This site has always been free and I would like to keep it this way. I am all for helping others and assisting people in achieving their dreams, however...in addition to answering every single one of my YouTube comments, I also receive between 25 and 50 e-mails daily asking questions or requesting assistance. Some are short and to the point, many are lengthy and time consuming. Some of the things I am asked to do: Determine which Thai bank has the highest interest rate Rate the Thai banks Obtain a work permit for them Find them a job Find them a teaching position Act as their personal tour guide (I am NOT a tour guide - period) Tell the e-mailer how much to pay their hooker Procure prostitutes for them so they don't have to do so Take them out for a night on the town to find them women (I am NOT a pimp) Figure out an appropriate allowance for their girlfriend / wife Assist in their relationship (I do not get involved in matters of the heart and I am not a relationship counselor) Call their girlfriend to make sure they're okay (In one case, the e-mailer had never met his girl!) Meet so they may pick my brain (I generally do not meet with people. I have very little time!) I have also been asked to price the following: Automobiles, used and new Homes and condos, for rent and to purchase, and apartments Land Motorcycles Tobacco Gasoline Food (Groceries) Food (Their favorite western dish) I am all for helping others as helping others as I believe this in itself is beneficial.
But as the saying goes, time is money and my time is not only limited, but valuable. There are many other sites charging for membership fees, VIP fees, package deals, or poorly written, over-priced books. Instead of charging for information, I prefer to simply ask for donations. Some have been extremely generous and for this I am grateful. I do not expect everyone to to make a donation but as one reader noted, "When a hobby becomes a time consuming element taking away your leisure time, work time and family time, you might as well get paid for the extra time you put into it. Your time is valuable." I am a father, husband, and photojournalist, and my time is in limited supply. Every project I engage in costs hundreds and thousands of dollars to produce. In many cases, I receive no income from these projects for several months to several years. Whether a project is local or international, I must pay for transportation costs, food, travel insurance, permits, visas, and in some cases, accommodation. I must also pay for: cameras, lenses, flash units, memory cards, photo storage, computer upgrades, printing, website hosting, marketing, and maintenance on the equipment. My photo stories, this site, and my YouTube channel depend on your support and funding. If you enjoy my work and believe in supporting independent photojournalism, please make a donation. Every little bit helps. Thank you - your support is appreciated.
2 Comments
9/28/2013 07:05:25 am
Howdy, Scott,
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9/28/2013 07:18:47 am
Thanks Todd...
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