A piper's rant

[PiobBear]

A couple of weeks ago a guy I know called up, enthusiastically trying to set me up for a gig (funeral) for somebody he knows, then, as if he's doing me this immense favor, asks "How does fifty bucks sound!?" Rather shocked, I told him it didn't sound very good at all, as my standard rate is $200. Oh, but he's a friend (of his; I don't know him from Adam)/fellow member of same org./it's his mother/ etc, etc, etc. I was really offended, and never called him back. It was about as offensive as this dog club several years ago who wanted me to pipe their annual picnic in exchange for free hot dogs (I'm not kidding!), but in a way worse, because he should damn well know better! And yes; they did find some moron to pipe for hot dogs; and it's right at the top of my list of pet peeves; dilettantes who do freebies and create the expectation among the public that pipers can be conned into playing for free, thereby depressing the wages for the rest of us, and then have the gall to wax romantic about how they do it for the love of the music, and implying that those of us trying to eke out a marginal living (who don't live with their parents, or are retired on a fat pension) are somehow unethical, craven, and mercenary simply because we're trying not to default on our mortgage. Often as not, they're also the same ones who reinforce the impression among the public that bagpipes sound like a flock of alarmed geese.

I get deposits for reservations (funerals are usually such short notice that it's generally impractical), I have a standard contract, and a contact sheet listing when, where, what, how, and for whom and how much (and how to get there), all on my own letterhead which I send to clients, which they seem to really appreciate; well planned, clear expectations and no surprises.

[JS Sanders]

<< ...and it's right at the top of my list of pet peeves.... depressing the wages for the rest of us, and then have the gall to wax romantic about how they do it for the love of the music, and implying that those of us trying to eke out a marginal living (who don't live with their parents, or are retired on a fat pension) are somehow unethical, craven, and mercenary simply because we're trying not to default on our mortgage. Often as not, they're also the same ones who reinforce the impression among the public that bagpipes sound like a flock of alarmed geese. >>

That is penned beautifully and I share your sentiment right down to the ground.

It is indeed sanctimonious 'tinker pipers' who claim moral superiority to those of us charging money for a quality product. I've never heard one who even deserved the title 'piper'.

This is one of those "Don't get me started" topics.

Slainte,
steve