Advertisers on Craigslist
Victor Sieff
I am writing this because I am pretty disgusted at the ads I see for video production personnel on Craigslist. However it is truly buyer beware on Craigslist. I have hired some good people but have also had some really bad ones. You really have to check these people out if you are going to use them on your crew. This blog does not put blame on Craigslist but condemns the advertisers that place ads on Craigslist that hire video professionals in our industry.I don't know If I should laugh or cry when I see some of these posted ads by advertisers, that want to pay $250 for a two day shoot or an ad I saw for an HD shooter for $125 per day. Most of the pro guys don't use Craigslist because they have established clients, but even for the individual that is just starting out or even someone with with some experience this pay scale is outrageous. These advertisers that are offering low wages diminishes and devalues our talent, creativity and running a profitable business. Video Production must have a standard, just like any other profession, that is what diffirentiates us from uncle Harry who purchased his camcorder from Wal Mart and got his $50 editing software or online for a steal. I truly hope that no video professional is that desperate to take these jobs at these rates and shame on these advertisers that actually think someone is going to give them a quality product at these low rates. We are not in the fast food industry and don't let us become that. Stand up for yourself and the industry, let these advertisers know what the industry standard is which is usually $75 per hour and up. Most of us have a college education, we have invested thousands of dollars in equipment and provide our clients with a superior product.We deserve to get $75 per hour or more. I think that Craigslist should actually start charging advertisers to post jobs, and eliminate the free ads. This would filter out those advertisers that are looking for cheap labor and would attract serious well paying job offers. I hope these advertisers get to read this and don't treat our industry like the fast food industry, beacuse we are not.
Author: Victor Sieff has over 18 years of experience in Video Production and is the owner of VS Video Productions in Denver, Colorado.
www.vsvideoproductions.com
About the Author
I am a 18 year veteran in video production services. My experience is as a Production Manager, Producer, Director,videographer and editor.
Victor Sieff may be contacted at http://www.vsvideoproductions.com.
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Reprinted with Permission from IdeaMarketers.com