Writers are a strange lot. We live for a word of any sort from a potential (or current) client, and when we get it, we get huffy. Case in point – Deb Ng has a lively discussion going on over on her blog right now involving a potential employer who was kind enough to let her and her readers know why he hadn’t hired anyone who applied to his job posting. The real story isn’t whether this particular employer is asking too much. The real story is turning out to be why writers are feeling particularly justified in labeling this employer’s explanation as arrogant, full of attitude, etc. Frankly, I’m embarrassed for my breed.
See, I read the story. I read the ad. Nowhere in any of it can I determine where a man who wants someone to properly represent his brand, and who’s willing to pay pretty darned well for it, is somehow offending us writerly types for saying that some who applied were not able to follow simple directions. Look, I applied for the job. If I don’t get a response, I’m going to assume it’s because I didn’t fit the profile he was looking for. He wants someone with some very specific criteria. I hit on most, but maybe not all. And my reaction to that rejection will be the square root of nothing.
Perhaps it’s because we have been bombarded by awful ads, pathetic job offers, and a general lack of respect, but folks, we’re lashing out. In this case, I see no good reason for it. If he writes back to me and tells me I don’t fit, fine. If he ignores me, fine again. If he writes back and gives me constructive criticism, ouch, but still fine. If he writes back and questions my sexuality or my moral terpitude because I forgot a comma, then and only then am I apt to think he’s crazy.
But he hasn’t done that. He’s chosen to explain to an Internet audience why he couldn’t find anyone to fit his project. He’s told everyone who will listen how to win him over and get the gig. That’s a gift. Why exactly are we examining the mouth of the gift horse?
I agree with the gist of what you’re saying, but I still find it raises red flags that, after all the places posted, he hasn’t found a match. Some pretty darned good writers scour the job boards. I’m sure many took the time to really look over the site, put together a proposal on THEIR INTERPRETATION of what he wanted, and heard . . .nothing.
I found his feedback interesting and it made a lot of sense. And he said he got many responses. But if he still hasn’t found someone he feels is good enough for the blog after all this time, there’s a disconnect between what he says he wants, what hundreds of writers are interpreting, and what he really wants. And that sends up a red flag for me.
For such a wide range of ad postings and such a wide range of responses to still not find a writer . . .something’s not right there.
He’s absolutely got the right to search for 16 years if he wishes to find the “perfect person” — but if so many writers have missed the mark . . .it makes one wonder.
Because there ARE a lot of really good writers who follow directions.
Way to keep a level head on this one, Lori. I read it the same way.
Just my $.02.
Devon, I think you make a very good point – it is indeed sign of a disconnect in what he may want versus what he’s conveying. What upsets me, however, is the way writers are reacting to his explanation. I find that much more offensive than the dude taking forever and a day to find a writer.
My guess? He’s really in need of a publicist who can write. That may be what he’s really after here.
Lori, I think you’re correct.
And I agree, the comments from so-called professional writers are discouraging.
Which is why I commented on YOUR blog rather than the discussion on the other blog. I’m more interested in actual discussion than what’s been going on there.
I feel the same way, Devon. I felt I was encouraging people to continue to defend their ability to bash the man. That’s why I decided to just post it here and let them battle amongst themselves. ;))
Update – the employer did find someone, and he was gracious enough to return to Deb Ng’s blog and thank everyone. Mind you, he returned to a place where he was being verbally knocked around, and he gave a very nice response. Any of us would have been fortunate to be able to work with an employer such as he.