As a freelance writer, I find myself being asked to research all sorts of topics for my clients. I could tell you more about how prison tattoos are inked than you would probably ever want to know, for example. Sometimes it just blows my mind that I get paid good money to do what I do. After all, with the Internet so easily at our disposal, writers barely even have to set foot in a library anymore.
That’s why I really hope that my clients don’t find out about this new website I’ve been using to research their topics. If they did, then I fear I may be out of a job. It’s called “Let Me Google That for You,” (www.lmgtfy.com), and if word gets out, all of us freelance writers could be in for a world of hurt.
I mean, if our clients were to discover that they could look things up for themselves, then where’s their incentive to hire us to do it for them? I’m especially worried because a lot of the clients I’ve worked with wouldn’t necessarily know good writing if it snuck up and bit them. Why, they might copy and paste someone else’s material, or—worse yet—try to write it themselves. The very idea makes me shudder.
Let Me Google That For You doesn’t just put our jobs at risk, either. My husband, for example, is in IT, and if his clients were to realize that they could simply look up the answers to their questions without dragging him away from his work to do a Google search for them, there could be some pretty drastic consequences. His work productivity would go up, his clients’ work productivity would go up, and the next thing you know, everyone would be meeting deadlines and enjoying their weekends. Considering the fact that he’s a State employee, that kind of situation would just be unacceptable.
So, freelancers, I’m happy to share this incredible research tool with you, but please be careful not to let the URL fall into the wrong hands.
Also, if you’re looking for just the right imagery in your next prison tat, drop me a line, ‘cause I can totally help you out with that.
I enjoyed your post very much…great imagery conjured about the inmate tattoo and the scenario if everyone would’ve learned to type keywords and google. Loved it! tee-hee.
Wow, I tried the service then I scratched my head and said I don’t get it.
Then I realized it must of been a joke
sometimes I am a bit slow.
It’s true, letting people know that they, too, can have the world of information at their fingertips is dangerous!
@Wei – Thanks! I was pretty amazed to learn about how the different images in prison tattoos had so much significance.
@Casey – Don’t feel too bad. When my husband first told me about lmgtfy, I didn’t get it either. It’s what I like to call a “joke grenade.” You pull the pin and then wait for the bang.
@Deb – Seriously, how did we survive without the ability to Google the answers to our questions? I know that in our family, we had one couple who knew “everything,” and we would call them at all hours of the day and night to settle arguments for us.
Don’t go telling everyone. That’s my favorite forum link for the questions
Lorna – be very careful with imparting this information. It’s the equivalent of giving the cavemen fire, the wheel and veet all at the same time. Our world could come crashing down amongst us!
Simon