Even Women Need to Get Paid
December 5, 2007 by Deborah Ng
Filed under Entertainment
I always laugh when I see ads looking for writers or bloggers for “upscale” and “high end” publications and websites. They claim to cater to the wealthy, yet they’re so cheap they don’t want to pay their writers. Take this guy, for example:
Blog for Women
Reply to: cheapskate@gmail.com
Date: 2007-12-03, 11:31AM PSTElleEatist.com is a women
I love the way the word “gig” has somehow become synonymous with “unpaid work” on Craigslist. I mean, if your friend is in, say, a wedding band and he tells you he has a gig this weekend… do you assume that means he’s not getting paid?
I also love the way these idiots think they’re going to find talented, professional writers who will work just for the “thrill” of seeing their name in print. I only care about seeing my name in one place: ON THE CHECK.
Laurie, you rule! Elle Eat This!
So the pauper, unpaid writer is supposed to have an “in” to the kinds of places these snooty (oops, I mean upper class) women hang out? I couldn’t afford to bribe the maitre d’ to let me in, let alone eat at one of these places. Seems to me these “VERY VERY UPSCALE women” are more likely to get a line on where to go from their equally upscale friends, rather than some unknown blog on the internet.
This is a prime example of how tone and attitude can ruin a good idea. I travel on business all the time and would love to have a resource like this. Hell, I’d even contribute to it. It sucks having to sit in your hotel room rather than venture out into a strange city, simply because you don’t know anyone who can recommend a place.
It’s just too bad they have to be so tool-ish about the whole thing.
TOO FUNNY — I AM a single woman that travels for business — that’s why I started the site! It’s just me! On top of that, I’m a talented, professional writer that is well published, but I can’t be everywhere so I’ve asked for help from other women to populate information onto the site. There are many women like me that don’t know where to go, when, etc. and we highly value our free time. We’re also trying to rule out entries from Joe’s Bar & Grill in ‘hoods that aren’t so hot, to keep the site of value & keep everyone safe. The site is meant to SHARE information — not get you to write for free. Either you get it or you don’t. And, if you don’t, don’t come visit the site for such information! I agree with Leslie in that it SUCKS to sit in your hotel room and order from room service because you don’t know where to go, or to follow the lead of some foggy eyed, snooty restaurant reviewer with his head up his A*&*s over the foie gras and a bit of chatter from the bartendar. It’s all meant for fun!
On top of that, I
Hey Spence — You’re just as bad as those elderly restaurant review guys! By the way — that was parroting back a comment from one of your readers/posters — you should comment on what she said. By the way, I’m a 40+ year old woman that’s been writing in the NYC advertising agency & corporate marketing for 20 years for brands that you know and love. I realize your blog is meant to be “crusty” but there are far better targets out there for your negativity. http://www.ElleEatist.com for all the women out there that need & want such information, hey, leave us alone! HA HA
No, Susan… I said it *correctly.* “Talented, professional writers WHO will work…” Not “THAT will work.” “That” is for inanimate objects; “who” is for people.
Sorry Laurie – yes, you did say it correctly – I didn’t! LOL HEAT OF THE MOMENT lol.
No problem. ;-)
Unfortunately, your ad did come across as looking for people to write for free, as opposed to adding tips in the spirit of community. Also, if it’s in the “Writing” section, it suggests that you are specifically looking for WRITERS, not just women who might know some of the things you’re looking to include. I’m sure there are many women out there in other professions who might want to contribute information. Perhaps if you posted in General Community or something like that, your purpose would be clearer. :-)
I just checked out this web site. Apparently it’s the place to go if you want to know where to buy a “sexy” Kabbalah Red String Bracelet.