Notes about booking me for lectures, debates and other events: First, Im relatively cheap, easy and flexible. Ive got a requested honorarium, depending on the type of event (debates are more work and more specialized, so they cost a bit more)...but I frequently do the events for little or no money because getting information out is more important than making a few dollars (and, honestly, most events actually cost me money). At a minimum, cover all of the expenses (travel, lodging, food) and we can probably work something out. That said, if a group can afford to pay, I do think my time has value and Ill take whatever Im offered. Second, as soon as you send me the suggested dates, I add the event to my calendar in penciled-in mode. This is important, because it locks down the dates in a first-come, first-served fashion. Its also important that we finalize the details and book travel as soon as possible, so this date can be locked in as firm. If I start getting new requests for dates around the penciled-in event and the penciled-in event isnt finalized - I contact the organizers of that event to find out when we can finalize, or if they want to cancel. Essentially, I have limited time for events, so if you book me for a particular date, that doesnt just block out those dates, it blocks out dates that surround those dates (I cant be out of town every weekend). Additionally, when Im working, I may have to take vacation days for events, so if I book all of my vacation for use before June, then I cant book any events in the fall. I mention this because Ive had an event penciled-in on my calendar for the last weekend in March, for a LONG time. Because of this event, Ive turned down other events for that weekend and for the weekend following that weekend. Ive just been informed (after emailing to ask if travel had been finalized) that they want to reschedule the event for a later date. Id really rather not start requiring a contract, as some others do. This isnt my business, its not how I make any money and I want to be as flexible as possible, but when an event which blocked, essentially, 2 or 3 other bookings just vanishes...thats potentially very costly (time and money). Basically, Im annoyed that I could have spoken at Reasonfest again...but had to give it up for an event which, now, isnt going to happen.
Posted on: Tue, 11 Mar 2014 18:27:24 +0000
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