Forum Moderators: not2easy
I've built a website that is roughly 3 months old and has, what I believe to be, valuable content.
Other websites targeted to my audience have asked me to contribute as an 'expert' on the subject that my site is about. There has been no discussion about any kind of payment, other than a link back to my site.
One website is requesting a level of exclusivity - that I not provide the same content to other sites, and that I not contribute to other sites directed at our audience in the subject of my site. They also said they could advise better if they knew which other sites were asking. This site would like me to contribute in a section where they have newly-secured a large sponsor. I have no problem creating exclusive content for this site, but there's no other subject I could really write about elsewhere.
I'm new to this business, so I'm not sure how to tread here. I'd love to benefit from the additional traffic by contributing to these sites, but I don't want to be taken advantage of.
Any advice would be much appreciated.
If you are willing to write original content for other web sites in exchange for a link, I see no problem with that, as long as you don't dilute the effectiveness of your own web site content. (It's your bread and butter, after all.)
However, asking you not to contribute to other sites in your area of expertise is an outrageous request. If they want your content with that sort of exclusivity they should pay for it. Bottom line.
It sounds as though they are trying to restrict you in an unfair manner, to keep you from competing fairly.
They get all the benefits from an agreement like that. I wouldn't do it.
First and foremost, negotiate the fees - get the cash first and as part of the financial agreement ensure that everything has a link back to you, if that is what you wish.
If you are an "expert", others must pay for your services - they need you. Do not sell yourself short in this type of scenario: you have the upper hand...
Syzygy
[edited by: Syzygy at 7:43 pm (utc) on Sep. 1, 2007]
I thought the request was extreme, but I guess they figured there's no harm in asking.
I'm just glad I asked for advice!
