Work for Free With a Promise of Blue Sky!

Well, I just got off the phone with a total idiot. They wanted to create a networking site for realtors where an agent can signup and create a profile and have direct engagements with other agents through different email lists and groups. Basically a dumb down version of Facebook. I chatted with him a little and then came the words “donate my time”. Then the conversation went on where I would donate my time now and then once the site started to get traffic, then they would solicit home inspectors to buy ads and then I would get a cut of those ad sales.

Needless to say, I told him there was no way I could donate my time on such a massive project. I explained that he would be looking at $15,000 to $20,000 minimum for developing, designing and branding such a site. Which technically, that is on the cheap side of the fence too.

I then proceeded to tell him that I do not work on Blue Sky promises and that I could only do the work if they were willing to pay for it. Of course he said no (and he seemed to get mad a little), and then I told him that no designer in their right mind would do such a large amount of work for free in hopes to get future work and income based off of an idea that might or might not work. And, then I hung up on him!

I know hanging up on someone is rude, but I have to say this, I am dang tired of dealing with these types of idiots and have no patience for them. I am not burning any bridges since there were no bridges to burn. Besides, who needs referrals from clients like this? Not me! I can just see it now, everyone they refer to me for a Web site design project will want free design work and if the site does well, they will pay me then. What a freaking joke!!!!!

It is time to stand your ground as a designer and blow these people off and laugh in their face. These people are not just ignorant, but they are flat out scammers looking for a free ride! They pray on desperate designers looking to build their portfolios with the promise of blue sky when in reality, the sky is black and dark with doom and financial ruin.

Stay far away from these “evil doers”. Use that time to get real clients that are willing to pay you real money for your hard work.