This video is not new, but anytime I come across it and watch it I feel relief that I am not the only one who seems to experience these situations, as well as frustration since it is so true as well. I am sure that we all can relate to this with business dealings in our own lives, probably more than we would care to admit. The only detail from the clip that makes me slightly different than Mr. Ellison, is that I have not figured out how to get paid every time I take a leak, that must come with experience. Taken from documentary on Harlan Ellison, “DREAMS WITH SHARP TEETH”
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2 Comments
Harlan could not be more right!
about 9 months ago I get a phone call from someone I met through a company I work for. He was launching a patriotic product in Philadelphia at the constitution center and wanted me to come cover the event.
the conversation went like this:
lets call him Bob…
Bob: Hey, I’m launching this product in Philly wednesday night. it’s gonna be a big deal and I would love to have you come photograph the event.
Me: sure Bob, I would love to. how long is the event running and how many guests are you expecting?
Bob: the event is going to run from 7-9 pm and some of the biggest executives in the city are going to be there. it will be Great exposure for you and your business
Me: Ok, great I would love to do it. it sounds exciting!
I’ll be there around 6:30.
its going to be $XXX.XX payable that evening.
I’ll have the images to you by friday
Bob: *after a moment of silence* Oh, I was kinda thinking I could make you an event sponsor and promote your business. you know some of the biggest executives in the city are going to be there and its going to be great exposure for you.
Me: Bob that is great and I’m happy for you but I cant pay my bills with exposure or potential future work.
Bob: well you know sometimes you cant get payed for everything you do.
Me: Bob, do you work for free? are you giving your product away that evening?
you’re asking me to provide you with a service for which I need to be compensated. if anyone could do it, you wouldn’t be calling me.
long and short, I never covered the event nor did any other photographer.
I know this from someone that attended.
its unbelievable that people that wouldn’t consider working for free expect you to do so….
I mean after all….all you’re doing is taking pictures….right?
hats off to Harlan for speaking out!
Oh I can tell so many stories of the same nature. It is quite comical after a while. I sometimes try it myself in reverse, For example I was in a Porsche dealership the other day and was admiring the new 911 turbo. I asked if I could take delivery of this really sweet silver one they had on the floor. I told them I was hoping they would just give it to me as a demo, since it would be good exposure for them for others to see me driving in it. I would of course tell anyone whom asked where the car was from, which would certainly boost their exposure.
It didnt go over too well, but at least I got a free cup of coffee from the machine in the customer’s lounge. ha!
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