This week I was discussing writing for free with some of my friends from WOW-Women on Writing. I admit to writing for free in the beginning of my career- in the form of volunteer work and internships. I've also written for darn cheap, too.

Have you ever written for free? Perhaps in exchange for exposure, clips, or web traffic? If so, why did you do it? Do you think your "payment" was sufficient (ie were you happy with the results)?

Or, perhaps you're very passionate about writers not writing for free or cheap, like Hope Clark, who has earned a reputation of sticking up for new writers.

I know this discussion takes place every now and then in the writing world, and sometimes gets heated. I hesitated in bringing it up, but I am very torn this week on a personal level about writing for free. I am interested in hearing others' opinions on the subject, especially from those who do write for free.

Following is a guest blog post from JR Hafer of Global Copywriting Service. JR is leading the way to establish a new network of writers and other virtual contractors which will provide a basic standard and/or "seal of approval" for freelancers. I asked JR to introduce the Writers Network and be available for questions from readers. So, please leave a comment: do you think the Writers Network is necessary? Would you join this organization?

Standards for the Virtual Service Industry

Many industries have an unscrupulous element embedded within them. Along with the growing of virtual businesses and online presence of small businesses and first time entrepreneurs comes a responsibility of integrity and ethical practices. Every industry develops standards, and there is always the need for a pledge of honesty and honorability in business practices.

Everyone has heard of the seal of approval of Good Housekeeping. The seal is the standard bearer for quality and excellence in manufacturing for the retail business. Folks often are persuaded to buy items when they notice the Good Housekeeping seal on it. They feel confident of the quality and of the ethical standards of practice of the manufacturer who developed and markets the particular item.

There is an ever increasing number of “so called” freelance copywriters being awarded projects requesting payments up front after which they never deliver the finished product. This is giving all freelance copywriters a bad name and our clients are being taken advantage of by these charlatans. This isn’t healthy for the industry.

Conversely, there are individual “buyers” who request sample articles to be written with the promise of a contract or a pending project. The project never comes to fruition and the client “stiffs” the writer because the product has been completed and delivered, but payment is never made.

Perhaps we need a seal of accountability; maybe, a seal of “Good Housekeeping” so to speak, within the writing, virtual assistants and virtual marketing world, where trust can be assumed without the perspective of risk by both clients and producers? This could propagate business and set an ethical standard for the industry.

Quality creative writers and virtual service providers need an association where they can “network” with other providers and potential clients as well. A virtual platform to shop our wares, somewhere we can draw from a well of trusted experience. There could be a mentoring program, resources to grow in the business and eventually a well of knowledge to draw from when help is needed on a project. This concept can be an evolving community of networking and mentorship for the virtual service provider and the industry.

There is no better advertising than word of mouth. The Writers Network is organization where members pledge to uphold a strict code of ethics. Thereby, when the search for ethical and honorable practitioners is undertaken one knows there is a source where a pledge is displayed and a “Seal of Ethical Practices” appears and provides the potential client confidence as he/she searches for a freelancer who displays the Writers Network logo.

The writers’ network is forming and you are being invited to participate, become a part of the founding core group, and becoming a lifetime charter member.

These concepts are predicated upon the old adage “We should always treat others as we want to be treated.” With honesty and integrity, displaying the fact that you took a pledge of ethical behavior only enhances these values.

Consider this request to become a member of the founding core group and to participate in forming this international association.

Questions? Comments? Is another writer's "union" necessary? Would you join the Writer's Network once it is off the ground? Leave a comment here for JR, or contact him through his bio.