I was on the train the other day, working on the next layout for yanowhatimean. As we neared the downtown station, the man sitting behind me tapped me on the back. I was thinking that he was going to remind me to take my train card from the seat, but actually he said to me, "Excuse me, do you freelance?"

You know, I've always wondered if other people on the train actually pay attention to what the other people are doing on their laptops. I admit to peeking everyone once in a while to see people working on documents, playing games, watching movies, etc. I never thought that people actually paid enough attention to actually consider working with them.

I don't know why, but I said, "No." and smiled, and turned around and kept on working on my site. I'm really not sure why I didn't say "Yes." since I could definitely use the extra money. Then again, maybe it's because I knew that I just didn't have time to pick up anything extra with all the stuff that I'm behind on in my list of things to do around the house (set up my old desktop for my in-laws, scan old pictures, work on wedding album, finish baptism thank you cards, etc) Even with all that going on, I was tempted to turn around again and say, "Well, what exactly do you have in mind?" Thinking back on it, I should have! I mean, the layout I was working on wasn't even good (yeah, the next one will be just OK, sorry folks!) I wonder what he would have thought if he saw me working on a layout which was actually good! He might have had something simple that I could have done easily. I love helping out people and working on layouts and graphics for sites (anyone need a skin for their site? or myspace? let me know!) but then again, I would have no idea what to charge the guy. Does anyone have any experience with this?

So ya, I think the next time someone asks (if that ever happens again), I'll definitely ask what they want before giving the quick brush off. It may be just the opportunity I'm looking for!

Posted by Yano at August 7, 2006 08:32 AM

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