vecvechookattack
I am a full-time freelancer, so yes, I would be charging the publisher a word rate to write the spreads.
As I said, I have no problem with making a donation to the squadron, but I don't earn much doing this and I certainly cannot afford the RAF's very commercial rates!
VinRouge
Thanks for the suggestion.
I have tried going direct at unit level, but the only time this has worked is when I've known someone on the squadron and the Boss has given my visit his personal seal of approval. It seems that in this case, the Boss simply informs corporate comms that the visit is going to take place and they have no say in the matter (it may not be as simple as that, but it has always seemed uncomplicated this end!).
On the downside, when I last tried to make a request to the PRO/CRO at unit level, I was told that they would get back to me with a quote once they had spoken to Strike Command corporate comms. So, it seems that this is a centralised policy/process that only the most senior of people can waive.
I guess what I really need is for the Bosses of some of these squadrons to ask me to come and write about them, but I think there's little chance of that.
Still, I will give Linton a call and see what happens...
Cheers