Comments on: Friday Bread Crumbs

By: Lori

Lori — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 14:33:31 +0000

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.

By: Paula

Paula — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 20:51:43 +0000

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.

By: Anne Wayman

Anne Wayman — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 19:50:44 +0000

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.

By: Lori

Lori — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 19:44:47 +0000

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. :)

By: Paula

Paula — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 16:54:44 +0000

Two. Two of those key sources no longer work there.

By: Paula

Paula — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 16:53:46 +0000

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!

By: hugh.c.mcbride

hugh.c.mcbride — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 16:29:34 +0000

"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!

By: Cathy

Cathy — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 15:43:59 +0000

Loved Jenn's post at Social Implications here, Is Social Media Killing Personal Relationships

Have a great weekend, y'all :-)

By: Wendy

Wendy — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 15:43:42 +0000

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.

By: Lori

Lori — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 13:08:17 +0000

You too, Diane!