Should you write for free?

Each week, Evan Peterson rounds up stories from across the Web that scribes of all stripes should check out. Should you write for free? How does one get paid to blog? Plus, how language evolves and waitresses become writers.

Write for free: There’s never been a better time to find writing gigs. Most everyone reads articles on the Internet, and it takes a lot of writers to produce that content. Of course, many of those writers aren’t paid anything, at least not monetary compensation. So what of the value of having your byline published, building your brand, your published writing as credential? That’s worth a lot and you should keep doing it, no matter where you are in your career, writes author Kristin Houghton.

Name recognition is priceless, as it leads readers to search for, and find, your other work. And remember, just because it is for free doesn’t mean you should skimp on the quality of what you are writing. Write it the same way you write for pay. Your name and your work are your brand.