There are some "good guys" out there doing free stuff.
http://www.GiveawayVault.com is one with a free
weekly gift... no strings.
Free templates, graphics, eBooks and turnkey businesses.
No cost to join. There's also
http://www.updates.giveawayvault.com that gives you
instant access to all the giveaway promotions online.
Plus... our main site at
http://www.NewbiesOnTheNet.com has a stack
of free information and resources available.
Yes, you can expect anything that's free to potentially
have a possible return for its' producer, by way of an
affiliate link or a product that can be purchased. It's
up to the individual to make that decision to purchase
or not.
Viral marketing, via giving away something of value,
is a very valid way to achieve your "branding" around
the net.
If you can produce some product covers of your own
and make up a word.doc template that represents your
own business, that you edit PLR products into (that
you've picked up for free from one of the giveaways),
you've a gift to distribute that is unique to you and your
own business. That way you actually get to put your
name as the author.
If you're not up to the graphic covers as yet, then use
the ones that come with the PLR. Just be aware that
other people will be doing this too. So adding yourself
as the author is not a good idea. But, as long as the
original product was good quality, you've something
worthwhile to give away.
PM me for other access to high quality free stuff.
There's a lot to do; a lot to learn but if you focus on
your chosen niche and persevere, you'll get there.
Good luck.