The future is in DUMB

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bobomonkey

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The future is in DUMB:

Has anyone noticed this?

Seems like almost everyone on the planet thinks they are a web designer/programmer/graphic designer even if it's your 80 year old grandma that barely knows how to use a computer.

Many times it seems impossible to get the concept across to people that people like you and I need to be paid for what we do and not be a constant source of free computer advice... or whatever.

There must be some kind of weird psychology behind this, but I think revolves around everyone's egos. The last thing in the world a person wants to do is hire someone to do something computer related because somehow it officially means that THEY are dumb.

But... they will gladly hire someone to install carpet, fix a toilet, car etc.... because it is degrading to do stuff like that and it makes them feel superior when they hire people to do stuff like that.

So... with the hyper-competitive marketplace with things like web design, affiliate marketing, blogging, etc. perhaps the thing to do is merge the DUMB with high tech?

Thoughts? :food-smiley-010:
 


This has been going on for years and I dont understand it either. Roof leaks, no problem calling a roofer and paying for it. Computer/website shits the bed, call a relative/friend/anyone who can turn the thing on and expect it to be fixed for free. Why there is no value associated to computer/web problems is beyond me...
 
That is why.. If I never have write another line of code for the rest of my life, I'll be a happy motherfucker.
 
What's so hard about saying "no" and telling them to call the Geek Squad or someone else? I used to get annoyed the same issue until I learned that saying "no" actually works. If the person wants to get all pissy about it and mad that you won't help them, then fuck 'em. Do you really need someone that thinks you are there for their disposal?
 
nachoninja said:
This has been going on for years and I dont understand it either. Roof leaks, no problem calling a roofer and paying for it. Computer/website shits the bed, call a relative/friend/anyone who can turn the thing on and expect it to be fixed for free. Why there is no value associated to computer/web problems is beyond me...
Click to expand...

I think the reason for it being this way is that roofers/carpenters/mechanics have always been adults expecting to be paid, whereas computers always has this option of "my second cousin knows something about computers so I'll just call him up".

It never really got that 'professional' aspect to it, and is widely under appreciated as a skill. I'm pretty sure this will go away once the clueless pc user's fade away and the younger generation that grew up with PC's learn that it's much more than just click click click.
 
The problem is not so much that people are dumb, it's that they don't think.

I was thinking that because of evolution there must be some sort of survival advantage for people who don't think.. cause there are so many of them.
 
Yes, the problem is that geeks and nerds (me included) often have programming as a hobby as well as a job.

Saying "NO" or "I can do that, but it will cost $X" is hard, but can be learned.

For me, this trend is very satisfying and great. Cause I get to do the interesting websites, the cool apps, the good stuff.

I just say no to the small shit and let nephew design and auntie web programmer handle it.

::emp::
 
Because you don't get dirty doing it.

And yeah, I've suffered through the relatives asking for help thinking their dust and hair-choked computer with 10,000 viruses and trojans can be fixed in 10 minutes of clicking, after which maybe they'll offer you a soda.

Yet another reason I love being out of state from my relatives.
 
Amongst other things I've been a designer for a long time -- but I profit from not only clients, but also the people you're talking about who want to learn how to design themselves with my video tutorial site :)
 
Saying no to a friend is one thing but it's so much harder to say it to a relative/family member (at least for me). And what's worse is when you actually go and fix something that takes you 30 seconds it gets even worse because they think it's "so easy". Then when shit really hits the fan (viruses, etc) they think mr.magic man will come fix it in 30 seconds.

The only other people who I think have this problem though is auto mechanics. Who hasn't asked their car saavy friend or their uncle to take a look at what's wrong with their car or help you fix something?
 
Agree.. give them a price up front. If it is not in their "ballpark" then fine.


emp said:
Yes, the problem is that geeks and nerds (me included) often have programming as a hobby as well as a job.

Saying "NO" or "I can do that, but it will cost $X" is hard, but can be learned.

For me, this trend is very satisfying and great. Cause I get to do the interesting websites, the cool apps, the good stuff.

I just say no to the small shit and let nephew design and auntie web programmer handle it.

::emp::
Click to expand...
 
I simply don't do $10 logos and $30 landers. I've had numerous peeps here solicit me for work, never to hear from them again once I tell them my hourly rate. No biggy as I am up to my eyeballs with too much work right now.
 
OK.. I will elaborate a bit.

I used to help EVERYONE. Yes, I was a young, stupid computerfreak/nerd/geek being nice.

That is until my then girlfriend just told me "Man, it is OK if you charge my colleagues for stuff. Friends, maybe not, but my frigging COLLEAGUES? go ahead and charge them $$$."

I then asked for a very, very, very modest hourly rate.

..
..
..

and it STOPPED!

COMPLETELY.

"Could you reinstall my laptop and ... (things that could add up to a whole weekend)"
"Sure, but I would need to charge 10$ an hour."
"Oh.. OK... naa.. I guess I will manage."
Done.

I was free!

I did get a few gigs out of this, actually, but that was when I upped my rates and made a few quick bucks.

Moral of the story: NEVER do anything you do well for free.

::emp::
 
I usually just say, "Hey sure! I'll work on your computer for ya. I'll just need you to clean my toilet and mow my lawn while I do. Can you be at my place about 6?"
 
That's right dude.. give them an estimate up front.. if they think it is too much, then good for you..
 
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