Comments on: Open Up the Doors to Travel Writing Through Volunteering! http://www.travel-writers-exchange.com/2008/06/open-up-the-doors-to-travel-writing-through-volunteering/ The Community for Travel Writers, Travel Bloggers, & Travel Journalists Thu, 09 Feb 2012 01:22:07 -0500 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.4 hourly 1 By: Rebecca http://www.travel-writers-exchange.com/2008/06/open-up-the-doors-to-travel-writing-through-volunteering/comment-page-1/#comment-2173 Rebecca Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:41:24 +0000 http://www.travel-writers-exchange.com/?p=94#comment-2173 JoAnna, I agree that writing for free can be a slippery slope. However, you've got to start somewhere. If you begin to write for free for a publication and they plan to pay you after a certain period of time, get it in writing! Writers need to protect themselves. I wrote for free for an online magazine which helped me get a "byline" and portfolio pieces. I was promised the "stars and moon," but had a "gut instinct" this was not going to happen. It was a great experience all around. Now, I only write for free as part of a charitable donation. Other than that, I don't write for free anymore. JoAnna,

I agree that writing for free can be a slippery slope. However, you’ve got to start somewhere. If you begin to write for free for a publication and they plan to pay you after a certain period of time, get it in writing! Writers need to protect themselves.

I wrote for free for an online magazine which helped me get a “byline” and portfolio pieces. I was promised the “stars and moon,” but had a “gut instinct” this was not going to happen. It was a great experience all around. Now, I only write for free as part of a charitable donation. Other than that, I don’t write for free anymore.

]]> By: JoAnna http://www.travel-writers-exchange.com/2008/06/open-up-the-doors-to-travel-writing-through-volunteering/comment-page-1/#comment-2172 JoAnna Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:31:32 +0000 http://www.travel-writers-exchange.com/?p=94#comment-2172 Regarding working / writing for free: I think this is a dangerous slope because it is very possible that these "start-up" publications never take off. I agreed to write for such a magazine with the promise of pay and contacts in the travel industry. Neither of these has happened, and the magazine is quickly fizzling while the course I've cut for myself has gotten me much further in the travel industry. An article or two, maybe for people new to the industry, but people should definitely be wary of publications that just want content then kick their writers to the curb with nothing. How has working for free been working for you? It's been several months now; did it result in pay and more opportunities? Regarding working / writing for free: I think this is a dangerous slope because it is very possible that these “start-up” publications never take off. I agreed to write for such a magazine with the promise of pay and contacts in the travel industry. Neither of these has happened, and the magazine is quickly fizzling while the course I’ve cut for myself has gotten me much further in the travel industry. An article or two, maybe for people new to the industry, but people should definitely be wary of publications that just want content then kick their writers to the curb with nothing.

How has working for free been working for you? It’s been several months now; did it result in pay and more opportunities?

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