I can’t imagine a $25k loss… mine was only $250. That’s not a learning moment, tossing you in the deep end and hoping you swim, that’s throwing you into the river with cement shoes on.

This is the second time I’ve launched off on my own; and it’s going to be permanent this time.

And funny you should mention a book, I’m actually working on a book called Cheap Pricks about how to deal with bad clients and Allies and @-Holes on how to deal with jerks online.

I’ve been thinking of writing a post about my contract; it’s kept me mostly safe so far.

Because I tend to work with a lot of new solopreneurs or micropreneurs, and my services are priced about 1/5th to 1/10th the industry standard (on purpose), over time I’ve attracted quite a few disreputable folks.

But the number (and quality) of reputable folks who I’ve helped far outnumber those.

A big shift occurred when I revealed the fact that my rates are so low, and why. At that point most people realize they’re getting a hand-up from somebody who knows what it’s like to bootstrap. It’s almost always appreciated.

It was certainly not a fun thing to even have my ethics questioned… or my temper tested.

I’ve worked really hard in this town to develop a reputation for honesty and fairness. Hopefully this post goes along with that; it certainly wasn’t easy to write.

A friend of mine, with whom I talk pretty much on a daily basis, and I have been noticing  and talking about lately how a LOT of people are devolving emotionally and spiritually in this economic whirlwind, it seems. The attitude apparently has become “I’m gonna do it to everybody else, any time I can, ’cause I never know when somebody’s gonna do it to me.” Which is to the usual “every man for himself” thing as the Bush Preemption Doctrine is to “defense of others and self.” That is to say, WAY far extreme, and (pardon the pun) overkill. 

I don’t disagree with what you are saying re pro-bono, however in the context of a cash / value discussion I put them in a very different category than barter.  Perhaps using financial terms I would say barter and cash produce an immediate liquid asset.  Pro-bono etc are long term investments with uncertain outcomes.

Your car breaks down.  You need the car to live your life, run your biz etc.  But you have no cash.  Your mechanic really needs your services and is absolutely open to barter.  You both are getting something you need, something of value.

To me having a running car is right up there with eating.  Which I may point out a local farmer or farmers market may be open to a barter arrangement which would literally put food on your table.

The only limits are the ones you set for yourself. 

I really appreciate the great conversation this round of carnival posts has started and all the open dialogue.  Thanks for sharing your thoughts Nick.