1. When we have the money, we'll pay you (Don't count on it)2. I'll give you
a byline (Yippee!3. We ''pay'' in complimentary copies (Pay?)4. It's a labor of
love (We all love it, but that doesn't mean we should work for free)5. We're a
small/start-up magazine (if you can't pay writers yet, don't ask for their
services)
I could go on, but I think you get the point. People are relentless when it
comes to getting anything for free. I know; I used to work a variety of
customer service jobs. I've had people try to get a refund on a pizza when the
entire pie was already eaten! I have a good laugh every time I come across
writers guidelines that state that they don't pay their writers even though
there are numerous advertisements all over the website and they're listed in
top search engines.
I've seen one that makes money off of memberships that people pay big bucks
to read the articles, go to conferences, parties, browse singles' ads, get
professional resume writing, and who knows what else. They don't pay their
writers! The unnamed company is far from the only one of its kind. It's not
just wrong; it's unethical, unprofessional, and just plain selfish.
I must say that, yes, I wrote for free several times in the beginning, but I
was really naive. I would never do it again, and I would advise all beginners
to not even consider it. There are only two exceptions. And that's if you're
going to volunteer your services for a nonprofit organization, or you will get
publicity for your book or website. Writing for free undermines the entire
profession; in fact it makes it seem like less of a profession every time
someone writes for free.