Comments on: Worthy Tip: This Job, Not That Job

By: Ashley

Ashley — Sat, 15 Jan 2011 02:51:25 +0000

Lori, I'm reading your last comment at the strangest time! My husband is sitting beside me transcribing an interview (he's a writer too!) and I just told him *exactly* what you wrote. It saves me so much time!

I haven't been around much this week, but trying to catch up before we head out to a movie. Life has been nuts. Have a good one!

By: Lori

Lori — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 19:36:07 +0000

Paula, I'd turn it down, too. But I've found a better way to transcribe. I don't. LOL As I tape interviews, I take notes, as well. That's partly for back-up should the batteries die, but it's also so I can locate a key quote faster. It's been months since I last typed out an entire interview (it took me a while to come around to my own system). 🙂

By: Paula

Paula — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 17:58:46 +0000

Perhaps they meant they wanted unbiased reviews, not reviews swayed by someone's political, religious or other beliefs? But yeah, they need a better copy editor.

This morning I turned down an offer for a second assignment from the one place that requires copious amounts of interviews. Given my slow-but-accurate way of transcribing, I can't afford to lose another 6-10 hours of my time transcribing an unnecessarily high number of interviews for one article. If they were paying over $1/word, I'd jump. Instead of flat-out refusing an assignment, I replied with something like, "If it's a quick piece that doesn't require many interviews, I can probably fit it in."

It needed seven interviews. Too many on top of the piece I'm already doing for them which at least a dozen interviews. (It's longer and pays more, thank goodness.)

By: Lori

Lori — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 14:25:12 +0000

Seems the magazine needs a better copyeditor, Jenn. :) I saw that, too. Not sure exactly how a review can be done without an opinion, but I'm sure they know what they mean. And they're probably the only ones who do. :)

I've outgrown a few over the last few months too, Devon. One I worried about breaking with because of an instance of pleading and emotional games the first time. This time, I was firm, polite, and taking none of it. I think the attitude came through - they gave me none. I suspect they were ready for the change, too.

By: Jenn Mattern

Jenn Mattern — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 13:57:27 +0000

Great examples again Lori!

I do find myself wondering something though. How on earth can you write reviews with "no opinion." Reviews by their very definition are a type of opinion piece. Based on facts, yes. But still they involve opinions.

By: Devon Ellington

Devon Ellington — Wed, 12 Jan 2011 13:55:02 +0000

I'm debating on making changes with a couple of jobs. Not just because of the money, but also somewhat because we've outgrown each other. They need fresh blood and I need to move on. Making the graceful exit without hurting feelings is the trick — because there will be an element of emotional manipulation involved.