Just a friendly holiday reminder.
Friend ≠ free stuff
Just saying. That symbol (≠) means does NOT equal just so we're all on the same page here. Granted sometimes it does if that creative friend is feeling generous, can afford it and so on. But, to just expect, or worse demand, freebies from your creative friends is just plain tacky. Musicians, artists, seamstrix, etc work hard at what they create and deserve to get paid for it too. Support them, love them, tell your other friends how awesome they are. They are your friend after all, right?
I haven't had it happen to me recently because, well, I'm a hermit and I also know how to tell people "No". Although I am seeing quite a bit of it going around (thank you FB).'Tis the season to be greedy? I've seen demands for free CDs from musicians. I've seen whining for free plushies, jewelry and accessories from those who make them. Yeah, yeah, all in "jest" I'm sure. How about instead of being "funny" you buy that item? If you really want it and don't have the funds at least offer to trade something in return for it. That'll get taken a lot better than just demanding a freebie because you're supposedly friends. Or worse, vague acquaintances. We all like free stuff, and maybe your creative friends will offer up freebies when they can afford to give things away, but your friends have to eat and pay bills too.
Creative types, if you see your friends pulling this sort of thing smack 'em. Or give 'em a good falcon punch/ monkey-steals-the-peach. Which ever is most appropriate or needed.
Friends don't let friends be mooches.
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7 comments:
*nods*
Of course, there's also the point when crafty talented friends can create something for your b-day, and that's a great present! Asking for freebies is plain rude!
THANK YOU! I should print out your blog and give it to my mother.
She expects my bestie (who is also in my wedding party) to make the corset part of my wedding dress for free! 0_0
My bestie is already helping me make my veil, and doing the embroidery for the front of my corset for free as a gift. And today she offered to make my civil wedding outfit for free (a sexy '40s pinup suit in cream). Is that not enough?
My mother is SO RUDE! Ack!!!!
Most definitely, Pili. I recently made a veil for my friend's wedding. My gift to her because I couldn't really afford anything else and she wanted a specific style that she could find so it worked out for both of us. But I offered, she didn't demand.
Aelwyn - Wow! That is a lot of work and a lot of love :D Personally, if I were in your place, I'd appreciate the help immensely but would still try and pay her even if it meant stuffing money in her purse when she's not looking. But that's just me ;D Tsk-tsk, Mom, appreciate but don't take advantage.
Amen to that!!!
I have so many people that say "I want a piece of your art for my home" or " can you make me this"
and when I say "can you pay me?" or "what is your budget for the item" they look at me like I am crazy because friends and family should get a hook up.
I have to remind them that I love them but I dont have money for supplies and thing to just be handing out things I make!!
Great post!
Yve - Booooo, that is definitely no friend >:(
The other thing, putting items in their cart and then sitting on it, is just... weird.
Nicole - Exactly!
I've had a friend who owned a boutique borrow a sculpture for display that went "missing". I never got paid for that.
I haven't experienced any attempts at outright moochery -- yet.
I'm practicing my falcon punch/ monkey steals the peach moves just in case ;)
Wow, so not cool, Blacknick. If a piece is on lend the holder is responsible. Went "missing" indeed. Grrmph.
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