Simple, Short, and Sweet.

[Seraph]

That person seems....allergic to learning that you won't do what they want.

Maybe that person needs...a boot to the head.

[Mr.Customer]

As a magician, I get this a LOT.

"Can you perform at our event? We can't pay you, but we will make sure to promote you."

To be fair, generally (though not always) these are charity fund-raisers for (usually) worthy charities or non-profits. I decide whether or not to do it on a case by case basis. If I feel the organization is one I support, AND I have the time period free (i.e., I don't have to give up PAYING work to do it), then I might do it. Emphasis on "might."

If it is a charity event for a charity or non-profit that is propperly registered, then donating your services can be a tax write off, if you put a value on the services provided for free and ask them to issue a receipt to that value. It is a good way of generating a free tax writeoff.

This is why charities and non-profits hit up business for donations, free services and donated items because businesses often have a budget for donations for this very reason.

But for a non-charity, private business etc to ask for free services is silly, why would anyone work for free?

[freaktard]

Good lord, you wouldn't believe how often this happens with writers. All those clients who want you to knock out some free copy for them in exchange for the honor of having it appear on whatever they're going to stick it on, who have sufficient ego to believe that just having your name associated with their product is payment enough.

I attended a couple of story meetings for a low-budget film about fifteen years ago, where I was eagerly hoping to get on the modest screenwriting and editing staff. When I asked the director what the job paid, she looked at me like I'd slapped her with a fish. Not only did she not have an answer, she seemed offended by the very question. Couldn't I see that this was the opportunity of a lifetime, to have my name associated with a MOVIE?

The movie never got made. I have a feeling it was because the director figured that just saying "movie" would get her enough volunteers to staff and star in the thing.

Love, Who?

Something like this has happened to me, as well. I'm not really an aspiring film composer, but every once in a while I'll get an inquiry from someone who's making an independant film of some kind, and is looking for a composer who will do it for free, "for the publicity." Of course they always try to make it sound like a great opportunity.

One in particular stands out. Here's an excerpt from the actual letter:

We are looking for a gifted composer who can compose instrumental theme music of nothing less than academy award-winning theatrical feature film
quality ...The position is open immediately and can serve to provide valuable exposure and feature film experience for the right individual.

I didn't even bother to reply.

[Jester]

You want Academy Award level music, you pay Academy Award level wages.

Period.

[freaktard]

Oh, God, it just got worse!!!!

I've just learned about an "exciting opportunity" for aspiring film composers.

Basically, we're invited to submit music to be considered for inclusion in a short independant film. We have to pay them $30 for the privilige of being considered. And if we "win," we get....

Nothing!

That's right! We get to have our music included in the film, but we will get no compensation, and we have to give up all our rights to our music to the producers.

And they expect us to pay them!!

[Dreamstalker]

Completely
I don't know how good it is these days, but back when I was beading regularly, fishing line wouldn't hold up over the long run. It'd get brittle and break after a few years or so.

I mainly use Accuflex wire; it's a tad more expensive, but I know it'll last (I also find it easier to work with than thread, and you don't have to worry about rough bead holes damaging it).

[Dips]

Oh, God, it just got worse!!!!

I've just learned about an "exciting opportunity" for aspiring film composers.

<snip>

ORLY?

We can only hope they get the response they deserve.