Comments on: When to Work for Nothing

By: Pete Savage, Editor

Pete Savage, Editor — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:45:24 +0000

Lisa, Penny, JT, Michael Geoffrey – GREAT to see the unanimous support for the notion of working for free under *YOUR* terms. The stories and opinions you’ve shared here on this thread are inspirational to all freelancers. This is a topic that every new freelancer should understand well… Thank you for weighing in!

Laura, not that you came here looking for advice, but I’d just like to offer this — tread carefully! The promise of future work almost NEVER works out. I would only ever advise you do this in a situation like Michael described in his story… where the work he’s doing is for a long-term friend, and the upside is potentially huge. It’s one thing if you’re doing it because you “have no clients” as Michelle lists as a criteria in her article, but you approach it with the assumption that what you get will be a nice piece of work for your portfolio – and that’s it. If you’re ok with that, THAT should be the litmus test as to whether or not you do that project for free. In short… don’t do it on the promise of future work.

By: Hey, Freelancer! You’re not worth as much as you think! « Southwrite

Hey, Freelancer! You’re not worth as much as you think! « Southwrite — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 19:03:22 +0000

[...] earlier. Writers are taking on those jobs at rates that many of us find unacceptable. Some are even doing work for free in exchange for that ineffable reward exposure. As Michelle Goodman notes at The Wealthy [...]

By: Michael Temple

Michael Temple — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 17:52:18 +0000

I completely agree with this. Over the last 6 years of consulting I have done a handful of jobs for PIE (I love that term) but I knew exactly why I was doing it and what my expected reward would be. I have done it for some friends running for political office to help them out. I have also done it once or twice for a new service as you suggest to get both some experience and testimonials. The last reason I did it was unique and I will share that with everyone.

I had a long time friend who was starting an import company. He put up all the cash to bring in the container of goods, already had warehouse space to store it, and a truck to make deliveries. I had to put no cash into the venture. I simply agreed to do the marketing and consulting for the online eCommerce piece of the business in return for a percentage of all online sales and a percent of ownership in the business that I probably won’t realize until or unless we sell the business to a larger firm. I was able to get an equity stake in a viable business for nothing more than my time on a project. I get paid as we go and also would realize a large pay day if the company is ever sold. I figure I can’t really go wrong with a deal like this.

By: Geoffrey Giordano

Geoffrey Giordano — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 23:50:14 +0000

People, the simple fact is this: We are experts at what we do. If someone else wants to hire you but then pay you nothing, they should simply skip you and do the work themselves (editorial work must not be difficult, time-consuming or require a high degree of skill, right?) Remember what John Lennon said about 10 minutes after The Beatles landed at JFK and the press asked him to sing something: “We need money first.”

By: Laura Kinoshita

Laura Kinoshita — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 22:27:56 +0000

Timely article. I’m considering an offer to help build a contractor’s Web site in exchange for some business down the line.

By: JT Long

JT Long — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 15:46:33 +0000

I have to think someone will figure out the online revenue model that includes hiring professionals soon because quality content doesn’t create itself and quality writers can’t survive on virtual PIE. Thanks for a great acronym and article.

By: Penny Feigel, IAC-EZ

Penny Feigel, IAC-EZ — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 02:46:22 +0000

Great article. I totally understand some people being nervous about paying a deposit or an amount up for a freelancer, but they also have to consider that the freelancer is spending their time and possible other earnings for someone else’s benefit. It is hardly fair to expect they do it for free.

By: Lisa (lablady)

Lisa (lablady) — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 04:10:53 +0000

Excellent article. I agree! I limit myself to a certain number of pro-bono clients each year as a way to give back. Other than that, though, I expect to be paid for my expertise and services. Yes, I just love seeing those promotions or offers to write an article for free but “we’ll give you exposure!” Sorry, but my utility company or the grocery store won’t take a byline as payment.

Also, in terms of doing work for possible future earnings–as I recently told another freelancer who has been doing quite a few editing jobs for free (a % of sales in the future)–future earnings don’t pay current bills!

Thank you for writing this!

By: Pariah Burke

Pariah Burke — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 16:53:31 +0000

Well said, Michelle.