I find myself facing a hard choice when I am asked to help a friend (or even friend of a friend) with a computer issue. On one hand, I don't want my friend to take up my valuable time (This is really an issue when its friend of a friend who I really don't know). On the other hand, I don't like to see my friends go out and tell me something like "<some electronics store> charged me $40 for a modem and then $50 for the install". I find myself feeling like I could have popped in a new modem for them and saved them the $50, which I feel is too high for a modem install most of the time anyway.
So my new solution? I usually help someone one time. If they bring up compensation, I ask them how much money they feel my services were worth (Which is usually higher than I'd rate them). They pay me that and we're happy. If they don't bring it up, then I don't come back.
__________________ Jon Westfall
Contributing Editor, MS MVP, MCSE, Ph.D., and More.
I find myself feeling like I could have popped in a new modem for them and saved them the $50, which I feel is too high for a modem install most of the time anyway.
I used to think that way, but no more. I perceive my time as too valuable -- based on my commercial consulting rates now, the cost wouldn't be that different. Unless they're really good friends, in which case I'm proactively willing to spend my time with them.
Quote:
Originally Posted by dadarkmcse
So my new solution? I usually help someone one time. If they bring up compensation, I ask them how much money they feel my services were worth (Which is usually higher than I'd rate them). They pay me that and we're happy. If they don't bring it up, then I don't come back.
That works well too. I usually gently point it out at the end of the "first free" consult -- that I do this as a profession, which usually gives 'em the hint.
I've long since given up on trying to help relatives over the phone (it is just too frustrating) unless they run XP so I can capture their screens. Usually they have some "computer expert" close by which I tell them to use.
You know they have some new virus when you start getting virus messages.
If they bring up compensation, I ask them how much money they feel my services were worth
I'll have to keep that one in mind. I'm trying for my A+ on the 28th, going to enter the repair industry soon hopefully. And there are ALOT of people I know that ask me questions now and then (I really don't mind that much) but I just know once word gets around I am 'Certified' they will want free tech support... :roll:
__________________
Current EQ: iPAQ 2215, 64MB CF, Sena Case, Stowaway XT Keyboard.
At times, I've considered pushing certain people to sell their computers and go back to pencils & paper!
There's been only one instance when I've ever thought of doing this. I was teaching someone basic computer skills years ago, and the poor person at the computer had no logic constructs whatsoever. I must have taught her File, Save at least 10 times over the period of a month, and she still couldn't remember it.
Apart from that, the people I interact with find computers too rewarding for me to be able to make that suggestion in a non-humorous tone.
My wife and I use mac which is pretty hard to mess up so luckily I've not had the problems some of you listed. Just "I opened this email and clicked on this file but it won't open." "That's cause it's a virus for PC's but you're on a mac." "Oh, so I shouldn't have opened it?" "No, you shouldn't have. But you're safe from it." Then anytime she does have a little problem like a crash or can't find a file she blames it on the virus. :roll:
But the worst is watching her work on a word document and she wants to undo multiple times. She does this by doing Edit > Undo Edit > Undo Edit > Undo.... etc...8O I have to get up and leave the room. :?
And yes, I've shown her the keyboard shortcut for undo as well as for copy, cut, past, close window, quit etc..... but she just won't use them.
On behalf of all of those confused friends and family members out there, sorry! It's not our fault we just don't GET it! But my boyfriend also comes to me with questions like, "what is this sticking out thing on my rib? is it part of my bone? what are bones made of anyway? so how did that evolve?...... etc..........." I figure answering and laughing at his questions is a good repayment for him answering and laughing at mine about computers.
Unless they're really good friends, in which case I'm proactively willing to spend my time with them.
I usually gently point it out at the end of the "first free" consult -- that I do this as a profession, which usually gives 'em the hint.
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