Hacks vs. Writers: The Financial Fight

Either I have just been educated or I am about to do some educating. I'm not sure which. My writing world has been turned topsy-turvey and I'm not sure difference between up and down.

I'm a writer. Please excuse me when I say I am use to making a writer's wage. I make no apologies for wanting to get paid what I am worth. Doctors make a doctor's wage. Customer service reps make a customer service rep's wage. McDonald cashiers make a McDonald cashier's wage. That is the way it always worked. Until now.

Writers aren't making a writer's wages. The reason is quite simple: There are too many hacks disguised as writers (HDAWs) that will put words on paper (I won't call it writing) for next to nothing. It is embarrassing to the writing industry that such people do what they do. Here is an example:

I ran across several internet sites where "writers" bid on different projects. It sounded interesting so I gave one a good look over. I was shocked by what I saw. I had no idea things like this went on in the world. Yes, I need to crawl out from under the rock I've been living under and get out in the real world more often.

A client of this site needed 20 articles written, 500 words each. The client had explained what was required of the writer and seemed quite professional, promising payment as each article was submitted through PayPal. I was the first to put a bid in on this project. Lowering my normal rate considerably (by more than half, to be honest), I bid $30 per article - stating that I would write a minimum of one article per day, depending on the subject matter. I include a brief bio, highlighting my two degrees from Smith College and over 20 years experience as a freelance writer. I even suggested the client Google my full name to see samples of my work. I truly thought I might have a chance at this project. It seemed simple enough. Boy, was I wrong.

I received an email, stating the project had gone to someone else. Curiosity got the best of me, so I decided to see what bid was accepted. The bid accepted read "I rite you 20 aritcles for 10$. I rite you arictles in one day all." This HDAW was going to accept 50 cents per article? 10,000 words for $10? And, do it one day?

I had to laugh. This poor client accepted a bid from a HDAW that does not know how to spell "write" and "articles?" This HDAW even spelled "articles" two different ways. Two different ways on a website that underlines misspelled words. You have got to be kidding me! I won't even get into the poor grammar of "I rite you..."

I'm not a spelling champion or a grammar queen by any stretch of my extremely vivid imagination, but I'm also not that stupid. Stupid as the HDAW for writing such a bid or the client who accepted it? The jury is still out on that one.

Thinking this was a fluke, I kept looking around on this website for writing gigs. The spelling and grammar improved in the bids, but the rates - Oh my God, the rates. I am using the term "rates" as loosely as a possible. They were more like "I'll write for you and you can toss me the change you find on one street corner." These HDAWs are writing entire articles for 50 cents and less. No wonder I'm not getting any work there.

I did run across a few that look promising. I've gotten emails from them, asking that I write short paragraphs about the subject so they can see my writing style. That is great. I'm finding some clients who have a clue. Remember, you get what you pay for. I hope I never have to read what some of these clients are paying for.

I understand the other side of story as well. These clients are shoppers and they want to pay as little as possible. They want to keep as much money in their pockets as possible. I shop like that. To a point. I'll pay more for quality. I want as much money in my pocket as possible, too.

When it comes to writing, is it a buyer's market or a seller's market? Judging by what I have seen, it is a buyer's market. Unfortunately, from what I've seen, what they are buying must be bad. I know that times are tough, but I had no idea that times were this tough. Clients are willing to pay "riters" next to nothing and, more than likely, get next to nothing for their money.

What is a real writer to do? Jump on the bandwagon and get paid pennies for a skill or talent or gift or whatever you want to call it or do we starve? I'm not jumping yet and, thankfully, I'm not starving either. I'll be picky with the gigs I accept, not taking less than what I am worth. Until clients get tired of paying for junk, I'll teach my writer's workshops and hold my writer's seminars. There is still good money to be made trying to turn HDAW into writers, although most of the hacks out there don't realize they are hacks.

As with most things in my life, I have more questions than answers. I suppose that is okay. I've always liked a little mystery.

Make A Little Girl's Christmas Wish Come True

I just helped my daughter, Siobhann, write her letter to Santa. Other than asking for clothes that would fit me because "she has gotten fat," her letter was rather moving. Particularly the last item on her list...

"Please bring all the stray dogs and cats lots of good homes, families that love them and lots and lots and lots of food," she wrote. It was straight from the heart. Because of her heartfelt plea, I've compiled a short list of ways you can make Siobhann's Christmas wish come true.

1. Adopt a pet from your local animal shelter, humane society or animal control agency. Many of these pets are reasonably priced. They are usually already altered (spayed for females and neutered for males). Sometimes, they are even up-to-date on their vaccinations. Rarely these pets have not gone through some sort of personality testing to make sure they are adoptable. Go in and let a pet pick you out. They know if they will like you and your family. Ask a lot of questions to make sure you get the best pet for your family and your family's lifestyle.

2. Donate money to you local "helpers of animals." Any amount will be fine. Drop some loose change in the canisters. That will do a world of good. Monetary gifts are usually tax deductible. Ask at the front desk if you are unsure.

3. Donate items to the animal shelter. What to give? Pet food, cat litter, blankets, towels, wash cloths, and cleaning supplies like bleach. Leashes, small litter boxes (even cardboard flats), pet toys, collars and pet carriers are always appreciated. Think about what your pet uses every day and donate accordingly.

4. Volunteer at you local animal shelter. Just a few hours a week will help ease the workload of those who care for the animals. Offer to walk dogs, wash bowls scoop poop. Not your cup of tea? Play with the pets there. They call it "socialization," but we know better. This is great for puppies and kittens; you'll enjoy it as well. Ever sit in the middle of a litter of puppies or kittens? If that isn't fun, I don't know what is. Maybe allergies keep you from dealing directly with the animals, so volunteer to lick stamps, put up posters and signs or answer the phones. If you are familiar with a computer, offer to help with their website or blog. Get creative and help the animals in need and those who help them. Get your kids involved. There is a lot they can do to help as well.

5. Take a stray to your local animal shelter. It will be better than them living on the streets. They will be warm and have enough food. They will receive the necessary medical treatment or their suffering will be ended in a humane manner. They will be evaluated to see if they are suitable for adoption and every effort possible will be made for them to go to a good home.

It is pretty simple to help animals in your area. It will make you feel good. And, the animals. It isn't expensive to help - a lot of the time it is free. I know it will make my Siobhann happy to know someone cared enough to do a little something for the countless animals she prays for.

No Escaping the Fairies

We have several new visitors, long-term guests, in our home now. They are Grace Glitterwish, Magnolia Mountainmist and Sophie Bubblewink. They are the new obsessions my daughter and I share. Yes, we found www.pixiehollow.go.com.

Disney has a real winner on their hands now with this website. It is fun for everyone. Even my husband has been caught playing with fairies on the internet. It's addictive, interactive and educational. Well, educational may be pushing it, but it does improve hand eye coordination.

The concept is so simple. You create up to three different fairies. You make them look the way you want them to, selecting hair and eye color as well as facial features and skin color. You select their talent, such as animal talent, water talent, tinker talent and the like. You choose a name for your fairies from a list provided by Disney. If you aren't careful, the can sound like stripper names, but they are cute. Then you are ready to begin playing.

You gather all sorts of things (raspberries, twigs, honeycomb, etc.) that you can use to purchase clothing and household items to be used by your fairy. You can even use these items to "tinker" different items. Sewing, building furniture and helping the animals and fairies are just a few of the "quests" you can go on. There are even quests to the "Mainland," AKA the real world which allows children to draw pictures, learn about nature and make friends.

One of the best features of this website is the chat. You choose from a list of words and phrases to talk with other fairies playing the game. It is all innocent and fun. There is also an additional chat feature you can sign up for so you can use your own words.

My daughter and I can't get enough of it. She is a light talent fairy and I am an animal talent fairy. We take turns playing games and gathering items. We both love to shop for clothes for our fairies and making friends with others playing. It is a great Momma-daughter bonding activity.

It is so much fun for us, I've noticed the dishes are stacking up more than normal and my website and other blog are being neglected. Brace yourself for this: It is even getting into my Twitter time. I can't get enough of it. My daughter is learning quickly about sharing and taking turns. Sometimes she handles those lessons better than I do.

There is no escaping the fairies in our home. We are loving it. It is a great activity for girls of all ages. Just use your imagination and have fun. That is what we are doing.