Miles’ Blog » 2008 » April

So, you may have heard the phrase unconference, or seen details about BarCamps around the world before, or even better, attended the first BarCampPerth on June 30th last year.

Well folks, it’s back on! BarCampPerth 2.0 is scheduled to happen next month, with already over 50 attendees (including some eastern states folk) registered to attend. The details can be found over at the BarCampPerth wiki, but here’s the main details;

BarCampPerth 2.0
Saturday May 10 2008 from 9-5.
Address: Central TAFE, 140 Royal St, East Perth WA 6004

Last year was great, with a real community buzz. We’re hoping for an even bigger turnout, and great quality presentations once again, so make sure you come along (please register first!) - it’s even FREE to attend (and to present! :)).

Image: Wriitng on schedule whiteboard, BarCampPerth 1, 2007.

I’m working on a project at the moment which involves me speaking to a number of people who I would loosely term as a ‘freelancer’. In speaking with these folks, I am finding that the definition isn’t so black and white, and varies from person to person. Some people call themselves Freelance Web Designer, Freelance Web Developer, Solo Worker, Consultant, Proprietor, Entrepreneur…the list goes on.

After much research, my definition of a Freelancer is ’someone who sells their services to employers or clients without a long-term contract’.

Now, this covers everyone from solo workers who deal directly with end clients, or possibly work as a contractor to a number of larger businesses, which then on-sell your services to their own client base. The main distinction here is that you don’t have staff working for you; however you may be involved in ‘virtual teams’ using other freelancers for particular projects.

Perhaps there’s a negative connotation to the term Freelancer that I’m not privy to? It’s an odd one, and I’d be keen for your thoughts here - are you a web freelancer? Are you proud of the position title, and what does the term freelancer mean to you?

Image: small business owner, entrepreneur, solo worker, consultant, proprietor or freelancer?