sadly, I have known these people

I also work as an English teacher, and one employer asked me to write some material, on the topic of how I would tackle a certain class, and to bring it along to the job interview. I duly wrote a short paper relating to cultural differences and teaching methods. At the interview itself, the paper was whisked away and copied.

I was duly offered the job, and on Day 1, myself and the three other new recruits were given some briefing papers by management. Guess what it was? Yes, my work.

@ #3: Thanks!

There are times that editing will change the meaning, focus or importance of an article, etc. Those are some of the times when writers have every right – politely like you said – to offer their differing point of view. Often editors/clients will appreciate your take on things. I think some of the best writing I’ve ever produced came from great communication on both sides of the product. You’re right though Elijah, we shouldn’t get stuck on our “rules.”

I am not sure about #4: I think sometimes its good to make a stand — in the form of polite suggestions and opinions, of course — it’ll only show the employer your confidence. I guess the trick is not to cling to your ideas.

@Ann G: Wow. Nothing like the last zing emails. “You can’t break up with me, I’m breaking up with you!”

When I told him I was no longer interested and explained why doing that work before even landing the job was not something I was going to do, he actually did email me back and tell me that due to my “untrusting nature” I was too high maintenance for him anyway. So I guess being high maintenance isn’t a bad thing all the time!

Point number 10 definitely struck a chord in relation to some people I have had to work with. I cannot understand how some individuals actually seem to be proud of being “technologically challenged” – lazy, more like. (I once had to work with a woman who announced in a meeting that if anyone wanted to send her an email, they would have to print it out and deliver it to her home – I think she was serious too.)

Thanks for a great post which has brought a smile to my face on another busy day!

@ Angela: Good point! I was leaning more toward the hyperactive writers who freak out on the 16th when payment was due on the 15th via check. I usually give a week if it’s coming by mail on a specific date, but there’s nothing wrong with a lil’ preemptive email before payment asking if the client/editor has all the information they need from you.

@ Jenny B: Yes, thank goodness most of us don’t go to these extremes, thanks for the great compliment!

@ Melody: Thank you there’s usually nothing funnier than the truth!!

@9: You are so right. The editing/publishing world is pretty small and they (editors, etc.) move around so much between pubs that you never know with whom someone works or lunches.

Answering your prompt at the end: another one (and it’s closely tied to your no. 8): Vent to other editors you might work with about editor/publisher “x”. Editors don’t talk to each other. Never. LOL. Bravo! Nice job.

This job is wwwwaaaaayyyy more public than I’m used to but if I’m going to post stuff on a blog then I should be prepared to stand behind what I said. I want this blog to continue to be a place where people can share ideas and we’re not always going to agree with each other. I could do without the personal attacks, but not everyone who comes here is going to be a fan.

I only worry about the personal attacks that have some merit to them. It’s like this…If someone comes up to me and tells me that I’m a giraffe, I don’t worry about that because I *know* I’m not one of those. But I do consider what the person has said to see if there is some truth to it. If there is, then I will take responsibility for that. And if that means that I need to explain myself or apologize or whatever, then I will. It comes with the territory when you’re a grown up. I hope that makes sense.

Ha! I figured. After surviving the corporate world and sales, nasty web comments are at least straight forward. It’s the double meaning, corporate jargon put-downs and backhanded, thinly veiled email jabs that make me bite.

How do you deal with the nasties? Do you respond?

#3, Be careful what you wish for! If you win the contest, you may find yourself on the end of a few nasty comments as part of the job.

Mary: Me too. I’ve bitten my tongue almost to bleeding. Twitter is a pretty cool social networking site that can be a bit addictive, but it’s great to help follow info/people in the biz and market yourself as well. Check it out and let me know what you think: http://www.twitter.com

#12: You know, sometimes you can put a feeler out to see what the other person says – if you’re creative enough you can figure out if it’s just you having the poor experience or if it’s widespread without throwing dynamite. That being said, I’ve said some things I wish I could have taken back :0)

Andrea: I see your point. If snarkiness was par for the course, I would be worried as well. The overall vibe of FWJ wouldn’t work well a steady stream of sarcasm, but we’re playful enough here that a little tongue-in-cheek every once in a while is OK. I take no offense, any critique holds value. If it will help me serve the FWJ audience better and improve my skills then I’m all for it! :0)

Valencia: I had one editor rewrite an article to the point where 65% was their additions and only 35% was my own work. I did a word count I was so obsessive and smoke came out my ears, but after working with them a couple more times, I realize they did that to everyone, go figure…

#4: Thanks!

Morgan: Like minds, like minds, thanks!

#7: You’re right! That’s a good idea. You could pitch that to any business mag or site. We always think in terms of keeping clients, and how to deal with difficult clients, but I think they would be interested in how to have a successful relationship with us. Would it be too bold to put a list like that on your writer’s Web site? What do you all think? Would it turn you off as a client?

I did something similiar in a presentation to graduate students about how NOT to get accepted into doctoral programs

Jodee and Deb, I don’t mean to be disrespectful, but I’d think that both you and the candidates would want to know about the good and the not-so-good things about their entries.