What I’m reading: The End of the Alphabet by C. S. Richardson (fantastic)
What’s on the iPod: Girls Lie Too by Terri Clark
Sometimes when I come to writing these posts, I have lots swirling around in the gray matter and can’t land on one idea. Sometimes, yea, nothing. Today it’s a swirling day.
Demand Studios
Per the Great Demand Studios Debate that continues to grip our profession, a writer friend and I were discussing how to describe it to a professor who asked about the company. He gave the professor the dirt on the promised hourly rate, the way writers actually get that rate, and the general misinformation and polarized feelings on both sides of the issue. And while we were discussing it, we got on the topic of those who stump for the company.
I say if you’re writing for DS, that’s your choice and your time. You’re a writer who, in my opinion, has made a bad choice. If you stump for the company – accept payment for their ads or for your loyalty, that’s also fine as long as you’re upfront about it. But you’re not a writer at that point – you’re a sales person. Why? Because what you say about said company or any competitors is now tainted. You can no longer hold the same objectivity you once did. It’s a disturbing trend I’ve seen on a few blogs. Only one I’ve read has had the courage to come out and say there was payment exchanged for the promotion of whatever company is being pushed. But you can smell it, can’t you? You can read right into a sales pitch.
Mixing messages
I’m getting pretty annoyed at those who are using the word “Socialism” in the same context they’d use words like “Nazi” and “Communism”. There are people who have made “liberal” a dirty word and are trying to make Socialism sound like a scourge on society. Socialism is not all bad. Capitalism is not all good. Liberals love Jesus, too. Get over yourselves. Move on.
Shooting the messenger
I frequent a forum on which recently there was a pretty decent debate going. However, it wasn’t on the topic presented, but rather on what some people conceived as a huge waste of time another writer had put into presenting an in-depth review that could help thousands of writers make a better choice. I don’t know why it set me off, but here was someone who donated time and energy to bringing some very useful information to the masses and suddenly the message was lost in “Doesn’t this person have anything better to do?” and “…didn’t get paid for this – what a waste!” The best part – none of these people know for certain if the writer was/wasn’t paid for the effort. Some people just enjoy arguing and getting on the high horse.
Completely random questions
I may have just brushed off a potential client, but I got the strangest question on Twitter from a new follower. How do I do XYZ on a particular blogging platform? Since I didn’t use that one, I couldn’t help. But the question was so random, I wasn’t sure what the devil the reason was behind it. I don’t think I’ve professed to be any type of expert in blogging format, but did the person mean something else? I’ll never know.
The best and brightest? Really?
Maybe I went to the wrong school or my parents were really strict with the moral code, but I thought that people were paid huge sums of money to do a good job running a company? If so, explain why BP hasn’t fired all of its top brass and started its own internal investigation of how they were not prepared for the worst. I know they understand how to quantify risks and build disaster recovery plans, and frankly anyone with half a brain knows enough to expect the worst and plan for it. What’s happening is inexcusable. I’m glad the government is planning criminal investigations into this mess. But I fail to have any sympathy for a CEO who says amid the worst oil spill in our history that killed eleven people and untold numbers of wildlife: “There’s no one who wants this over more than I do. I’d like my life back.” Or this gem: “The Gulf of Mexico is a very big ocean. The amount of volume of oil and dispersant we are putting into it is tiny in relation to the total water volume.” Tell that to your children when their ecosystem is destroyed.
What random thoughts are rattling around in your brain?
27 responses to “Totally Random Thoughts”
The only thing I can concentrate on right now is Elsa, who's taken a turn for the worse.
RE: Demand writers. I'm tired of being nice about them. Let's face it, if they were good enough and motivated enough to land jobs that pay a living wage, that's what they'd do. They stay at a content mill because they're just not that good and certainly not very motivated. Let's stop being nice about it. They want to continue there, fine — more of the good jobs for the rest of us.
The misuse of "Socialism" is done by people who've never actually experienced it or even know what it is. They throw around the term because they're too ignorant to do their own research or independent thinking. As someone who has direct, personal experience behind the Iron Curtain, it's highly offensive that these ignorant sheep march around pretending they have knowledge, ideas, or ethics.
BP keeps their top brass for the same reasons AIG, Goldman Sachs and the other banks/companies do — because, thanks to the deregulation begun back in the Reagan administration, there are no consequences for economic or environmental rape in this country. If you've got the money, you can buy your way out of everything, and the fat cats just want anyone who doesn't do "die faster". It's not about a different viewpoint — it's a complete lack of ethics because being unethical gets bigger profits.
And now all these Republican hypocrites, who spent the last nearly two years screaming that any intervention by the government into anything is "socialism" are squealing like stuck pigs and saying the government isn't doing enough. You don't get it both ways, bozos. Either your position is government stays out of things or they take charge.
I think government needs to take charge on specific issues (health care, the environment, financial reform), but that's been my position all along.
Can you tell I am just done?
Right now, my thoughts are soaring over the restaurant experience I had last night. We went to a restaurant, that opened up a couple of weeks ago, to try it out. This claimed to be a family restaurant. I was not impressed. Here are my thoughts on the service:
1.Most family restaurants, in this area, will serve you drinks within a couple minutes after ordering. It took about 20 minutes to get them, despite requesting them from about 2-3 waitresses, who appeared to be wandering around doing nothing.
2.I ordered a kids meal for my son. It was served on a BREAKABLE plate. I spent the first couple of minutes trying to keep him from slamming it down on the table and then requested they find a plastic container, basket or anything that wasn't breakable so I could actually enjoy my meal. For some reason, I got completely annoyed by the fact that we were asked what was wrong with the plate. I just got done telling you!
3.When we were served the meal, hubby asked for ketchup and steak sauce. They brought it right away. Great? No, we were given 2 bottles that barely had anything left in them and had to ask for more, which, for some reason, annoyed the waitress.
There were a few other things that bothered me, but those were the worst. I think what irked me the most, was when the restaurant manager came by to see if the meal went well. I told him everything that disappointed me about the service. I expected him to say something like, “I'm sorry you had that experience.” No, what I got was “No one else had these complaints” and he walked away.
Devon, my prayers for Elsa. I'm sorry she's feeling poorly. 🙁
It would be a much better world if accountability were put back into the equation.
Wendy, it's tough when these places first open for them to get it together right away. Try them again in a month – you'll know then. I remember an experience like that at a new restaurant. Service was shoddy – food was great. We went back because of the food. The service had improved considerably. Unfortunately, the owner never connected with anyone – she was short with her staff, too. That translates into a tense atmosphere, and guests notice that.
Lori,
You're so right to rant about all of the above. And, yes, liberals love Jesus too. I'm sick of being looked at like a Nazi for my political stance.
Wendy,
I've served time as a cafe manager, and it sounds to me like the restaurant is having a tough time getting started. But, if that's how the manager responded then they will never get anywhere. There should be no excuse for shoddy service. I left the restaurant business because it's incredibly stressful, and it sure doesn't pay enough for what you have to deal with.
Right there with you, Joshua. I'm tired of being called a "bleeding heart" and looked on as unpatriotic because I don't take a hawkish stance on every little blip in the political radar. Polarizing our political "sides" isn't going to help us get anything accomplished. There doesn't seem to be any room for moderates, nor for anyone whose opinions lie outside the cookie-cutter list of who's liberal, who's conservative. That's not what I was taught in school!
RE: Dave Ellington
Talk about blanket statements. So, all Demand writers suck and they write for Demand because if they were good they wouldn’t have to?
I’m not great, but I do pretty decently. I write for Demand and it bothers me not one bit. I’ll tell you why.
#1. It’s easy and it pays. Especially now, with the economy fubar’d and everyone clawing over each other for jobs, it’s nice to have something that can drop an extra 2-300 a week in your pocket if you need it.
#2. If anyone thinks for even one second that Demand is supposed to be some great journalistic stepping stone or paragon of literary greatness, then yes, they should not be even thinking of writing for a living. Demand is nothing more than just another way to increase your income streams.
#3. Demand Studios is a business. They saw an opportunity, they grabbed it, made it work and now they are enjoying some measure of success. They have 0 obligation to writers other than to adhere to the agreements they and their writers enter into. It is not up to them to worry about a writer’s future goals or well being, or what career choices a writer makes. They offer employment and their terms and if writers wish to accept them, then fine and dandy as long as both parties get what they want. I have little doubt, that were it you who came up with the idea for Demand and were making it work, you’d be so critical and damning.
#4. Just because a writer does work for Demand does not automatically relegate them to hackdom. None of you ever worked in a job you were wayyyy overqualified for, because at that time, it was beneficial for you or necessary? Does every person who graduates from years of college with all sorts of letters after their name ONLY take great jobs with great companies and make great pay? Of course not. Shall we mention all the people of famous background and they lowly positions they held before achieving greatness?
#5. Not every writer is going to be great. Some are merely good, others barely adequate and yes some are just downright horrible. But it smacks of sour grapes and personal frustration when someone personally attacks Demand Writers simply because they do not agree with their choices. Guess what?
Maybe Demand works for them because they just haven’t been fortunate enough, haven’t gained enough experience yet, are still building their network, haven’t established a solid lead base, or any of a thousand other reasons and Demand represents a way for them to profit until they do.
Right now, my private contracts pay me pretty well. I make anywhere from 65.00 to 100.00 per short piece, and average 30.00 an hour. But I still write for Demand.
It’s easy pay, it adds to the income stream.
Unlike many who seem to have some issues that go far beyond anything having to do with Demands morals or ethics, I could care less how they do things.
My concern is with hitting my monthly goals, improving myself, my opportunities and progressing towards my main goals. I throw out the simple content they are after, and they pay me on time.
I’m sorry you take such a dim view of folks just because they write for Demand. That’s too bad. In my opinion, your stance says a heck of a lot more about you than it does them.
RE: Lori
I understand the points you make Lori. But I think you are narrowing your observations and running with some preconceived notions instead of allowing yourself a more objective and comprehensive view. Demand is mediocre at best, everybody gets it. But a lot depends on the circumstances and goals of those who write for them as well. I seriously doubt many writers plan on making their career or base their worth on writing for them. ANY writer who did so would be a fool to operate that way, whether it’s Demand or any other outfit or publisher.
Oh, boy, Lori. Expect to get some angry responses!
Not from me, however. I agree with just about everything you said. Writing for peanuts is dumb, and there's nothing anybody could say to me to convince me otherwise.
Liberal isn't a bad word, and most people don't know the first thing about socialism or Nazism–but that doesn't keep them from parroting what their favorite TV personality says. Spare me.
As for BP, what a friggin mess. I'm appalled at what's happening, and I'm even more appalled that Gov. Jindal of La. wrote to Pres. Obama yesterday asking that he lift the ban on deep-water drilling.
Really? We're in a horrible environmental disaster because we don't have the know-how to deal with a catastrophe in deep-water drilling–but let's keep doing that risky stuff because some people could make more money off of it. Idiocy.
Anyway, I could go on and on. Thanks for telling it like it is!
Devon, I'm sorry about Elsa, and I know exactly how you feel. I'm hoping she'll make a turnaround.
Devon – I hope Elsa rebounds soon. We just had a pet-centric "miracle" in my family, and I hope you and Elsa have one soon, too.
As for political labels…I never fail to marvel at the utter stupidity of people who are calling our president a socialist while holding up images of him with Nazi symbolism. Um, History 101, anyone? Nazis were fascists, which is the far right of the political spectrum. One of my history teachers drew a line – on the extreme left was socialism, on the extreme right was fascism. Capitalism was supposed to be somewhere just right of center. (He marked where various historical figured fell on the line, too, which was really cool. If he'd done so today, President Obama would probably be slightly left of center, but by no means far left.)
I also marvel at the Tea Party people griping about paying too many taxes, yet holding most of their marches in public, tax-payer-supported venues. And people who in one breath don't want "socialized medicine" and in the next breath are saying they don't want the Government to take away Medicare. Um, Medicare is pretty much socialized medicine, and health care reform is about ensuring we all have access to affordable health care, and regulating what insurance companies can get away with. But we're all still going to have to pay premiums (or fines for opting not to have health insurance), the government isn't going to give us free coverage.
I guess that's the long way of saying I'm tired of seeing nothing but loud mouth reactionaries being quoted in the news. Some days I want to scream at them saying, "Think it through! Your argument makes no sense whatsoever!"
And just because you are a liberal doesn't mean you agree with everything that a democratic prez and congress do. I'm sick of having to explain that you can be socially liberal and fiscally conservative and not fall under the republican. libertarian, tea baggarian, green or democrat label. You can have independent thoughts that fall under no party.
Demand, blah. So sick of it now. As for people who are paid to support them–I can't understand why anyone listens to any of them. There is a conflict of interest and no matter how much they profess they'd love the company even without a financial interest, they do have a financial interest in loving the company. Funny, none of my clients have to pay people to like them in order to convince me to write for them.
Devon, you make me sad. I really hope Elsa gets better again. I can't stand the thought of my babies getting sick.
Tea baggarian. I'll have to remember that one, Yo!
I'm also physically sickened by the whole BP mess. Before they began drilling they should have had several emergency contingency plans in place and ready to go. But I guess they were too busy counting their untold billions in profits.
Okay-my random thoughts-
Wouldn't the world be a much nicer place if we weren't all so judgmental? I include myself in that. I try hard not to be, but it is really difficult with all that surrounds us.
We have "reality" TV that teaches us the way to win the money, the bachelor, the prize is to screw over as many of your competitors as you can. Lying, cheating, etc. is just clever strategy.
It seems to be ingrained in us that we judge people from the very mundane of the way they wear their hair or what clothes they have on to slapping labels like socialist/redneck/whatever on those who disagree with us.
Staying objective and non-judgmental is hard work. It's something I work at every day.
Paul, I'm sorry. I had this long, thoughtful response to your comments typed and posted – Blogger seems to have eaten it. I'll try to respond again tomorrow. But thank you for your thoughts.
I belong on the Island of Misfit Toys: I'm too liberal for the conservatives, and too conservative for the liberals. I'm tired of hearing people say they want healthcare reform then scream and holler that their taxes are too high. I'm tired of people slamming the Repubs for something and then saying nothing when the Dems do the same thing, and vice versa. I'm tired of people saying the government should interfere a whole lot less … except for their pet issue, of course.
On the brighter side, since we're talking about customer service, I've had two outstanding buying experiences in one week. We went to buy hubby a couple of new suits at a Joseph A Bank sale last week and couldn't have been more impressed. The salesmen measured hubby for size, then left us alone to find the suits we wanted. When we did, he smoothly stepped back into the equation, advised on tailoring, and then helped us pick out the exact right ties and shirts to go with the suits. He didn't criticize our shirt/tie choices, but diplomatically presented better ones, and explained why the colors worked better. He tried to upsell hubby on shoes, but when it became clear the store didn't have shoes to fit hubby's extra wide feet, he gave us the name of a competitor. He knew when to back off, and when to suggest an upsell. He was helpful, detail oriented, self-deprecating, and a joy to work with. We won't ever buy a suit anywhere else.
Today, I had a guy come measure for new carpet and flooring. He was on time, cheerful, and expert. He did everything he could to save us money, but told me where not to scrimp for the best results. Since our contractor (and not the floor store) is putting down the hard surface flooring, the flooring salesman will bring it by the next time he's in the neighborhood instead of making me pick it up at the store 20 miles away. He let me keep huge (2 x 3') flooring and carpet swatch/samples to show my mother who will be visiting this weekend. He faxed over the quote exactly by the time he said he would. And he has extra quarter-round trim in the shop that he'll deliver with the kitchen flooring and not charge me extra for. And he doesn't even need a check or credit card number until the day they install. Gee, do you think they'll get my business when I replace bedroom carpet a few months from now? In a New York minute.
One of my favorite sayings is, "It takes so little to be above average." These days, how can businesses not afford to go the extra mile?
Okay, since it's obvious Blogger ate my long post, I'll try again.
Paul, thanks for your comments. Like I said in my original post, if you've chosen to work for Demand, more power to you. I've chosen not to agree with the decision based on a number of factors (all of which are not based on preconceived notions, but actual experience and observations).
Something you said to Devon stuck out: "Maybe Demand works for them because they just haven’t been fortunate enough, haven’t gained enough experience yet, are still building their network, haven’t established a solid lead base, or any of a thousand other reasons and Demand represents a way for them to profit until they do."
That's just it. The people who work for DS may join up because they don't have a network developed. Five years later, guess what? Still no network. They've become ingrained in the "safe" path. Marketing and networking never come because they're busy trying to meet some arbitrary (in their own minds) number of articles in order to earn a few extra dollars.
And frankly, I've met a few of those fools you speak of – the ones who make their entire living through DS. One guy had such convoluted math to prove he was making more writing $10 articles than I was writing $1,500 articles. Nuts.
My real objections to DS: they devalue their contractors by not paying them a fair wage. And you can argue all day long – $10 an article for ORIGINAL content is unfair. Also, they don't police the ranks. I know a number of writers whose works have been vaguely rewritten or stolen outright (in one case, the woman had portions of her book copied verbatim, including illustrations). And the company's own double speak is deceptive to both writers and DS clients.
Let's not forget the hiring process, which they claim is selective. A writer friend told me two days ago that he'd responded to their ad asking them some specific questions about their business model. The response he received: "You passed! You're hired!" Not exactly selective. 🙂
Like I said, you're free to work for them and like it. I'm free to not work for them and to not like them for their practices and even to believe it's a bad choice. I may not respect your choice, but I'll defend your right to make it.
I think I said it much better the first time, but that's the gyst of it. 🙂
Cathy, I'm all for less judgment. Amen. And reality shows are killing our perception of honest-to-God reality.
Equally unnerving is when disagreements turn from "No, I think this way instead" to "I'm right and I hate you!" Thanks to the Internet, people feel safe in being extremely judgmental and hateful.
Eileen, thanks for the bright spot amid all the grrrs…. 🙂 I agree. It takes so little effort to be considered excellent. Customer service is as simple as paying attention to the customer and thanking them for their business. I know I've frequented businesses that do that little bit.
Yes, but whose fault is it if they don’t take the time to work towards something better? Demands, or the writer?
It’s no different than a regular job. You may take one because you need the money and even work crazy hours, but to get ahead, to find something better, you make the effort and just do it. No one is holding a gun to a Demand writers head and forcing them to remain with them exclusively.
If a writer hasn’t got enough intelligence to be able to do some basic math, or even notice the state of his bank account after a couple months working somewhere, again, maybe he shouldn’t be at it at all.
I know that no matter how loaded with work I get, I simply take the time off one way or another to get some of what I WANT to get done no matter what.
Besides, if these writers are THAT bad, I would think it better they work somewhere like Demand and get used up, rather than being out there destroying rates and scales for everyone else as happens with services like Elance.
I guess I am finding the personal nature of the attacks objectionable. Being someone who writes for them and not finding myself in any sort of predicament similar to the one you suggest, then reading something like Devon’s post I guess irked me to be honest. I AM good enough, and I AM motivated AND I make money writing for Demand.
I can’t disagree with some of the problems with Demand. Don’t even get me started on their “editors”. But again, it’s not like they are a literary paragon of the industry. Seriously, am I going to worry that a “How To” article on fixing a leaking fuel line is going to reflect on my ability to develop effective SEO content? Not really.
And is Demand any kind of real competition for good writers? I doubt it.
BTW. Both of these attempts at posting were eaten. I C&P'd to Word beforehand;)
Good idea on the copying, Paul. I even saw the thing I wrote posted here, then I came back and it was gone. VERY weird.
Here's the thing – I would argue that Demand content isn't writing – it's keyword crunching to increase the company's search rankings. And that to me is the biggest disservice done to writers. They present the jobs as writing jobs when in fact the "articles" don't even have to be good as long as the right number of keywords are in it.
You say you're good enough, motivated, and you write for them. I counter with this – then why not work for someone who values your skills a little more?
You're right – these places are no competition for good writers.
That said, what was disconcerting not long ago was the influence these places had on the rates for good writers. Plenty of people who have commented on this blog were complaining about clients who used DS rates as a negotiating point, trying to understand why a writer would need more than $10. When that happens, it affects all of us. Thankfully that seems to have waned a bit, but that it happened at all is disturbing.
I had my own client situation in which the client argued my rate POST-contract, saying they could get their press releases and blog posts much cheaper elsewhere. I walked away. Two months later they came back and begged me to return at MY rate, citing their "horrific experiences". So it affected me temporarily, but I was lucky to have them realize that talent was worth the price.
At the moment I have an ongoing gig that pays me about what you'd make writing six articles an hour. It's a small job, it's easy, and it's easily transferable elsewhere. Moreover, the credit looks damn good on the resume as I'm certified in that particular area.
That's what I want for all writers – a gig that pays you back in a number of ways.
I don't get it. I can't get anything to post because blogger is telling me that my html is unacceptable when there is none in my post.
Keep trying, Paul. I've had some issues this week, too.
I certainly won’t defend Demand as real writing, no way.
Since they are so geared towards dominating ranking, again, I see little threat for writers and I’m glad you agree.
I haven’t discarded Demand yet for the simple reason that I haven’t become entirely self sufficient yet. I started a concerted effort to make writing my career only 6 months ago. Before that, I ghost wrote for folks who were impressed with my forum posts and asked if I would do some favors for them.
I wrote a few atrocious pieces for online magazines as well. This was before I’d even thought of doing it professionally and was instead focused on a brick and mortar business I owned and still keep viable.
My switch to writing came about from first receiving a lot of praise from people when I wrote in-depth pieces on forums, then after having my curiosity piqued, finding articles from my personal website being cited and even swiped and reposted all over the web.
That was the wake up call.
Anyhoo, I write for Demand because I’m just not established solidly enough yet.
I’ve got my main strengths nailed down, still need to work on a couple aspects of my grammar that are more problems of habit than knowledge, and still have to educate myself a bit more on the finer aspects of marketing and positioning myself.
I have private contracts, however they as yet are only enough to make this profitable but not profitable enough. Demand gives me something of a band aid for this. It provides a way for me to keep income up where I need it WHILE I grow into a position of sustainability.
I’d mention, that as far as Demand goes, I only write in the $15.00 dollar range. Less than that is just too little to even think of bothering with. Citing $10.00 seems a bit disingenuous since that’s a way to make them appear even cheaper than they really are. It’s not necessary because as I said, we get it.
My point is, folks need to avoid painting with a broad brush when criticizing companies like Demand.
If you don’t like them fine, but realize that those working for them are not Demand itself and it’s likely they have a whole host of mitigating factors that render their working for demand nothing more than a footnote in their overall plans. It reflects much better on the writer if criticism is properly and fairly directed, rather than slap dash applied, ending up splattering a bunch of folks who really don’t deserve it.
For example, your opinions on Demand are better focused than many I have read and this led me to consider them on their merit.
Devon’s on the other hand, rather than motivate me to consider her criticisms, instead led me to consider her own motivations and sincerity. It did absolutely nothing to encourage any introspection regarding my own actions and I came away without even thinking for a second about Demand itself. She came across as angry and spiteful and her points lost any credibility with me simply because I was attacked personally for no reason other than she does not like Demand.
When I go after something, and I do it often, I try to make certain of my objectives and whether or not the offensive is justifiable and rightly placed. I learned some time ago that it is too easy to shoot yourself in the foot when your emotions take control ahead of your reason and took many lumps because of it.
Didn't want to ignore you, Paul. Thanks for coming back to post your thoughts.
I'm going to say it and see if you agree – do you think the reason you're still writing for Demand is less about not being established than it is about you're not feeling confident? From where I sit, you seem worth a lot more than $15 or even $20(which is still too low for your skills).
Don't paint Devon with too broad a brush either, Paul. Her comments come from years of her own experiences with writers and with clients who have discussed quite strongly with her their objections to content mill writing. And her comments created this dialogue, which has been good, from my perspective.
For what it's worth, I started my career with NO content mill experience. I was working one day, unemployed the next. If you consider this to be your only job, you'll put all your effort into growing it. That includes making smarter choices. I'd bet you can find much better work than DS. It takes seeing the $15 as a crutch, as a road block to what you really want to be doing.
Before you ask, I do this with my lowest-paying jobs pretty regularly. I weigh the price paid in with the value of the experience and the impact on my portfolio. If it doesn't fit, I move upward. It's like a promotion at work – no one wants to stay in the same place all the time, right? In fact, we'd probably fight hard for that promotion.
Consider yourself up for promotion. 🙂
"Demand is less about not being established than it is about you're not feeling confident? From where I sit, you seem worth a lot more than $15 or even $20(which is still too low for your skills)."
I got to see this happen to some degree with Stacey Abler who I'm coaching (we document her progress at All Freelance Writing weekly). She was writing for mills like Demand Studios. Within just 2 weeks we were able to replace and see a 50% increase over her Demand earnings. She went from $15 per article to $175 per 1000 word article that quickly, and she's since increased her rates a bit with that client a bit. She had a goal of $.25 per word. In a month and a half she already was earning $.30 per word with one client she reached out to.
There's a huge confidence bump when a writer gets that first client who says "yes, you're really worth that much to my company." And there's often no looking back. I have no doubt Stacey's going to keep moving up from here. And I hope Paul and others who might want to improve their careers get to experience something similar.
As for the sponsorship issues, sometimes acknowledging it exists isn't enough. The problem (for me) is when that sponsorship leaks into other things such as influencing opinions shared on larger issues, making the blogger a complete hypocrite at times (like saying they want to help people get higher paying gigs and then mentioning it like it's some great full-time opportunity), being pushed in social networking without real disclosure of the relationship every time, etc. I've yet to see that.
I'm actually taking part in a CBC radio interview next week, and we'll talk a bit about mills. I'm hoping these kinds of issues come up, but we'll see. If they do, I'll share that when it's up and archived.
"Yes, but whose fault is it if they don’t take the time to work towards something better? Demands, or the writer?"
When Demand actively markets themselves as a full-time opportunity (while their execs claim they don't try to create full-time work btw), and when they're paying "advocates" who have influence over the writer community who also promote them as a full-time gig, I do think the blame falls on more than the writers. Yes, they should do their research. But when you research Demand, their media hype and sponsored "whores" are often what you'll find first. So yes. On one hand it's their responsibility to know better. But on the other hand Demand goes out of their way to fill the picture with misleading info that can look rather convincing.
So while I'd like to blame people 100% for getting into their own messes ("mess" being subjective and referring to those who want more but find themselves feeling stuck there), I just can't at this point.
Jenn, thanks for the update on Stacey! I'm glad she's doing so well. And it's an example of exactly what I'm trying to preach here – better things exist. This choice of low pay for a quick check is selling oneself short and yes, it's easier than looking a little deeper for better work. I know several places that would pay ten times better and would look respectable on a resume.
I think in the case of placing blame, it rests on both the writer and Demand. Your in-depth look at Demand was excellent, and it showed the double-speak being bandied about by the company so well. But in the end people should have enough skepticism or foresight to make sure what they're getting into is really what they're expecting. Some think it's a great idea no matter how it's sold. Some buy the facade and don't look in the windows.
I think it's disgusting how the company talks out both sides. But I shake my head in dismay that people still choose this path willingly and defend it staunchly at times.
Hello again Lori. Aside from some weird new tendency on my part to add a “w” to the end of “hello” every time I write it, things are decent.
Onwards to the debate!
I ‘m pretty solid in my position. Confidence isn’t much of an issue for me. I have a good grip on what I can and as yet am unable to accomplish and I’m not afraid to try when I’m not sure. Failure doesn’t bother me, it’s the not getting paid part that hurts. 😉
You just can’t forget to remember when considering content mills that every person’s situation is different. Being able to ignore less lucrative offers in favor of focusing purely on your own goals and quality gigs is a luxury.
As much as I would love to do nothing but work on proposals and opening doors, it takes time and responsibilities are always present.
I look at it much like I did with my previous business. In practice I only accepted long term contracts, and only those which were within the realm of my preferred services. I am capable of much more, but the time and labor intensiveness lowered net profitability at the end of the month too much to warrant regular practice.
Occasionally however I would take a big hit in expenses. At times like those, I would take on one of those one off contracts and write off the time and labor because in real world figures, it erased my losses.
Demand is little different. The only difference is that at the moment, my regular contracts are too few to allow me the luxury of ignoring the less attractive one offs.
As far as placing blame, again, Demand is no different than any other business. It’s up to the individual to examine and evaluate. I knew from the outset that Demand was little more than a band aid. It figured into my plans only so far as it will allow me to profit while I grow. I made this decision because I took the time to research them properly. BTW, if someone cannot do the basic research required to educate themselves about a prospective job or client, should they be writing?
It boils down to the individual in my opinion. Those who jump into freelancing ignorant and incompetent will pay the price and be weeded out. Those who enter it with forethought and planning will do better.
"I think it's disgusting how the company talks out both sides. But I shake my head in dismay that people still choose this path willingly and defend it staunchly at times."
Agreed completely. There's plenty of blame to go around on this one… especially regarding that particular company.