Brandi's Tips for the Beginning Writer » Freelance writing scams http://brandi-annuyemura.com Thu, 02 Sep 2010 02:51:00 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0.1 The Free in Freelance Writing http://brandi-annuyemura.com/writingtopics/freelance-writing/the-free-in-freelance-writing/#utm_source=feed&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=feed http://brandi-annuyemura.com/writingtopics/freelance-writing/the-free-in-freelance-writing/#comments Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:43:59 +0000 brandiwplogin http://brandi-annuyemura.com/?p=712

Ever wonder what the “free” in freelance writer stands for? Is it free for freedom? Or free as in non-paying?

According to Dictionary.com, the word came from the 1820s meaning medieval mercenary warrior. And later referring to journalism in 1882. What a long way we’ve come from the original meaning. Or have we?

As freelance writers, we’re closer to a mercenary warrior (a courageous one who works for pay) then one that works for free, aren’t we?

Yet, I’m noticing more and more job ads requiring freelancers to write “on spec” (essentially for free) first.

MY CONFESSION:

I’ve been guilty of applying for several of these jobs. Jobs that ask me to write a blog or a short article for free. I’m always one of the top candidates when I’m asked to do yet another sample. And the end result? I typically don’t get the job.

WHaT Do YoU ThInK?

Have you ever written samples for free? What was the end result? And do you think it was worth the risk?

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