I just read a classic description of an outrageous practice called “Idea phishing.” It’s something that plagues a lot of writers and graphic designers and I’ve never seen it more clearly explained than in this blog post on Freelance Switch.

What is Idea Phishing: A company or individual asks for a sample of your copywriting or design - normal. But, the twist is they want you to demo your skills on some aspect of THEIR business. They then steal the idea and give it to a third world provider willing to work for .30 cents an hour to execute. You however, are screwed. You just gave up an idea and lost your time, value and idea. They gained everything. The only way around this is to have ANYONE who wants such a demo sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement in which you retain the copyright of your work. I have been cheated this way by a Jewelery store in the UK, by two chiropractors in the mid-west (not home of moral values at all apparently), a terrorist-expert in London who found me through elance - don’t worry, I cc’d the FBI and DHS on all our correspondence, and by other clients who I think didn’t realize that what they were doing was immoral and unethical. They were just plain ignorant of how things work - and thought they were being clever.

The Karmic implications of such actions are their own consequence. But there’s something even more important you need to consider before you think this is a great idea and try it yourself.

(1) Any great designer, copywriter or creative is great because they offer the whole package - idea, implementation and big picture as well as attention to details and the ability to tweak, improve and innovate as they go. Just because you get a great idea from somewhere or someone doesn’t mean you’ll get the entire meal. If you have ever asked for the recipe for a great entre at a 5-star restaurant and tried to prepare it yourself at home you know it never tastes as good as the chef’s work. Why? Because YOU are not a chef. There are things chefs know about cooking and heat and seasoning and flavor and product/meat/ingredient selection that you don’t. A third-world, .30 cent an hour provider is a monkey - copying something - not creating something.

(2) A great designer can suggest changes, make additions or provide collateral material and ideas as the project progresses - all things that enhance the value of the idea and the project. Your copy-cat intern, or student just out of college and underbidding just to get a portfolio can’t do that.

(3) When you phish (STEAL) ideas and their execution (photos, layout, copy) you may run the risk of seeing that idea better executed for someone else who then sues your sorry, thieving, worthless, evil ass for stealing their idea - the idea and execution they paid real money for to the same provider you STOLE the concept and work from. Only unlike the provider they actually have the legal chops to chase you down and castrate you. And guess who their prime witness will be? Yep. The provider and their correspondence with you.

I used to be much more forthcoming with ideas and concepts. I’m not so much anymore. I’m vague and general now for a reason. If you want to pay me, or sign an NDA, I’m happy to be generous. For the rest of you wanting samples? I have a portfolio.