http://www.cocomment.com/comments/laura36 Copyright 2007 coComment.com 2009-11-24T08:36:58.460+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/images/logo4rss.gif http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=laura36&conv=2556482&comment_id=121533184 Laura Spencer Thanks for all the comments! Watershawl - you make an excellent point. I appreciate your feedback. 2009-08-08T17:02:20.121+02:00 2009-08-08T17:02:20.121+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=laura36&conv=2557005&comment_id=121528424 Anonymous I don't think that you have to limit yourself to a single option. Try several of these and find out what works best for you. 2009-08-08T16:37:49.151+02:00 2009-08-08T16:37:49.151+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=laura36&conv=2557003&comment_id=121528174 Anonymous Here's my list of resources on how to write: 1. The best resource is your client, make sure that you've reviewed their materials thoroughly 2. Make sure that you have a good dictionary and thesaurus handy 3. Grammar Girl, http://grammar.quickanddirtytips.com/ (she has a book too). 4. Writers Digest Write Better section, http://www.writersdigest.com/WriteBetterCategory/ (deals with all types of writing, not just article writing). 5. Copyblogger, http://www.copyblogger.com/ (he covers other topics too, but when it comes to writing these folks know what they are talking about) 6.Web Writing Info, http://webwritinginfo.com/, (I think Courtney posts at WAHM sometimes) 7. Willow's site has already been mentioned, http://freelancehomewriter.blogspot.com/ 8. Freelance Writing by Chrisblogging, http://www.chrisblogging.com/ (I think that I found him on WAHM too) 9. 150 Resources to Help You Write Better, Faster, and More Persuasively, http://oedb.org/library/features/150-writing-resources (long list) 10. Pick The Brain post, http://www.pickthebrain.com/blog/how-to-write-faster-better-and-easier/ Many other writing blogs post tips from time to time, but aren't solely about how to write. I hope that this helps! Best wishes to you. 2009-08-08T16:32:48.597+02:00 2009-08-08T16:32:48.597+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=laura36&conv=2556995&comment_id=121519919 Anonymous Deb Ng recently posted a list of 50 places that hire writers. Here's Deb's list: 50 Places That Hire Writers (http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com/2009/07/50-places-that-hire-freelance-writers/). Deb only posts higher paying opportunities, so I would guess that some of these could be worth $300 a week. Best wishes to you! I hope things get better soon. 2009-08-08T16:11:40.174+02:00 2009-08-08T16:11:40.174+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=laura36&conv=2556482&comment_id=121375111 Laura Spencer Great comments (and experiences)! Jennifer - I like Lifehacker too (at least, I think that' s the one that I like). 2009-08-07T23:38:07.976+02:00 2009-08-07T23:38:07.976+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=laura36&conv=2556482&comment_id=121300327 Laura Spencer Thanks Shevonne and Matt! I also shudder at the thought of doing my work with a typewriter. Remember whiteout (sp)? 2009-08-07T16:40:23.814+02:00 2009-08-07T16:40:23.814+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=laura36&conv=2555980&comment_id=121112868 Laura Spencer I echo Nikhil's comment. It's good to see this new blog. I know it will definitely be a site that all of our readers will want to follow. 2009-08-06T17:46:38.548+02:00 2009-08-06T17:46:38.548+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=laura36&conv=2555938&comment_id=121099052 Laura Spencer Good post! I used to take my computer along on vacations and work in the evenings and early mornings. I quit doing that this year and started negotiating with my clients instead. For larger breaks, I tell them I am going to be gone. Last weekend I took Friday, Saturday, and Sunday and didn't even tell anyone. An eyeopener for me was when I worked nights and weekends to meet a client deadline -- only to have to wait for them to get back to me because they had scheduled their own vacation for the project due date. (Not all deadlines are hard and fast.) 2009-08-06T16:21:29.710+02:00 2009-08-06T16:21:29.710+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=laura36&conv=2552420&comment_id=120886710 Laura Spencer Dave - What a great idea! It's innovative and combines networking and learning. Plus, it's not expensive. (Perfect for the freelancer!) 2009-08-04T17:27:26.675+02:00 2009-08-04T17:27:26.675+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=laura36&conv=2552420&comment_id=120809012 Laura Spencer Thanks Lexi! Well, years ago one employer made this comment about my STC (Society for Technical Communication) membership - "It shows that you're serious about technical writing." The comment stuck with me and I think it's applicable to freelancers getting training - if you invest in training in your field it shows that you're serious about freelancing. . . 2009-08-04T17:08:10.117+02:00 2009-08-04T17:08:10.117+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=laura36&conv=2552420&comment_id=120836320 Laura Spencer Thanks Chris and Maxmilian! Maxmilian - Thanks for the tip about the tutorials at lynda.com. I'm off to check them out myself! 2009-08-04T15:57:48.323+02:00 2009-08-04T15:57:48.323+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=laura36&conv=2552420&comment_id=120765536 Laura Spencer Vu Tran and Haryo - Thanks for sharing your educational and training experiences and goals! It sounds like you both have good plans in place to keep current with what you need to know. 2009-08-04T05:18:41.713+02:00 2009-08-04T05:18:41.713+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=laura36&conv=2552420&comment_id=120548176 Laura Spencer Thanks Igor! There IS a lot of free information available, it's true. Sometimes, however, a freelancer (just like a company) may wish to include a credential (either a certification, certificate, or diploma) to show that they have the knowledge. Also, traditional classes offer the opportunity for face-to-face networking. 2009-08-03T20:25:08.522+02:00 2009-08-03T20:25:08.522+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=laura36&conv=2552850&comment_id=120591648 laura36 Please click one of the Quick Reply icons in the posts above to activate Quick Reply. 2009-08-03T20:02:07.423+02:00 2009-08-03T20:02:07.423+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=laura36&conv=2549689&comment_id=120287476 Laura Spencer Thanks --Deb! I think the novel project is probably a bit more complex than an e-book project. (Although I guess you could publish a novel as an e-book.) At least with the e-book project that I did I didn't have to worry about character development. Good luck on your novel! 2009-07-31T05:13:59.392+02:00 2009-07-31T05:13:59.392+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=laura36&conv=2549523&comment_id=120287465 Laura Spencer Thanks everyone for commenting. Don't feel bad if you see yourself in one of these lies. We all get caught up in them from time to time. 2009-07-31T04:48:33.579+02:00 2009-07-31T04:48:33.579+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=laura36&conv=2487868&comment_id=120746595 Laura Spencer Hi Fernando, I see that you found me here too. So far, I've been fortunate. I've had a few gigs that "shut their doors," but have been able to replace them with other projects. I have noticed some clients are paying more slowly than previously, though. 2009-07-30T23:31:17.249+02:00 2009-07-30T23:31:17.249+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=laura36&conv=2487868&comment_id=120271762 Anonymous Hi Fernando, I see that you found me here too. So far, I've been fortunate. I've had a few gigs that "shut their doors," but have been able to replace them with other projects. I have noticed some clients are paying more slowly than previously, though. 2009-07-30T23:30:52.483+02:00 2009-07-30T23:30:52.483+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=laura36&conv=2549523&comment_id=120855699 Laura Spencer Great comments! Keep them coming. . . BTW, Fernando thanks so much for the compliment. This is actually a team blog. My personal blog link is in my bio. 2009-07-30T22:59:12.592+02:00 2009-07-30T22:59:12.592+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=laura36&conv=2549523&comment_id=120271041 Laura Spencer Interesting comment Alex! I'm not sure that I agree entirely. The label "freelancer" isn't necessarily bad in and of itself. When hiring an independent contractor (regardless of whether they call themselves something else) it's important to conduct due diligence - check references, ask for samples, and so on. 2009-07-30T20:20:10.385+02:00 2009-07-30T20:20:10.385+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=laura36&conv=2549523&comment_id=120270645 Laura Spencer Hi Rachel! There's nothing wrong with reading blog posts. I surely didn't mean to imply that. You can learn a lot by reading blogs (and I hope our readers who don't comment learn a lot). It's only when we fool ourselves by telling ourselves that reading counts as networking for our freelance business that it's bad. Networking is an important marketing step and merely reading isn't quite enough. Whatever the case, I'm glad you decided to step forward and leave a comment. 2009-07-30T18:58:51.321+02:00 2009-07-30T18:58:51.321+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=laura36&conv=2549309&comment_id=120254265 Anonymous I think this discussion is an excellent example of why it's a good idea to have contracts, or at the very least, hammer these types of things out before you take on a project. Then all you would have to do to answer this question is look at your original agreement. In a case of true ghostwriting, like LBD's fictional example with Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart would potentially be harmed if it were discovered that she used a ghostwriter. Unless she's given the writer permission to claim the work IMHO it would be wrong to do so even if you could get away with it legally. On the other hand, we writers tend to call a lot of things ghostwriting that aren't really ghostwriting at all. For example, let's say that a furniture company hires me to create web copy for their website. Although I don't get a byline for creating the web copy I think it's okay for me to use it as a sample (unless I'm contractually bound not to) since claiming it won't harm the furniture company. Likewise, I do a lot of technical and business writing. I don't get a byline for these projects. However, as long as I don't share any proprietary information with the company's competitors I'm entitled to use these as samples of my work. I usually pair such samples with a reference from the company who will, among other things, verify that it is indeed my work. This is an interesting discussion. 2009-07-30T17:17:04.433+02:00 2009-07-30T17:17:04.433+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=laura36&conv=2552907&comment_id=120596699 Laura Spencer Well said Mason! I agree 100% Each of us has his or her own definition of success and not everyone has bought into society's definition. Your third world definitions did give me food for thought. Most of us in the U.S. and European countries have so much that we take for granted. The takeaway point, I think, is to know what you want and pursue that. Anything else and you're bound to feel less than successful. 2009-07-28T22:05:43.612+02:00 2009-07-28T22:05:43.612+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=laura36&conv=2550781&comment_id=120525849 Laura Spencer LOL, BookAddict - I love your honesty. It's certainly easier to get excited about finishing a high-paying gig that a low-paying one. Bebop designer - I've also used timers. (Especially when I was trying to increase my writing speed.) 2009-07-28T16:42:56.504+02:00 2009-07-28T16:42:56.504+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=laura36&conv=2524464&comment_id=120591567 Laura Spencer Thanks Joe! Well, I'd love to have you buy the book although I don't give specific tax advice either. Any tax advice in the book is general, although that general information is news to many freelancers since some of them don't have any type of accounting background. Still, I hope that you do decide to buy. 2009-07-28T01:40:32.961+02:00 2009-07-28T01:40:32.961+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=laura36&conv=2550781&comment_id=120383464 Laura Spencer Wow! Thanks for including the additional tips in the comments. You've added some very helpful ideas. Keep the ideas coming! 2009-07-27T20:03:04.261+02:00 2009-07-27T20:03:04.261+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=laura36&conv=2551931&comment_id=120783191 Laura Spencer Thanks to everyone who shared their experiences, advice, and other feedback. That's what makes the Freelance Folder community so great! As a reminder, I'd just like to point out that it's not freelancing itself that harms people's health, but rather the bad habits we freelancers tend to pick up, 2009-07-27T15:54:15.376+02:00 2009-07-27T15:54:15.376+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=laura36&conv=2551931&comment_id=120520576 Laura Spencer This is a great discussion! Thanks to all of you who have chimed in with your own personal experiences. Stay healthy! 2009-07-24T15:58:39.493+02:00 2009-07-24T15:58:39.493+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=laura36&conv=2551931&comment_id=120508536 Laura Spencer Liz - what a find at that garage sale. Lucky you! I'm glad that you are able to benefit from a proper chair. Natalia - thanks for sharing the benefits of exercise. Keep up the good work! Keep those stories and ideas coming! 2009-07-23T21:35:12.897+02:00 2009-07-23T21:35:12.897+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=laura36&conv=2551931&comment_id=120504404 Laura Spencer Hi Mindy! You are so right! Ergonomics, user-friendliness, and related topics should be covered in school. However, now that we are on our own it our responsibility to learn as much as we possibly can. Welcome Brad! My husband has a specially designed, ergonomically correct work chair. Unfortunately, his was rather expensive. I've also heard that if you sit on an exercise ball it will force you to have correct posture. I haven't been able that figure it out yet. . . I actually need to do something about my own workstation. My back has been hurting a lot lately and I know it has to do with my computer set up/desk chair. 2009-07-23T19:43:37.945+02:00 2009-07-23T19:43:37.945+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=laura36&conv=2551934&comment_id=120506461 Laura Spencer Great advice for clients who need work done really quickly. Clients should realize that there is a "give and take." Rush jobs should not be the rule, but rather the exception. When a client needs the work done "yesterday," there should be some concessions - higher pay, scope adjustments, etc. 2009-07-23T19:27:59.696+02:00 2009-07-23T19:27:59.696+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=laura36&conv=2547328&comment_id=120007567 Laura Spencer Thanks for all the feedback. Of course, as Andrew points out, there are many roles that we must play as freelancers if our business is to succeed. It is easy to forget this. 2009-07-22T02:10:20.977+02:00 2009-07-22T02:10:20.977+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=laura36&conv=2547328&comment_id=119973120 Laura Spencer Thanks Rita! I'm glad that it helped. Sadly, too many freelancers don't see themselves in the role of a president or even owner of a company. 2009-07-21T22:23:06.339+02:00 2009-07-21T22:23:06.339+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=laura36&conv=2547090&comment_id=119887088 Laura Spencer Thanks so much for including me in your list of valuable resources that you regularly read. I appreciate your frequent comments, experience, and insights. I know that I've learned from your posts as well! 2009-07-21T14:37:59.757+02:00 2009-07-21T14:37:59.757+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=laura36&conv=2545124&comment_id=119462044 Laura Spencer Wayne! Thanks for sharing both sides of the coin. You are absolutely right - it depends on the people. 2009-07-19T15:13:56.474+02:00 2009-07-19T15:13:56.474+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=laura36&conv=2545124&comment_id=119462043 Laura Spencer Wow Rhi! Thanks so much for sharing your story! What an experience you've been through! It sounds like everything that could go wrong in such a scenario did go wrong. I'm truly sorry that you had such an extreme problem when working with your friend. I hope that she will come to her senses and realize that your business belongs to you. At the very least, I hope that both of you can move past this negative experience. 2009-07-19T15:13:12.591+02:00 2009-07-19T15:13:12.591+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=laura36&conv=2545124&comment_id=119081338 Laura Spencer Great stories! Frankly, I expected a few more family business success stories. (I know that they are out there. . .) 2009-07-17T23:40:21.148+02:00 2009-07-17T23:40:21.148+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=laura36&conv=2545124&comment_id=119009692 Laura Spencer Good advice Matt! As far as the resume thing, I think that's a common experience for writers (and it's a lot more work than people realize). 2009-07-17T17:02:18.000+02:00 2009-07-17T17:02:18.000+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=laura36&conv=2545124&comment_id=119006114 Laura Spencer Thanks for sharing your experience Nicholas! I think that every business owner must deal with this issue sooner or later. 2009-07-17T16:48:07.498+02:00 2009-07-17T16:48:07.498+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=laura36&conv=2543898&comment_id=118614067 Laura Spencer This is a great discussion! I think it's important to examine the issue from both the client's perspective and the freelancer's perspective. 2009-07-15T23:46:53.114+02:00 2009-07-15T23:46:53.114+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=laura36&conv=2543898&comment_id=118535873 Laura Spencer Thanks Maximilian! I think that we get in the habit of judging things by appearances, but it's really the contents that matter. This is especially true when it comes to people. What's on the inside is what really counts. As you point out, appearances may be required by an employer and not an accurate reflection of who a person is. 2009-07-15T16:50:26.939+02:00 2009-07-15T16:50:26.939+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=laura36&conv=2542404&comment_id=118071868 Laura Spencer Thanks so much for sharing your comments and your ideas! 2009-07-13T23:34:07.642+02:00 2009-07-13T23:34:07.642+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=laura36&conv=2542404&comment_id=118012280 Laura Spencer I love the comparison Raymond! Thanks for your feedback. 2009-07-13T19:02:10.500+02:00 2009-07-13T19:02:10.500+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=laura36&conv=2542404&comment_id=118012275 Laura Spencer Thanks to everyone for your feedback! I'm glad that you enjoyed the article. Feel free to add any tips on how you increase or apply your creativity. 2009-07-13T19:00:57.190+02:00 2009-07-13T19:00:57.190+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=laura36&conv=2143559&comment_id=44497375 Laura Spencer More great feedback! This is a great bunch of readers. Phillipe - Thanks for clarifying crazywabbit's comment. Being a writer I was thinking of the verbal picture not the actual one. To be truthful, I think the actual picture (guy on a beach with laptop) is a bit of a freelancing cliche. I'm not sure how accurate it is. I've never worked on a beach exactly like that (I prefer to sit up anyway), but I do confess to taking my laptop on vacation and working from the Internet connection in the hotel room in the evenings. (I wonder if picture guy's beach has a wireless connection?) 2008-12-23T17:21:50.694+01:00 2008-12-23T17:21:50.694+01:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=laura36&conv=958763&comment_id=18283212 Laura In a way, I'm envious. My kids go back to school next week. It's a bittersweet envy, though. I'm excited about having more time to focus on my work, but I'll definitely miss them during the day. Today I had a whole bunch of ideas for blog posts, but then decided to focus on the kids instead. I went "light" on my personal blogs and only posted "meaty" stuff to my blogging gig. There'll be time enough to focus on my personal blogs next week. 2007-08-17T04:42:29.519+02:00 2007-08-17T04:42:29.519+02:00 http://www.cocomment.com/sidebar?object=people&context=explore&mode=detail&id=laura36&conv=958608&comment_id=18278748 Laura The one project at a time is very valuable advice. Interruptions are truly costly and can slow projects down. I'm a writer, so my projects require a great deal of focus on my part. Even a small interruption to do something as minor as answer the doorbell can cause me to have to rethink what I was working on before I got up. 2007-08-17T00:19:47.567+02:00 2007-08-17T00:19:47.567+02:00