Comments on: Three Times Lucky or Three Times Stupid?

By: Mridu Khullar

Mridu Khullar — Wed, 17 Aug 2005 03:59:38 +0000

You’ve got some really interesting points there, Blaise. Don’t write off article writing though. While there are scams and people out to con you at every corner, there are MORE people who’ll help you in avoiding these scammers and even more that will give you paying work.

But I think that while I’m talking of print start-ups, you’re talking of online content sites and websites that offer to split profits. Those are a big no-no in my books too.

By: Blaise Hartman

Blaise Hartman — Wed, 17 Aug 2005 03:59:16 +0000

I started writing and found the same results. All the content pages, people scamming the writer’s work for ad profits make me sick. I’ve put article writing on hold, maybe forever. Clips from these places don’t look well on your resume, the editor you’re trying to impress will see that you work for free. Why would they want to pay for what everyone else gets for free? Best wishes and good luck to you all!

By: Anonymous

Anonymous — Wed, 17 Aug 2005 03:58:50 +0000

I recently approached the editor of a new magazine here in Spain and was told that she couldn’t afford to pay me - yet - but that she would run an ad for my husbands business for free - which she did. At first I was wary but so far it has netted him 10,000 euros worth of business so I suppose I can’t complain!
However I also wrote a detailed description of my village together with photographs for a property website (again it was in my husbands best interest to get our town recognised so I didn’t mind not getting paid) But imagine my dismay to find that they were then selling my page to other web sites!

By: Ronald Fernandes

Ronald Fernandes — Wed, 17 Aug 2005 03:58:27 +0000

Good stuff Mridu. Your experiences do go a long way in helping us prepare ourselves for what lies ahead.

You’ve done well, and you continue to inspire. Keep it going.

I’m just getting started in the ‘article-writing’ arena, and I loved your tips on the same.

Thank you!

By: Cheryl Wright

Cheryl Wright — Wed, 17 Aug 2005 03:58:09 +0000

I’ve obviously been extremely lucky - I’ve never lost money for a sale. Ever.

There have however been times when I’ve decided not to work with a magazine after I’ve queried them and they’ve accepted my proposal. Why? Because they’ve appeared unprofessional and I’ve become wary of them.

I was lucky enough to write a monthly column for the same magazine for three years without any issues until a new editor took over. When that happened, lots of errors began to occur, she wanted extra stuff without extra money (which I refused to do), I had trouble getting paid, and guess what? I was outta there quick smart!

I worked for another magazine that paid way above average rates and was pleased for the work. They asked me to become one of their stable writers, which was nice, except they went out of business in a few months. They were paying out too much, and couldn’t finance future magazines.

By: Lynette

Lynette — Wed, 17 Aug 2005 03:57:49 +0000

I think you are SO right about this issue, Mridu. I almost got stung by a start up magazine. The editor told me she loved the article I had submitted to her and would like me to write a column for the magazine. I soon came down off the ceiling when I realised that she wanted me to do this all for free with the intention of paying me ’sometime in the future if it all takes off’.

I almost told her where she could stick her magazine, not quite. Instead I pointed out that writers deserved to get paid when possible and if a magazine is running paid adverts as hers was then they should DEFINITELY get some recompense for their time and effort.

I’ve recently had an article accepted by a new magazine that debuts in December. I’ve been offered a reasonable sum for my article, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed that this will work out for me this time.

By: Sushma

Sushma — Wed, 17 Aug 2005 03:57:34 +0000

It’s very nice of you to share excellent tips with people who are just starting out in this field. One can always learn from mistakes.

Hey, inspite of all this, I must say, you’ve done very well for yourself!

By: Sarah

Sarah — Wed, 17 Aug 2005 03:57:16 +0000

Ooh… that’s rough. I’ve been looking to break into the field with pro-bono and low-paying clips from startups, but you make a good point: if they’re likely to crumble, your published work may never exist.

Thank you for sharing your experience. You’re an amazing writer with a solid reputation. Don’t let it faze you.