On 3 Jun 2004, at 11:22, Shangara Singh wrote:
Hate to disagree with anyone but I would never dream of charging a friend
for imparting knowledge - especially knowledge that can be gleaned from
lists, websites and books for next to nothing. If a friend wanted to charge
me, I wouldn't call them a friend anymore but an acquaintance or a "oh,
him."
Have to disagree to a point here Shangara, not from an ethical point of view but a practical one. Especially through my teaching, I have many friends, and genuine friends around here but I would not be able to run my business if I gave my time free for the amount demanded from me. I don't think anyone is suggesting ripping off friends but I know that my true friends would not expect me to give either time or prints for free. Your time is as valuable as your products, so the odd question here and there is not an issue but hours of private tuition is IMO a very different scenario. I have several doctor and sports physio friends but I wouldn't dream of going to them for free consultations although their occasional freebies are always appreciated.
One of the hardest lessons to learn in life, IMO, is to value the seemingly
valueless and to devalue the seemingly valuable! Put another way, you should
value your friends and not reduce them to the level of a meal ticket.
My friends realise how hard it is for me/all of us to make a living and I can say hand on heart that none of them see themselves as a meal ticket just because I've given them a heavily discounted price rather than a freebie.
Regards,
Glyn
Glyn Davies, BA(hons) AOP
Art Photo Wales The Gallery 14 Bridge Street Menai Bridge LL59 5DW 01248 715511
www.artphotowales.com fine art photography on-line
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