Vendors and Clients, Illuminated.

Ever wonder what it's like for someone like me in a business negotiation? Why, just this week a site wanted free photography AND writing from me in exchange for a link to my blog. You know, "advertising." Seems like a fair trade, right? No? You are not alone. 

Even weirder, we're supposed to pretend there's nothing odd going on, that the crazy person we just tried to reason with isn't totally bat shit. These wackos actually think you will lie to their face and agree, by pretending they did nothing wrong. "You're right! My work has no real value. That's why you want it. For free." 

Welcome to the surreal world that artists, designers, and tradespeople have to navigate every single day. Every damn day. A freak show.