Commercial Arrangements
My friend has recently set up as a handyman. I was pretty excited about it, because I often want DIY jobs done, but can't find anyone. Normally, I can't even get to the quoting stage, let alone someone doing the work. He came round, did some work. All good.
Now, when it came to paying, he said he'd give me mates-rates. I was happy to pay full price. I want him to have a sustainable job, and I don't think he should bear the financial cost of our friendship.
When I got the invoice, I don't think he charged me enough. I told him so. But really, I had to accept that he'd come to a commercial decision that he was happy with. He's an adult doing a particular trade. To a degree, what I think isn't particularly relevant.
I suppose it makes me think of Spotify. A lot of critique is around not paying artists enough. I guess this is valid. I mean, Spotify does seem to pay less than other streaming services. However, one again, I have to accept that the artists are adults and have come to some sort of commercial arrangement with me via Spotify. It's patronising for me to assume otherwise.
The arguments could be extended out further. Open source software is free to most users. Is there an obligation for me to pay to make it sustainable? No, I don't think so. Really, it's down to the maintainer or creator to do that.
Taking it further, should I be personally responsible for making sure that employed people earn a minimim wage? A living wage? Something else? Again, I don't think so.