[Mike Cohen]

I think this is a misconception on all forums. People ask a question. The responses reflect the varied personalities of the forum participants. This can come across as personal, but rest assured, we all have the best of intentions.

However we generally don’t expect people to get defensive. If you ask for feedback, respond but don’t take it personally.

Mike

[Mike Cohen]

Any employee, whether at a production shop or K-Mart, who thinks about working less than others as some kind of revenge, or just as a matter of their personality, is called a toxic employee.
Over the years, we have had a few toxic employees. Others would be affected, saying things like “John does not work as hard as I do so maybe I’ll slack off too.” When this happens, the toxic folks have to go. Don’t be toxic. Take the advice on this thread and stand up for yourself.

Mike

[Mike Cohen]

Many moons ago we had a guy who was a slacker. I gave him his review, indicating he would not be getting a raise. He went off on me saying I could not do his job, so why am I qualified to judge his performance? Yadda yadda yadda.

He also produced with lightning speed a printout showing what he should be paid based upon what Monster.com told him. He then went on to say he had turned down job offers for more pay.

Finally, in a meeting about changing e-mail providers, he said, and I quote, “I don’t feel comfortable changing providers. A new provider would use new software. I’m 40 years old, I don’t want to learn something new.”

Blank stares all around.

Do a good job, get paid for the good work you do. Simple.

I know life is not often simple.

Mike

[Mike Cohen]

I agree with Jay. My job, for example, is mostly project management. When I, as PM, assign production tasks to myself, those might include video editing, producing (broad term), doing some creative work (brochures, layout, website design) you name it. Downtime is a good time to keep your skills up to date as well.

Mike Cohen

[Mike Cohen]

I have interviewed a number of film school grads for jobs which they did not get. Everyone had something in common – they felt film school was a lot of theory and honestly they had nothing useful to offer.

Likewise, we had a art school video program at college, which did nothing to prepare one for a career doing anything except teaching art school video classes.

Harsh? You bet.

My college experience was broadcast news oriented, and my college internships prepared me for just about anything. Of course on the job experience is the best of all. The major goal of your education whether at a community college, Harvard or your local cable station – is to learn to think creatively, to solve problems, to relate to others in a professional manner and to grow as a person. Technology changes often, so focus on the craft. Your video shows us that at 16, you are on the right path. If your folks want you to get an Ivy League education, make sure you do too. Honestly, as a high school sophomore I didn’t know what I wanted to do next week. Maybe things are more competitive now.

Keep posting your work online. The fact that you have sought advice on this website shows that your head is screwed on tight. Keep it up.

Mike Cohen

[Mike Cohen]

I generally avoid Walmart because my local store smells funny!

Anyway, let’s get back on topic – getting work during an economic slowdown.

[Mike Cohen]

Plastic surgeons need clients just like you need clients, no matter the economy. Set up appointments – tell the secretaries you need 5 minutes. Boot up your laptop before you even get out of the car so you can instantly play your video.

We once had some guys walk in a side door of our office and start setting up a display of artwork to sell. The nerve. Luckily the kid who sat near the door told them to get lost.

Mike

[Mike Cohen]

I look around my office and there are few things NOT made overseas. Perhaps my desk is made domestically as America still makes a lot of furniture.
Walmart and Target are cheap places to shop – even the food is cheaper. While the lines at Walmart are long, they are also long at Costco, which has in some cases the best prices of all.

I agree with Bob. At the moment, we need to support American workers, who are retail workers more than they are factory workers.

Mike

[Mike Cohen]

In any economy, good or bad, you need to hit the pavement and get work. As long as you don’t do video work for investment firms on Wall Street that is, although I bet they need videos of their executive retreats!

It is a buyer’s market for production services, so be competitive but don’t sell yourself short either.

[Mike Cohen]

Thanks for the feedback. Silverlight is cool, however folks on corporate networks seem to be unable to install anything.

Mike