Spec work describes work that is done for a client without a contract, for which the client will pay only if the work is to be used. Sounds horrible and shady in theory, but the reality of spec work just isn't that simple to define. How does spec work affect us from a creative community sense and how does that compare to our business goals and objectives in an industry packed with competition? I hope to balance the pros and cons of spec work, setting aside the general negative angst that get heaped on the topic and see if there's a silver lining to be found. Please feel free to weigh in with your opinion as I'll be updating and refining the presentation in the future.