[Hidden-tech] Re: Recession and pro-bono work

[Anne Campbell]

Hi all,

I'm glad to hear that some of you are experiencing the same thing I am: I
feel very fortunate to be busier than ever, gloomy economic forecast to the
contrary. In fact, this past month was my busiest and most profitable in
five years. I'd encourage us all to keep plugging away and not get caught up
in the gloom. I keep thinking of Franklin Roosevelt's words that "the only
thing we have to fear is fear itself."

As for pro bono work, I think it definitely has its place, and I'm learning
the delicate balance between giving my time to a good cause, and not letting
people take unfair advantage. I've done some free or low-cost work for
nonprofits, and although a couple have taken me for a sucker and tried to
squeeze everything they could from me, most have been wonderful.

My favorite nonprofit client, Refuge International (
http://www.refugeinternational.com/ ), does amazing work for the poorest of
the poor in Guatemala, bringing health care, clean water, and education, and
giving deworming medication to millions of children. I feel great about
helping them out even though I'm paid very little, and as a bonus, through
them I found one of my best clients, who has brought me tons of repeat
business (at full fee, I might add). So the karma points do often come
around! You just have to support the causes you believe in, and be sure
you're not being drained beyond what you can handle.

-Anne

-- 
Anne Campbell, acampbell at gmail.com
http://www.annecampbelldesign.com/
http://www.riverbenddoula.com/
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