That’s my job

This is my horoscope today:

If you see something wrong today, do whatever you can to make it right. This applies to everything, from something as trivial as pointing out a stranger’s untied shoelace to something as major as preventing a traffic accident. Don’t be shy when you see something awry. Your keen observations can save other people money, time and stress. Your energy is stronger than ever right now, and you can add a lot of value to anything you touch.

Nice reinforcement. But then again, I’m going to do this anyway because that’s my job.

Still it is important for me to know that the advice I give is sound and helpful, even when it isn’t easy. And that leads me to this email comment (below) I received this morning from Dave Shafer, a very talented shooter in Texas, with whom I have worked. I think it should serve all of us on many points–the lowest does not always (often, even, for the good projects) win; it is worthwhile to stand up to the bullies and bad guys; you are not alone in the fears and frustrations of estimating, and integrity is a good thing to have.

Thanks Dave for letting me publish this email. (link added by me, btw)

I just wanted to drop you a note of thanks for your writing and response
in the PDN forum this past week. The subject as you well know was “lowballing”.

I do not write into that forum, I am a reader and a yeller at my computer
screen.

You did so well, and without any four letter words that I would have used.

A side note that pertains to the subject. I learned this week that I did not win an assignment, (I emailed you about it while I was preparing my estimate)
Well I was up against Gregory Heisler and some others, Greg was awarded the assignment.

My biggest fear was that I would come in to the budget, either way too low
or somehow way too high. When I spoke to the Creative Director he told me it was purely creative decision, but that I was 3000 below Heisler–
127000.00 to 124000.00. Now, I did not win that assignment, I will have hotdogs tomorrow not steak, but I feel my chances next time have greatly improved with this client. I presented a legitimate estimate, a educated estimate. We can only hope.

Leslie, when we talked and I mentioned that the business has changed and I get so confused with the process of bidding…Well… That whole exchange at PDN has put the spot light clearly focused on some of the problems.
I believe you will not get through to that knucklehead, but I do hope that
the others who read that thread WILL GET IT!!

Thanks so much for being a clear voice for us photographers and artist who
have integrity and still believe that good triumphs over bad!

Have a great 4th.

Your friend in Texas,
Dave

PS. Love the BLOG!