You know, I really question whether or not people think these things through before posting them.
At this point, all of Benjamin Franklin’s advice is freely available online for no charge. Is that it then? Is it garbage? Ash heap of history? It’s value expired a few centuries ago?
I’m hearing these things, but they don’t merit. Next time someone quotes Franklin, I highly doubt either of you will be there immediately to explain the meritless value of the thing expressed.
Something has to give. It can’t be both. Pick one.
He "made his bones" so to speak, in the marketplace. He became a known quality.
I am not saying your work is valueless, simply that when people do not have to pay for something, they value it less.
I wish you well.
I have found, though, even with ideas, people take you more seriously when you demand payment.
It can be a combination, sort of free stuff as promotional.
Most of my articles, I explicitly allow to be reproduced as long as their is attribution.
I have never not appreciated something just because I got it “free”.
Some of the free things were the most valuable things I’ve ever had.