Thursday, February 22, 2007

there was a discussion I read awhile back on a freelancing blog - they were talking about writing samples, and whether or not you should send a sample in for a job inquiry. At the time, I said that I would, but only if it was a sample unlike anything I'd ever done before, and something they absolutely needed in order to see if I was a good fit. But, I decided that I'm done now. In the past month, I have written an article about a TV show for a job interview, a blog for a blogging site, a rewrite on homes in a certain state, and a rewrite of one page of web content. Each of these contacts were very nice to me and told me that If I just completed the rewrite or the article or the blog, I'd have the job and all would be good. However, each of them took the work I had done, and never got back to me. This is four pieces of work that I did in order to get jobs, and all four times it was obviously a scam because I never even heard back to tell me I don't have the job. How long do these people think they can get away with stuff like this? I am no longer writing samples for job interviews. I have a website where I direct potential employers that has samples of my writing on it - and from now on, I have learned my lesson. That's it. No more free work from me.

Thursday, February 08, 2007

Tracking Down Deadbeats

I have been busy chasing down customers who do not pay me. I have gotten several suggestions, which are great, but have yet to find a surefire way to actually get paid. Everyone I manage to get a hold of gives me the runaround - oh, we thought we'd paid you already - oh! I actually have one lady right now who is extremely upset with me because in some of the 30+ messages I've been sending her requesting payment, I'd mentioned that I was giving her name to other people as a customer to stay away from. She thought that I actually *owed* her the names and email of any of those people, so she was aware of who I was talking bad about her to. I explained to her that I am allowed to say anything I want, as long as it is true, and I don't have to tell he who I have mentioned her name to. I actually think that went a bit overboard - considering I have been trying to get her to respond to an email since December 17th, when she promised payment - All the excuses in the world non withstanding, she's been arguing with me via email now since last Friday, and I STILL haven't gotten paid. I wish there was a manual about these things....

Tuesday, February 06, 2007

I decided to start a writing blog, after being inspired by so many other freelance writers who have writing blogs of their own. Here is where you will find information about my writing career, what I've been up to, and even a few tips for any of you who think that freelance writing might be something you'd like to do. I promise I'll write often - it will save my fiance from having to listen to me talk about my job all of the time!