from the DS|CAFE freelancers-inc room as of Jan 7, 2026
Experiment: Freelance Incorporated
This is an experiment in a freelance-focused where freelancers can create a workplace bubble. It's readable by all, but writeable only by active freelancers. Access is granted to people who have requested the Freelance, Inc server role.
The Starting Format
- There is no hierarchy of freelancing! Everyone is doing their own thing and we're all awesome for doing that! It doesn't matter if you've been freelancing for a zillion years or are just getting started. We're all here to support and share for mutual success.
- We can pick a role or department (of one) that we're representing professionally; you can pick several of them as freelancers wear multiple hats.
- The vibe is that of a workplace where we are all on friendly terms and wish success for everyone. The ideal is that it is the kind of place where one can share without fear of judgment or being talked-down to.
- We can talk about any issue related to freelancing and related business stuff! If you are looking for a sounding board from fellow freelancers, or workshopping some work, that's totally cool.
- We are starting with this single room, but can expand as needed. If the experiment looks like it was helpful and has some minimum level of engagement, we can keep it going for as long as people want.
Starting Process
- We have a daily check-in and check-out.
- To promote the feeling of accountability to producing work and sharing acknowledgement of progress, we can post what we're working on and report what we finished. In return, participants can provide a thoughtful acknowledgement in the form of cheering progress on.
- We do not give unsolicited feedback on work shared, unless the posting person asks explicitly for it and provides a hint about what kind of feedback they like.
do not worry about breaking things or cluttering up the channel. It's an experiment and we will figure things out as they happen .
Maybe some quick introductions would be helpful too!
I'll start. I'm Sri, and I am restarting a freelance business of some kind after a long-term client lost all their science funding. Right now, my strongest offering is probably "information design", and a growing expertise in Javascript realtime graphics for custom learning systems. I have two side hustles related to my blogging: selling physical stationery products that I design, and also building a community of support through Patreon. In the context of freelancing, I see my current challenge as creating a portfolio of projects to help attract either people who will hire me or buy something from me. Figuring out what to prioritize and how to pace myself and stay motivated is at the top of my mind.