Pay the writer!

I just got an email from some guy:

Our goal is allow our readers to submit short stories, poetry, fiction, creative non-fiction, etc to be published on our site. Those that show exceptional talent may have their work published in the print version of our parent magazine.

I was once a disgruntled writer who gave up for several years due to rejection, and I am now in a position to help those that are struggling.

If you know of anyone that would like to use our site for exposure and portfolio purposes, we would be happy to read their pieces.  And to thank you for your help, we would publicize your site, and re-post anything that you would like on our pages.

"Exposure and portfolio purposes" means "for nothing." I got suckered long ago by a TV producer who had a (pretty dumb) idea for a kids' series. She asked me to develop the idea into something usable. My payment in total? "I'm sorry, it just doesn't have the magic."

And this gives me a good reason to post the link to Harlan Ellison's famous 3-minute rant, Pay the Writer.