Which 'end of the stick' do you grab?

Having had a couple of responses, verbally not through this blog I might add, I may need to clarify a thing or two.

One must understand how I'm using the term 'things for free'. Its 'free' when I gain absolutely nothing. Now to 'gain something', that represents either, getting paid, learning something new or perhaps having something produced that could help me move forward with a project I might have on the go. An example of the latter would be where I've perhaps taken some photos for someone of which I'm then able to use for my portfolio or website.

Of course you could say I've gained through the knowledge that I have helped someone, charitable gains we'll call that. That has, in my view, the prerequisite of having no financial gain to the other party. Then there's the Learn and Earn option, of which I consider this as offering my services/knowledge very cheaply, almost comparable to a 'Loss Leader', just that in my case it would be, I want to specifically work on a project because of the marketing opportunities which may have a greater chance of generating other work or interest of potential clients. I guess what i'm saying is 'If they're earning so should I', no?

So, any other questions?

I haven't finished with this yet, so more later this week..