Comments on: “If The Wind Don’t Blow, Row”

By: Griff

Griff — Fri, 29 May 2009 18:50:32 +0000

My only concern about this is you have to really know your client before you get involved with something like this.

There are just so many people out there who either don’t want to face the price of good work or don’t really believe peoples’ ideas are worth what they’re worth.

I just think it’s a hard conversation to have.

Agency: “So do you like the work?”

Client: “We love the work.”

Agency: “How much do you love the work?”

Client: “Oh we really love the work.”

Agency: “No, HOW much do you love the work?”

That’s just tough. And in regards to S who said advertising won’t be around in 10 years. I love this. I’d be interested in which businesses that are around today that will still be around in 10 years. HMM let’s see…

Manufacturing?
Investment Banking?
Music Business?
Newspapers?
Television?
Circut City?
Blogging?
Publishing?

maybe we should all run for congress.

As always, great site Erik.

By: admin

admin — Fri, 29 May 2009 14:36:45 +0000

What is it about the skeptics who always go with names like “S” and “Retake Accounting 101?” If nothing else, you’re proving how big one’s balls need to be to try something different and put your name out there. Succeed or fail, Hank’s going for it. Publicly. I thought my readers would be more encouraging of that fact.

Signed, Erik Proulx (AKA, Admin)

By: S

Fri, 29 May 2009 14:25:55 +0000

My issue is this: at this time in this economy, why would anyone go into advertising in any way shape or form? The industry is going through cataclysmic and possible catastrophic changes.
A “career” in advertising may not exist in ten years. So, while I applaud the initiative, my cynical yet realistic advice would be, learn a new set of skills.

By: Retake Accounting101

Retake Accounting101 — Fri, 29 May 2009 14:19:11 +0000

90% of advertising doesn’t work; doesn’t provide a positive ROI. Therefore 90% of the time this dude won’t get paid. Sounds like a bummer business model.

By: Craig

Craig — Thu, 28 May 2009 20:36:13 +0000

It’s nothing new. It’s called spec.

By: admin

admin — Thu, 28 May 2009 01:19:23 +0000

I really think they’re on to something. As I said, I think they’re tag line is unnecessarily confrontational and a bit of an untruth. But the idea of paying what you think the product is worth has potential to suss out the real value of what we do. Because, really, who knows what that is for sure? If these guys come in and give agencies and clients a better product than 10-year veteran freelancers, it means one of two things…that seasoned freelancers are overpaid or juniors are underpaid. To me it seems like a great equalizer. AND, these guys have the audacity to compete for clients while other the ink on their diplomas are still wet. You know what? I’ll take that kind of moxie any day.

By: J

Wed, 27 May 2009 23:52:40 +0000

I give them points for striking it out on their own. That always takes balls.
I’m just not sure about the whole cheaper than interns angle. Aren’t we in the business of creating value?

By: ad7am

ad7am — Wed, 27 May 2009 21:57:03 +0000

It is a brilliant differentiator.
But at best, it’s a model that says “We’ll agree on a price, and we’ll work until you’re happy with it.” Yes, it could create income, but I agree that it’s ripe with pitfalls to make it unsustainable.
But who am I to say?
All the best to them. Let’s hope it produces great work and $$$. For these really smart guys anyway.
Because if it works, like it or not, freelancers everywhere might soon be needing to follow their model.

By: MattM

MattM — Wed, 27 May 2009 20:59:43 +0000

I always love seeing new compensation models. It’s the only way we’ll ever end up with something that works. But I’m not sure this one is the right answer.

First, how many clients know what work is really worth? Just look on Craig’s List at the number of clients looking for creatives to work at $35/hr.

Second, I haven’t met many clients that can tell great work without something to compare it to. So you could show them campaign X and they say “That’s just ok. It’s worth $1000. But show them a worse campaign Y and suddenly they’re a lot happier with X.

And third, with all the profit pressures on agencies, don’t be so sure they wouldn’t short change you on price. In fact, I’d almost count on it.

By: Cristina

Cristina — Wed, 27 May 2009 20:44:41 +0000

Kudos for thinking out of the box (out of the paycheck), but I have to agree with PMS. Could be a nightmare in the hands of a bad client and, well, there ARE some of those around. (I think the tagline should be “Will work for what it’s worth.”