Jun 11, 2015 Posted by Simon Rose

Working for Free: Part Nine – Everyone’s Doing It

Clients always seem to have plenty of reasons why your working for free is a great idea. They don’t have a budget, they can trade you something, it’s for a worthy cause, and so on. People may still be resentful even if you have a valid reason for refusing to give anything away. They may tell you that there are lots of other people who will do the work for nothing or for a lower price than you. If the... read more

Jun 6, 2015 Posted by Simon Rose

Working for Free: Part Eight – Fair Trades?

A common theme in the working for free saga is the offer of a trade. In many walks of life this might actually be worthwhile. Your profession and that of the client might be complimentary. Or they may just be offering to trade your time and talent for something that you’d like to have, whether or not its related to what you do for a living. However, this might also be an item that you either don’t... read more

Jun 6, 2015 Posted by Simon Rose

Book Signing at Chapters Dalhousie, June 6

This Saturday, I’ll be at Chapters at Dalhousie in Calgary from noon to 5 pm. I’ll be signing copies of The Alchemist’s Portrait, The Sorcerer’s Letterbox, The Clone Conspiracy, The Emerald Curse, The Heretic’s Tomb, The Doomsday Mask, The Time Camera, and The Sphere of Septimus. Chapters is located at 5005 Dalhousie Drive NW in Calgary. Hope to see you... read more

Jun 2, 2015 Posted by Simon Rose

Working for Free: Part Seven – There’s No Budget

Some potential clients will be very honest right at the outset regarding their inability to pay you. They might state very clearly in their first email that they have little or no budget for the proposed project. Every situation is different, but it’s wise to mention money very early in any email exchange. This applies even if the client is initially only inquiring about your experience and... read more

May 30, 2015 Posted by Simon Rose

Working for Free: Part Six – It’s Great Exposure

Sometimes a potential client might explain that although there’s no money to pay you, you’ll get great exposure and that there’s a high probability of future paid work? Should you consider doing this for free? As tempting as it is, it’s wise to ask for further information about this offer that’s supposedly going to put you on the map. Ask for more details about what kind of exposure you’re... read more