From: HSG826@aol.com
Date: Sun, 21 May 2000 01:25:57 EDT
Subject: Re: getting paid
To: PTLPMA@aol.com, balloon@balloonhq.com

    Ok, so now you have my attention.  I have been a clown for over 15 years, 
and this is what I have found out:  any business, or any one will try to take 
advantage of you, if you let them.  I have had hospitals call and want my 
services at no charge for a health fair they are sponsoring (to bolster their 
own image) , private schools call and expect me to work free, "because after 
all, you can hand out your cards,"(when they charge $12,000.00 yearly tuition 
for kindergarden and it goes UP from there--and guess what, they can pay me, 
and I can STILL hand out my cards), and all kinds of that nonsense.  I 
finally got so fed up, that I very nicely asked the hospital "and if I need 
to come into the Emergency Room for any reason, will you treat me for no 
charge?"  The reply was dead silence, and a few seconds later a stutterred, 
"of ccourse nnnot."  Then I asked whoever called me (nicely, of course), "Do 
you work for free?"  They, of course reply, "Well, no of course not." and 
then I ask, "then why would you expect me to work for free?"  Most of these 
people think that this is something I do for fun and games (well, you know 
what I mean).  They have no concept whatsoever as to the time, effort and 
cost involved in what I do, and in maintaining a business.  They just think 
we do this on the weekends as a hobby, or as something to do to make a few 
extra dollars.  Well, for me, this is my living.  Most people are very nice 
when I explain that to them.  However, there are a few boors who don't get 
the point.  When we get to that point in the conversation when I am losing 
all my patience (and believe me I am VERY patient), I just tell these people 
if they can call the Electric Co., or the Gas Co., or my Mortgage Co., and 
convince them to give me their services free, then I can work for them for 
free.  Usually they get the message then.
    Don't get me wrong, I do my share of pro bono shows, for groups and 
charities I wish to support.  It just really aggravates me, though, when 
everyone thinks YOU should work for free, just because they don't have any 
idea of what it takes for you to do what you do. Or when they think that a 
mention of you name in an ad is good enough for you to give them extra time 
(which is really all we have to sell), or services they don't want to pay 
for.  I really can take care of my own advertising, thank you very much, 
anyway, and to tell you the truth, to mention my name in an ad is going to do 
the client more good than it will me--after all, the client is using me as a 
draw, to bring people in for their special event.   And in all my years of 
performing I have found one thing to be absolute truth--The only thing you 
get from free shows is more free shows!!!

    Well, now that I've been on my soapbox for wayyyyy to long, I hope I 
didn't insult anyone, and if you disagree with me, that's fine, I just wanted 
to get my opinion out there.

        Helene Mark 
            "Bubbles"