Pay The Writer. A Hilarious Rant By Harlan Ellison.
This is a funny video that brings up a serious point. Writer Harlan Ellison goes on an epic rant about the value of creativity. Regardless of your professional accomplishments or status, there will always be people who devalue your creative services. Our reaction as a creative community is what sets the pace. The original youtube thread has a whopping 1046 comments. Surprisingly, not all creatives are not in favor of Harlan. Below is the video of the hilarious rant along with some of the original comments. I’d love to know where you stand on the issue.
basspig
The problem is this new fad of “just good enough”… it’s the fad which the Flip cameras are riding. Graphic design’s heyday was 1980-1992. Video was 1988-2004. Tools became affordable, now everyone’s a ‘designer’/'artist’/'videographer’. And the public can’t seem to tell the difference, plus there are many who work for ‘free’. It’s hard to compete with ‘free’.KANMistry
Replace “writer” with photographer, designer, illustrator, or most other artistic professions, and you have here something that speaks truth on more than just a level for those taking the literary career path.While this guy does tend to go overboard with a couple of his points, he does make some good ones– especially about amateurs (which I am) taking work and pay away from the professionals (which I aim to be), and it’s disheartening how companies simply let that slide.
SoManySkinks
lol, stop bitching about not being able to make a living. When an amateur beats your ability to perform a service, find a new job. It’s exactly the same as when a machine replaces a tradesman. It might suck, yeah, but get used to it. That’s progress for ya.vagrant1
Really want to agree with Ellison and the comments here. Loved his rant & am freelance myself. But the fact is, if the job you do can be so easily done by an amateur – (for free if they like!) companies should be able to use them. I know it sucks, but if no one can tell the difference between pro and amateur why pay for a pro? If they refuse to pay and end up with a pile of shit then it’s their own problem. If what you do can be differentiated from an amateur then you’ve nothing to worry aboutstalepie13
It’s not true that there’s no publicity value. Almost every time I’ve ever bought a Harlan Ellison book or item it was because I was inspired by some free interview he gave. Not making this up.
Twitter credit to @DavidAirey
What’s Your Take?
As a creative, what side of the fence are you on? Is Harlan Ellison being a whiner or is it fair business practice? Chime in.
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Tim Patterson
December 22nd, 2009 at 12:09 pm
As a writer – and a Harlan Ellison fan for decades – I tend to agree with most of what he said. However, I suspect that young writers who are new to the game are more willing to trade freebie stuff to get their name out there. Every situation is different. The unknown writer who’s asked to submit a piece that may get him some notoriety may choose to do it for free or at a reduced rate because it can open doors. Harlan is at the stage in his career that he doesn’t need doors opened. In fact, he’s into slamming them shut if he doesn’t need them.
Bottom line: if you can show the market that you have the goods and can create the content, you should eventually be able to demand and get your price. Of course that depends on what the marketplace is willing to pay.
Viola Mcgaugh
December 22nd, 2009 at 2:03 pm
Hi, what blog platform is this? Can I download it for free or..? I would really like it if you could answer this question! Ciao!
Mario
December 22nd, 2009 at 10:04 pm
Tim
You bring up a good point. At this stage in Harlan’s career a free interview is of no value. For a young writer/creative it’s a different story. I think he was offended for getting treated like an amateur. I do think that technology has birthed a lot of hack writers, photographers, designers, and illustrators. If it’s true that the public can’t tell the difference, then who is anyone to complain?
Viola
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Carol
January 5th, 2010 at 2:06 pm
Mario: Thank you for a having a great blog and so openly sharing your ideas and thoughts. I can really relate to what Harlan says, but it takes awhile to get to the point where you can just say “no.” And I am very glad Harlan did just that… and he should!
I think there are plenty of creative opportunities for all of us in the world if we are passionate and know our niche. I think it all works itself out. As an independent graphic designer I try to differentiate my work through excellent service and always delivering my best high quality work. I have raised my prices incrementally over the last 4 years and have a nice referral base now. I am grateful to be able to say “no” now to contests and requests for lower prices. And I do, emphatically!
Let’s face it, those who work for free or low fees in exchange for exposure are going to continue to do so. (Who knows, I might find one of them with talent to work with me : )
Mario
January 6th, 2010 at 6:51 am
Carol
Thank you for the kind words. I’m glad you enjoy the blog. I think working for less money is a normal when you are starting out. Having said that, do you think he is taking an unfair jab at amateurs?
Carol
January 7th, 2010 at 12:04 am
Yes, a little bit. I wish amateurs would have more of a backbone and charge fees according to their talent/experience. But it takes good business sense and a bit of luck to make a living with your artistry these days. And if you don’t have that business sense, people and corporations will just take advantage. (corporate spec work – that is nasty!!)
In another light, aren’t we in a time when right brain thinking is down right crucial? (ie: the book “A Whole New Mind”). We ought to start seeing a clear shift in the value of “coming up with something from nothing” which is how I define creativity…
website design
January 27th, 2010 at 11:52 am
Harlan is absolutely right. Having been in a situation where a client attempted to get out of paying for things and have things done at “favor” pricing, I can say, first hand, that in business, there are no favors.
I don’t even discount family members for design projects I do; at least, after paying, they’ll retain the right to complain.