisers are adding. If you go to any club, do make a point of thanking any committee members you have dealings with - genuine thanks are one form of payment that won't cost you a bean.
And message to wife - stop volunteering me to help people. If I want to, I'll volunteer myself thank you.
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