On Sun, Jun 12, 2011 at 10:50 PM, Net Caster <
madungu@gmail.com> wrote:
> Hi Skunks,
> Something has been bothering me for some time now on this list. I know many
> skunks have set up IT businesses and consultancy in areas such as
> web-design, networks, VOIP, software development, support, FOSS
> implementation and maintenance etc. Lawyers, doctors, civil engineers,
> realtors, quantity surveyors and plumbers have also registered their
> businesses. The one major difference between the techies and the later group
> is that we tend to offer our knowledge, skills and consultancy for free on
> public forums such as Skunkworks. There is a fine thick line between
> offering a fellow techie help when stuck and streaming really premium
> information to non-techies and thus denying professionals their right
> earning. Those of you who have engaged lawyers, realtors and plumbers
> recently can attest that nothing is free from the outset.
>
> While you may have a day job, there are fellow techies who hassle with
> start-ups and can offer these services at a fee. I believe the better
> approach is to refer such questions to IT companies we know who offer the
> service/product in question. Come on guys, the techies need to pay bills,
> tax and put food on the table.
>
> I've got lawyer friends who cannot copy-paste that company incorporation
> document for free claiming LSK does not allow them to offer free service (my
> foot). On the other hand, techies would helpfully volunteer information on
> how to google, download and customise IT Policy without asking for a cent.
> Very soon, IT lawyers (they exist, by the way) will start "developing" IT
> Policy at a fee as IT professionals watch.
>
> I think we are our worst enemies and we invite quarks with money to easily
> set up and run IT businesses at our expense. In the end it helps no one. Not
> the industry and its growth in competence, professionalism and respect. Not
> the people we think we are helping and not ourselves. And we ask why we are
> treated with disdain in office. Look at the mirror.
>
> Just my opinion. Don't lynch me. Maybe it's just me but am I so off the
> rail?
>