duckrabbit’s perogative: hypocrisy
Written by duckrabbitWe wouldn’t be called duckrabbit, if we didn’t believe in different ways of looking at things.
A couple of posts ago David pointed out how you can improve the world economy by giving the Guardian free pics.
But isn’t it true that many of the photographers who are critical of the Guardian would be chuffed to get their pictures up on The New York Times Lens blog?
For free.
Just saying.
Author — duckrabbit
duckrabbit is a production company formed by radio producer/journalist Benjamin Chesterton and photographer David White. We specialize in digital storytelling.
Discussion (14 Comments)
Touché
Wait… there are people who pay you for pictures!?
These are pictures which are:
Edited by a (paid) picture editor
Captions proofed by a (paid) sub editor
Inserted by a (paid) web manager
Scrutinized by a (paid) legal assistant
On a server maintained by a (paid) IT Manager
Interspersed with (paid for) advertisements
ALL existing on the back of (unpaid for) images…..
Hmmm. Good businss model.
So, can I come on the next duckrabbit yurt thingy for free please? You dont really expect me to pay to produce free stuff do you!
Just saying.
Hi John,
If the Guardian asked me for a free workshop I’d just say no.
You, on the other hand, I’d consider (yes we have sometimes given scholarship places to people)
I’m glad to hear it.
(Is pretending to be hypocritcal when you’re not, still hypocritical…..bugger thats a hard one to get my head round.)
Anyway I guess thats called ‘putting your money where your mouth is’ except there’s no money involved so I’ll just settle for the much grander, and far more expansive ‘philanthropic’. Nice word, nice feeling, good sense.
TBH I often work for ‘free’. I’ve aided several small charitable trusts and youth projects over the last few decades, and been able to get into some interesting places with remarkable people as a result. It’s ALWAYS been well received and its useful for both parties. They get quality images to publish, and I get good exposure via their publications, and the work has other uses for me, often generating some proper income.
However what has happened almost as often though is that staff turnover in these small organizations is high and new people turn up and dont know anything about the specific arrangements for use of the images and unfortunate incidents occur. I then have to chase them to remind them of agreements. For this reason I always invoice for ‘free’ stuff, showing terms of use, the 100% discount and essentially then have a ‘contract’ to which I can hold them. ‘Free’ still requires some business sense in order to work properly, and thats something many people overlook.
I think most of us are smart enough to know the difference between a total rip-off and an opportunity, even one thats ‘unpaid’. But I also think its a judgment that is perhaps harder to make when you’re starting out and becomes easier with experience.
Hi John,
I think you make a really great point. Even comms people in big orgs don’t seem to understand. In the last month we’ve seriously thought about sending an extra invoice to one of our major clients because they keep misusing the work. Its so frustrating.
Of course think what is a rip off to a professional might be an opportunity to an amateur, in photography terms. It will make lots of amateurs day just to get their photo in he Guardian, just as it will make some pros day to get their pic on NYT Lens blog. That doesn’t mean we shouldn’t keep asking questions when orgs are taking advantage.
Dont think, just send. I do. And I get apologies, and last month I even got paid!
The problem is that in this culture of ‘free’ the ‘value ‘ of work is not viewed the same by each party.
For me, the contributor, it’s either a sound and experienced judgment to give the work free or discounted, (or a bit of a punt if I’m a novice), BUT from the users pov its basically just ‘free stuff’.
That mindset is what needs challenging, for with it comes the (dangerous) fallacy that ‘free’ = valueless, which is so very very far from the truth.
When I teach, and tell aspiring photographers what their work is actually ‘worth’ socially, historically, and financially, they are often very very surprised.
If we don’t value our own work how the hell can we expect others to value it?
totally agree John.
good points, very well made (as always)
When are you going to start posting in the blog?
Which blog?
This one.
Oh right! Duh!
So how do I do that?
Is this achieved using the SUBMIT function at top, or do I need to wear a goatskin apron and make some ‘promises’ to you in order to gain access in some other mysterious way?
I always thought the SUBMIT thingy was a general command, following a list of formidable steps duckrabbit has taken on the route to world domination. I was waiting to see WORSHIP added next.
No?
Have I missed something here? Am I the only one harbouring secret world domination plans?
Gah! I’m really tempted to push the button now, but my last post is making me reluctant…just in case.
Fuck at the moment I’d be happy to get something in The Sunday sport….