Originally Posted By: bwaard
If I look at it purely from the artists side of things, I think there are a couple good reasons to play for free, like building relationships with venues, expanding your fan base, supporting a good cause (you mentioned that already), or just plain ol' having fun.

It's a tough one though. Like anything you're gonna have to watch for the signs of exploitation.

<shameless_self_promotion>

Here's a post I did on the subject... When you should work for free

</end_self_promotion>

great article!