Our Work Has Value

Photojournalist, David Carson's quote, "Our work has value, and I won't give it away for free," has been making its rounds. It's struck a deep chord -- you don't have to be a photojournalist to realize that valuable work shouldn't have to be given away for free. 

As a writer/journalist/content producer, I've come across people who want me and my peers to work for free. Often the request is for us to do the job in goodwill and/or in exchange for possible future assignments. 

"Opportunities" like these can actually be seen as a positive; in this everyone-can-be-a-writer/photojournalist world, there seems to still be a place for professional content creators, acknowledged or not.  

It is often forgotten that there is value, and most importantly, quality in the work that professionals do. We also often overlook the "opportunities" -- these are gaps in the markets that need filling.

So whether the demand is recognized or not, do yourself and your industry right -- try not to sell yourself short.