The Student
I have stumbled across some articles regarding pro-bono work. The authors are quite jaded at times. My thoughts are that many new designers/developers do want some small projects to add to their portfolio. And often they are willing to do these sites at a reduced rate. But there should be a rate, whether it is cash, trade of services, a pizza or a bottle of wine. Creating a successful website takes time and a designer/developer should be compensated for such. I think the most important thing is to outline expectations in the beginning. The client needs to be aware of what sort of site they will be receiving for the agreed upon terms. The potentially endless loop of "can you add this and change that" must be avoided. Any deviance from the original contract must be approved by both parties and the compensation must reflect the additional work. Whether you are a small business/organization seeking a website or a budding designer/developer, I encourage you to read the articles and decide how you want to approach the situation.
People don't like being taken advantage of. If your organization has a minimal budget, that doesn't mean that you can't have a great website. You just need to be honest about your means and show the appropriate appreciation.
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