What’s on the iPod: Evil is Alive and Well by Jakob Dylan
You know how much I hate returning to the same old argument. But a comment left on this thread today pretty much has me revisiting and reopening old wounds. Mind you, the comment started out with a rational attempt at clearing the air, but of course turned to accusations. But I’m a person who sticks to my word. I promised this person I’d provide evidence of what I’d written.
“Chris” said he/she wanted proof that writers were fired from Demand Studios for questioning assignments. I know some of you who have worked for DS have related that story to me. Because some of it was done in confidence, I won’t reveal your names, but if those of you who have had this experience want to share it, please post here. I’m not wasting a lot of precious time defending what’s all over the Internet, and I sure as hell won’t delete comments that disagree with my opinion. But I won’t let someone accuse me of “making shit up” in order to defend my point. I don’t do that. It’s not in me to do that. I’ve also asked Chris to provide me with proof to the opposite. We’ll see if there’s a response.
So, have you had dealings with DS in the past? If so, were you fired? Do you know someone who was? Let me know.
LW, you're obviously more patient than I am. There's a big, big difference between disagreeing with an opinion and being flat-out rude. Seems to me that Chris obliterated that line, and massively undermined his/her argument in the process.
And I'm snickering at your iPod, which is clearly a sentient being. 🙂
And for the record, you couldn't, um, pay me enough to work for DS.
LOL Hadn't even realized what was on the iPod. I think you're right, Jake. I think the iPod is "in tune" with the universe.
Thanks for the support, friend.
I'm with Jake. Calling you out is one thing, but basically calling you a liar is beyond disagreement.
Please, yet another entitlement poster. Why does (almost) everyone who resorts to Demand Studios to survive expect to be handed the key to well-paying clients and assignments on a golden platter? Readers of my blog know how I respond to such posters, and as Jake alluded to, my response is a LOT less patient than yours. To steal Chris's word, quite frankly, I'm sick of that sh$!.
I believe it came directly from Hoy's article. If they want proof they can go to Hoy to get it.
Did you say they were going to provide proof that you were "making sh*t up" ?
All in all, I don't think the issue would ever be resolved, but it's good you're making the effort. A professional journalist at work! Look out!
oooh Lori, I'm not sure you should have wasted your fingers on this issue, cause I just don't see anyone changing their minds about mills. It sucks that someone said you lied, but wheeewww you should see some of hte ugly too-late-to-the-party comments I get at about.com, not worth your time nor mine. But keep up your Write This Not That– it's #1 A excellent info.
It's never going to be resolved. People who write for DS get defensive because they know they're not good enough and motivated enough to land clients on their own and make a real living, so they settle for crap pay and then feel they have to defend it.
If they were good enough and motivated enough to earn a living wage at writing, they would be. It's as simple as that.
Don't waste your time and energy on them. Let them spin in their own low-paying graves.
They don't WANT to be educated, they don't WANT to get out of the rut.
Angela Hoy's article – of course! I knew I'd seen specific reference to it beyond what a few folks had written privately. Thanks, Wendy.
Cathy, the irony is that Chris leveling this accusation is pretty much the same thing I was accused of. Chris has come to a conclusion without any facts.
Kathy, there's the thing. We sort of DO hand them the keys. If not direct advice, we give them the example of our own careers. And more importantly, we do so not because we HAVE to, but because we want to help. If they'd stop fussing long enough to read beyond one post, they'd not even make such statements.
Allena, I've seen some of the stuff you've gotten from this same crowd. You're a strong person not to react. 🙂
Devon, there's a lot of truth in what you say. The problem is motivation, and I think a lot of it is feeling defensive because of their own lack of direction. But them wasting time b$tching about it on all these threads doesn't get them any closer to the answer for their career inertia.
I know as a professional writer, I would not be happy being paid five or ten bucks for my hard work. I'm worth more than that.
Not strong, just have an editor looking over my shoulder 🙂 , and I appreciate it too!