No, My Time Isn't Free, Buddy 2015

Today I had a brief online conversation with a business acquaintance. He asked me if I could help him pitch his #healthIT products to professional sites. He also asked me if I could write up a piece for one of the publications I contribute to daily.

Then, the conversation hit a slight hitch. He asked for more. And he didn't think he should pay me, even the modest number I proposed, to write two product sheets and help his PR rep conduct a small campaign.

His theory? He apparently feels that because he

 "gave me something new and different to write about" that I should do all of the rest.

Rather than reach through the screen and slap him, I thanked Mr. X for filling out a rather short survey on #HIT content I'm working on and beat a dignified retreat.

Mr. X, if you should read the following, here's some things I'd like you to know:

I don't need help finding stories. 

While you may think you're doing me some grand favor by letting my know your product exists, there are nearly always dozens if not hundreds of competitors who want my journalistic attention. That's why PR firms exist; they kiss up to people like me who write for influential publications and try to get us interested.

Your product is boring.

 I say this not just to you, Mr. X, but to all companies pitching a health IT product. I say this not because your product really is boring, but that you should assume it comes across that way to journalists at first glance in most cases. Put another way, you have to find a way to win me over and get me excited.

My time is worth money. 

 Believe it or not, Mr. X, after 25 years as a marketer, journalist and analyst specializing in a complex industry, I'm valuable. I'd deserve to be paid for work even if I was a beginner, but at this point I don't come cheap. Do I give away time when it suits me? Sure. Is it reasonable or fair to assume I'll offer my guidance for nothing? Not on your life.
The reality is, there will always be people like Mr. X who want something for nothing, especially if the "something" is an intangible service. That's just human nature, and I've learned to accept that, even if with my teeth gritted.

But here's a little bit of free advice to the Mr. X's of the world: If you wouldn't ask a lawyer or doctor to do something for free, don't you dare assume that I'm giving it away.