My first two web writing opportunities (a long, long, long time ago) didn’t involve a contract. I was new to the world of online publishing and didn’t know any better - but I wasn’t a stranger to contracts. I had written a few pieces for print publications, in which I had to sign a writer’s agreement. But for some reason, I approached web writing completely differently.

The individuals I worked for either didn’t have a clue themselves, or was blinded with trust, because I could had easily done whatever I pleased with the content. On the same line of thought, they could had easily refused to pay me. But you live and you learn; and nowadays, I never complete an assignment without signing a writer’s agreement.

Most freelance contracts are standard, and they include similar wording and information. And yes, after receiving ten or more contracts you think you’ve read them all. But contracts feature several parts, and it’s easy for a client to slip-in an undesirable term.

For example, a few years ago I applied and received a writing assignment, in which the job poster requested a certain number of articles for X amount of dollars. She faxed the contract, I signed it (without reading), faxed it back, and began working.

After completing the assignment, a week went by with no payment. Then two weeks. After three weeks, I sent a friendly reminder e-mail. At this time, the job poster referred me to a section in the contract which read, “Due to a limited budget, all assignments are pro bono.”

In other words….free.

Yes, I was new to online publishing. And no, I didn’t read the contract. But me and this chick had shared several e-mails and we discussed payment - “mad” didn’t even come close to describing out I felt. But again, like most experiences in life (and business) - you learn.

What lesson did I take from this?

Read the agreement. Besides, what’s the point of having a contract if you’re not going to read it?