Sitegeist Blog - Post

Ahhh, the freelance coffee-all-day, work-for-yourself world. Marvellous, isn’t it?

I just recently knocked back a job because I didn’t like the business. Initially, I was keen for the work. I had nothing on my books and (like all of us) could have really used the money. And there would have been pretty good money.

But I wasn’t on-board with their business. And I didn’t sleep very well, pondering the work.

What they do isn’t illegal or on the fringes. And they run a good, professional show. I just don’t like that show. And so I said no.

I’m a service provider. If I was an electricity company, would I feel bad about supplying power to a business I didn’t approve of, such as a racist political party? Should I? Banks spend bucketloads on creating a friendly corporate image. Do they have any obligation to ensure that their customers operate in a manner that reflects their own brand values?

And if not, why not? Is it just a market-driven free-for-all?

I claim no moral high ground. I’ve worked on products I don’t believe in. Sure I have. But I don’t think those products have caused harm, and I haven’t had to lie in order to describe them. Not knowingly, anyway.

But my work constantly requires me to make decisions based on both business need and personal morals. And this one fell on the wrong side of my morals.

I know a bit more about myself as a result. I know where I draw the line. And that’s worth something.

So help me out, fellow users, buyers, freelancers… Did I short-change myself for no reason?

Do you care that cigarette companies own Starbucks, Lifesavers and even Vegemite? Does it matter? Cigarettes are legal.

A fairly large soft drink company you may have heard of has been accused of torturing union leaders in Colombia. Kellogg’s uses GM sugar. L’Oreal tests on animals. So does Procter and Gamble (USA), and they make Pringles which are yummy and Duracell batteries which last for ages…

Where do you draw the line on what you buy and who you do business with?