You can’t believe everything you read. I was on Amazon shopping for a microphone about a month ago. I sorted results by Average Customer Review, and bought one based on the 9 glowing reviews one microphone received. Too bad they were fake reviews. Oh, I did my homework. I looked for the “verified purchase” tag…
Tag: crap jobs
Free Advice Friday: This Job, Not That Job
What I’m listening to: Dazz by Brick You who know me know how much I don’t enjoy passive marketing (such as spending most of one’s time on job boards). And I loathe cheapskates who don’t value what we freelance writers do. That must mean it’s time for another installment of our series, This Job, Not…
This Job, Not That Job
What I’m listening to: Nature (I’m offline all week) I’m still out of the office, but you know me — I’m leaving bread crumbs. And because it’s such a popular topic, I’m leaving a rather interesting offer behind for the This Job Not That Job series. This one comes to us via Sharon Hurley Hall, who…
4 Ways to Stop Being a Whiny Freelance Writer
I’m about to piss off a few people. And I’m okay with that. That’s because I’m here to tell you if you’re still cruising job boards for work, if you’re still arguing with clients over your rates, if you’re still taking a verbal beating over simple edits from over-demanding client, if you’re still thinking that…
Worthy Tip: This Job, Not That Job
What I’m reading: Sweet Thursday by John Steinbeck Yesterday was phone-and-email day. I had a bunch of interviews to conduct, and I finished contacting all the folks I’d met at the conference. Today I’m talking with one of them in more detail about what he’s looking for. Part of the work yesterday was putting together…
Worthy Tip: This Job, Not That Job
What I’m reading: Late Wife by Claudia EmersonWhat’s on the iPod: Better Together by Jack Johnson I have a guest post up over at About Freelance Writing. Give it a look when you can. Oh, if I had a nickel for every lousy job offer I’ve come across, I’d have more money than the jobs…
Wearing the Wellies
As I extend out into new areas trying to expand the client base, I realize just how prevalent and how deep the crap jobs have become. This week seemed especially bad, probably because I had a temporary lapse in judgment and checked out Craig’s List. Here are some sample red flags from just one day:…
Rate Debate: Do Real Writers Actually Buy Into Low Rates?
A spirited debate is taking place over at Michelle Rafter’s blog about content mills and rates. I urge you to visit and comment. Surprisingly, both camps have strong defenders. I think I’m now a huge fan of Michelle thanks to her no-nonsense look at the topic and her own thoughts, which echo mine. And naturally,…
Don’t Toy With Me
It seems to be a much-practiced habit – writers who stand up publicly for the rights of other writers, for better wages, for respect, dammit! But then look under the surface and oops! There you are – those projects you don’t want to admit to taking, those projects that you took that you’d be ashamed…
Waving Goodbye
As I pull in a rather lucrative ongoing client project, I wave goodbye to one I’m glad to see going. (I have amended some of the facts so as not to embarrass those who are guilty, though I don’t know why.) I took it with the promise from the client that related projects would pay…