Comments on: 5 Reasons Online Relationships are Important for Freelance Writers

By: Lucy Smith

Lucy Smith — Sun, 22 Nov 2009 20:38:42 +0000

Twitter I’m still figuring out, but I think I’m getting the hang of it. I was so negative about it to begin with, because I thought it was vacuous tripe, but I think now that people are starting to harness its networking potential so it’s not quite the teenage-girl verbal diarrhoea it used to be.

Facebook I keep personal – though as I, and my friends, grow up, people are starting to develop careers and their own businesses, so maybe one day someone will remember what I do and come to me.

I also have trouble finding the time to keep up with all these sites. There are only so many hours in the day, and I need to do real work for at least some of them!

By: Debra Bacon

Debra Bacon — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 06:06:19 +0000

I am in Rupa’s shoes. I am new to social networking and have learned from some of your posts, Deb that I was kind of spamming when using Twitter and FB. My intention was not to do that, as I really have nailed down my niche (I just began online freelance writing in April 2009) Furthermore, I didn’t really understand the whole concept of online socializing. I came across, and still do, some very interesting people, places and things – I love it! Most recently, I have made more friends and I really enjoy the conversations – I feel like I have known them forever. Yet, we have never met in person. I am a faithful follower of your site, because I trust you. When I first found your site, I felt your writing style exuded sincerity, with authority. I must say that every professional relationship I have developed online has come as a result of following your advice and reaching out to others in a meaningful way. Thanks for what you do. I hope to be found sincere by others as I continue to muddle through to get it right. Ta ta

By: Rupa

Rupa — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 21:36:18 +0000

Still relatively new to social media. Have finally managed to figure out twitter to some extent, but still have a long way to go with FB. And you’re right. Once I started getting the hang of twitter and learned how to find people with common interests or where the big discussions in my area of interest were going on – it’s been a lot of fun. And very useful to find resources and people whom I trust and with whom I can connect. But all that took a while to figure out. Maybe it’s just me. My problem however is finding the time and a way to understand everything’s that’s going on and to handle multiple accounts( have tried seesmic and tweetdeck but they don’t seem to make it easier. And still hv many Qs on using them) So, while I’m reasonably active with one of my twitter a/cs (@babylovesbooks), I’ve let my other one(@rupatweets) languish.
Finding the time to keep up is a huge challenge. How DO you social media goddesses manage?!!

Thanks, as always, for these great discussions. I benefit from them even if I don’t always participate.

By: Sharon Hurley Hall

Sharon Hurley Hall — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:29:53 +0000

I totally agree with you, Deb. I’ve made many friends online who have turned into clients, or refer me to people who needed writing services. I didn’t set out to do business with them, but the evolution of the relationship built trust, as it has in your case.