“These are my confessions…”
No, these confessions won’t be the type that R & B singer Usher sang about (smile). For some reason I’m a little sensistive this week. I try to remain positive 99 percent of the time (okay 90 percent of the time), but every now and then something happens that makes me want to rant about it.
For the sake of space, I’ll only speak about one incident.
A few days ago I received a request asking me if I would be interested in having one of my poems posted on “their” site. Cool, no big deal. I’m a writer and although it’s not a paying gig, I don’t mind sharing my poems every now and then. The only condition I gave the person was, “use my byline” (which doesn’t cost them a thing). I was shocked that the person felt like I was “demanding” (their word not mine) because I requested that my byline be used along with my poem. I had to read their email twice but to make a long story short, I told them I didn’t have time to go back and forth on what should be a “non-issue” and that me and my poem and 2 sentence byline would pass. I’m sure they still didn’t get the point–which is “if you’re not paying for it, at the minimum, you can post a short 1 to 2 sentence bio.”
I’m ranting about it because why do people always expect writers to do things for free? If I was a singer, you wouldn’t ask me to do a concert for free. So if I say I will let you use my poem on one condition (since you’re not paying), why complain because I asked you to add a short 2 sentence bio to go with it. Don’t make sense to me. People will try to use you up and drain all of your resources, if you let them.
I spoke about this issue with a few trusted friends who happen to also be writers and we all agreed that it’s time out for not putting worth to what we do.
I’m ranting about it because why do people always expect writers to do things for free? If I was a singer, you wouldn’t ask me to do a concert for free. So if I say I will let you use my poem on one condition (since you’re not paying), why complain because I asked you to add a short 2 sentence bio to go with it. Don’t make sense to me. People will try to use you up and drain all of your resources, if you let them.
I spoke about this issue with a few trusted friends who happen to also be writers and we all agreed that it’s time out for not putting worth to what we do.
Here’s my confession: I love to write, but writing is not a hobby for me.
Most of us do this for the love of it. Most of us would like to earn a living from doing what we love too. Other entertainers do, so why can’t we?
Until next month, HAPPY READING & WRITING!
Shelia M. Goss
Author of Roses are thorns, Violets are true (In Stores Now), My Invisible Husband (In Stores Now), and Paige’s Web (pending). Website: www.sheliagoss.com or www.myspace.com/sheliagoss.
11 Responses to “Confessions – Time Out”
Comments (11)
Sheila -
I have wondered the same thing myself. Is it because writing is something that everyone thinks they can do? Or maybe it doesn't seem like work to those who arent doing it. If you ever find out let me know. I love having my stuff out there and will give it to whomever asks, usually…just acknowledge a sista, why don't you…
Good Post…
Love and Blessings,
angelia
http://acvermen.blogspot.com
WOW! The audacity of some folk boggles my mind…that's like me writing for one of my freelance gigs and they expecting me to do it gratis. NOT! This is a business. But you know what, I get the same things from family and close friends who feel that you OWE them an obligation to do things free because you ARE family. What's with that?! There are times when I will not charge, but don't take it for granted that I should do it because of familial ties, right? Whew! I feel ya, Shelia!
Alvin
Wow! That's amazing, Sheila. I can't believe that this person couldn't see how irrational he/she was being. You're right, though, people will suck you dry if you let them…
Great post! Thanks for sharing your rant with us. Most of us can relate all to well…
Gwyneth
Angelia, I wish I knew the answer.
Alvin, I agree. There are times where we do it "just because" but it seems some people tend to forget that this is our business.
Gwyneth, I don't know why I was shocked at their initial response, but I was. I try to give everybody the benefit of the doubt, but I've learned you can't always do that.
I feel you Shelia. I don't share my work with pubs if I'm not getting paid or at the very least getting a byline. You did the right thing. After all, they solicited you.
Part 2: Publications and friends expect you to write for free because it's been done for years, especially with beginning writers looking to build a writing resume. Most new writers start off this way, and there's always new writers to take advantage of. Many of us learn the business and figure out what we can get paid to write and who is making money from our writing by selling ads or subscriptions.
Please check out the following linked discussion about the issue:
http://www.thumperscorner.com/discus/messages/1/22056.html?1171816915
Emanuel thanks for the link. I'll go check it out. I am guilty of what you mentioned–when starting out, I did write for free to build up my writing resume.
Hey Shelia,
I'll go with the fact that they may have been ignorant of the fact that a byline is a "Must Do" not a "Can Do" thing. I think everyone else has pretty much covered the gamut of emotions. It's like getting anything on credit. You've got to have a credit history, however, no one wants to give you anything on credit.
Their loss and hopefully education.
Peace,
Dee
Dee, hopefully, they learned something.
Wow! Makes me cringe. I don't have a problem posting and if there is a set format for posting. I don't see a problem with a byline. I mean it is your work. What is another line or two. Geez.
Shelia,
I agree with the other Dee. I don't see how anyone working with authors would think they wouldn't have to give that author proper credit for their work. Sometimes it makes you wonder.
All the best,
Dee