Every since the stay-at-home moms were expected to pay for and prepare snacks for school (free), I have built a perspective about payment for work. If you had a "bathroom problem," you would pay whatever the plumber asked, no bargaining.

Let's be honest. Why do we expect professionals to "volunteer" their time and expertise to teaching children to read? Whatever the political response, it's clear that some kinds of work are considered more worthy of pay than others.

I do a bit f volunteer work, but I would not preach, teach, or facilitate a conference without payment. Free lance doesn't mean no pay; it often means that you work harder to find the location of your next professional creative project.... writing, photography, etc. [email protected]