The NO!SPEC Campaign – The Value of Your Profession

In one of my previous posts, A Freelancer’s Starter Ethics , I mentioned briefly to avoid spec work and in that paragraph linked to the No!Spec campaign. I wanted to take the time to talk about spec work more in depth and feature the No Spec campaign.

The Campaign

Quoted from their website, the No!Spec campaign “serves as a vehicle to unite those who support the notion that spec work devalues the potential of design and ultimately does a disservice to the client.”

The website does an excellent job in educating the visitor exactly what the website is about and what the point is. It’s a great example of effective web design in my opinion and lets you know what the tone of the site is from the start.

Aside from that it is a wonderful resource for learning about the perils of spec work, as if you didn’t already know, and does a lot to further the anti speculation work cause. It is brimming with examples of what not to do and all the reasons why speculation hurts. Check out the site if you want to learn more about No!Spec and grab a logo for your site in support of ending spec work and valuing your own profession.

Support No!Spec

If you want to go a step further, sign the No!Spec petition, tell your friends and colleagues about the No!Spec campaign, send protest letters to unfair and unethical contests, and above all do not participate in spec work! Visit the “what you can do” page for even more ways to get involved. The site also features No!Spec campaign posters created by designers who support this initiative.

For the Young Freelancer

The No!Spec campaign is an important step in the right direction for the design community and all young freelancers should be in the know about it and practice safe ethics. Being informed and spreading the word about the perils of spec work are some of the most important things you can do as a young freelancer. Being a young freelancer means that you are to some degree a more attractive target for clients advocating spec work. It might seem like a good idea if you have a sparse portfolio but there are plenty of other ways to fill your portfolio with great work with out doing a spec of spec work. The “try it before you buy it” idea regarding spec work might sound like a great way to get those first jobs. If you can only prove yourself to the client then they can’t say no, right? I just have to work really hard and then it will all pay off. Well not really, and sometimes even when they say no to paying you they might use your work in some capacity anyway. It’s certainly happened before.

Confession Time: There is a reason I’m so adamant about the No!Spec campaign and the evils of speculation work. That reason is I’ve fallen pray to exactly the kind of reasoning and predatory spec work that is discussed in this article. Earlier in my career, my portfolio was much more sparse, I had a brochure site or two under my belt and I was looking for something a bit bigger. In my daily desperate search of the job boards at that time I cam across a web design job for a company called Tulsa Table who I was in touch with and they said they wanted to see what I could come up with before they made any kind of payment. So, with minimum information about the company, besides their old website, I started in on a design with the intent of blowing their minds with how wonderful and perfect it was. I worked diligently with thoughts of putting it up prominently in my portfolio and showing my web design prowess. When every last pixel was perfect I sent it off to them and never heard back.

It’s safe to say I’ve learned my lesson and looking back it all seems quite dumb. But we are moving forward and getting involved with the No!Spec campaign is a step in the right direction.

If you respect yourself as a freelancer and and want to be respected, listen to the mantra of The Young Freelancer’s Manifesto and avoid spec work from the get go. Share the website and this article with your fellow freelancers and let them know about the No!Spec campaign.

Jeffery Zeldman has a great article written on the dangers of spec work with the clear message that when it comes to spec work, the risks outweigh the potential benefits. The article also cites this page produced by the all mighty AIGA complete with sample letters you to help you communicate with clients looking for spec work explaining to them why spec work is wrong.

Poster Time

I plan on making a poster to donate to the No!Spec campaign and maybe you should think about doing the same. I’ll be sure to write about the poster when it’s done.

If you have any spec work horror stories you want to share to help educate others or to just get if off your chest, please do politely so in the comments below.