From: Christopher Hudert <heyhoot-AT-mindspring.com>
Date: Thu, 5 Mar 2009 23:38:49 -0500
To: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] free shows


You know, for "no smoking" issues, the only thing worse than a 
non-smoker is a former smoker. In this case the only thing worse than a 
"no freebies" professional is a former "no freebies" professional. I 
used to be strongly in the "it hurts everyone" camp. I am no longer of 
that opinion. I will reiterate - in short - what I said in earlier 
post, and then I think I am done on this subject. We'll have to agree 
to disagree.

   A free show, booked in a professional manner, would not be know to be 
free by anyone but the people who handled the booking. Normally, the 
public does not know if or how much the performer is getting paid. Nor 
do they care. They only know and care if the show is good or not. A bad 
show is far worse for getting gigs than several shows done for free.

   People ask for a free show because they either don't have a budget, 
hope you will support a cause through the donation of your services, or 
both.  It is NOT because they don't value your service.

   There are times when donating our professional services does more 
good for the profession, the individual, and the art than any harm it 
may do to the ability to be hired for pay.

   When times are hard, it is time to do more for your community. I 
believe it will come back in spades when times improve.

   Because I am not a mega celebrity with a mega fortune, it is often 
easier to support through time/services than with money. I believe the 
same is true for others.

   No presenter has ever said that they would respect me more if I 
charged them more. Most are grateful that they got such value for their 
money and within their budget. I believe I am charging a reasonable 
price for the product and service I deliver. Respect is earned, not 
demanded or charged for. Disrespect, however, might be charged for. If 
I know I am going to get disrespect or abuse I'm going to charge more 
for the hassle, if I take the job at all.

   I believe one should "give back," and in doing so one receives more. 
Giving back enhances rather than reduces.

Christopher


On Mar 5, 2009, at 7:47 PM, Puppet People wrote:

> <clip> I totally agree that free show don't just
> hurt the giver, financially at least,  but also the rest of us.
>     People ask for free shows because at some point someone gave a show
> away, and now they expect it.
>
>    Mark
> The Puppet People
>
>  ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Wayne Martin" <wayne.martin-AT-waynemartinpuppets.com>
> Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] free shows
>
> Apart from the humorous posts, I'm very surprised to see this thread 
> still
> being discussed, especially by professional and established puppeteers.
>
> Fellow Puppeteers, PLEASE DO NOT give away your shows for free! It not 
> only
> hurts you (And it does) but it makes it that much tougher for other
> professional puppeteers to command a decent rate and income.
>
> <clip> Most puppeteers are lucky to make ends meet from year to year. 
> Giving away
> your services for free only helps to reinforce the publics impression 
> of
> puppetry being a third-rate art form and one not worth paying for.
>
> It's a simple fact that the more you charge the more respect you 
> receive at
> your gigs, the more publicity your sponsor will get for you (as it's to
> their benefit too because it is now costing them) and the more better 
> paying
> job opportunities that will come your way.

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