Comments on: Occupation: freelance smiter

By: dorothy

dorothy — Mon, 23 Apr 2007 02:20:12 +0000

I’ve only recently begun receiving these sorts of things, but now I know EXACTLY how to respond. Phew!

By: Jennifer

Jennifer — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 09:00:32 +0000

This was hilarious! I am a self-employed translator and get #2 and #3 all the time. I never quite know how to handle the requests delicately, but “No soup for you” might work.

By: Krisco

Krisco — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 04:17:18 +0000

Mir. You crack me up. It’s too bad they’re not worth it, because it would be so funny if you sent them ANY of those responses.

By: Sophie

Sophie — Wed, 11 Apr 2007 02:07:01 +0000

I’m so glad that you wrote about this because it helps me on so many levels. I’m dreaming of going freelance… so I guess I need to put my feet back on the ground. Got it!

I, too, had the experience of “please write for our new site.” At first I thought, “What the h***?” But, like a dumb bunny, I took the bait (is that a mixed metaphor?) Anyway… do you know what they did? They igorned it! I put a heck of a lot of work into that post, and they didn’t use it. AND THEN they came back five months later with some lame excuse as to why they didn’t use my post, but could I please write another one?

In a few more months, I think I’ll reply, “NO SOUP FOR YOU.”

Gracias.

By: Daisy

Daisy — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 23:10:27 +0000

OMG, The comments for this post were almost as great as the post itself! No soup for you — gotta love it. Rilly.

By: almost vegetarian

almost vegetarian — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 22:54:16 +0000

I am a freelancer. I’ve been one for well over a decade. And I know (I KNOW!) that the reality and the illusion are, vasly, vastly different things.

No boss? Erm, well, actually, I can have several at a time, depending on how many projects I am writing. Set my own hours? Erm, well, actually, I find I have no time of my own. Beause I learned, VERY QUICKLY that no work = no money. And no money = no dinner. And I happen to like my dinner, thank you very much.

But I’ll be the first to admit it has it’s rewards. Like posting blog comments in my undies. For example.

Cheers!

By: beatrice

beatrice — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 22:08:35 +0000

My husband is an estate and probate attorney. Because of malpractice laws and insurance and the rules of his firm, he *cannot* offer any kind of advice to anyone on any legal topic without clearing it through the firm. Does that stop people from asking? Sadly, no. Even more sadly? We’ve had people stop talking to use because he won’t give them free legal assistance.
I’m a policy researcher/SAHM. Oddly, no one ever asks me for free advice. And I’d give it out, too!

By: Character Builder

Character Builder — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 20:44:22 +0000

We used to have a neighbor who was a plumber. One of the other neighbors told him that he was thinking of taking up plumbing “as a hobby.” How insulting! As if it would be that easy.

By: ffbgirl

ffbgirl — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 19:57:11 +0000

I like the option of trashing the product, telling them you slept your way to the top, and writing a p.o.s. of an article for the little site… That’s just me though…

I was honestly reading your blog (before this entry) and thinking, “hmmmm… what does it take to be a freelance writer? I am getting a ph.d. in political communication. I wonder if it is something I could get into.” But then, I thought, “I don’t want to bother her for an ‘informational interview.’” or something like that. Then I read this post and was really glad I didn’t just dash off an e-mail to you.

I am going to do some research. I am going to find out more about freelance writing opportunities within my realm of expertise. I am going to work to find some information on my own. Then, when I can ask educated questions (beyond what exactly does freelance writing entail), I will send you a question or two.

I thank you in advance. I also thank you for your fabulous blog! I just love reading it. You always make me laugh out loud!

By: Nancy

Nancy — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 18:30:40 +0000

I vote for “No soup for you!”