Deciding how much to charge II

A few days ago, I began explaining how I decide how much money to ask for when approached by a publication. Of course, the same principals apply when choosing whether to accept an offer from a outfit which says its payment rates are "fixed."

There's another factor which isn't coldy commercial: Personal interest. If the subject is dear to your heart, you may be willing to write about for very little money. That's fine if the piece is for a campaigning website or magazine - just don't let for-profit publications take advantage of your passion. For me, personal interest seldom means asking for less money. Rather, having no interest whatsoever in the topic is why I sometimes turn down work. 
 
More food for thought on this issue can be found here.