What I’m reading: The Jungle by Upton Sinclair
What’s on the iPod: Something Good by The Airborne Toxic Event
Wow. Never say out loud how organized you are and how you’re going to finish your project. The minute I typed those words yesterday, I watched my day go from centered to scattered. Projects came rolling in, one that threatens to make my head explode. I may have found an acceptable work-around, but I have to get the green light from the client first.
First thing that went wonky – I wrote my post yesterday, hit “Publish” and forgot about it. Only when I checked back in at 1 pm did I realize I hadn’t published it. I had to wrong post date. Ugh.
Today is rounding up all these new projects and, hopefully, getting that article in shape. This is why I need longer lead times on these – stuff gets in the way. I could spend a few hours this weekend finishing it, but I hoard weekends. If I start, I’ll set a pattern. I’m too suggestible that way.
So just some random stuff today:
My friend/client Dan sent over this link, which had me rolling. Let’s all adopt the word “churnalism” to describe content farm products. Please. I love it!
Diane Parkin has a superb post up outlining her process for selecting and securing gigs. It’s brilliant. If you’ve ever doubted it was possible to build a writing career by choosing your own clients, you’ll think differently after reading how she does it.
This is one Content Farm you need to be reading. This informative post on how to dance is so quotable. And it sounds so familiar….
Whenever I think I have it bad, I just head over to Clients from Hell. This particular story was hysterical, but they’re all hilarious client interactions.
Anne Wayman gives you just a few reasons why you’re not getting client responses. And yes, writers do all these things, sometime simultaneously.
What have you seen this week?
Thanks for the link! :o)
Have a great weekend.
You too, Diane!
Oh, thank you, Lori. I now know how to dance, dispose of flavorless gum and how to stub my toe. My life is getting better and better. (love that link!)
Now, if you find one that teaches me how to open the fridge door, I would be grateful. I'm kind of tired of pushing the fridge over and hoping the door pops open. There must be an easier way to do it, right? I typed it in the search engine a few times, so hopefully something pops up soon.
Loved Jenn's post at Social Implications here, Is Social Media Killing Personal Relationships
Have a great weekend, y'all 🙂
"Never say out loud how organized you are and how you're going to finish your project."
Say it? I haven't even let myself think I'm organized, on track and/or ahead of schedule since sometime in the mid-1980s (I had a brief bout of overconfidence in the mid-80s. It went away.)
The writing gods are always watching & listening, Lori — and though they can be most generous, they also like to remind us who's really in charge around here, don't ya know 🙂
Also, "churnalism" has got to be high on the list of Greatest New Words in the History of Ever.
Happy weekend to all!
I agree,"churnalism" is the best description of content mill output that I've ever heard.
What have I seen this week? How about a client who provided me a list of "must have" sources for an article. At least three of the five phone numbers for key sources were wrong. I spent half a day searching for current contact info and found of those sources were no longer working at the same company. I had an e-mail address (but no phone number)for another. Three e-mails, no reply. So I dug up another publicist at the company. He replied, said the guy his boss wanted to answer my questions was on medical leave; when pressed for a back-up person he said no one at the massive company could discuss one of their main products. I informed my editor about this over a week ago, asking her to provide an alternate company to try. Her reply: Keep trying the person who is ignoring my e-mail. I've done that, verging on the point of stalkerdom. The article is due today and my editor still hasn't come up with an alternate source to save the article.
Whew. I really needed to get that out!
Two. Two of those key sources no longer work there.
Breathe, Paula. 🙂 It'll be okay. Pick up the phone. Maybe you'll catch someone in.
Wendy, if you ask, I bet they'd write it for you. LOL
Love that link too, Cathy! Thanks for sharing it.
Hugh, I used to think I was organized, but then the universe showed me otherwise. And I agree – churnalism is my new favorite word. 🙂
Maybe I said I was organized at the beginning of the week? Or last week? The last couple of weeks have been, well, weird. Feeling a bit more grounded now, but…
Love your posts Lori, but you know that… see wrote The Client Posse for me at http://www.aboutfreelancewriting.com/2011/02/the-client-posse/
Lori is a jewel for sure.
I started breathing when I made the executive decision to halt work on the aforementioned article until I finally hear from the editor. Why should I worry about it if it's not important enough for her to answer my questions? Leaving me hanging only means they'll be left hanging, too.
If she can't find an alternate source, there's not much of an article. Besides, their kill fee won't begin to cover the amount of time I've already invested in this fiasco.
Anne, like you, I like when things get busy, but not crazy busy. There are too many loose ends that could unravel. 🙂
Thanks for the link. 🙂
Paula, a wise decision. Anyone that unable to communicate will be upset with your article, I fear. I think you should send her a note letting her know that work cannot continue until she provides the necessary info.