Company called Joe Paul Studios are they horrible to work with?

[model]

I want to create a magazine that focuses on photography for the Broward and Dade County Area. Of course I need to work with a lot of photographers. One company Joe Paul Studios I bumped into willing to help. I only spoke to the main guy briefly and he seemed like he was willing to do a lot of work for free in exchange for publicity. He seemed ok. But I have heard from other photographers that is is risky and that they are extremely difficult. Should I take the risk? Is it worth the cost eventhough he is offering a service for free when it is so expensive to create a magazine?