Comments on: Jobs for August 7, 2007

By: Lola Goetz

Lola Goetz — Fri, 10 Aug 2007 05:27:00 +0000

lori, do you need some editing help with that project? is there anything i can do to help?

i love to edit and since i'm building my credits, i'd be happy to help.

email me if you are still under the gun (or PM me over @ anne's forum).

becky
beckyscorner.com

By: Lori

Lori — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 13:00:00 +0000

Good for you, Leigh. That’s a perfect way to handle it. You got your point across.

Perhaps if these people would pay a fighting wage they’d not have to audition writers? Just a wild thought…

By: Leigh

Leigh — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 20:48:00 +0000

I have to confess, I ended up writing to the woman later in the day and attempting to explain why this practice devalues the work of creative professionals. I gave her a link to the no-spec Web site. I also used the good old "a plumber doesn't audition for work by fixing a leak for free" line. I wasn't rude, snotty, or mean. I simply explained that freelance writers, designers, illustrators, and musicians are running businesses, just like this company, and cannot give away their time for free.

She didn't write back.

By: Lori

Lori — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 14:57:00 +0000

Leigh, put it on your blog, too. It’s something others should be alerted to. And it’s just a bogus “offer”.

By: Devon Ellington

Devon Ellington — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 14:20:00 +0000

Smudge, shower, light a candle, meditate! I had a day like that on Monday. Ick.

Thanks to Leigh for the heads-up. I just got one of those from a health company to whom I pitched -- "you're one of our six short-listed -- write a 250 word sample article on X topic; if we use it, we'll pay $25".

And they ignored all the questions I asked in my original pitch.

Next!

By: Irreverent Freelancer

Irreverent Freelancer — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 13:48:00 +0000

Ya know, I always wonder how a client can LOVE the first piece you write for him or her and then suddenly find fault with a second or third. Seems to me one’s writing style would remain pretty consistent. I guess the same can’t be said for one’s evaluation brain waves!

By: Joanne

Joanne — Wed, 08 Aug 2007 12:28:00 +0000

Lori, I empathize. Sometimes your instinct to turn it off and start over tomorrow is the best one to follow. It gives you a chance to renew your energy–and that usually helps. Take care.

By: Leigh

Leigh — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 21:27:00 +0000

Sorry for writing so much in my comment, but I was steamed. Warning others here helped me get past the urge to tell them to ask a plumber to audition for them by fixing a leak for free. :0)

By: Lori

Lori — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 17:35:00 +0000

Leigh, that sucks! I’m with you – “audition” pieces are useful to one person – the person hiring you or stealing your work. If they can’t tell from your initial clips you can write, they need to get a clue.

By: The Quoibler

The Quoibler — Tue, 07 Aug 2007 17:04:00 +0000

Lori:

My Monday was like your Tuesday... let's hope tomorrow (Wednesday) is a bang-up day for us both!

Incidentally, I know of no good ways to ward off bad vibes. Maybe do something altruistic, "My Name is Earl" style? Hey, it can't hurt! I just might try that one myself...

Angelique