I don't think it's a bad idea. Just don't make free work a habit. ;) However, a new freelancer may find that getting free clients is just as difficult--or even

I don't think it's a bad idea. Just don't make free work a habit. ;) However, a new freelancer may find that getting free clients is just as difficult--or even more difficult--than getting paying ones. It's the same process. In that case they could probably go on Rentawhatever and at least make a few dollars for the effort. Maybe offering discounted rates is a better way to bridge the gap for someone without a lot of credits.