Compensation: No Pay
Looking for someone to build website, I have everything needed from godaddy I just don't have time. Need done ASAP.
Compensation: no pay
- By Anonymous Craigslister
We are [...] in need of assistance with our Internet exposure. For now, this is an internship/volunteer position; however, if it works out well, it could prove to be very lucrative in the future.
Compensation: no pay
- By Anonymous Craigslister
Our innovative online company is looking to expand, and believes that some programing and web building, can increase the bottom line significantly. [...] There is the possibility of ownership shares.
Compensation: no pay
- By Anonymous Craigslister
<rant>
The Craigslist computer gigs section is notorious for amount of 'work' promising unimaginable fame and wealth for 'no pay'. If you are looking to post an ad for finding design/development work for no pay, here are a few suggestions from a web designer/developer perspective:
- Know that creating a profitable website business takes more than a domain name and $7/mo hosting package.
- Saying 'it will be great addition to your portfolio' and 'possibility for riches' is not as enticing as you think it sounds. As designers/developers, we have an abundance of projects to choose from when it comes to giving away our time and skills for free. These include non-profits, personal side projects, friend's side projects, and open-source projects that will gladly take free work in exchange for a portfolio placement. As for ownership, shares in a company that don't make any revenue is worthless. Explain the short-term and long-term benefits for the designer/developer. Don't just say that your company will make money, describe the approach.
- Explain what you bring to the table. What is your role on the project? Are you a successful entrepreneur, do you have 15 years of experience in the field of your idea, or just someone with a far-fetched idea?
- Quit trying to get free work. This is probably the most important suggestion, so read carefully. If you are looking for free work, be prepared to offer free work in return. Instead of 'compensation: no pay', how about offering a trade of services? Help with design/development in exchange for business plan writing and marketing advice.
- Keep in mind that you get what you pay (or trade) for. You aren't going to be the next Google by having your friend's cousin's nephew build your free website on top of Wordpress.
Keep these suggestions in mind when writing your next help ad. I won't guarantee that this will find you any sort of decent talent, but you will undoubtedly have a better chance.
