But not even nicely.
I met a woman at a press conference sometime last year, the editor of some business publication.
She phones me up at my office a few weeks ago to ask me whether I could write an article for her on my industry.
She put me on the spot immediately, as my boss can hear this conversation 7 metres away. I told her to email me the particulars and I would take a look. Actually, I was just being polite: using information I have gleaned working for my magazine and writing for another would actually get me fired one time.
She sends me a brief. I pretend for a moment I am a freelancer, and imagine I am in another industry. Food and beverage, 6 000 words. That's a lot of money if I charged her the going rate per word (R2.00/$.33/£.16...actually it's not that much when you convert)
But she didn't even speak of cash. I would basically be risking my career to 'do her a huge favour because she is so swamped.'
Jezeez people have a nerve! So I left it. I get another call this morning.
"Are you working on my story?"
Actually, no I'm not. If you're swamped, then I am drwoning in paperwork bitch. You're poaching me and for no reward?
So I politely emailed her back and told her to get stuffed. Well not really. I can't back that up. I gave her the number of our competitor who quite frankly, has the journalistic flair of a moose on steroids. Her magazine is riddled in spelling mistakes, copied press releases (who does that?) and syndicated articles.
So either way, if she does do an article for this woman, which I highly doubt, it will probably be crap.
Moral: If you're going to poach me, or lead me astray, pay me. At least make the temptation worthwhile.
11 comments:
Some people dont get it!
Im still waiting for payment on a writing job i did 3 years ago for a IT company. It was the worst assignment i ever did as a freelance, it took ages and shitloads of research. They used the finished result in 3 different print mediums, when i enquired about payment they told me it didnt really fit the brief and they couldnt use it! Have since crashed their site and twice pushed business away from them.
Shit Billy, you're kidding?!
Have you billed them properly? I reckon if you have, bill them again, month on month until you irritate them so badly they actually don't know what to do with themselves. Add interest on each month as well.
What, like we have all the time in the world to just willy-nilly draw up articles for people? You're right: some people just don't get it. God it makes me mad.
I did it all properely but to be honest i have given up, what goes around comes around!
Well slip me the name of this company if you will, and I will make sure I never give them any business.
Im not malicous enough!
Bugger. :)
some people have alot of nerve
louisfrie30906881: Im sure your blog is interesting but it helps if the links you post (repeatedly) work. Use it, dont use it.
Lol Billy. :) You chirp the little spammer!
Stock investment isn't really my vibe anyway :)
How do you find something inquisitive? Aren't you inquisitive about something?
louisfrie30906881: You wouldn't happen to be the sister of a former African dictator and have a great investment opportunity for us would you?
Lol. I am very inquisitive, some may even say nosy. That's why I'm a journo ;)
But not in line with stock investments. I'm inquisitive about good food, stiletto heels, places to see, cars, that sort of thing really. Simple kind of girl. :)
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