It sounds philanthropic. Of course you’re obliged if you’re paid, but also if you’re not. If you’re professional or not makes a different difference, perhaps subtle indeed but not exactly economical.
I really liked to read your article. Everything you write in it is true. The saddest thing is that people, eventually, because they don't know anymore what it is to give something away without expecting something in return, they turn the act of offering into a mistrust. Everything needs to have a price and especially, that price needs to be higher. A cheap price also arises feelings of mistrust. I was having exactly this conversation with a friend the other day and he said to me, send a print to people you like. I don't have nothing against that as I've done this already but I said to him: 'and if they don't like?' to which he replied: 'that's their problem'. In fact it is their problem but I'm scared that if I do that people are going to think that I'm making publicity of my work or that I want something back from them. Maybe it is only me, I don't know. I've offered two times already a print from my stuff. One reaction, one time. The second time, no reaction.
So, if you would like some of my stuff, I'll be very happy to send you a print of it. Just go to my sub and choose one. No strings attached!
I really like the idea of swapping images, though. I don't think the images are free as in free-to-use. More like free-to-enjoy. If someone genuinely wants a print from me, I would give it away, but do I really hand over the print as I would want it displayed or more like a postcard? For now, I like the postcard attitude because it does have a lesser status than an 8x10'' fine print and less likely to warrant the need to repay the favor.
Thank you so much for replying to my comment. The owner of the post just didn’t bother to do it or probably he thought twice about what he had written. I never meant to give something in order to be free to use. What I meant and I do sometimes to people that I know is sent them a print from stuff that I do and that I know they will like. Mostly they sent me also one but this is not agreed and doesn’t need to be reciprocated. I like to think that the people I send my print to, will like to hang it somewhere but if they don’t, that is fine as well. It is a bit like giving a book to someone. You never know if that person will read it but you gave it, no matter the result.
It is more about the spontaneity to give to other person something of yours for the simple pleasure of giving. A pleasure that unfortunately, nowadays, happens very seldom. I’m on the postcard exchange group and I really like this project. If we think deeply, it is the same. You make a postcard of one of your photos and you exchange it with someone else. The only difference is that it is not spontaneous. It is an agreed exchange.
Gery, I am happy to agree with you. I am not a professional, I have sold prints here and there but my name will never be widely known and I accept that. I enjoy the work I do and if I can share it with others, wonderful. At least in that way others are enjoying too. I enjoyed your perspective.
You’ve just written down my thoughts. This resonates with me, thanks! Keep your art available.
Thanks Laszlo, I got my inspiration from the book "Debt..." by David Graeber. A book worth reading.
It sounds philanthropic. Of course you’re obliged if you’re paid, but also if you’re not. If you’re professional or not makes a different difference, perhaps subtle indeed but not exactly economical.
I really liked to read your article. Everything you write in it is true. The saddest thing is that people, eventually, because they don't know anymore what it is to give something away without expecting something in return, they turn the act of offering into a mistrust. Everything needs to have a price and especially, that price needs to be higher. A cheap price also arises feelings of mistrust. I was having exactly this conversation with a friend the other day and he said to me, send a print to people you like. I don't have nothing against that as I've done this already but I said to him: 'and if they don't like?' to which he replied: 'that's their problem'. In fact it is their problem but I'm scared that if I do that people are going to think that I'm making publicity of my work or that I want something back from them. Maybe it is only me, I don't know. I've offered two times already a print from my stuff. One reaction, one time. The second time, no reaction.
So, if you would like some of my stuff, I'll be very happy to send you a print of it. Just go to my sub and choose one. No strings attached!
I really like the idea of swapping images, though. I don't think the images are free as in free-to-use. More like free-to-enjoy. If someone genuinely wants a print from me, I would give it away, but do I really hand over the print as I would want it displayed or more like a postcard? For now, I like the postcard attitude because it does have a lesser status than an 8x10'' fine print and less likely to warrant the need to repay the favor.
Hi Frank!
Thank you so much for replying to my comment. The owner of the post just didn’t bother to do it or probably he thought twice about what he had written. I never meant to give something in order to be free to use. What I meant and I do sometimes to people that I know is sent them a print from stuff that I do and that I know they will like. Mostly they sent me also one but this is not agreed and doesn’t need to be reciprocated. I like to think that the people I send my print to, will like to hang it somewhere but if they don’t, that is fine as well. It is a bit like giving a book to someone. You never know if that person will read it but you gave it, no matter the result.
It is more about the spontaneity to give to other person something of yours for the simple pleasure of giving. A pleasure that unfortunately, nowadays, happens very seldom. I’m on the postcard exchange group and I really like this project. If we think deeply, it is the same. You make a postcard of one of your photos and you exchange it with someone else. The only difference is that it is not spontaneous. It is an agreed exchange.
Thanks again, Frank!
Gery, I am happy to agree with you. I am not a professional, I have sold prints here and there but my name will never be widely known and I accept that. I enjoy the work I do and if I can share it with others, wonderful. At least in that way others are enjoying too. I enjoyed your perspective.