Comments on: Writing for the Web = Instant Gratification

By: Ann G.

Ann G. — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 12:56:16 +0000

I have to say, I was just amazed. I wrote an article for Earnshaw’s magazine and received payment within two weeks. Meanwhile, I’ve been writing for a really well received online company and they say they never got my first invoice, so now it’s been two months since I’ve been writing for them and I still have no money to show from it.

By: Phil

Phil — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 12:10:31 +0000

Kelby,

“Underpaid and overworked” and “Newspaper reporter” are redundant. Spent 13 years on dailies myself. Going to a magazine was a $5,000 annual raise, plus monthly rather than daily deadlines.

Was tough when magazine job went away, but I’ve earned more in 16 years of freelancing than I would have made in 30 years at the magazine (which was actually my biggest freelance client for several years).

By: Damaria Senne

Damaria Senne — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 06:43:56 +0000

I was recently given the opportunity to make a weekly print magazine I contribute to my main writing gig, downscaling my online writing.

I said no, because I didn’t want to give up the benefits of online writing. I love the fact that my work reaches internatinal readers, not just local ones.

Articles also remain accessible through archives, and have a longer shelf-life than a print article.

Most importantly, online has helped me grow to become an international writer in my niche, rather than just being a national journo.

I know there are print veterans who look down on online writers, but when you consistently bring out quality stories, they do end up respecting your work.

Validation for my choice was shown when Reuters and a couple of international niche pubs started picking up some of my stories. They would never have found my work if it was buried in a print out here in South Africa.

By: L. L. Woodard

L. L. Woodard — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 03:20:21 +0000

I’ve had both print and web-based clients. I don’t always admit it out loud, but have to say I do swell with pride to see my byline in a print publication more so than a web-based one.

By: Kelby

Kelby — Thu, 06 Mar 2008 01:13:14 +0000

My background is 15 years in print. It’s funny to me how some people think print is the ultimate for writers, and you somehow settle for web writing or do it to get started. I did the reverse. I spent 15 years as an underpaid and overworked newspaper reporter, and I freelanced for mags. It took MONTHS to get paid for most print gigs, and that was for a good publisher.

I have finally gotten to the point where I actually prefer Web. I’ve seen my name in print enough that it doesn’t get me all aflutter anymore. I do like the instant publishing with a click, and I do like that online work I do gets paid either same day through Paypal or within 30 days on the long end. What I love even more is that web writing finally pays nicely. I’ve been doing it since the early 1990s for the fun of it! Now that it’s so in demand, I prefer it.

By: Amy Derby

Amy Derby — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 22:50:02 +0000

My writing is primarily web-based these days, but even before that transition I wasn’t a magazine writer. Working for corporate clients who have payroll departments in charge of cutting my checks, I’m lucky not to have to wait too long. Ironically, my biggest late payer — one I no longer write for — was a web-based PayPal payer. So go figure.

For Phil and the rest who write for trade pubs and such, I don’t envy your bookkeeping tasks.

By: Phil

Phil — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 22:25:00 +0000

Even many online sites pay no more promptly than print.

@Scribette,

Glad you’re successful with pay on acceptance. I write for some national print pubs (trades, mostly) and it’s pay on publication — even if article gets held for some time.

By: Scribette

Scribette — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 21:55:43 +0000

Hi! I think it depends on the publications – some print pay publications do pay faster than web writing. (and vice versa)

However – I tend to work for “pay on acceptance” terms versus “pay on publication” terms when it comes to print publications.

By: Mary Ward

Mary Ward — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 21:23:31 +0000

Exclusively on the web–fewer hassles, faster pay, simpler work. Fits my life best at this stage, but maybe that will change with age (the kids’, not mine–4 kids under 8 you need some flexibility & simplicity somewhere).

By: PreSchool Mama

PreSchool Mama — Wed, 05 Mar 2008 21:06:50 +0000

Having started off writing for the Web, I wasn’t really prepared for how late print payments arrive. It doesn’t really take the shine off having your name in print, but it does get a little frustrating when you’re balancing your monthly accounts, and there’s a check from a month ago still not in the mail. For that reason, I prefer web writing.

The actual pay for print is far, far better though, and I do find magazine writing more enjoyable, although getting a gig can be hard.