"There's No Such Thing As A Free Lunch!"

"Something smells fishy here..."

Email from site visitor Frank Bailey: "Usually, when you find something on the internet that is free, that's because it is junk. Not so in this case. I'm glad to see you have such good quality skits."

The old axiom, "You get what you pay for," is true, and is often applied to items that are publicised as "free." The feeling is, if you're giving away something, it must not be worth much. The email outtake quoted above demonstrates that the visitor held that opinion, but that, in this case, the skits here were of good quality.

On the flip side, if something is "free," the one being offered the free item is wary of what "the catch" must be. Surely, most think, if the free item or service is worth something, who is paying for it, and what hidden agenda does the giver have?

It has been suggested by one close to me, that I should charge for these skits... either by a fee per skit used, or a membership fee that must be paid by users. I have resisted that for a couple of reasons, which I'll go into here.

So, why are the skits on this site free? (A.) Are they just no good? Or, (B.) what's the "catch?"

(A.) The quality question: Much time, effort, thought, brainstorming, prayer, etc., goes into the writing of the skits seen on this site. Most are initally developed for the Prime Example comedy albums or our live performances, before being adapted for general public use and posted on the site. Others are based on ideas developed specifically for groups such as church drama teams, and are written just for the site. Are they any good? Well, if I didn't think so, I wouldn't post them for all the world to read. But I'm not objective. Lots of people think that their stuff is the greatest when in reality it stinks. So that's not a good indicatator of quality; I could be wrong. Horribly, self-delusionally wrong... couldn't I? (A moment of silence ensues.) Nah.

However, a general consensus by the public can be an accurate indicator, and judging by the great response I get from visitors, and the many, many people using the scripts, they are quite popular. (Check out a sampling of user comments on the Testimonials Page.) I leave the final judgement up to you, which you can make for yourself after reading the scripts. Generally, though, I have to hold the view that they are high quality, or I'd stop writing and delete the site tomorrow.

(B.) The "Catch" question: So, if they are worth not only something, but worth more than most other skits you will generally find even on paid sites, then why give them away? Couldn't I sell them and make some money if people were willing to pay for them? Yes, I could. But I choose not to, because of this: I feel that the Lord has equipped me with the ability to write skit scripts that glorify Him. If I charge for the scripts, then that is the only reward I get for the work I put into them. But, if I choose to give them as a gift, to be used for Him, then the rewards are much greater, and are eternal.

However, and here's where the catch comes in, I must also have some financial compensation for the time spent writing the scripts, creating the website, as well as for the cost of the server space, etc. It does take away from time I could spend on for-profit work, such as building websites for others, freelance audio work, and other business. So, the way the Christian Skit Scripts site makes money is this: through the sales of the CD soundtracks, which supplies the music and effects called for in the scripts.

I feel that by having the site brimming full of "take-away value," that is, really good free-use material, visitors are more likely to want to buy the CDs that will add to their performance of the freely-given skits. And they do! I sell many CD soundtracks through this site. The "catch" is, the skits are free, but if you want the effects and music to make them come to life, then you can buy the CD which makes it easy.

I think most people see it as a desirable service that I provide, rather than an unwelcome "catch." Many of those that buy a CD return for others, and I often get customer feedback telling me how great the CDs were, and how useful they were to them. They're glad that I make them available. They make their life easier, and their work more effective.

So, the skit scripts are free to use, with no further obligation. Soundtrack CDs are available for you to buy that go with them, to equip you with the tools to make your performance the absolute best it can be. I think that's a good plan, and I aim to stick with it.

It works!

-Fred Passmore