To compare the ways staff and free-lance writers handle ethical issues, several writers were interviewed for personal experiences, and several daily and weekly newspapers and regional magazines were surveyed. Results indicated that the shield laws protecting staff writers do not apply to free-lance writers. Neither do the rules governing conflicts of interest for reporters (and, less stringently, management) apply to free-lancers. Unless the publication has set guidelines for accepting gifts or "freebies," staff writers must set their own limits, but free-lancers seldom receive such gifts. Staff writers sometimes decide whether or not to reveal they are reporters, and occasionally deception is used to get an an inside story; free-lancers working alone can seldom afford such undercover work. Unless on assignment and representing a publication, free-lancers have no identification by which to gain access to fast breaking or investigative stories. Often if a stringer or free-lancer comes across an important story, the editor can, apparently with impunity, give the story to a staff writer. Free-lancers do not have either the advantage of editorial or legal assistance or the job security that staff writers enjoy. Although editors do not provide the same protection, they expect the same quality, professionalism, and creative talent without giving any guidance about ethics. In order for free-lancers to remain professional in their work, they must be given ethical treatment and support. More emphasis on ethics in journalism by publishers who print the how-to books and magazines is needed to prepare free-lancers for the ethical dilemmas they will confront. (HTH)