I’ve got a tip for you too
December 4, 2006 by admin
Filed under Entertainment
So there’s this, a popular"tips" site is seeking writers. I’ve seen ads for this site on and off throughout the years. At first the offers were good, but then I started reading complaints about how the demands grew while the pay shrunk.
A 5×8 paperback “book”? With only 101 tips? So we’re talking about a thin booklet here… that no one would pay 10 bucks for. And obviously they print it themselves, probably just the copy they send to YOU.
So you write the 101 tips for free, which they put online, to their benefit. They print them out in a tacky booklet and send it to you. Then they tell you sorry, no one bought it. They end up with free content for their site and you end up with a cheesy printout (the only one that really exists) of your hard work.
Yet another sweet deal. For them.
I worked for Lifetips several years ago and they were an awesome client. Under their new editor I feel the quality of the writing has gone down as has the treatment of the writers. They do indeed ask for more and pay less. I would not recommend this company to anyone, no matter what stage of their career.
I too worked for Lifetips several years ago, when their model was to pay a stipend per tip or per month (I can’t recall the specifics). I left when they converted to a “find banner advertisers for your topic” type deal. Sorry, but I’m a no-money/no-work kind of gal. I can’t speak to the current conditions, but I certainly wouldn’t go around encouraging people to apply for “guru” status. It was (and probably still is) a lot of work for no guaranteed compensation.
I liked your line, “I sure as crap wouldn’t.” Mudgie–you make me laugh. Even more than these listers do.
Anon and IR, thanks for your perspective! The site is well designed and the concept has promise, but this info coupled with the fact that in order to apply you have to give them 10 free tips make me want to run for the hills! Assery indeed.
I think you may be a bit off base on your comments here about LifeTips, as we really think our latest option for writers presents a great opportunity to move their careers upward, online and off.
Lots of challenges for me in the last 7 years growing this company. And on a side note, I’ve represented Freelance Writers at my previous company Freelance Access, probably paying a total of $10 million to Freelancers in the last 15 years.
So, back to LifeTips feedback for you…
– We do still offer the opportunity to get paid up to $10 per tip for writers intersted in writing only projects.
– We think the book concept is actually quite appealing, for all writers, even the expert in the Mattress industry, if there is someone that wants to step forward and showcase their wisdom in the shelf.
– Take a look at the book design, and we welcome your comments. We think the design and concept in general is a winner, competitive perhaps some day with the Dummies Series.
– Payment of 20% of the retail price of the book is a high commission. And we actually pay 30% if the writer sells the book on their own website or network.
– Agree on the popularity of the book, and possible limited sales, especially the 700+ new topics we’re launching with writers in the next year or so. But disagree on your mitigation of the excitment of getting your first book published for free.
– Don’t forget for some writers, it’s not all about the money. It’s about the excitment of getting your name tagged to an ISBN number and on the shelf of life.
So looks like you’re not interested in publishing you first book at LifeTips. But why spoil the fun for those writers that want to join the parade.
On an interesting note, our 300+ clients that hire our freelancers for writers assignments are VERY excited to see how this goes. They all want access to great writers. And we feel that this new option might just recruit the kind of writers they are looking for…. passionate experts that are create informational, entertaining and fun to read tips.
Mr. White,
Some questions:
Why do writers have to provide 10 free tips upon signing up? Why aren’t they paid for their trouble? Unfair to the writer.
Are the websites being stocked with the same tips as in the books? Why would anyone want to pay $10 for a book which lists the same information on the website for free? If this is indeed the case it also means your writer just stocked the website with 101 tips, tips they may not even get paid for depending on how the book sells. Good for you, unfair to the writer.
I agree that this is a good deal for Lifetips as well as the client. I don’t agree with this being a good deal for the writers.
As the Curmudgeon would say: until my landlord accepts an ISBN number as rent, I’ll pass.
Respectfully,
Katharine Clarke
I’m with you K.C. the deal stinks. I didn’t even realize the tips would be on the website too. So the writer isn’t getting paid for either unless someone buys a book? Nope. Can’t convince me.
-Melissa
Justify it any way you’d like but I’m still not paying $10 for a book about mattresses.
The Associated Content set loves Lifetips. What does that tell you?
Kristen King said”
“Anon and IR, thanks for your perspective! The site is well designed and the concept has promise, but this info coupled with the fact that in order to apply you have to give them 10 free tips make me want to run for the hills! Assery indeed.”
Kristen, if you do this you have to give more than 10 free tips. You’re giving 111 free tips. Don’t forget, you’re writing 101 tips for the site and the book. The book *might* pay. The writer gets nothing for the 111 tips for the companion web site.
Byron White,
Thank you for commenting. I appreciate your presenting your side for discussion.
I’m not trying to “spoil the fun” for anyone. If a writer wants to write for fun, this might present that type of opportunity.
If a writer wants to write for a paycheck, and indeed most of us do, I maintain this is not a golden opportunity. To labor away for tips for a website and book, one that might earn $2 here and there, is not beneficial to those of us who count on writing as a source of income.
I’m please you and your clients are excited. I’m not here for the clients. I’m here for the writers.
Respectfull,
- C.C.
I worked for Lifetips for a short period of time. I didn’t appreciate the harsh tone of the editor’s emails.
I would love to see my name and words in print, but still would not gamble on the bet they are offering.
The book is “print on demand,” and book sales are determined by “topic popularity and self promotion ability,” meaning unless someone walks into the store already knowing they want that book, it probably isn’t going to sell. In addition, I bet it’s about the size of one of those Pampered Chef seasonal recipe guides. Small, flimsy, and not worth the money.
I say if you enjoy it, go for it, because you certainly aren’t going to get much compensation otherwise.
The new editor IS harsh. I miss the old editor. Incidentally, Lifetips writers received an email yesterday about how it’s not about the money, it’s about being published. When are these people going to realize writing is a profession like all of the others? Hey plumber, it’s not about the fee. It’s about fixing those toilets. Hey McDonalds worker. It’s about flipping burgers, who cares for minimum wage? Flip for the glory. Someone might see you back there, isn’t that payment enough? Hey architect, you just design that house. Don’t worry about the money. Do it because someone may live in your house one day. Who cares about rent?
Now these books. Will they be prominently displayed? Is there going to be a big Lifetips section? How will potential buyers know about these books?
Not all writers are so naive to think this is a good opportunity.
This is the same story…who is the dog and who is the hydrant. I am so sick of it. I do this for a living and the amateurs are depressing prices. These entrepreneurs will drift out of the business…but will there be a business left when they do?
I think the Byron Whites of the world aren’t capable of seeing the other side of the coin. They honestly believe they’re doing a good thing for the writers. They feel writers only want to work for the glory. That we’re shallow people who are happy so long as our names are up in lights. It wouldn’t occur to them that we have bills to pay. Why on earth would we need payment when we’re being published? How selfish of us to expect money as compensation.
I propose the staff of Lifetips spend a week working without pay, only for a byline or publication. Let’s hear if it’s a good idea then.
Mr. White,
You said:
“– Agree on the popularity of the book, and possible limited sales, especially the 700+ new topics we’re launching with writers in the next year or so. But disagree on your mitigation of the excitment of getting your first book published for free.”
Surely you’re aware that getting a book published by traditional methods doesn’t cost the writer a cent? POD’s can be costly, but the writer retains the rights to the book which is worth much more than the possibility of earning a couple of bucks every once in a while.
Also, your ad says that the book will be available in bookstores. Perhaps you should clarify that “available” means that the bookstores can order a copy if someone specifically requests it, but it will never be sitting on a book store shelf for browsers to pick up.
I love your blog but wish you would use 2 spaces after a period.
Actually most editors prefer a single space after a period nowadays. All of mine do. I haven’t done a double period in years.
Kate Mc.
Double period is from the days of the typewriter. Not needed anymore, unless you still use a typewriter. Even then…