Should you write on spec?
No, you should write on *paper*.

How is a raven like a writing desk, eh?

If there’s no money in it, I write what I want. If I can sell it later, Mazeltov! But I’m not writing something for someone else unless I see the greenstuff first (and that’s not a reference to Kermit).

I have had that problem, too. Not moderated posts, just ones that disappear. When I try to submit it again, I get a wordpress message that says something like “looks like you already said that” but the comment never shows up. Maybe a wordpress bug?

James,

I tend to agree with you about the shopping analogy (particularly for web-based writing). Except I see it more like asking a variety of farmers to grow me an apple and I’ll pick the one I like best. I’m not saying no one should ever work on spec. It’s a decision that works for some people and not for others. But I do think new writers should take caution and know the risks, especially if doing spec work for the web.

I’m not talking about writing on spec as much for the established writer, but for someone trying to get his foot in the door. I don’t need to write on spec at this point in my career and I have no interest in doing so. It helped me get my start and might prove beneficial to to others.

Certain comments do go to moderation – if they have a link in the post they’re automatically moderated. If this is your first time commenting (I know it’s not) you need approval for the first comment only. Also certain vulgar words are moderated.

I don’t see you in the moderation queue, however. I’m not sure why your comment got stuck.

Deb