High Expectations for VolunteerMy church bulletin had a Volunteer job for a Web Designer...at first said they just needed someone to keep their site "updated". I made a phone call, she took my name, hadn't heard from them in months, then I get a sudden phone call on Monday at about 9:15 am, I was in the middle of breakfast, and she was asking me they are really in a crunch, and if I could be there at 10am (which was a little too soon if you ask me) because I dont think I'd be ready in that time, plus this was "last minute" So she was forced to schedule me for 1pm (which I requested) I show up, and apparently she tells me they need a very IMPRESSIVE and Professional looking site, a site with "FLASH" in it (you know...flash driven menus and stuff?") I told her I had no experience in flash, just basic HTML and some MYSQL (which they didn't need, they mysql) Apparently the "last volunteer" didn't work out (they fired a volunteer? lol) and weren't impressed with his work, I saw his work, it was mediocre, but not like the Walt Disney world site either. And I'm starting to think I might back out, because she's also making it sound like as if there's a deadline and everything, almost made it sound like a real paid job instead of volunteer work where you can take your sweet time about things. OH, she expects you to work from home, where I lacke some of the resources, so it won't be on-site. Perhaps I can discourage her by saying, "Oh, I dont have the Flash editing software, they willing to shell out the big bucks for that, oh, and Adobe Photoshop....got money for that so I can use it on my system?" I dont' have all the resoucres for such things as it is. Think they are expecting too much for just volunteer work? I think they need a professional. Yes I think they are expecting to much from a volunteer. You know the saying, "you get what you pay for?" If they have a list of Requirements that include the look and feel of the site and the type of software they want it developed on then they need to be prepared to provide for this. I think they have some nerve making this job into a volunteer position. In fact - I think they' re crazy. It would be great experience for you while you are job searching, however, and it would keep you out of trouble and occupied, but they still sound too demanding. You could accept it on a trial basis and if the pressure is too much, you can say that you want to be paid for doing this work or you could just quit. In response to LValDean' s message, I think that these people are beginners and unprofessional amateurs. I would bet that the Web Site they threw together is awful. They want it fixed up for FREE. Unbelievable! What' s next, I wonder? I hate to be the one to break this news to you all, but just because a job doesn' t have a paycheck attached does not mean they don' t have expectations and requirements, deadlines and standards. Just because something is donated (your time, energy, resources, services or goods) does not mean they have no value either. There are lots of just starting out web developers that DO have the skills and equipment that would jump at the chance to build their portfolio and professional references with a gig like this. If you' re not up to it fine, tell them so and move on. There are plenty of others out there that want these kinds of opportunities. I would agree with you if the volunteer work involved working with people like serving shelter animals, hurricane victims, high-risk kids, people who are hospitalized, the elderly, etc. but this is a computing job that does not really benefit anyone but the people who are looking to find someone who will work for nothing. This church does not need a Web Site. Organizations got along perfectly without Web Sites for generations; they can get along without them if they have to. The whole plan is foolish and short sighted! These people have ridiculously high expectations and demands for a volunteer of this nature. They do not sound humble or flexible. They are cheap and do not want to pay a web designer and host anything. They want something for nothing! They will be hard to please and will be a thorn in the side of the OP should he choose to accept this position. The majority of your advice is perfect, Tess, but this time I think you' re wrong. On the other hand, if someone is willing to do this kind of volunteer work - more power to him. It' s a personal decision and there really is no right or wrong answer - just what is right or wrong for the individual. I guess you just haven' t had a lot of experience in the volunteer world. All jobs that volunteers do for non-profit -volunteer-type organizations benefit the organization and ultimately the people/cause that the organization serves. All of them, no matter what they are, no matter how high, low, short-term or long-term, whether they directly touch the clientele or not. Step into the 20th century before the 21st passes you by. Every agency needs a web site these days. And most recognize that they need one that at least looks professional, not the internet equivelent of a 70th generation photocopy brochure. Most don' t have a few thousand dollars to pay for one. They solicit a volunteer who is qualified, willing and professional. The volunteer does the work because they believe in the cause and/or because doing so will help them in some way, usually by building their experience. It is NOT unreasonable to ask for what they want and to screen applicants accordingly. It is NOT unreasonable to set a deadline. It is NOT unreasonable to have the volunteer do it at their own home (most would prefer that anyway). Naturally, if the volunteer doesn' t want to do the task, for whatever reason, they are free to say no and move on. But the request, is not the least bit unreasonable. And let me just be clear on one common point of confusion- ...find someone who will work for nothing... Volunteers DO NOT work for "nothing". They do not receive cash or similar forms of payment but what they do receive is worth more than anyone can possibly pay. As I have said many times in my life- there is not enough money on this earth to pay me for the things that I' m willing to do for free. I respect your opinion, Tess, but I stand by what I said. They could offer a lower fee including part-time and flexible hours or even the opportunity to work at home or offer the volunteer some tangible benefits or something other than money if they are that strapped for cash. This type of job would be welcome by certain people like someone who is rich, has retired, and is look for very interesting work to take up spare time. This job would also be perfect for someone who is supported financially by a spouse or parent and does not need the money - just the experience and opportunity to do work he or she enjoys. But this job is definitely not suitable for most people, including job seekers, who actually need to get money for work performed which would include most people. These are the facts, and these people sound too demanding and picky for individuals who want FREE services. They' re acting like corporate hiring managers who are looking for seasoned professionals who are worth a lot of money; they appear to expect a great deal, and they are unrealistic. Today the trend appears to get as much as you can out of the worker by either paying him next to nothing or actually offering a "volunteer job" like this one. Unfortunately, people want something for nothing. I sometimes do freelance, and I was going to do a basic 4 to 5 page website for around 350.00 bucks, he still that that was too much, I got bills to pay man!....it would have a gallery, a calendar, and the basic design. For a Paintball website, and he wasn't asking for anything to elaborate like a "Flash driven menu", which I don't know how to do anyways. I've already compared prices...and this guy I quoted was getting a STEAL, I've compared other webdesigners in my area, and one guy said he charged 600.00 bucks for a basic HTML site, I have a friend that charges a grand for some of her work, at the very MINIMUM. She told me that I quoted a HUGE bargain, and if he could find someoen cheaper, then go for it...but good luck with that. I mean, it's getting to be a sad state of affairs when people expect "Volunteers" to have professional experience, and fire them if they don't live up to their expecatations. It's pretty bad to get fired from a Volunteer position. lol But at least you don't have to put that in your work history. lol. To be honest, this volunteer position? I don't think I can live up to their expecations. Seems alot of people want those "Flash driven interfaces" to look impressive. There's alot of web designers that try to talk them out of it, because it's "in the way" sometimes or a hinderance. That's what worries me, I hear the story of how they "last guy didn't work out" and, well, what if I Don't work out....there's too much undue pressure on me for a volunteer position. I understand where you' re coming from, MR. These people are way out of line, and their expectations for FREE labor are ridiculous and self serving. They are trying to sound important! Tess pointed out that churches need Web Sites. Okay! Fair enough! But it does not have to be a fancy Web Site with all the trimmings. The content and the right hyperlinks are much more important that gorgeous and impressive flashing pictures and colors. The information must be well written and free of any misspelled words, grammatical and punctuation errors! Sometimes all that artwork can cover up a lot of mediocrity, and you see a pretty and colorful Web Site with no substance. A good church and temple Web Site should include the following.
Just about anyone who is computer literate and enjoys the Internet and has looked at plenty of Web Sites can create a nice Web Site for his organization. I think there are templates that are available online which you can use for this purpose. They are also wanting live streaming video of the services. | |
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