I have a new project to not make money. This one is designing cuff bracelets using ribbons that are twisted and knotted. Each piece is unique, and I’m sure there is no market for them. This got me to thinking about all the creative ways I have found over the years to not make money.
Writing: As if one novel and some short stories and articles wasn’t enough to not make money, I also co-authored two non-fiction books that are selling thousands and thousands of copies and netting us absolutely no money. I write for an online newspaper that pays me about one half a cent for each hit. It’s not even enough to keep me in low carb Power Pops.
Now I have discovered blogging. I love blogging and I love reading other people’s blogs, and of course, there is absolutely no money in blogging (for me) and so it is perfect. A website indicated interest in using my posts and said they would pay me in virtual hugs. I said that was exactly my going rate.
Painting: I have sold my artwork in the past, mostly for several hundred dollars each. In retrospect, I’d rather have the paintings now.
Business: Back in 1999, I started and ran a speed dating company with a friend. We were one of the first ever in the country. We were on TV, in newspapers, in magazines and even appeared in an airline magazine and in international publications. We used most of our profits to pay a company to create a super dooper world class website that was so complicated that we had to continue to use our profits to pay someone to run the website. We finally got sick of not making money so we sold the company for $34,000. Then the IRS audited us.
Oh, I have another idea as well: William and Kate commemorative decoupage bracelets. I’m thinking I can fly to London and set up a table somewhere on the day of the wedding and try to sell them. Except I’d probably either get arrested or trampled by the crowds. And even if I didn’t, I’d have to sell five times as many bracelets as I had in order to pay my airfare.
Sometimes creativity can be a bitch.
Life in the Boomer Lane 
carldagostino
December 7, 2010
Ways to make money (sure things!)
1. Write book End of Times or Prophesy Book Revelation, Apocalypse/Armageddon 2020. 2.start a new religion with cable TV broadcast. 3 Sell blood pressure pills at airport security lines 4. sell “how to look older” face cream to teenage girls.
Ways not to make money(sure thing) Write book “How to be an honest congress person or senator.”
lifeintheboomerlane
December 7, 2010
These are actually great suggestions. How about starting a new religion that sells blood pressure pills at the airport (“Let God and These Pills Give You the Serenity You Deserve”) and face cream on Home Shopping Network (“Show Your Best Face to the Lord”).
writerwoman61
December 7, 2010
[nodding in agreement]
Writing is a tough profession if you and your children enjoy eating (which is why I’ve usually had other jobs!).
I have a similar history, Renée…my list of failed businesses includes: crochet designer, candy store, dollhouse miniature crafter, and baby carrier company. I also had two semi-successful community newsletters (but not successful enough!). I have contemplated teaching Gen Y’ers to cook, and making and selling découpage trays, but haven’t taken the plunge (yet!).
I don’t get paid for the bookstore either…I’ve put ten years of sweat equity in expecting the business to be mine when Dad retires or dies.
Feeling your pain…
Wendy
lifeintheboomerlane
December 7, 2010
Wow, you know it’s really interesting to learn about all the things people have tried/done. I think there’s a whole population of people out there like us.
sunshineinlondon
December 7, 2010
So do I wish you truckloads of no money? All your ventures sound amazing, and far more rewarding than cash … I feel that way about blogging, it’s such a wonderful, creative outlet for rewards that far outweigh money (although Lord knows I need it!)
Love the Will and Kate decoupage bracelets – I’m sure they have legs!
Sunshine xx
lifeintheboomerlane
December 7, 2010
I’m sending a couple to my daughter. No doubt she will wear one and start a rage on the other side of the pond.
Snippets & Yarns
December 7, 2010
Haha! I Love those decoupage bracelets!
~ Meagan
lifeintheboomerlane
December 7, 2010
Wow, thanks. As soon as I get all the glue out of my hair, I will make more.
Hippie Cahier
December 7, 2010
I, for one, am thrilled at the prospect that decoupage is making a comeback! I’ll take three bracelets. Here’s my downpayment (insert virtual hug).
lifeintheboomerlane
December 7, 2010
I love it. Yes, once leg warmers made a comeback, I figured decoupage couldn’t be far behind.
duke1959
December 7, 2010
Money? what that> Something was given to me that I put on my blog. I think you’ll like
http://duke1959.wordpress.com/wp-admin/index.php
lifeintheboomerlane
December 7, 2010
I can’t access the link. It just takes me to my own dashboard. What is the title of the post?
duke1959
December 7, 2010
try this. http://duke1959.wordpress.com/
lifeintheboomerlane
December 7, 2010
I still need the name of the post.
duke1959
December 7, 2010
Sorry about that . Reindeer Were Female!
lifeintheboomerlane
December 7, 2010
Thanks!
Dorothy Sander
December 7, 2010
Let’s see…I started a used baby furniture business when I was six months pregnant, and even survived through the pregnancy and delivery AND carting my newborn and 2 1/2 year old to and from the shop everyday for…about a year. Then, in between jobs as jewelry kiosk manager, GNC Sales Clerk, Department store customer service, data entry clerk, bank teller, office supply store floor person, I made and sold lace angels & teddy bears, then sold used jeans on Ebay (one entire room in our house was stacked with used clothing I’d lugged in from Goodwill by the time I relented when I figured out I was making about 20 cents an hour; I have a master’s degree mind you. When I came to my senses I dove into writing full time, full of enthusiasm to discover…I could make $10 an hour writing 500 word keyword articles by the reams, or blogging to promote someone elses business for about the same wages. I am back to freeloading off my tired husband (who is also self employed thanks to me ~ I haven’t even listed the businesses I crafted for him over the years). Yes, it’s an affliction. The older I get the less I believe my ship will come in, so I just try to be happy in the moment…writing. Oh, but I have been working on another website idea….
lifeintheboomerlane
December 7, 2010
Thanks for reading. Your resume is mind-boggling. And my guess is that you are smart, talented, and creative. Some of us are on that ship that comes in, others on the rowboat. Still better than floundering in the water, not even having a destination, right?
Patricia
December 8, 2010
When my ship comes in I will probably be at the airport.
lifeintheboomerlane
December 8, 2010
Hilarious.
askjilldavis
December 8, 2010
Love it!
lifeintheboomerlane
December 8, 2010
Thanks for reading, Jill. Yes, lots of people can relate (unfortunately!).
Joyce
December 8, 2010
You’re turning not making money into an art form!!
lifeintheboomerlane
December 8, 2010
Ain’t it the truth.
Amanda Hoving
December 8, 2010
Wow…loved hearing about all of your ventures. You are one interesting (and funny) lady!
I’m quite boring — been busy not making money at writing for quite awhile now. I’m REALLY not getting rich at blogging when you calculate the hours spent by the non-paid wage. Quite impressive, actually.
lifeintheboomerlane
December 8, 2010
I lost a 1.5 mil listing yesterday, but sold a $10 cuff. I was actually really happy. I need therapy.
Barbara
December 8, 2010
I would laugh if this didn’t hit so close to home…. (but wonderful post anyway and it’s nice to know I’m not alone.)
lifeintheboomerlane
December 8, 2010
Thanks for reading, Barbara. I see that there are many people out there just like me. As one person wrote, “When my ship comes in, I’ll probably be at the airport.” All the best to you in your endeavors.
Dorothy Sander
March 24, 2011
I totally think that a myth has been created that in order to be successful as a writer FIRST you have to write for free! The web has produced a plethora of writers that write for free so why would anyone want to pay for copy and pay what it’s really worth? Maybe writers should just band together and say collectively WRITING IS NOT FREE. Writing takes time, creativity and dedication. Just like teachers, the things of real value seem to carry no monetary compensation. Just sayin’.
lifeintheboomerlane
March 26, 2011
I’ve thought about this. With so many people giving writing away, why indeed would anyone pay? I don’t see anything changing. When you open up a field to anyone, that’s what happens. There’s no going back.
Dorothy Sander
March 24, 2011
Incidentally, I bet you won’t find men who write for free.
lifeintheboomerlane
March 26, 2011
I’m not sure male writers are immune to this. I do see a lot of men writing for sites that don’t pay.