Thanks so much.

@ Skippy: Good point. If I’m tired or out of sorts, it’s easy to misinterpret something that I read (or something that someone says). It’s a good idea to think before you respond, whether verbally or in writing.

You’ve got it right as usual. Most people forget the fact that the online world is as real as the real world and what you post online can sometimes be literally translated on what you are as a person. So politeness and grace are as important in the internet as they are in real life.

Thanks for a great post

Back to the topic at hand, I think the nature of the web (the remote-ness) has more to do with nastiness than the presence of screen names. Even without “hidden” screen names, I’ve seen things written in forums that I doubt someone would say face to face. Any girl who has been in the fourth grade and passed notes about someone else knows that writing something down can allow you to be more bold than you would in person.

I have in the past made a snarky comment about a job…but after reflecting for a while, I realized since 1) everyone has to start somewhere and 2) the employer might be offering a trial period of employment, it’s just not a good practice to get into.

Welcome to the world of freelance writing!:) Everyone has their own approach to getting started. Some swear by bidding sites like Elance and Guru. I tried Elance once but it didn’t do much for me. I recommend you keep doing what your doing – applying for jobs. Make sure you have some samples of the type of writing you are interested in doing and polish up your resume to highlight any exerience.

I also recommend you market your services as much as possible. That saying ‘marketing is a numbers game’ is true. Consistency is the key. Also, hang out at different writer’s forums to get the 411 on what’s going on in the industry, who is hiring, etc. Lots of times prospective clients will visit some forums to advertise that they need to hire writers. And don’t forget good ole Craigslist! Hopefully some other experienced writers here will chime in to offer you more tips. Good luck to you!

Hello everyone. I am BRAND new to this world of freelance writing and don’t even know where to begin. I have been applying all over the place and just don’t seem to get any bites. Is there any advice anyone can give on a complete newbie? I can’t even land the jobs that are supposedly “low-paying.” I realize and completely agree with Deb in saying that folks have to start out somewhere and that all business should be conducted in a respectable manner. I apologize if this comment is veering off topic.

To Deb: do you have an email where I can contact you? I can’t seem to find it on your website.

Thank you and God Bless,

Amit

However, I am still of the opinion that when experienced writers accept lower paying jobs … it does not help the freelance writing industry in general.

Perhaps this factor may be one of the contributing reasons why magazine rates have not increased [or increased substantially] since the 1970s (according to writers unions)?

It’s harder to do that with blog comments, there are time I truly regret what I posted. In those instances I apologize and explain it was the heat of the moment and hope the person or people on the other end understand.

I get a lot of flack for reminding people to mind our manners when they’re here. I’m not a prude or a priss but I can’t deal with rudeness.

I wonder how many people take themselves of the grid at those times when they’re in a mood that as a dear friend of mine puts it: “makes them unsuitable for human company” (in-person or online).

Kudos though to you Louise and to the person who sent you a biting e-mail for recognizing what was done and apologizing for it.

This is a really good (and necessary/important) discussion.

I find this problem In all realms of the virtual world these days and it really bugs me. I (especially lately) have seen people posting things on forums, that they would never have the balls to say to someone’s face lest they get punched in said face. It’s disturbing. I try very hard to stick to the rule, if you have nothing nice to say… Now, when start talking about professional arenas, rudeness is just, well, unprofessional.

With so much nastiness and anger and hatred in the real world I think it is naive to think that if people only used their real names online that this would cut down or eliminate all the nasty comments.. Do you think that if people were legally required to wear name tags every time they left their house that this would also cut down on the nastiness? I am a native New Yorker and even I was surprised at how quickly the rudeness returned after 9/11. The problem is not different screennames or anonymity. The problem is that the human race still needs to evolve.

One more thing- I once sent an angry email to someone in reply to something that annoyed me. I know I overreacted but I was also going through a breast cancer scare so everything was pissing me off exponentially. Another time an editor sent me a rude email but later apologized saying she had been really overworked. I understand that sometimes when people post nasty comments they may be going through a difficult time. When people are in a crappy mood or scared about the future they can’t always be “nice’ or “positive” or “respectful.” Sometimes comments (or job posts) just rub you the wrong way no matter how innocuous they may be. Some people have to realize that in many cases nasty comments online are not personal.

I don’t believe in hiding behind a plethora of screen names and false identities. I don’t use anonymizers or IP changers. I’m me. I’m proud to be me and if I’m visiting s blog or forum, I don’t turn into someone else.

I use my name at every forum and blog I visit because I believe all the anonymity and false identities on the Internet contribute to the problem.

Being myself tells me I must always conduct myself in a grown up manner. It reminds me to be positive and treat others in a courteous manner. If I changed my identity I might be less inclined to do so.

When you go for an interview at a company, you must, must, must always be polite and pleasant to the receptionist, the interviewer’s assistant, anyone you come in contact with. Heck, even before that, anyone in the elevator, in the building. The person you rudely slam the door on in the entrance could very well be the person who is going to interview you in 10 minutes.

You never have a second chance to make a first impression, either in real life or on the ‘net.

Marijke
http://www.helpmyhurt.com
http://www.wombwithin.com

I hear a lot about branding these days but it is just one way to market yourself so I am not missing out by keeping my info private. Of course when I apply for jobs I give my real name, main email address, and other pertinent info. But there is no reason for anyone on a forum or blog to have access to this info.

@ Deb: You are absolutely right. That person that a writer dissed may turn out to have *very* deep pockets at some point. Why burn bridges?

@ Fiona: You may want to Google the screen names you use, too. They get indexed as well.

@ Angela: Congrats on the first payment! I hope it’s one of many!

@ Erika: I agree; why give a potential employer a reason “not” to hire you?