Re: Tired of giving out technical advice for free

[eric -dot- dunn -at- ca -dot- transport -dot- bombardier -dot- com]

How's this for an idea?

All those that have published something say that they have repeatedly been asked
for clarifications, resources, and research help. Why not look at this as an
opportunity?

Surely the published work was limited in length and scope by the physical
restraints of the publication and the research was limited by the time
constraints of the deadline. Rewrite your article. Include all the research that
you have since come across, add a bibliography, explore the divergent views and
answer the questions of others that have surfaced in response to the original
article.

Now here's the catch:
When someone asks you for research notes, a bibliography, references, or an
expanded explanation of the views in the article, you SELL them a copy of the
expanded article. Have them send a cheque and a SASE and send them the article
and supporting documentation in return.

Eric L. Dunn

PS: I've often heard the refrain of "and I answered their questions by phone on
my own dime." That has been repeated in this thread. Why on earth would you
incur this expense? Call collect for goodness sake.



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