Tippyleaf Tea Update

Mon, Mar 24, 2008

So I received about a million emails in the past week wondering if James, the Tippyleaf Tea guy, has chosen a candidate. He did advertise at several other popular job boards at the same time he advertised at FWJ, so I assumed there were plenty of candidates to choose from. Today, I saw an ad at the WAHM board, placed over the weekend. I think it’s safe to say James is still looking and the job is not yet filled.

This post was written by:

Deb - who has written 555 posts on Freelance Writing Jobs.

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58 Comments For This Post

Amy Muzekari Says:
March 24th, 2008 at 8:38 pm

James’ feedback, posted a while back on your site was helpful but honestly, I found him to be a bit over the top and it really irked me. I have written commentary newspaper columns (and had large readerships) and currently write for a US top ten women’s website, viewed by thousands every day. I also have a $1 per word gig, finally! Never have I been smacked on the hand for a spelling mistake;that’s what editors are for (to catch our occasional mistakes). The Tippy guy seems to be looking for some perfect grammar-obsessed writer whom is highly knowledgeable about all things “tea” (it seems that a passion for the topic and ability to do research would suffice, to me). I hope he finds his Tea Goddess (or God)-they’ll be perfect for each other! He should offer at least $1 per word.

Kate Malone Says:
March 24th, 2008 at 8:47 pm

At least we know James’ criticism wasn’t necessarily directed at us. With ads placed all over the web it’s no wonder he received so many response. I think when James posted his “feedback” it would have been fair to mantion he posted the job at ProBlogger and Golden Pencil and other places so we’d know responses came from all over and not just this blog.

Zoe "Digital Midge" Marlowe Says:
March 24th, 2008 at 9:00 pm

I am really rather shocked by this whole Tippy Tealeaf ‘thing.’ I found his email to Deb that communicated his needs for a blogger to be a bit demeaning and sounded like he was ‘talking down’ to us ‘working stiffs’ out here. The fact that he’s probably had 4,000 emails and still hasn’t found a blogger speaks to someone who is probably not a pleasant person to work for under some circumstances. If he’s so incredibly picky, I think he should write the bloody thing himself and stop parading around the net acting like a top notch headhunter for a Fortune 500 company while he’s offering very little like that. Personally, I was disgusted with this whole issue, and I thank Deb for giving us the heads up on this poser.

Tracy Says:
March 24th, 2008 at 9:02 pm

Your mention of this particular job brings up some questions I’ve had stirring around for awhile.

With so many writers not getting responses from employers about jobs (and the employers continuing to advertise months later) - does anyone wonder if possibly some of the job advertisements are placed to build web traffic, rather than to actually hire someone?

Or possibly used to build a contact database?

I’m not even hinting that’s the case with James. It’s just another example that makes me ponder.

Is it cheaper to place ads for help than to place ads promoting your site?

Deb Says:
March 24th, 2008 at 9:26 pm

Hi guys,

Just a reminder to please be respectful. I posted the above because I wanted to let you know the job was still open. I didn’t mean it to be open season on James.

I did delete a couple of comments because of rudeness or vulgarity. Please, I don’t mind you stating your disappointment, disagreement or thoughts, but lets keep the discussion respectful.

Thanks.

Lori Widmer Says:
March 24th, 2008 at 9:31 pm

I didn’t find his post here offensive at all. It’s exactly the same experience I had when I posted an ad asking for writing help for one of my projects. I’m sorry, but if you can’t be bothered to write more than “How can I help?” or “Here’s my resume. Call me.”, don’t wait for that phone to ring. It appalls me how some writers present themselves to potential clients. Maybe James is picky, but he’s making a very strong point - this is his brand we’re expected to represent. He’s approaching the selection process in exactly the same way we should be approaching the query process.

Amy Muzekari Says:
March 24th, 2008 at 9:42 pm

James was actually insulting! I recall him saying to those who tried to get a chuckle from him in their query: “None of you were very funny.” That’s just rude and arrogant. Even my extremely successful editor who pays $1 per word is always kind and respectful. I don’t think an editor from Newsweek would be so cocky-it’s actually unprofessional.

L.L. Woodard Says:
March 24th, 2008 at 9:48 pm

I am surprised to learn that James and other job providers are having such a difficult time finding good writers.

Of course, I don’t know anyone here personally, but I have always felt I was in the company of some pretty good writing folks here.

Good luck to James and the others searching for writers; good luck to all the writers here in finding those projects you’d really like to work on.

Kitty Says:
March 24th, 2008 at 9:50 pm

I have to agree with most commenters. James’ letter came off as rude, entitled, and a tad elitist. I was relieved that I had not taken the time to apply for the job.

Paul Says:
March 24th, 2008 at 10:17 pm

This is off the topic, but I have a question regarding proofreading. Two dollars per page seems low, but is it? I have no idea. Please help. Thanks.

Erika K Says:
March 24th, 2008 at 10:21 pm

If you see a long list of “demands,” and can’t imagine you’d like to work for someone who would expect that, just don’t apply. Some employers are clearly less focused on details, some are more.

Personally, I think he’s a guy who knows what he wants. Humor is a very personable thing, and I think a query or ad response probably isn’t the place (unless it would clearly fit the job you are applying for or they are asking to see it).

Keep the personal communication stuff out of it until you’ve gotten a bit of a relationship going. Remember everyone who’s noted problems with the internet communication venue and how we have much less info to go on? Better safe than sorry to not add it if it seems questionable.

I have worked with someone who is rude and unprofessional. I realize they can come in different forms, but this doesn’t seem to be it from my viewpoint.

We don’t know James’ personal experience with clients before. Perhaps he was less picky with the current writer and was wishing he’d taken more time finding the right blend of talents and personality. It’s not like there are only 20 people to pick from. He practically has the whole globe to choose from, so I imagine in time he’ll find the right one.

I wonder if his comment about “None of you were very funny” was his way of saying, “Really, not the place and time - it didn’t add anything, it was annoying, leave it out…”

Lori’s comment is solid - how picky might you be about someone representing what you are about for hundreds and thousands of people to read?

Jeanie Says:
March 24th, 2008 at 10:23 pm

Paul, if this helps:

http://forums.writersweekly.com/viewtopic.php?t=2340

Also, I’m cringing at some of these other comments. Weren’t we all falling over ourselves with delight when we got some feedback on applications? I know I was, since I am desperately trying to land gigs.

And now we’re complaining about the feedback we got. I understand blog discussions can allow for some much-needed venting. But it is also necessary to stay professional and not grouse about what we want to know, just because we don’t agree with it.

Deb Says:
March 24th, 2008 at 10:43 pm

I find these responses interesting. A couple of weeks ago we were thrilled to receive feedback from an employer and now we think said feedback is rude? I felt James raised some valid points.

I also feel we have a right to be as picky as we want with the people we entrust to our blogs and websites. Perhaps if I wasn’t so picky about entrusting this blog to “just anyone” I wouldn’t have found Jodee.

Freelance writers are fickle. We complain about places that pay low and accept just about anyone and then we turn on those who pay a little more and offer constructive feedback.

Do we want to know what employers are thinking or not?

kim Says:
March 24th, 2008 at 10:55 pm

I agree with the points Lori made completely. I’m actually surprised so many writers took such offense. When you are hiring a writer to work for you, you should know what you want. If a potential client seems like they might be “too much” to deal with, just skip them and move on.

Erika K Says:
March 24th, 2008 at 11:01 pm

I sure do. Thanks, Deb.

Tracy Says:
March 24th, 2008 at 11:04 pm

I do, too. I’d like to hear from more of them.

Scribette Says:
March 24th, 2008 at 11:05 pm

He hasn’t found a qualified candidate yet? That’s interesting.

Scribette Says:
March 24th, 2008 at 11:08 pm

Not meaning any disrespect, but I am sure that many qualified candidates applied for that position already. To each his or her own when it comes to hiring I guess!

Deb Says:
March 24th, 2008 at 11:10 pm

@Scribette - I think “qualified” is in the eyes of the beholder. I’m sure many great writers applied but perhaps they couldn’t agree on the price or perhaps they didn’t know as much about tea as James had hoped. I think to hiring IS to each his own, though there are basic guidelines one should follow.

L.L. Woodard Says:
March 24th, 2008 at 11:11 pm

Yes, I find the feedback from potential employers helpful and enjoy learning things from the buyers’ perspectives.

Erika K Says:
March 24th, 2008 at 11:11 pm

In fact, I was especially aware of following the directions of my contract for a book review submission for a new magazine just this morning (before this was posted). I had remembered Deb’s request about following directions and our comments about how “picky” or “demanding” it seemed employers might be.

How do I know why they want emails sent to two different places, a hard copy, and a CC sent to a different person? I just did it because they said to.

Thanks, Deb, for being in my brain and having helpful posts!

Scribette Says:
March 24th, 2008 at 11:13 pm

Deb - I am agreeing with you … “to each his or her own” when it comes to hiring.

Lori Widmer Says:
March 24th, 2008 at 11:22 pm

You know, I’ve read and reread the job ad and James’ post here. I still don’t see where he’s offended anyone directly or indirectly. He’s telling you what he wants. He’s telling you how NOT to go about applying. He’s handing you what we’ve all wanted to hear - constructive feedback. Take it. If you’re offended by his post, ask yourself if it’s James who offended you or if perhaps you’ve committed one or more of the offenses he’s outlined. He started out by thanking everyone for taking the time to apply. That doesn’t strike me as someone who has an attitude.

Like I said earlier, his experience is nearly identical to mine when I put up a job posting. He asked for informal and personal style. Give him that, but watch your grammar and sentence structure. If you make a mistake, my bad. Just move on. You’re not for him and his job is not for you. The pay is pretty darned good and as a result, he’s asking for some very specific things. Put yourself in his postion. If it were your money and your project, would you be quick to choose or would you be pretty specific, as well?

becky Says:
March 24th, 2008 at 11:27 pm

Thanks for posting the update, Deb. I think the original feedback was helpful. When you’re hiring someone to represent your business, of course you’re going to be choosy.

kim Says:
March 24th, 2008 at 11:28 pm

@Lori: Exactly!

Lori Widmer Says:
March 24th, 2008 at 11:42 pm

Gave you some link love, Deb.

Kristy Says:
March 24th, 2008 at 11:54 pm

I agree with Erika K and Lori. I didn’t find James’ letter to be rude, disrespectful, condescending, or the like. He is a man that knows what he wants, both with regard to his blog and the person he hires.

The fact that he has ads still posted shouldn’t really raise an eyebrow, and I’m a little shocked at the response to this update. We don’t know his reasons for having them, so it really isn’t for us to judge. Maybe he wants more than one or it could just be that he’s taking his time in choosing.

I think writers often bemoan the fact that we’re not getting feedback from employer’s when we don’t get jobs, yet when we do there’s a huge uproar and it’s always the employer’s fault. It’s happened twice here, the one with James and the one with Deb’s ad. Rather then looking at it in the perspective that employer’s are being rude or too picky, we should consider whether we are just being too sensitive and fighting what would normally be considered constructive criticism. This is a competitive business overall and an employer is going to hire who they think is the best fit. When they offer feedback it’s not to be condescending, it’s to inform people what they are looking for. They’re feedback doesn’t apply to every job, so I don’t see why it causes so much frustration. Take it for what it’s worth and move on to the next project.

Matt Says:
March 24th, 2008 at 11:54 pm

I guess all the excitement pushed the leads to the back burner today.

Deb Says:
March 25th, 2008 at 12:10 am

@Matt-

Hi. Jodee has the day off today. I’m working on a couple of projects and will try to get leads out sometime today. If not, Jodee will have lots of leads for you tomorrow.

Amy Muzekari Says:
March 25th, 2008 at 12:13 am

Maybe it’s just me, but I wouldn’t have applied if James had been more specific in his original job post. He came off much differently in his original ad than he did in his later feedback. Usually, I get a clearer sense of what an employer is looking for and what writing for him might be like- from his/her job post. Maybe James would have weeded out a lot of applicants in the first place if he had more specifics in his job ad. I’ve read many long, finicky jobs ads listing way more criteria than were in James’ original post, making it more clear if it’s worth my while or not to respond in the first place. I appreciate when employers are up front from the very the beginning-they have every right to be as specific and picky as they want.

Lara Says:
March 25th, 2008 at 12:15 am

It might be helpful to remember that when communication is completely thru technology (blog postings, email, comments, etc.) then inflection and intent can be lost. I sure wouldn’t want someone judging me over one blog post I was asked to write - and give my opinion on ONE topic.

Matt Says:
March 25th, 2008 at 12:32 am

Thanks Deb. It’s funny, but I am somehow addicted to your leads every morning. Kind of like having coffee.

Thanks for what you do for the writing community. I’m glad to see your site getting so popular.

Anne Says:
March 25th, 2008 at 12:40 am

James posted his ad on many, many websites. If I posted that many ads and found not a single qualified person, I would take another look at my ad. I would consider my ad before just suggesting that all the thousands of respondents weren’t getting it.

Kitty Says:
March 25th, 2008 at 1:09 am

I think Anne just hit the nail on the head.

Yes, feedback from potential employers is very valuable. I would like to hear more of it, though I do stand by what I said about my impression of James and his comments.

Kate Malone Says:
March 25th, 2008 at 1:14 am

Agreed Anne. I wish James had been honest and told us how many places he placed his ad. He made it seem like we all came from FWJ and we’re all the ones he didn’t like. I didn’t see him offering feedback anywhere else.

Janet Says:
March 25th, 2008 at 2:08 am

I thought James’s ad was great, and I thought his feedback was great. I actually tried to apply, but got bounced due to the spam filter. Now that I know the gig’s still open, I’ll try e-mailing him again. Who knows? Maybe I’ll be the one to land it! : )

Ann G. Says:
March 25th, 2008 at 2:40 am

I know someone else mentioned that they’ve wondered if some of these ads are placed strictly to boost traffic. I came across one of those a few weeks ago. After sending my resume, the woman emailed me back saying I was a perfect fit. She then said to get started, she would appreciate it if I would really look over her site and offer two suggestions on what I could do to improve it with my writing. I did and never heard another word from her. Shortly after that, I saw her post the same ad in a few different places. It’s a perfect way to gain traffic.

Brandi Says:
March 25th, 2008 at 3:32 am

The biggest suggestion I would have for James is to seek out other places to post the ad. He posted them in many places that have similar audiences. He may be hitting up mostly the same writers at all of the spots, and looking for other places could give him different types of writers.

Pamela Says:
March 25th, 2008 at 5:18 am

I think the guy is a man (finally a man who makes up his mind) that knows what he wants and is not going to settle for anything less.

I like the bluntness and to the point communication.

Laurel - Freelance Marketing Jobs Says:
March 25th, 2008 at 6:02 am

There’s nothing wrong with being selective especially if it results in the right fit. James obviously knows what he’s looking for. I respect that and appreciate his feedback posted by Deb.

Scribette Says:
March 25th, 2008 at 6:13 am

Anne - your comment does make sense. (but as mentioned … to each his (or her) own I guess!)

Maybe he is taking so long because the writers he likes are not in his pay range?

I have no idea actually (I didn’t apply for this job) … but I do wish him well in his search.

Zoe "Digital Midge" Marlowe Says:
March 25th, 2008 at 12:49 pm

Sorry Deb, if my above post was ‘over the top’ on ’spanking’ James for his slightly negative-sounding laundry list of ‘requirements’ for his tea blog, but I was a bit upset because on another blog, and also thru an email I received from a writer pal in Oregon, it was mentioned that James is not looking for a blogger, just for site traffic. Some people are really tea’d off about that apparently!(pardon the witty tea pun there…)

I personally don’t care about his blog, I’m busy trying to find ‘real’ writing jobs that actually do exist out here somewhere…

Thanks

Deb Says:
March 25th, 2008 at 3:42 pm

@Zoe - That was speculation and I (personally) don’t believe it to be true. Not everyone plays games on the Internet. Some people are just selective about who they hire. James has a site he cares a lot about catering to a niche in which he’s passionate. I don’t think he’s driving traffic to his site, I think he’s looking for someone to trust his site to. I went through the same thing with this blog before I found Jodee.

Jacqueline Says:
March 25th, 2008 at 5:29 pm

I made a similar comment about site traffic right after the 2nd post about James and his feedback for us (a few weeks ago). We’re writers and I’m sure many of us fit the demographic for tea drinkers. It’s legitimate that the question of driving site traffic is brought up.

Deb Says:
March 25th, 2008 at 5:36 pm

@Jaqueline,

While I agree it’s good to be wary and look out for scams and people who play games, I don’t think we need to point fingers at people just because they don’t hire us.

You very well could be right, I just like to believe the majority of people who are looking for writers are fair and decent.

Englebert Says:
March 25th, 2008 at 6:16 pm

I have read this thread with interest.

Personally, I question anyone who would put stock into what this James character says. He’s obviously a bufoon who is only trying to drive traffic to his Web site. Is this the type of person we want to work for?

I have too many other clients to serve than to waste my ability on the likes of him. Let him thumb his nose at others and keep him off of this great Freelance Writing site. I’m not sure why he has been allowed to express his views here. It seems many here agree!

Matt Says:
March 25th, 2008 at 6:17 pm

finally a man who makes up his mind

Oh, great… another woman with stereotypical replies about males.

Seriously, ladies, this isn’t a female only site, please show some respect.

Jenn Hollowell Says:
March 25th, 2008 at 6:34 pm

It actually doesn’t surprise me that he hasn’t chosen a writer yet. If it were me, I would be completely overwhelmed by the initial response, and the even more overwhelmed by all the “so, did you find a writer yet” type emails. He’s probably STILL sifting through all the yes, no, and maybes. It’s a lot of work and, if you already have a lot on your plate, it’s difficult to find time (and energy) to get to such a hefty task.

Phil Says:
March 25th, 2008 at 7:00 pm

As far as people who don’t hire us, remember the words of Groucho Marx: “I wouldn’t want to be the member of a club whose standards were low enough to accept me.” (may not be an exact quote)

Jodee Says:
March 25th, 2008 at 7:29 pm

Since James took the time to comment here about what he wants to see in an application and the job hasn’t been filled yet, this is an opportunity for people who think they could have presented themselves better to re-apply.

James MacAonghus Says:
March 25th, 2008 at 7:42 pm

Thank you Deb for the update post. I have found someone now, they start in April. I put the job ad on three websites, but job ads always take a life of their own and appear on places I’ve never heard of for months after the job closes, I don’t have much control over that.

I don’t feel the need to answer comments critical of myself, but I do wish to answer the suggestion that I have used Deb’s great website for nefarious purposes: it never crossed my mind to use FWJ to drive traffic; additionally we don’t really sell to the US; and as it happens not one of the thousands of applicants bought tea from us.

I have always tried to be respectful of this community, and remain a keen reader. I apologise to anyone that I have offended, while bearing in mind that the nature of my interaction here centres around rejecting people (for this job), and that blogs are generally much more critical places than real life. In general though, the vast majority of you have been welcoming, so thank you.

Englebert Says:
March 25th, 2008 at 7:56 pm

This man needs to make up his mind already! It reminds me of the person who has been married eight times … gosh, don’t you think perhaps there is something wrong with you and not the suitor?

Focus on the work James. Look at the clips. Cover lettters, etc., they are all overrated sir! Results do not lie. I’m SHOCKED by the bad advice he’s given this board!

Erika K Says:
March 25th, 2008 at 8:00 pm

Could we just not assume the worst about James, please? He took a lot of time to even come here and offer insight.

This is how rumors and gossip start. Assumption, conjecture, 3rd party information, etc.

Please, let’s not be in the 6th grade here.

Deb Says:
March 25th, 2008 at 8:04 pm

Thank you James for your graceful response.

Erika K Says:
March 25th, 2008 at 8:07 pm

James -

Thank you again for offering a look inside the mind of a hiring employer. Congratulations on finding your new writer! Hopefully, you will find that your hiring process worked for you and you have a much better fit for your blog.

Mille Says:
March 25th, 2008 at 8:36 pm

@James…

“as it happens not one of the thousands of applicants bought tea from us.”

How do you know that unless you were monitoring hits vs. sales?

“it never crossed my mind”

Methinks the lady doth…

Zoe "Digital Midge" Marlowe Says:
March 25th, 2008 at 9:52 pm

This has certainly been one of the most interesting and lively discussions here on this forum! Maybe we all needed a moment to wake up and smell the coffee (or tea?).