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Have you ever been asked to work for free - for a piece of the action?

by xiaophil
12 replies
Have you ever been approached by a starry-eyed visionary with a grand plan and asked to contribute for free (or a reduced rate) in return for a 'piece of the action' once the project is successful?

Certainly a trap for younger players, and I imagine most of us have fallen for it at one time or another.

Here's how one guy handled it :

"It's like twitter. Except we charge people to use it."

This had me in stitches.
#action #asked #free #piece #work
  • Profile picture of the author mgkimsal
    I've been approached for the same sort of 'no money, just equity' sort of deal. In my youth, I pursued a couple. It was painfully obvious that the people were *only* looking for free labor, not any sort of 'partnership', even though they bandied with word 'partner' around a lot.

    Occasionally I get asked to work for free still for 'equity'. I reply that equity would generally imply I have some sort of voting right, and can veto stupid ideas when they're put forward, rather than just being a pair of hands. If you want a free pair of hands, tough luck. If you want a *partner*, you have to be willing to give up some degree of control over your precious 'idea' and allow someone with different/more/better skills to help execute it. I've never yet had anyone who I was interested in working with want to move forward when they learned I wouldn't be a pair of hands only.
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  • Profile picture of the author Maddi
    Originally Posted by xiaophil View Post

    Have you ever been approached by a starry-eyed visionary with a grand plan and asked to contribute for free (or a reduced rate) in return for a 'piece of the action' once the project is successful?

    Certainly a trap for younger players, and I imagine most of us have fallen for it at one time or another.

    Here's how one guy handled it :

    "It's like twitter. Except we charge people to use it."

    This had me in stitches.
    Can't stop laughing. After a long effing day this is what anyone needs to read. Awesome.

    btw tried going on the main page of the website??
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  • Profile picture of the author tomorrow_is_another_day
    Originally Posted by xiaophil View Post

    Have you ever been approached by a starry-eyed visionary with a grand plan and asked to contribute for free (or a reduced rate) in return for a 'piece of the action' once the project is successful?

    Certainly a trap for younger players, and I imagine most of us have fallen for it at one time or another.

    Here's how one guy handled it :

    "It's like twitter. Except we charge people to use it."

    This had me in stitches.
    I was just about crying with laughter reading this. My other half even got nosey and asked me about it and I forwarded him the link - He heard me laughing from the other room.
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  • Profile picture of the author Andy Money
    Originally Posted by xiaophil View Post

    Have you ever been approached by a starry-eyed visionary with a grand plan and asked to contribute for free (or a reduced rate) in return for a 'piece of the action' once the project is successful?

    Certainly a trap for younger players, and I imagine most of us have fallen for it at one time or another.

    Here's how one guy handled it :

    "It's like twitter. Except we charge people to use it."

    This had me in stitches.
    I remember when this was on Reddit a few weeks ago, I was dying. I hate crap like this, very amateurish thing to do... (work for free in exchange for something that will most likely never come to fruition)
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  • Profile picture of the author J Bold
    I see ads all the time on Craigslist in the gigs section where people have some great idea for a new blog and want people to write posts for them for free! And the best part is, they don't even offer any future commission, just want people who write for the joy of writing, I guess.
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    • Profile picture of the author Maddi
      I think for an idea that is fairly potential and realistic it does make sense for a broke guy to ask for services in return with a set percentage of the sales it makes in future. It could be professionalized with some kind of contract involved so that the person asking for free services is legally bound to keep the promise. Then it makes sense cos its upto the service provider to say yes if he/she can see the potential of the idea.

      But people(tempted to use another word but will stick with people), so people like these even misuse opportunities like this and actually spoil the ground for aspiring (broke) entrepreneurs.

      It definitely is hilarious though and I urge you to check out the main home page of this website. you'll be surprised.
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  • Profile picture of the author trafficwave
    That is pretty funny!

    I was once that starry eyed visionary. While talking with a friend and fellow musician, I described an idea I had and how I needed to find a programmer.

    He says "I guess I didn't tell you. That was my other degree in college. I bet I could build a prototype for you."

    He did.

    I kept telling him to bill me so I could get him paid.
    He asked to be a part of the company, instead.

    9+ years later, we're still going strong and experiencing outstanding growth.
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  • Profile picture of the author theemperor
    Very funny, I am going to email this around!

    I have done a joint partnership once ... and never again ... ever! Even if the other person can contribute it's going to be hassle dividing up the work, dividing up how much capital each person puts in, % shares, what if one person slacks off, ... not worth it! Thats why MONEY was invented so that people can trade skills against a common currency. Anyone starting something should have the balls to invest in it, or leave it alone! Espescially the cost of a measily logo.
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  • Profile picture of the author Peggy Baron
    I recently offered someone a percentage of sales, and he was QUITE happy with the money I sent to his PayPal account. He said it was a lot more money than the amount of work he put into it. This worked because we've built a relationship of mutual trust over the past year and a half. He trusts me to do what I promise, i.e. pay him.

    Peggy
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    • Profile picture of the author Dr Dan
      Originally Posted by Peggy Baron View Post

      I recently offered someone a percentage of sales, and he was QUITE happy with the money I sent to his PayPal account. He said it was a lot more money than the amount of work he put into it. This worked because we've built a relationship of mutual trust over the past year and a half. He trusts me to do what I promise, i.e. pay him.

      Peggy
      I agree that it isnt always a bad idea to do this. Just like any business or life decision, you must make an intelligent decision and weigh out all the options. Obviously Bill Gates didnt pay everyone that joined his vision a fat salary or cash.
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