Comments on: Worthless Knowledge

By: Kai Mantsch

Kai Mantsch — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 22:17:22 +0000

Cathy: If you are going to all of that trouble for free, you might as well write it up and at least put up a website. Then all that time and effort will translate instantly into fame!

By: Cathy Alger

Cathy Alger — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 12:03:05 +0000

Interesting. But I never took you for the type that is about the money and it isn’t. Money is just the currency that we Americans use to measure success. It is about respect and honesty of intentions. This issue is a very familiar one to moms. We are not paid. We work very hard. We really want only not to be taken for granted, to be acknowledged and for someone to recognize that. In your case, there is also the expertise. No one is immune – it’s true. Just this morning, an email, would I please spend time emailing a woman who is thinking of homeschooling, sharing why we did it, all the curriculum I used, my philosophy of life, and so on. ‘Cause I’ve got so much time on my hands, obviously. Ha. But, I’ll likely do it. In casual relationships, well, people do that, but this guy? Hey you owe him nothing and have a right to be ticked.

By: Optimista

Optimista — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 03:23:13 +0000

If it makes you feel any better, I’m a lawyer, and I get asked for free advice on a very, very regular basis, by friends, acquaintances, and people I’ve never met. Nobody is immune.

By: Kai Mantsch

Kai Mantsch — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 22:45:30 +0000

The crux of this thing is that I felt offended that he wanted money for his stories, and too appalled to ask for money for mine either. But if we all think this way then how can anyone find ways of making money with their knowledge or experiences no matter what artform is used to share them?

By: gloria

gloria — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 21:51:50 +0000

I have the opposite problem when I meet people for lunch, even when it’s someone a friend thinks I’ll really click with. Instead of leaving them wanting anything from me, I’m nervous and make a terrible first impression, bore the crap out of them, and we’re not likely to cross paths again. It’s a wonderful gift that you do have something to share from your life… something people think is worthwhile. It’s better than feeling like you have something to give but no one will take it. BUT – I understand the frustration. No one wants to be taken advantage of, and the value of a connection can be completely missed when one or the other or both are focused on selfish gains.