Your comment about humility is great. I like to think I have a solid idea of “how things work,” but I try to keep an open mind and I’m willing to adjust course when someone/something persuades me to believe that I may be on the right track. Those who are convinced that they have a monopoly on the truth or who know THE way often struggle or reach plateaus because they’re unwilling to explore new ideas or to admit that there may be something new to learn.
.-= Carson Brackney´s last blog ..The Lawrence of Arabia Guide to Online Freelance Writing Success =-.

You’re right, of course. Putting your backside in the seat and your fingers on the keyboard (or otherwise working) is always the foundation.
.-= Carson Brackney´s last blog ..Writing Talent and Success… =-.

In the context of web content a la DS, etc., you’re probably spot-on. I was thinking in even broader terms when I wrote the post, but the examples you’ve outlined are a perfect example (for better or for worse) of how one can make bank even if they lack extraordinary talent.
.-= Carson Brackney´s last blog ..Writing Talent and Success… =-.

That’s a very good observation and one that probably should’ve been included in the original post. When you’re in a position where a red pen-wielding editor is involved, delivering knockout goodies does have more value than what my post may indicate. I think the overall argument holds water, though. After all, you’re unlikely to be in a position to impress that editor if you’re not taking care of the business side of things in the first place.
.-= Carson Brackney´s last blog ..The Lawrence of Arabia Guide to Online Freelance Writing Success =-.

I’m here to make a paycheck. I do that however I need to. One of the ways I earn a paycheck is by writing content, articles, performing investigative journalism, and writing copy. I also dabble in fiction, although that’s my passion, and not my paycheck.

I don’t believe you need talent to make a buck. Sure, it helps, but more important than talent is the ability to get out there and push yourself, to have determination, and the chops to make it happen. I know for a fact that I’m not the best writer out there. Furthermore, I’m not out there trying to be. I’m doing what I need to do in order to earn a paycheck. If that means writing about cat litter, I’ll write about cat litter. Or how to punt gnomes. Or design nail-clipping necklaces.

The vast majority of website content doesn’t require talent. As Carson states, “More often than not, they’ll tell you that they appreciate your quick responses, your ability to meet deadlines, your understanding of their needs, your ability to accurately communicate the appropriate message or something else that has very little to do with that glorious, poetic third paragraph.”

The emphasis is on quick responses, ability to meet deadlines, your ability to understand the client’s needs, and your ability to accurately communicate what message they want you to impart, none of which has anything to do with pretty poetry that makes the heart-strings quiver.

Money. That’s why I’m here. I don’t think writing content for places like Demand Studios requires any talent whatsoever beyond the ability to string sentences together and write concise enough for a 14 year old to understand you, yet I can sit there and make 60-75 dollars an hour doing it. Do I care whether or not someone considers me a hack? Nope. I’m racking in fat paychecks doing something that I find as challenging as flipping through the channels deciding what I want to watch tonight. Sure, I have those clients who I put forth significant effort for, but what they are paying me for isn’t my ability to write flowery prose. They are paying me to write clear, concise, complete copy on demand.

I’m a mercenary. Plain and simple. You tell me what to write, and I’ll write it. You want flowery prose, I’ll give it to you. You want a how-to article on scooping cat boxes, I’m your man. Need an investigative piece on the current political climate in X country? I’ll do the interviews and get you what you need. That’s all that is required.
.-= T.W. Anderson´s last blog ..Content Writing Experiment Conclusion =-.

In my other writing life, I am a fine writer. When I reach the point in a book where I want readers to feel strong emotion, they do; some tell me that they cry. Some go out of their way to track down my contact information to tell me how much my books have meant to them. This is, of course gratifying. It is not, however, particularly lucrative! Large amounts of time and energy are required to produce this sort of writing.

I think there is a common element that contributes to success in both fields. “Writers’ jeans” — the sort that are worn in the seat from all the hours spent at the keyboard — really do make a difference.

Congrats on your latest gig here and welcome!