I've heard lots of writers who have been in the business a long time say they wouldn't write articles, or stories, anymore just for the link. They want some form of pay to go along with it.
I understand that concept fully. At this point in my writing I feel that way more often than not as well, and usually get it. However, in the past, when I was first starting out, I wrote LOTS of articles for free in exchange for the links. I usually aimed for high-traffic sites when doing it, and it got me lots of exposure I wouldn't have received on my own. I'll still do it occassionally. Even when I get paid for an article or story I prefer to get a link at the end, or in the byline. There are places now though that won't do both. If they pay you they won't direct traffic off their site while doing it. I can understand that. Or they'll give you a general 'about the author' page if they host a number of your articles where they will put a link to your site, but not put it on the actual article. So there are valid reasons for accepting occassional non-paying but heavy traffic assignments since you will always get a direct link right with the article/story.
Remember... traffic is the key to sales. Never underestimate the value of that link, even if you don't get paid in cash, you'll get paid in exposure and that can be worth more than gold.
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