I’ve been giving this whole idea of paid blogging some thought, obviously. I’m sure those positions with ClubMom.com are going to be highly competitive, and they’ll be swamped with thousands of applicants. One of the main reasons I posted that job opportunity is because it highlights the level of respect companies are starting to show for blogging.
Personally, I think most writers are underpaid for the amount of work that is required. There has been a huge discussion this past week in one of my online writing groups about plagiarizing and copyright infringement. Since it’s so easy to cut and paste, people do it all the time without a second thought.
I’ve finally gotten fed up with people who forward me cute stories and jokes that don’t have a writer’s name on them. This is plagiarizing, people. STEALING. There are a few individuals who keep sending me these things, and I’ve finally asked to be removed from their lists. I don’t want any part of that anymore. (Plus, people assume I’m only interested in “religious” things, so I keep being sent pictures of “The Last Supper sand sculpture” and things like that.)
I do subscribe to a few e-newsletters that send me interesting stories, quotes, news items and devotionals, and these help keep me updated on topics that interest me. But these newsletters always contain a byline, giving the author full credit. Often, the author is supported by advertising, so when I click through to check out an ad, that helps the author earn money.
Have you ever cut-and-pasted something funny in your blog or in emails to people without giving the author credit? Don’t do it. It’s the same as making xerox copies of a book and not paying for it. Or burning CDs without paying the artist. You can actually be sued for plagiarizing. If you copy more than four words in a row without giving the writer credit, that’s plagiarizing. It’s done all the time, and is rampant in schools and colleges now. (Students must think their professors are idiots. You wouldn’t believe some of the stuff they try to get away with around here. They say, “Oh, I didn’t know it was plagiarizing to cut and paste an entire article, then sign my name to it to get a grade for it. Oops. My bad.”)
I enjoyed reading about La Shawn Barber’s new direction for her blog. In her post, LBC Retooling, she explained that she’s not going to be posting as much because she’s publishing her opinions in a lot of different places now. She’s also been approached by several literary agents and publishing houses lately who want her to write a book — so that’s where she’s headed. I say way to go, La Shawn. Here’s what she wrote in her post:
Before the blog, I used to submit op-eds to newspapers twice a month. Sometimes I hit, sometimes I missed. But the process became a habit. As the blog began to grow, I lost the habit and concentrated on writing for the blog. The audience grew. If all I wanted to be was a blogger, the goal was achieved. But I want to be a writer again. In fact, I want to be considered a writer first. Blogging is great, but I want to be influential and known outside the blogosphere…
Then again, political bloggers with heavy traffic tend to do a lot of outside-the-blog writing and speaking. I’ve been approached by literary agents and publishing house editors about writing a book (because of this blog!), and I’m just now at the point where I can focus on it. I’ve written a couple of very rough draft proposals, but I need to get serious.
I also like what her Language Artist site says about the future of business blogging. One of her interests is blog consulting. I like what she says about it here.
Most of us moms who blog do it because we like reaching out of our own small sphere of influence. Through writing online, we’re able to reach people around the world, bridging cultural and language gaps. I started a blog for two main reasons: one, because Stacy from Mind & Media asked if I’d join her book reviewing team, which you must have a blog with decent traffic to do. And the second is because I got tired of emailing people the same stories over and over. Although I don’t use my blog as an online journal, it still helps my family and friends see what I’m up to. (I actually do have a life outside of changing diapers and wiping up spilled juice, see?)
Yet I’m starting to realize that I do a disservice to the whole profession of writing when I spend hours and hours of my time to write for somebody else for free or for low pay. My personal blog is one thing — I enjoy posting whatever’s on my mind here — and I’ll continue to do so. But if I’m working hard for someone else, I’m not going to write for free or for peanuts anymore — unless I choose to do so.
So, for one thing, people keep sending me books to review that I haven’t asked for, and I’m sorry, but I’m just not going to write reviews unless I receive an assignment from a publication. If I read a great book on my own and want to post it here, I will. If I request one of the new books offered to Mind & Media reviewers, I’ll post my review here because I’m free to post my honest opinion in my own blog. Otherwise, I’d rather write ad copy for a publisher who will pay me to write about the good points of a book. I know I can do this — why not be paid for it?
It takes time and energy to market myself and seek job opportunities that pay well — but this is what’s best for my family. If I’m going to sit at the computer and write, I’d rather be earning money that can help pay our bills or buy some things our children need (like new clothes — why do they insist on outgrowing things?)
This is my long, drawn-out version of the word “no,” which I’m going to be saying a lot more in the future. I’ll just send people the link to this post and say, “Here’s why I can’t write for you for free.” We don’t expect dentists to work on our teeth for free. We don’t expect plumbers to fix our pipes for free. So writers shouldn’t be giving away words for free either. Unless we choose to do so. (The same as some dentists will go to poor countries and do dental work as a ministry.)
Whew. No time for FlyLady talk today. I’ve got to get off the computer and get some other work done around here. Hope you have a good weekend.
Wow! You’re up early (so am I). I just hooked onto your blog this morning to get back to the Carnival of Beauty link, and boy was I hit with some of your heavy writing thoughts! And in a good way, too.
You are right on the edge of what is happening with women writers and bloggers. The leading edge. I really enjoy reading your posts, you’re one of my favorites. I look forward to seeing how your writing evolves. You have been blessed with a wonderful talent.
Comment by Karin — March 10, 2006 @ 5:44 am
Oops, Karin. You’ve discovered my secret! The only time of day I can THINK without being interrupted 95 times a minute is when I get up early. (Very early.)
Our house gets going at 6:30 am, so after that, my other full-time job kicks in. I also know my readers across the ocean like to read blogs before they go to bed. (I always find that interesting … as I’m starting my day, someone in Japan or Australia is ending hers.)
Comment by Heather — March 10, 2006 @ 5:56 am
You touched on several topics in your, yet another, great post (oh, I wish I could write like you)…
.
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Anyway, if I see something interesting in the blogsphere or web, I usually just link to it (unless of course I do one of those ‘bloggy things’
Second – why I am blogging, not to be writer, but to be a witness for my Lord…I think that is why I have 2 blogs to have a ‘wider’ audience. I think God can use the blogsphere to His glory, and if I can contribute to it, PTL…
Oh yeah – the other thing about getting stuff in the email. I still get it sometimes, but you know what, although a Christian, I am still in the world – so why just Christian? I think most people think that we would be offended by ‘worldly’ things, which is mostly true. So, just see it that way
Have a blessed weekend in the Lord and ‘cut’ out some time for yourself.
((((hugs))))
Comment by eph2810 — March 10, 2006 @ 9:43 am
I’m glad you mentioned some of this Heather as I’ve always been tentative about quoting others. I always reference the person, but I still feel weird copying and pasting something someone else wrote even though I give them credit. Can I basically take anything someone writes and post a quote in my blog as long as I credit the person? I wonder if you could do a short article on the proper way to reference others, especially in the blog world.
Comment by Carrie — March 10, 2006 @ 1:02 pm
I have the same question, Carrie. Does anyone know the “rules” for quoting others in a blog? For some reason, I have in my mind that you can quote up to three paragraphs as long as you include the source (and usually a link). Where did I hear that?
As far as books go, I also have a vague recollection of hearing a speaker at a writing conference say that you can quote up to 500 words from a book if you give proper credit to the source and you’re not selling the information.
I know blurbs from my book reviews are quoted here and there, and no one ever asks if they can quote me. I assume this is standard. I actually appreciate the blurb if I get the proper credit and I’m not misquoted!
Does anyone have the real scoop? As you see, I’m vague about this, certainly lacking in expertise. I just know there are writers who say their blog posts and online articles are showing up on other people’s sites with no credit mentioned at all. Their words have been swiped completely.
What is the Copyscape logo I see on some people’s blogs? Is that some kind of service?
Comment by Heather — March 10, 2006 @ 1:29 pm
Wow! You sure had a lot to say today!
I am a low paying publisher, but my ad revenue is also low and that’s what I use to pay writers…just like any other magazine, I have a budget to keep to.
Yet, I believe, like you said, that you have the choice to choose who you will or will not write for and what pay you will or will not accept.
I know several writers in my online magazine have come back to tell me that regional print publishers have contacted them about reprint rights for articles that have appeared on my website. I find that a great compliment and great to know paying reprints can up a writer’s salary!
Sometimes I guess, it stings to hear writers put down low paying publications and then turn around and see those same writers give free articles to publications they “believe” in. I know it’s a choice.
Comment by Dabbling Mum — March 10, 2006 @ 2:19 pm
Well said Heather.
I don’t even consider myself a writer. I actually began my blog not to influence anyone. I wrote (and still write) about the things that I want my children to know. That’s the test of what I post about. If what I write helps my children learn more about me or the world as I see it then it’s bloggable. Pure and simple test. The death of homeschool mom Missey Gray provided me with additonal motivation to continue in my initial purpose.
I know that’s not the goal for everyone. And it shouldn’t be. But I got tired of saying someday I’m gonna write down these things. Blogging came along and the timing was right for me. For some reason when I sit at the computer my mind thinks more clearly. My children will have many thoughts should the Lord decide to take me home.
As for the rules. I think they are the same as any form of written publication. You are allowed to copy for critical review and to provide excerpts.
As far as pay. I am getting paid some for what I write. I refuse much more than I take on. I don’t know what the going rates are for writing. Perhaps I’ll find out I’m working for too little. But some of the publications that have taken my writing are not for profit groups. I’m glad to provide some encouragement and support. If God uses my writing for that purpose the gratification of knowing that I have helped others is worth something to me. It may not pay many bills but that’s OK. I’ve been on the needy end of encouragement before and a word fitly spoken to me was refreshing. If I provide that to someone else thank God.
Comment by Spunky — March 10, 2006 @ 6:45 pm
I’m FAR from professional so my comments really have little value as to evaluating professional writing. But I am professional READER!!! I do read blogs, a whole slew of them. I probably should spend more time doing other things, but alas I have a thing for reading blogs!
I’ve found in my reading that some of the more well known “power bloggers” who have a large audience just write empty words. While they may get a good response and get a book deal, their words are simply to please others, or to reach an audience that will attract more hits for them.
With my humble (read: boring) little blog, it was started to keep our family & friends who did not live nearby updated on our daughter who was going through a lot of medical stuff. (see words like alot & stuff do not make you a power blogger!!!). I also did it as an outlet for ME. I’ve always enjoyed writing.
Now I’ve come to a place where I just write whatever is on my heart. I write for the Lord and I write for my family.
While I’d love to get paid and be more known out in the blogosphere, I just refuse to trade who I am for empty words that draw an audience. Paychecks would be very nice but I will always stay authentic to whom I am and what I believe. I did check out the clubmom thing sheerly out of curiosity, but some of clubmom’s forums do not line up with my belief system. While I wouldn’t rule out blogging for them based on that fact alone, I can wholeheartedly say I will never “tone down” my personal voice in order to get a paycheck.
I see Spunky’s comment above…she is one of my FAVORIITE bloggers. I obviously don’t know her personally but her words seem to authentically reflect who she is in everyday life.
I’ve just recently found your blog Heather. Beautifully done.
Comment by Lindsey — March 11, 2006 @ 8:45 am
Thanks Lindsey. Your comment made my day! I am what I blog and I blog who I am.
Blessings
Comment by Spunky — March 11, 2006 @ 6:39 pm
Well said (as usual) Heather
)
Comment by Blair — March 13, 2006 @ 5:27 pm