> In the case of one of their example questions. "Can you work for free?" Instead of ignoring them, how about "No, I can't do that. My policy is not to work for free"?
What the blog is suggesting only really works when communicating face to face, in person. But if someone asks me if I can work for free, and I simply stare at them, I think the most likely outcome is that they realize they've made a mistake by asking it and back peddle, or say something stupid.
My comment applies in most person to person contexts, face to face or otherwise.
> But if someone asks me if I can work for free, and I simply stare at them
Again, I think a better solution is to politely decline. It shows respect for the other person and I think it increases the likelihood of reciprocated respect. I don't see how ignoring them is better.
If somebody thinks they're better than you, their disrespecting you while you respect them is exactly what they expect. Staring silence shows that their expectation was wrong and they should reconsider.
What the blog is suggesting only really works when communicating face to face, in person. But if someone asks me if I can work for free, and I simply stare at them, I think the most likely outcome is that they realize they've made a mistake by asking it and back peddle, or say something stupid.