This Programmer Was Asked To Do ~40 Hours Work For Free, And His Brilliant Response Goes Viral

Well said bro

My grandfather was an artist and used to complain about people in the 60's and 70's wanting him to work for free "to get his name out there" this isn't people today people have always sucked.

Absolutely. They act as if they knew what business is about but... they don't.

This. So much this ^^^

And that's reasonable. If someone can't afford services, it's fine to see if a better payment plan can be placed or a discount/rate reduction. But to ask for free work (especially if it's going to make the client money rather than be for a good/selfless cause) is a slap in the face.

That's awesome of your dad!

Good on your dad for being awesome enough to reduce his rates for some people.

I am a photographer myself, and I started off with campus club events and non-profit organizations, which I definitely shoot for free. Otherwise, likewise with your dad, I charge you. I say: We can negotiate a fair price based on your budget but I'm not willing to work for free unless you have a good cause. Your dad is awesome by the way!

I am currently helping a relative with a web idea in exchange for exposure, but I am already somewhat established locally, and this project is in both our spare time. I am hoping to get some larger sites out of it, and I honestly don't mind helping him because I know he's not trying to use me.

In other words, he does it because he wants to, when he wants to, of his own choosing. Which is perfectly fine! I do the same thing--I make stuff (ranging from jewelry to hats to costumes to cakes, etc.) for people for free when and if *I* make the decision to. I bet your dad is also like me in that he won't do it if you p**s him off, though. Which is not only reasonable, but should be a lesson to jerks like Mr. Idea-Man!

same with designers, devaluing us all so that people won't pay for good design

My husband has been playing out in music scene for 20 years and sometimes you have to play for exposure at the beginning. Once you get a fan base it makes it easier to book shows for payment because the venue will be more likely to book you when you can draw a crowd. When it comes to the music scene you have to play some free shows for exposure , it's just a necessary evil when you are a new band starting out. If you can't draw a crowd the venue gets nothing and then they can't pay you. Plus local opening bands rarely get payed since the headlining bands are usually from out of town and touring so the venue wants to make sure they get payed for coming out .I agree though If you already have an established fan base and the ability to pack shows, playing for exposure is a waste of time. What my husband hates is pay to play. When the venue charges you to play there for "exposure".

Resend their invoice again one last time by recorded mail so they have to sign for it. Give them 30 days. Warn them at 31 days. Warn at 60.

Should have watermarked ut.

Thanks all for encouragement! A lot of pressure is being put on him right and pay for it he will!

Take them to Small Claims Court. Report them to the BBB. If they're part of a local Chamber of Commerce call and warn them.

Yep. Lesson learned. I think you need to use this as something you learn from. Like Fiona said, watermark your designs or send PDF

did you just let that pass??

That's why Watermarks are a Designers best friend for scum like him. Sorry that happened to you.

Don't hand over final files until payment. Either watermark everything or make them unusable (small sizes).