While I wouldn’t put it so harshly myself, I agree with everything he said. Spec work, internships, and everything else that is for free is BS.

Sure, some of it may lead to an opportunity down the road…but let’s face the facts – the main purpose for this kind of arrangement is to take advantage of the writer/worker that is hoping for an opportunity down the road.

I will never work for free.

There is also a disturbing trend for doing “spec work,” which I think is a bane on the profession. Copywriters and designers in the general ad industry have always done spec work, because freelancers there are generally out of work and looking for a job. But direct marketing has been largely free of this practice until recently because freelancers are often the ones doing the very best work available to marketers and it is worth paying for.

I have tried spec work in the past, and it never led to regular paying work or a good client relationship. I never work for free today. EVER.

That is why qualifying our clients is so critical. Just because a company or individual needs our professional services does not automatically make them a good prospect. They must respect what we do with an appropriate payment.

So amateurs represent only one side of the coin. Clients also must share in the blame of wanting and expecting services for free only to end up with poor results.

The old maxim still rings true. You will get what you pay for.

I love it when Harlan says, “How dare you call me and want me to work for nothing?”

The beauty of truth.

Ahhh, nothing like the smell of napalm in the morning….oops it’s lunchtime…still works.

Thanks for his one.

All best, Jan

I am not sure I agree, but I do believe everyone should be compensated for the value they provide. Charity for Non-profits is one thing, but Warner Brothers-they better pay! = )