In a previous blog, I discussed Taylor Swift’s advocacy for Artists receiving compensation for their music on streaming devices (especially during “Trial Periods”). Today, I’d like to talk about a similar post by Wil Wheaton (known for his role on Star Trek: The Next Generation). On his blog, Wheaton posted “Seven Things I Did to Reboot My Life.” After posting this, he was approached by a major publication for permission to republish. When Wheaton inquired as to the compensation for these rights, he was told that bloggers were not compensated for their work and that most find value in the unique platform or exposure for the piece.

Wheaton emphasizes that the contact was very polite, but took issue with the lack of compensation. Wheaton took to Twitter and tweeted, “Writers and bloggers: if you write something that an editor thinks is worth being published, you are worth being paid for it. Period.” He furthered with the statement, “This advice applies to designers, photographers, programmers, ANYONE who makes something. You. Deserve. Compensation. For. Your. Work.” He continues to explain that he is lucky because he doesn’t need the exposure or reach, but that other people may not.

In response, Salon had a great observation:

“Skeptics will argue that Wheaton is a wealthy actor who lives mostly off his television and movie appearances, and doesn’t depend on compensation for his writing. But when “free” becomes the way creative work gets assessed, it undercuts the market for everyone, famous and obscure alike.”

Taylor Swift made a similar point, but I’d add more. There is nothing wrong for being fairly compensated for hard (and quality work). We don’t ask lawyers to produce work product free for a third party. Of course there are exceptions such as work for a nonprofit, content generated by an attorney on his/her own website, an article in a bar journal (especially if it serves the public interest), or if a lawyer offers to write a piece for free in the hopes of garnering publicity. Similar to artists, professional writers and bloggers should be paid for their work. Check out this video from the ad agency Zulu Alpha Kilo nailing the literal value of work.