Nothing in Life is Free

I'm sure this post will be a contentious issue and divide opinions but I think I've got to the point where I feel I have to write it. 

What ever type of crafting you are into, sewing, knitting, painting, the list goes on and on, we all have one thing in common. We all started as a hobby. 

I can't believe that there is anyone out there that decided, 'I know I'll start a business in something I have no knowledge of and see how I get on'. No, we all started because we enjoy what we do. 

Now certainly not everyone is doing this as a business, some do it to sell items to make enough for their next project, some just do it to give things to their friends and family. But whatever your reason there seems to be a growing fashion that is starting to irritate me, and I would imagine others as well. 

That fashion is...begging for free stuff. 

This free stuff takes the form of many things - free equipment, free materials, free friends on social networking, this list goes on and on. But there is one thing that I find gets to me for than most, asking for donations of money. 

Don't get me wrong if you've provided advice or services to the public free of charge then go ahead and ask for donations, you are after all, helping everyone out with your time and knowledge for example. 

An example of this would be one of the many logo creators out there on the Internet. These sites provide an excellent service that helps its clients look just a little more professional than they could do on their own. These sorts of people and groups have every right to ask for donations. 

But why would I or anyone else want to donate money to you just because you smile and ask nicely? 

How many more sites am I going to come across that think its ok to ask  for money for doing nothing more than being there and telling me nothing but how wonderful their latest creation is? 

If your creations are that good and you're after some cash why not do what the rest of use do and put in the continuous hours of effort into trying to sell what you create. I'm all for congratulating people on a job well done but when I'm putting in all the hours I can to try and promote what I am creating why would I want to give someone money for showing me a lovely picture of a cushion for example. 

Get out of your room, go to a craft fair and start selling them, you'll make money and offend less people on the whole which can only be a win win situation for all concerned. 

Now I understand that may seem a little harsh to some people but if you're one of those people that think I'm missing the community spirit of the crafting world then I put this point to you. 

When was the last time you stood in the middle of your local town asking for money? 

That's essentially what we're talking about here. I'd be more inclined to give some change to someone busking if their playing a decent tune, at least their providing me some entertainment. 

It comes down to the fact that we don't get anything for free in this life so people need to accept the fact that you need to go out and make things happen. Nobody is going to come to you and just give you things because you asked nicely. 

So in conclusion by all means give me a reason to donate, but do not expect me to just give you something for nothing. 

I'd love to hear your thoughts, both for and against so feel free to comment or contact me. 

Thanks for reading. 

Jacqui
www.jacquib.biz