It would be laughable if these ad writers didn’t seem to take themselves so seriously.
This from a blogging ad on Craigslist: “no compensation available at this time, but you will get great experience, visibility, a bio and a byline.”
Really? Not only do I get the opportunity to work for free but also I get the opportunity to let everyone know I am the writer who works for free? That should look good on my resume.
I wonder does this offer work with anyone’s physician?
No compensation, but I’ll tattoo your name on my healthy chest.
Or maybe with the electric company?
No compensation, but I’ll spell your name in lights this Christmas.
Of course not. Everyone expects to get paid for their work. Everyone understands that much as they hate it, they have to pay the people they hire to work for them. So why do some feel differently about freelance writers and other creatives?
Because we love our work we should love to do it for free?
This practice dates back to a time, not so very long ago actually, when freelance writers had no access to publication starting out. Back then visibility had cache. Getting published in the right place where important people would see your bio and byline could make your career.
In the Information Age, anyone with a computer and internet access can publish for free. And any online venue with the clout to promote you to greatness should operate under a plan that makes enough money to compensate the people they hire. If the blog cannot afford to pay its freelance writers, it might review its business plan or adjust its opinion of itself.
Of course, there are exceptions. There are blogs so big that other bloggers line up for the opportunity to guest post. In those instances, the writers know the benefits they hope to receive. Usually these bloggers have a money funnel in place on their own blogs to take advantage of the added traffic their byline will draw. They are not working for free.
The term “freelance writer” does not mean “works for free.” If you want to write for free to get experience, do it on your own computer. Do it every single day if you want to be great. You do not need some website’s permission.
If you want to get exposure:
- Start a blog or comment on other blogs and in forums.
- Use social media like Twitter and Facebook.
- Learn how to promote yourself so you will know how to write promotional pieces.
- Connect with other freelance writers to find paying clients.
Just please think long and hard before you start giving your time and skills away for free. You tell the world what you are worth, not the other way around.
I’ve come the conclusion that my time is my most precious commodity and I’m not ready to give it up for anyone. You only have a finite amount of time so the time you do have to spend actually doing work it needs to go toward work that will actually sustain you.
I do hate how so many skills such as freelance writing is seen as if it doesn’t warrant accurate pay. Just like how people treat design, if you want someone to work for free, expect it to be mediocre at best. I know I’m not going to put my hard time into something which doesn’t give me benefit.
Sure, I’ll guest post time to time but there is the opportunity to be in front of an actual community which you know is active – not one from an industry which won’t have any lasting effects.
Murlu´s last [type] ..How-To Setup A Simple Online Store Using Paypal
Someone was complaining to me yesterday about a girl who only calls or texts when she needs something. Once she gets what she needs she disappears for weeks. “Why does she always call me?”
Probably because you answer and she gets what she wants. I doubt she would keep calling if you quit answering.
People are always trying to get our services for free because it works for them. Doctors and lawyers can tell you that they are constantly solicited at parties for free treatment/advice, but they are secure about their worth and don’t give the milk away for free.
You are right, these people cheat themselves out of good work. If they put an ad on Craigslist requesting free medical treatment, they wouldn’t expect to get quality care. And they know this, so they don’t bother. Why would they settle for mediocre (or downright poor) quality in their business?
All we can do is refuse to answer the ad.
Very interesting article, thanks. Keep up the good work.
Hello Tammi Kibler,
Found you here http://www.problogger.com/31days/topic.php?id=9&page=3
Giving away services for free usually does not get you paid work. You are completely on target with this particular post. I have been working on the 31dbbb for a little over a month now but have not finished. I am working on getting four blogs up and running. I love doing this and connecting with others.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on writing too. I am not the best writer in the English Language but I love writing. Practice will help. I liked your idea of wait and see and if you chose to correct, you do it in an email. That is thoughtful.
eileen
Eileen Ludwig´s last [type] ..Movie Staycations
Eileen,
Thank you for stopping by. I found 31DBBB to be a great help and am planning to start it all over again on another blog.
Goodness, four blogs up and running all at once? You have your work cut out for you. I wish you the best.
Thank you so much for taking the time to comment.
Tammi