Free work does sometimes turn into paid work. When I started doing the bargain bucket for RPS, I was doing it for free, then when they could afford to (when they got a new ad deal and their income jumped overnight) they started paying me.
But it seems crazy to me that AOL want people to work for them for free. It seems like an ideological decision, rather than one out of necessity, there's clearly enough money in the company to pay people a fair price for content.
Aside from taking your words, what are they offering you? Are they going to hook you up with useful contacts? What kind of editorial relationship are they offering? Have you asked about potential paid work down the line?
In fact, vaguely relevant (from
this):
Quote:
There are lots and lots offers to contribute to web sites for free “at the moment”, with an offer of pay further down the line. The reality of the market that even with the best intentions, not all of these websites will grow into profitable enterprises. Working for free can be an excellent stepping stone to getting paid work, but I would recommend caution in choosing who you will and won’t work for without getting paid.
I’d strongly suggest you only work for people who’s work you are happy to be associated with. Are they doing a good job of the site they run? Are you impressed with their editorial outlook? Do they look like they are going places? Are they interested in building a respectful relationship with you as a writer? These are all questions you should be asking before ever giving away the fruits of your labour for free.
There is plenty you can get for working for free, but I’d certainly like to know specifically how they intend to get you exposure. Have they got a sizeable audience? Are they well connected within the wider industry? Do any of their other writers get paid work at any other publications? Are they going to link back to your blog?
If you’ve got a clear idea of exactly what you are getting out of it, you are far less likely to be taken advantage of.