Lately I’ve read a number of blog posts that discourage writers from giving any of their work away without payment—in other words, writing for free. These other writers feel that if a writer writes something without being paid for it, they diminish the value of the work for all other writers. And while I agree that every type of artist is wise to honor and value their gifts and contributions, that doesn’t mean that the only means of payment comes in the form of money. In fact, looking back over my own experiences, many of the payments I’ve received for my work came in a variety of forms and fashion. As creative artists of any type, let’s never forget that value means something different to each of us, and compensation doesn’t have to look like money.
Perhaps it comes easier for me because my husband and I got involved in exchanging many years ago. As real estate brokers who started in the industry during a bleak period in the mid-to-late-80s, exchanging provided a creative way for us to transfer problematic properties without much cash. The saying, “One person’s junk is another person’s treasure,” fit many property owners who were looking for a way out when nothing else was available. By helping clients exchange what they had for something that they felt offered more potential, everyone came out happy.
Throughout the years we have personally traded property and services for real estate, automobiles, business equipment, furniture and more. Never a mere order taker in the business world, my husband Thom has gone on through the years perfecting the talent of creative transactions in commercial real estate with or without cash. It is precisely because he doesn’t fit into the one-size-fits-all category that has led to much of his success in that industry.
So why should it be any different in other lines of work including creative achievements? Looking back I realized I have several examples of how I successfully exchanged my writing for things of value for both my family and me. One of the early cases came when I discovered that my massage therapist offered massages to both Thom and I in exchange for some copy writing. Instead of paying her in cash, we received a series of great massages for several advertising pieces I helped her create.
Then several years later I started my first blog with a strong emphasis on the environment and sustainability. Its sole purpose was to share information about local efforts to “green” our community and build the momentum for what Thom and believed is a positive and important step in the future of our planet. I knew nothing about blogging at the time and just committed myself to learning more and more as I went along—both environmentally, and with blogging. The site was not monetized and the ultimate goal was seen as a community service.
One of the first offers for creative compensation I received came from the editor of a local business magazine. The man had been reading my blog posts for about a year and was familiar with my writing. He asked me if I would be willing to create a monthly environmental column for his paper in exchange for advertising space for Thom’s business. For over a year I repurposed the articles from my blog that fit the guidelines of the paper in exchange for advertising for my family. At least one particular ad can be traced to a direct sale resulting in thousands of dollars of commission, plus Thom’s reputation as a leader in his field grew tremendously.
Another exchange came from a local manufacturer of unique recycled garden accessories and ornaments. When we were purchasing our current house we were committed to making it as energy efficient as possible. We also insisted on making our yard as environmentally sensitive as possible. By taking out our water-guzzling yard and replacing it with desert landscaping I needed several large pots to complete the transformation. In exchange for writing a feature post for this sustainable garden manufacturer and his work, we were offered three of his recycled glass pots at a value approaching nearly $2,000.
One of the most rewarding exchanges came after I had been writing and blogging about the environment for nearly three years. During that time we became closely connected with many of the local businesses and providers of other green and environmental products. Without payment, my blog routinely promoted any business or product that seemed to be useful and helpful for our cause. One of our favorites was solar. At one point, one of the local solar providers that we had worked closely with for over two years called to tell us of the great solar rebates being offered for a short time in our city. With little time to act, Thom and I agreed to proceed to buy solar for our home. That’s when our solar provider told us that in exchange for all the help and promotion we had done for his business, he wanted to waive all costs and expenses over and above our rebates. Essentially, we received the entire solar system on our home at zero cost out of our pocket.
The reason I am explaining these details is not to brag and tell you what a great negotiator I am. Frankly I didn’t negotiate any of these transactions at all. What is most important to note is understanding that if I had charged for my work by the hour or by the piece, the resulting compensation would have been a fraction of the value that I eventually received. While there are many instances when I am paid in cash for my writing, my big point is, not everything of worth has to be exchanged in the measurement of money.
Ever hear of the book, Do What You Love And The Money Will Follow? My life as been a series of lessons where that statement demonstrates that when I trust my passion and the Universe Itself, finances have a way of working out. Plus, when we trust and stay receptive to miracles, our writing will open doors to all sorts of possibilities and create connections to people who can aid our future dreams in unimaginable ways. Those kinds of opportunities are priceless.
It’s also good to point out that when we attempt to reduce our value and worth at all times to mere dollars and cents we will always come up short. I have always found that I am usually rewarded for my work in direct resonance to my own sense of value. Don’t think I’m worth much? Neither will anyone else. Believe I offer something unique, special and valuable? That’s when other people and circumstances will come together in better beneficial ways than I can otherwise imagine.
Hopefully those of us who call ourselves authors and writers have arrived to the point where we value our work and know it benefits others. When we do, we don’t need to attach a non-negotiable price tag to what we create. Instead I believe it is SMART to recognize and know that what we give out comes back to us in more ways than we can envision. Just remember, payment doesn’t always look like money.
Question: What about you? Has your art or passion lead to something unexpected and wonderful other than cash? Please share in the comments below.
When I was coached about online marketing, I was told to give away great value. I have found this to be invaluable. When you give things away, even as information, it will keep people coming back. People love to have free stuff and sometimes great info that keeps them out of debt is better than money.
I now get to coach others along these lines. How rewarding!
Hi Mark! Thanks for stopping by SMART Living and joining the discussion. Yes, giving to others is always a reward for the giver as well as the receiving. And helping each other stay out of debt is a HUGE gift. Thank again for stopping by. ~Kathy
“You can’t out give the Universe”, as a marketer I can attest that no one should hold back value. Giving first without expectation of receiving is an incredible “attractor factor”.
The best example I’ve seen so far is with the podcast I listen to where I receive tremendeous amount of value for free until the point where I genuinely feel like buying something from them. 🙂
And like you pointed out, payments doesn’t always come in the form of money. Something it comes in the form of opportunities, new friendships, sense of meaning, etc.
Hi Renaud! Thank you for stopping by SMART Living and sharing your thoughts. And yes, I love how you say, “Giving first without expectation of receiving is an incredible “attractor factor”.” And where can we find that podcast you recommend. It sounds like something a lot of us might be interested in…I’ll check out your blog…either way, can you leave a link here for others who might want to listen. Thanks again for your comment. ~Kathy
I can relate to so much of this. I mostly blog for creative expression and to offer inspirational words, thoughts, ideas to others. It is the same with my book, Tao Flashes. Yes, of course, I’d love to sell tons of books, but I am proud of what I offer. And I have come to believe/hope that the right people, those who need my brand of inspiration or questioning, will find my work, and my words helpful.
Hi Lisa! As you say, it all really depends upon why we are writing in the first place before we (or anyone) can judge whether we are receiving adequate “payment” for our work. I too write for much of the same reasons you do and that can never be reduced to a monetary value. BTW, I find your writing VERY inspiring on a regular basis, both on your blog and on FB, but I’ve never given you any money for it. It is however my sincere hope that you know that there are millions of us out here on the internet that highly value what you offer and that you will continue. And behind that hope is the fact that I also strongly believe that the Universe always returns our good to us in many ways no matter what! Thanks for checking in on this! ~Kathy
Great post, Kathy! Many interesting examples that remind me of some books that are waiting for me to read them (Moneyless Manifesto by Mark Boyle and Charles Eisenstein’s The More Beautiful World Our Hearts Know is Possible).
Hi Annette! Okay so thank YOU for the recommendations. I absolutely love to read as well and have about 3 books sitting in the queue but I will check out your recommendations and add them to the list. Thanks!
I really needed to read this today. I was just offered the opportunity to write in exchange for advertising. I couldn’t decide. I’m going to do it.
Thank you.
Hi Doreen! I’m so glad you found this helpful. There were actually a number of other GREAT benefits I got from doing that exchange with the local paper that I didn’t include because space. It was REALLY good for my family in about a dozen ways and one of the best decisions I made. I am hoping for you that your “trade” turns out to be as equally beneficial. Plus, it is another indication that our writing has value and that is always gratifying. Thanks for letting me know. ~Kathy
Oh, I like this framework. I’ve long acknowledged that there can often be other kinds of payment for relating with someone else over a common thing. And I like the way you talk about being open to miracles.
Hi Lori! Thanks for joining the conversation. I think any of us who have been writing for a while must have lots of examples of the good we’ve received from our writing. And while I realize that money is nice (especially when things are tight) but there is so much more than that. If our writing is nothing more than a paycheck then we’re like many others just working at jobs to make a living. I know you know that writing IS and can be so much more–and yes to the miracles!
Most of the copywriting work is proprietary, but I do have a few articles from grad school that focus on environmentalism and sustainability. You can find them here in all their glory:
http://news.medill.northwestern.edu/authorprofile.aspx?id=179352
And yeah, while money is nice, you rarely look back upon the actual making of it with whistfulness, nostalgia or happy memories. Maybe you think fondly of a job you love, or the work itself, but not the paycheck. So why wouldn’t we consider more meaningful types of payment equal … or better? Again, good thoughts.
Hello Kathy,
I just love this post of yours! In a world where many have turned into materialistic beings, it’s nice to see people who appreciate things other than money and other worldly leisure. For all we know, that “free” article you wrote may just have saved a person’s life or inspired him in a way. Doesn’t it feel good being able to help others without asking for anything in return?
Hi Connor! Thanks for your thoughts on this. While I agree that many of us focus far too much on materialistic things in our world, I’m hopeful that there are enough of us who recognize that there is so much more to a good and happy life that exists beyond money to we can work together to remind those who have forgotten. You are SO-O-O right that it feels good to help others without asking for anything in return! ~Kathy
Hi Kathy Gottberg,
Its amazing story. I am agree with you and am get lot of experience from your this article. i am inspired with you.
Thanks for sharing 🙂
keep it up 🙂
Hi Addison! Glad you liked this one too! Have you any experience with exchanging or bartering services that worked well for you? Please share if you do. ~Kathy
Hi Kathy, Very Nice Post ! you well shared about Money But this one is fact that most of people just keep think about Money as well as just want only Money.
Hi Maneesha! Thank you for stopping by SMART Living and leaving a comment. I’m glad you liked the post and definitely agree that we all have a difficult time thinking about money in new ways. Hopefully this post provides a tiny shift for all who read it. ~Kathy
I love this line: “It’s also good to point out that when we attempt to reduce our value and worth at all times to mere dollars and cents we will always come up short.” There are many types of wealth, and while money is nice, it isn’t the only kind. How many movies exist predicated on this exact same theme? It’s one of the most overused tropes in films, literature, you name it, yet so many people (myself included) forget it. Sometimes payment comes in other forms, but still makes us rich: In love, appreciation, social capital, even material goods (like those awesome pots). Agree agree agree!
P.S. I’ve done lots of environmental writing myself! Something else we have in common. 🙂
Hi Sarah! Yes, isn’t it funny how many books are written about how the super rich often are no happier than anyone else? And yet, as you say we ALL tend to forget that and think if we don’t have piles of money coming in then it doesn’t mean we are valuable or that others value our work. What’s that saying, no one on their deathbed says “I wish I had spent more time at the office.” I’ll bet a great writer would never say, “Oh, I wish that I’d been paid a bigger advance on that book or a bigger percentage of sales.” To me, it’s best to focus on the work instead of the compensation, and then the rewards will take care of themselves.
And what’s some of your environmental work? Was that some of your copywriter work? Is it still posted? I did like it for a while and learned A LOT but it got sorta boring and technical for me after three years….writing about mind stuff is much more fun! 🙂
Thanks for your thoughts! ~Kathy
Hi Kathy,
I love this post and your point-of-view. You explain yourself so well and I am in agreement with you all the way. But since hard times are upon us I wish I could find more ways to monetize. I am working so hard trying to do so, and I hope that the Universe will answer me by saying, “Here you go, Cath, now it’s your turn!”
I believe in fair trade or monetary payment – it’s all up to me. Finding those arrangements are not always easy, but I’ll keep on trying.
Of course, I’m working up to writing a book….
Thanks Kathy.
Hi Cathy! Thank you your comment. I know that it is more challenging when it is necessary to monetize your writing. And I also realize that it sounds counter-productive not to insist on cash payment especially when money is tight. But I am a big believer in intentionality and when we focus on what we don’t have and what we desperately need, our focus is more on lack than abundance and that becomes even more a part of our life.
What I do and what works in my life is a continual focus on the awareness that Life returns to us what we give out. It doesn’t always show up immediately or look exactly the same, but it does come back to us. Stay with the idea (as much as possible) that the Universe is saying, “Here you go, Cath, now it’s your turn!” And I would also suggest that you not think of it as hard. Instead, just keep thinking that your turn is coming any second!
And when it’s time for that book…you let me know if there is any way I can help. Actually, it IS your turn now! 🙂 ~Kathy
We love unconventional forms of payment! Exchanging/bartering can be a real win-win because both sides are often giving something that feels less costly than paying with money, while still receiving something of value. We’ve used this method to extend our travels by house-sitting or doing work exchanges so that we don’t have any rent payment. Definitely worth it for us!
Hi Michelle! It makes great sense to me that exchanging/bartering is very effective when it comes to traveling. From what I’ve been reading the new “sharing” economy is very much on board with it too. Doing work exchanges, house or pet sitting, or even house swapping makes so much sense and allows us to enjoy the travel without as much cash. As long as we are clear about our boundaries and are able to ask specifically for what we will or won’t do, it can be a win-win for everyone. Glad to hear it is working well for you! ~Kathy
It does make sense and I have a similar process. It is totally an individual preference.
This is a tough topic. We need to make a distinction between bartering and being ‘wooed’ into giving away our work so that others can profit from it.
For those of us who write for a living and depend on that income to pay the bills, being asked by a big well-known and highly profitable site, like Huffington Post, to write for the publicity it often feels unjust. It seems that on the web people ask writers and other creatives to do it for the visibility. I have never considered asking my mechanic or the plumber to do my work free with a guarantee that I will promote them on FB and Twitter! They would laugh in my face yet we as writers are often approached by editors, or their PR people with that expectation.
And, having said that, there are times when I write for a site knowing that I will have an opportunity to interact with peers or reach my target audience. I donate my writing services to a nonprofit I’m involved with. I might also barter, but that is not the same as giving it away for nothing.
Hi Walker! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this. I agree that it is ALWAYS an individual call about what we will do with our time and energy. ALWAYS. I would never suggest that another person offer their craft to someone for free if they didn’t feel good about it. However, my biggest point is that I should be equally able to do whatever I want with my craft too–including giving it away for free to everyone I encounter if that feels right to me. I have personally found that everything I do is an exchange (or a barter of some sort) even if it is for something elusive like time or energy. I just feel I am always amply rewarded in exchange for my gifts–but again, I realize that others don’t have that particular belief.
Wayne Dyer offers a similar perspective. I heard repeatedly that he has given away thousands of books based upon all his writing and I’ll bet that he doesn’t feel the slightest be taken advantage of. He does it because he believes that his good will always be returned to him. I agree with him.
I think much of it depends upon our personal goals and why we are doing what we do. As I mentioned in one of my other comments, when I am doing copywriting work I seldom do it for anything but cash. That’s because I do consider it more “work” than anything else. It is something I’m fairly good at and others are willing to pay me. If my clients can find someone to do it for free for them, I’m fine with that. But if they want me to do it, then I have a fee.
But my blog and my books are my passion. I do it to share ideas with anyone who wants to connect with me. If any website asks me to write for them (for free) I would only consider it based upon whether it fits my passion or not. Very simple. I never consider it a slight if someone else wants to offer their work for free OR if someone insists on payment. That’s their business.
Does that make sense? I think there is a HUGE distinction between the approach I have, and giving any work away “for nothing.” I don’t believe all of us think that way, but it certainly deserves to be considered. ~Kathy
***our writing will open doors to all sorts of possibilities and create connections to people who can aid our future dreams in unimaginable ways***
Yes, I believe this.
I believe that everything we write has VALUE, meaning, significance.
The people who say that words have less meaning w/out payment are SNOBS & arrogant.
About your question: Has your art or passion lead to something unexpected and wonderful other than cash?
Yes. More than I have ever imagined.
For example, my art has given me SANITY!
Also, I was contacted by the author of The Scent of God and she invited me to her home on the North Shore to have lunch & talk about my sister, Kay.
It was quite memorable.
Love your blog posts!! xx
Hi Kim! Thank you so much for sharing how you have been GREATLY rewarded for your writing in ways beyond money. How awesome that someone who connected to your story contacted you and wanted to talk. That’s something that will stay with you for a lifetime. And I tend to believe that when we stay open and receptive to that kind of good, then we bring more to ourselves. Yay! ~Kathy
Thank you for this valuable information! As a brand new blogger, I found this so helpful.
Hi Lana! You’re so welcome! I am very happy you found this helpful and hope it reminds you that your writing and your blog have many benefits that don’t always equal cash flow. Of course I know many of us look forward to the time when we can generate some income from them, other things might show up that make that idea obsolete. I tend to believe that staying optimistic and expecting good things to happen are always best. Thanks again for your comment! ~Kathy
I think there is a delineation between “money” and “payment.” While I will NOT work for free, I will work for something of value that I would have needed or wanted anyway. For example, at Christmastime, I bring my entire family to Glen Ivy Spa with free entrance because I have written about how much I enjoy that spa. To me, that’s a fantastic payment. Your point is very well taken. Thanks for the great examples.
Hi Alexandra! Thanks for stopping by SMART Living and joining the conversation. You offer a great example of how “payment” comes in many forms. And you also bring up another important point–if at any time any of us feel that we are working for “free” (which in my definition means working for nothing!) then we probably should stop. If I felt my writing was without benefit to me or anyone else and started to resent that, then I definitely need to be putting my efforts into another line of creativity. But value is so subjective that I really believe we each should allow ourselves to be the judge of it and not someone else. Thanks for your thoughts on this! ~Kathy
Well said! So far, my compensations for writing have mostly been in the form of support and encouragement from other bloggers – but that has been priceless!
Hi Kathy,
Absolutely!! money is not the only payment or reward we look forward to! It may be a very important component of our life but not the only one. When we have a reasonable amount of money to thrive, it is natural for creative people to look beyond. I love the positive attitude of this article – I too have always felt that if my message of love and goodness reaches even a single individual, I have contributed my worth. Same kind of contentment I experienced when I was teaching, emphasising on values…even if one student picked them up, my work was done.
Thanks for contributing SMART ideas! Have a nice day.
Hi Balroop! Yes! You definitely caught the spirit of what I was hoping to communicate with this post. While money is nice to have when you have bills to pay, there is so much more to life than what can be equated to what’s in the bank. As you say, knowing that someone resonated with your words or speech is powerful. Knowing that you positively influenced another in some way is priceless. Thank you so much for your thought. ~Kathy
What an amazing example you set for us,Kathy! I am truly inspired. Our value isn’t always measured in $. Brilliant! As to the issue of writing for ‘free’. It depends on the writing. If someone has worked for years on a book, it shouldn’t be free. Period. Really, how much does it cost to buy a book, right? I still think there needs to be a respect and value placed on an author’s work. Written work on sites and blogs is the free stuff that is also a fantastic resource.
Wonderful post, Kathy and nicely done on the exchanges.
Hi Lisa! I truly hope this helped you and other “artists” realize their value in ways that can’t be boiled down to dollars and cents. But I do have a question. Is a book any less valuable if someone gives it to me for free? I don’t think so. Frankly, if any or all of my books were in a library across the world and people were reading it absolutely for free, I would be incredibly happy. Of course that’s just me and I can’t speak for everyone. But a big reason I write is to share ideas that I believe are very important and when people “get” something I’ve written that means more to me than a few dollars.
Of course, I do realize that I am fortunate to live in a two-income family and my household is not dependent upon my income. But the longer I live, the more my life has proven to me that what I give out is returned in so many ways independent of my labor. That’s why I think it is so important for us all to just consider that our good in this lifetime is also to some extent, independent of our labor. Because I “expect” good to come from my writing it always does–it just doesn’t always look like money. Thanks for your thoughts on this Lisa. ~Kathy
I’m a big fan of trading, but it has to be fair value. A lot of the offers to bloggers are not. It’s not worth my time unless it’s worth my time. If you know what i mean.
Hi Carol! I get the idea that the “trade” has to be fair but aren’t we the ones that define it for ourselves? Metaphysically I don’t believe anyone can take away my good any more than I can receive any more than I can accept. Because I believe in a friendly Universe that always returns to me the fruits of my labor, I never fear that what I receive is “fair.” Of course this all depends heavily on a person’s Life philosophy–but it definitely works for me–and believe it can work equally well for others, if they choose to believe. ~Kathy
Good stuff Kathy. And don’t forget the difficult-to-measure return you get from writing – the feeling of accomplishment having put your thoughts to words and the possibility – no matter how remote – that someone out there may find value in what you have to say. I tried my hand at writing a few short fiction stories recently. The book sold about 5 copies but I really enjoyed playing with and creating fictional characters in no way limited by reality! And they made good Christmas presents. Thanks and enjoy!
Hi Dave! You are so right. I guess I was assuming that those of us who write (or do any creative work for that matter) get rewarded by the work alone. Otherwise we are crazy to do it IMHO! As I said in the post, I truly believe that what we give out comes back to us in so many ways. As long as we don’t give into fear or “lack” thinking we are open to all sorts of possibilities. And YES! Not only does your book reward you on a personal level but saves money when it comes to buying gifts! 🙂 ~Kathy
I am in 100% agreement with you! There have been so many opportunities that have come my way because I “gave away” my writing. I haven’t been as fortunate as you as to get an entire solar heating system, but because I’m on the Huffington Post – with previously published content – I’ve been contacted by many people about interviews, anthologies, radio and TV appearances and more. I am starting to make some real money writing, but it took me 3 years of hard work to get to this place.
Hi Sharon! Isn’t it true that for those of us who have been doing it a while it is important for us to remember ALL the ways we have been renumerated for our work as well as share it with others. I’ve been so fortunate to make cash income from my writing for many years but in many ways that is actually less gratifying than the unexpected (but amazing) good that has flowed into my life because of it.
Thank you for sharing how the practice has helped you and I think I’ll ask that question at the end of the post now to learn from others as well. ~Kathy
I have just recently started to see a trend towards bartering, and I think it’s fantastic. As you said above, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
Very nice job of providing a balanced (and informative) response to the voices suggesting we give nothing away ‘for free’, in terms of our writing.
Hi Nancy! Yes, it seemed like there was a strong push for bartering a number of years back and I would love to see it return. It is especially helpful in our local communities in many ways. It is so silly for us to reduce everything to dollars and cents and so liberating when you can take out the middle-men in many ways.
But most importantly I’m hoping all people realize that money is really only good for what we can experience from it, so don’t think of yourself as less valuable without it. Thanks for your thoughts Nancy! ~Kathy