Comments on: How Honest Are You with Your Readers?

By: 25 Things You Can Learn From Deb Ng | Blogging Tips From Jade Craven

Sat, 15 Aug 2009 04:47:28 +0000

[...] her post about how honest should you be with your audience, Deb said I think one of the reasons we have such a great community here is because we trust each [...]

By: Kim

Kim — Sun, 14 Sep 2008 02:27:52 +0000

Being a freelance writer is frustrating at time to say the least. But in a sea of wannabe’s and fakers, we need honesty. I love reading the articles on this blog because they give you solid advice that can be followed and I’ve tried to use it in my freelancing lifestyle.

By: Kate West

Kate West — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 20:00:40 +0000

All I can say is that in the end, you’re happiest doing what you love, being true to yourself, especially as a writer. Sometimes it’s all we have, that need to put truth on paper. You may have to support yourself doing other things, but as long as it doesn’t mess with your integrity as a writer, do what you need to do!

By: Laura

Laura — Wed, 27 Aug 2008 01:24:57 +0000

Protecting a brand is important. But I see blogging as distinct from writing copy. So I have to agree that transparency adds value, though I do agree with jennydeckl’s point about striking a balance.

By: jennydecki

jennydecki — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 13:43:10 +0000

I don’t believe in being totally honest, because then every whim or affront I experienced would be there six months later even if I only felt it for a second or five or long enough to write a post about it.

But if you come across as non-human, no one is going to want to read it. Everyone has a different path and blogging lets people share the path they are on.

Transparency is really a myth. Sharing a little more without oversharing is what the goal is. The difference between sharing and oversharing? Well that has to do with your boundaries, not the boundaries of all your readers. I mean, how can you possibly please all of the people all of the time? You *can’t* – so be true to yourself and your comfort levels and everyone else can come along for the ride

By: Jennifer Gregory

Jennifer Gregory — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 12:52:55 +0000

I really appreciate your honesty and your post sharing this with us. I think that for post people the path between having a job and freelancing isn’t a straight line. Sometimes one is what is right for you and your family at the time, sometimes the other, sometimes a combition. I think that it is actually more enlightening as a reader to hear your thoughts as you travel one of the roads that many of us comtemplate as we figure out the dirction of our writing career.

By: Root & Sprout

Root & Sprout — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 00:22:12 +0000

I say, do what makes you feel most comfortable. Although I maintain an online magazine, I also write a personal blog. I need someplace where I can write about my good AND bad days. Life is not all fun and sunshine, and neither is work. If I were a new writer, I would much rather hear about freelancing in realistic terms than not. I also believe that anything making you appear more human and fallible will also make you seem more approachable. Honestly? I think THAT is what will attract some readers, not turn them away.

By: John Hewitt

John Hewitt — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 23:08:50 +0000

I have been having a lot of trouble with the issue of brand myself these days. While my central topic is writing, I tend to be a bit schizophrenic when it comes to my topic choices within it. for a while I will write about my Technical Writing experiences, then switch to poetry, then fiction, then suddenly to freelancing or blogging. It is possible that I could have a more devoted following if I didn’t keep switching things up on people. I think about that a lot, but I keep doing things my way regardless. My blog is what it is.

By: Writing the Cyber Highway » Blog Archive » Freelance Writing: Writers on the Cyber Highway

Sun, 24 Aug 2008 16:49:32 +0000

[...] How Honest Are You with Your Readers? by Deb Ng, at Freelance Writing Gigs – Are you honest with your readers? Do you share decisions you’ve made regarding your freelance career – decisions that could bring you negative feedback? How do you handle it? Do you ignore it and move on? What’s your take on being totally honest in your blog posts? Would you rather not? Find out what Deb has to say. I loved reading her thoughts. Check this one out. It was a great read! [...]

By: Michele

Michele — Sun, 24 Aug 2008 16:31:46 +0000

I admire your honesty, Deb. I think I’m honest on my blog. I share my mistakes, my excitement over new clips, as much encouragement and inspiration as I can. I do try to always be positive but I’ve also shared times I really messed up or my total disappointment after having to pull a story because it just wasn’t right for me to go ahead and have it published the way it had been completely rewritten and was not even my voice anymore. I plan on always being honest with my readers. It’s my nature. I believe my readers see and know that and I believe yours do, too!

I’m also a firm believer that we can’t fairly judge a person ’till we’ve walked at least a mile in their shoes. Most times we don’t do that. Even if we did “walk that mile”, our experiences and reactions would be different than theirs. Never mind the negative feedback, Deb. You’re doing an awesome job… Keep up the great work!

*smiles*
Michele