Vegans are People Too
October 15, 2006 by admin
Filed under Entertainment
The ad:
"If you are looking for an opportunity to have your writing published then this posting is for you. We are looking for talented writers who are passionate about vegan/vegetarian eating, buying organic and local, natural health, environment protection, poetry, politics and the list goes on.
Our format is based on the writing styles of people "in the know" who can creatively express their point of view. Only well written and intriguing articles will be published. What topic you choose to write about is up to you. Be intelligent, creative, but most of all have fun with it.
Upon contacting us you will need to send a resume and a writing sample(s). Without both you will automatically not be selected to have your writing featured. GOOD LUCK!"
OK.that’s just ass, and I’m going to tell you why. It’s one thing to not want to pay your writers, we can argue the pros and cons of writing for free until the cows come home and it’s too early in the day for me to get into that right now. Don’t justify your cheapness with the old exposure/resume booster thing. Publishing credit, my eye. Do you think any editor worth his weight in salt is going to look at my resume and say, "This writer wrote a wonderful article about strained carrots for Vegan Monthly, circulation 10, of course I’ll hire him." Trust me, that aint gonna happen. If you’re going to offer me exposure, a byline or what have you, you better be sure my name is going to be seen by more than the members of your email forwards list. That’s point one.
Point two. I can sympathize with your need to find knowledgeable, talented writers. Certainly asking for a resume and writing samples will help to weed out the dregs. Is it possible, however, that we might be setting our standards a bit high? Perhaps there are those who are seeking to write for "publishing credit" because they have none to speak of?
Oh this blog is long overdue!
What Kurt said. I’m really enjoying your rants.
I personally love the ads that require 2 years’ experience, a degree in Journalism or Communications, two languages and 24/7 commitment. You are to write, edit, proofread, conduct interviews, manage the website, do all the admin work, market research, work at events in the off-hours, manage photographers, sell ads, and of course know Powerpoint, Excel and Photoshop.
And your reward for all the skills, experience and juggling they demand of you?
$25,000 a year. In New York City.
Amen! Underpaid, underappreciated.
Woe is we.
Just joined (via Deb Ng’s blog) so I could tell you that this blog is hilarious. Please keep up the cranky work!
Right on! It all needs to be said.
Just blogged you at http://www.thegoldenpencil.com/2006/10/16/craigslist-curmudgeon/
yeah, I post jobs too.
Anne Wayman
I love that you pointed out that offering “exposure” and an opportunity to break into the biz seems kind of counterintuitive when the ad requires a resume and a laundry list of qualifications. How do the advertisers not see this?