Free Writing

Continuing in the vein of posting your work online, Yuwanda Black makes a case against writing for free, especially for Internet content providers in Writing For Free: When & When Not to Do It:

However, if what you are selling is your writing skill and are not promoting anything, then don't give it away. You'd be better off doing a direct mail campaign and spending your time creating pieces for your portfolio--even if they are only make-believe companies.

I've noticed a proliferation of businesses on the Internet recently soliciting writers to "contribute" articles (for no pay) with the teasers suggesting this will "build your clippings" and "display your work to editors". Editors are too busy to be web surfing in search of writers, and the quality of a publication does count. Providing freebies for someone else to profit from (content providers sell your efforts to others) does not promote your credibility or reputation. [writing]

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