An introduction... and also, in need of advice...
Offline I probably should have joined such a site long ago... For much too long I've felt like a freethinking island in a sea believers... I go by Ensomniak... well... one of my pseudonyms anyway... I've thought of myself as a secular humanist, but then, since I don't believe in much of anything, I suppose I am an atheist as well... which I'm also fine with... Skepticism seems my most often position... Anyway... I am a writer... a hiphop artist... and a photographer... among many other things... I guess that'll do for now with the introduction...
Now... for the advice part.
As someone who'd like to make photography into my full time profession, and also wanting to be more active promoting freethought, I wanted to know if anyone has advice on how to not drive potential customers away. I'm in Cincinnati, OH, and if any of you know anything about this city, it's quite conservative. Among my own culture and community, being an outspoken non-believer can be VERY detremental to one socially, which could hurt networking. I want to be able to make a living but also help some of these blind people, and people walking with their hands over their eyes, actually use their eyes and finally see. Do I have to just stay quiet locally and speak out virtually? Any suggestions would be helpful. I don't know many people to bounce ideas off of here, because most of my family and friends and even business partners are xians and I can't go around just hurting everyone's fragile egos if I want to have a career. Thank you.
Also, now that I'm seeing the size of the potential audience, I will finally record some of my music which I was previously told would stop me from ever selling an album. I am not an emcee who talks about religion/philosophy/atheism a great deal, but I tried to refrain since I had no one seemingly interested. But I think I may have found some listeners. Get back to me and let me know something... Until then.
Ensomniak
"When the end of the world comes, I want to be in Cincinnati because it's always twenty years behind the times." - attributed to Mark Twain
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Welcome to the forum.
I don't know much about running a business, but if I were you, I would go all out. If your music is good, there will be an audience regardless.
Our revels now are ended. These our actors, | As I foretold you, were all spirits, and | Are melted into air, into thin air; | And, like the baseless fabric of this vision, | The cloud-capped towers, the gorgeous palaces, | The solemn temples, the great globe itself, - Yea, all which it inherit, shall dissolve, | And, like this insubstantial pageant faded, | Leave not a rack behind. We are such stuff | As dreams are made on, and our little life | Is rounded with a sleep. - Shakespeare
Here's some solid advice.
NEVER seek advice in a Forum.
Seeking opinions is another matter, but this is the Net.
It's no different than asking total strangers on the street for advice.
Is that what you REALLY WANT to do?
Very true... I guess I was more looking for opinions than advice... I've never been good at listening to others... but I often like to see other people's points of view... It's just an interesting and delicate conundrum I feel that I am in...
"When the end of the world comes, I want to be in Cincinnati because it's always twenty years behind the times." - attributed to Mark Twain
*bump*
Posting a question on a forum is not the same as asking strangers on the street. The people on forum's are unique, centered around something that they have in common. The members of this forum tend to be extremely intelligent, and it is an oasis for those who are skeptical about the existence of God.
Our revels now are ended. These our actors, | As I foretold you, were all spirits, and | Are melted into air, into thin air; | And, like the baseless fabric of this vision, | The cloud-capped towers, the gorgeous palaces, | The solemn temples, the great globe itself, - Yea, all which it inherit, shall dissolve, | And, like this insubstantial pageant faded, | Leave not a rack behind. We are such stuff | As dreams are made on, and our little life | Is rounded with a sleep. - Shakespeare
I originally asked for exactly the reason you stated... there are likely intelligent people here who could respond... and some of them may have had a similar dilemma or know someone who has... this conservative area doesn't help though... I've I started trying to go the direction of the content of Square's music, then I would no doubt lose any audience I have locally... but I think I can start infusing more of it... I actually have quite strong opinions about my viewpoints... and it doesn't hurt that I've read up on some Dawkins, Dennett, Harris, Ehrman and Hitchens... among others... Just getting around to reading "God Wants You Dead" now... kind of funny... but I digress... I think I'm more worried about the clientele for my photography... thinking makes too many people around here run away... but I did want to see if anyone had any insight... unfortunately, I haven't had the fortune to personally meet anyone around my area who has had similar experiences in business. Thank you very much for your responses so far... I hope to see more... Besides, I'll be asking more questions as I become more active... I have 3 book ideas revolving around non-belief issues that I have to get to work on... lol... Thanks.
E.
"When the end of the world comes, I want to be in Cincinnati because it's always twenty years behind the times." - attributed to Mark Twain
My main job(programmer/system administrator) is entirely telecommuting, so I don't have to deal with anything there. However, I also repair PCs on the side in a small town, and the vast majority of my clients are heavily religious. In fact, I am the primary PC repairman for several of the local churches. I don't hide my beliefs, but I also don't share them with most of my clients. Frankly, it's none of their business, just like the porn most of them try to hide in various ways is none of mine. If you are concerned about the issue, just make it a policy that you do not discuss religion with clients. Take gigs photographing weddings and such, but if they ask, tell them that you are a professional, and you do not discuss private matters like that. Most people will back off at that point. If they persist, then politely decline their business. It would likely be a client you'd wish you didn't have to deal with.
All that is necessary for the triumph of good is that evil men do nothing.
theonedude... that sounds quite reasonable... and I'm a fan of reason... although I'd love to enlighten people... to open eyes and minds... I suppose I'll just have to be careful about who I speak to and about what... I was sure someone here had experience with this... I do find wedding photography rather boring though (just a side note)... I suppose I'll just do my best to treat my lack of beliefs and business the way church and state should be... separate... thank you again...
E.
"When the end of the world comes, I want to be in Cincinnati because it's always twenty years behind the times." - attributed to Mark Twain
Based on your user name we have at least 2 things in common.
I agree with this. It's noble to fight the good fight and all, but don't let it ruin your livelihood. Do what you need to do to make a living first and do the activist stuff second. To me it's just a matter of priorities. I think financial security should be top.
After eating an entire bull, a mountain lion felt so good he started roaring. He kept it up until a hunter came along and shot him.
The moral: When you're full of bull, keep your mouth shut.
MySpace
I try to work to build my own business because working for other people just doesn't work well with me... not with the schedule I like to keep... also... I never much cared for listening to what other people want me to do... I disdain being stifled, but I suppose until I'm independently wealthy or I'm in a position where I can express freely... Patience... and thank you Spike for your input...
"When the end of the world comes, I want to be in Cincinnati because it's always twenty years behind the times." - attributed to Mark Twain
I'm with Spike on this one; do what you can to earn your living and place first, then worry about the activism.
Oh, and welcome to the forums
Forget Jesus, the stars died so that you could be here
- Lawrence Krauss