OK we discussed what Fansourcing is, why to do it, and when to use it. So here's the question that gets pretty complicated – how?
It can be more challenging once you get beyond the abstracts and ask "how do I find a talented fellow fan" or "how do I find a way to use my skills?" There are also the added complications of doing Fansourcing – that you might "give away" a project, appear to be playing favorites, etc.
So here's a few suggestions of how:
For Those Seeking Talent:
- Have a clear definition of what you want done- it helps you more easily know if someone can help you or not.
- Let people know you accept fansourcing. I find this helps you find talent.
- Networking is really your best bet – ask people you know to help out, and in turn ask people to introduce you to people they know.
- Keep track of your fansourcing acquaintances and share them – or call on them again.
- Feel free to put out the call in communities and such, but only if you think it's going to pay off – those calls can get ignored, get you flooded (and risk annoying those you don't use), and cause complications.
- Make individual contacts. If you know an artist, writer, etc. you like, introduce yourself. You may find they already do "fansourcing" anyway.
For Those Providing Talent:
- If you accept fansourcing, let it be known – from noting it on your web page to mentioning it to someone who might be interested.
- Inquire of people's projects – but don't get overly aggressive. If someone is involved ins something that fits your skills, make a polite inquiry.
- It's easier to broadcast your interest on message boards, communities, etc. since everyone understands "looking for work." Just don't be too aggressive.
- Make sure you have a good online web site and portfolio of whatever you do so people can find you. Make contacting you as easy as possible.
- Ask your friends and fellow fans if they know of any opportunities.
- Being willing to do fansourcing requires it to be part of your mindset, so it's kind of a constant thing.
If it seems like it's hard to match up fansourcers and those that need them, you're kind of right. But I'll cover that more later . . .
So there you have it – a look at how to do good fansourcing – or find it. Next up, we'll talk about ways to use fansourcing in your career more specifically.