By the way, I just recently landed a lovely assignment from something I found here. Thank you for all you do. And congrats on the new position.

If these people went to the gas station, filled up and then explained to the attendant that they will use this gas and if they like it that they will pay for any subsequent fill-ups at that station, how well do you think that would go over?

There are people who are looking for content who will pay for each and every article. Please keep looking.

In the last week, I’ve had 3 perspective employers (web content) ask for articles for free. Then, if they like them, they will pay for subsequent articles. I’m not a new writer, and I’ve provided clips, so I’m confused by this. Am I being unreasonable to expect to be paid for everything I write?

Is this common for web writing? Or are these guys more in the category of a Harlan rant?

I’d appreciate your insight! Thanks!

Hey, if you guys haven’t read it, I heartily recommend his award-winning short story “Repent, Harlequin! Said the Ticktockman” – you can get it out of the library or buy it online. It’s all about rights and freedom, something I’m delighted to see he still rants about

I was just having a conversation yesterday about how it’s easy to devalue your work because you think it’s easy. This is a nice little wake up call!

Well, that doesn’t pay my rent, utilities, or gas. Needless to say, I won’t be working for this snake oil salesman again.

Not incidentally, I’ll second his rant above with a hearty “Amen!” Pass the ammunition, brother. The Web in particular has fostered a Universal Amateur Hour in every area of business and public life (see Andrew Keen’s THE CULT OF THE AMATEUR: HOW TODAY’S INTERNET IS KILLING OUR CULTURE for a perceptive critique of Web 2.0′s effects) that is catastrophically undercutting professionalism, quality, and decent payment for services rendered, including in our beloved area of writing for profit.

While I was certainly entertained by the video and I agree 100% with the fact that writers are often unfairly asked to write for free, I felt as if part of the rant was directed toward some of the very people that visit this blog. Mr. Ellison ranted that part of the reason for this expectation is because so many “amateurs” are willing to do the work for free. I am willing to bet that, in his book, some of the “low pay” we take for our work would fall in that same “amateur” category. As such, we would be equally to blame for his anger – not just the people asking for the free work.

I am not saying that I see us as amateurs. I know I think of myself and everyone on this board as a professional. But, from his position, he likely sees things differently. Just a thought.

*Elizabeth shields her head as she waits for tomatoes to be thrown at her*

If I were to get my car fixed, the mechanic wouldn’t take “oh, well, my client has paid me yet so…” as a reason for not paying the bill. Instead, he would keep the car. Same goes for insurance, credit card, cable, telephone…et cetera.

A few months ago, I had a guy call me to see if I would work for him. He was a very smooth talker and had me believing that what he was offering was worth the work. I hung up and then stressed about it for a few days while I waited for the files. Finally I smacked myself upside the head, called him back and said that there was no way that I could work for the rate he wanted and I couldn’t go lower than the rate I had given him in the first place.

Needless to say, I didn’t get the contract. Yippee for me.

I will have to save that email and send it to clients that want me to work for free or next to nothing. )

Harlan is teh awesome!!

/ignorance

Funny you posted this today, I think I may have blown a job because of the rate I was asking. It seemed reasonable and was around the standard for the type of work, but I haven’t heard back. It’s a bummer, but it seemed appropriate at the time. I think Harlan would support it.