tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54469413138485734032024-03-13T11:10:21.037-07:00Online Writing SimplifiedThese writing tips are simple to follow, savvy and entertaining. Jaipi Sixbear believes in speaking plain English, candidly. People of all skill levels will benefit from her online writing experience. She's no techie, but she will keep you on track with her unconventional writing methods and perspectives.Jaipi Sixbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140953911429872583noreply@blogger.comBlogger83125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446941313848573403.post-84274811172035883602020-07-17T15:20:00.001-07:002020-07-17T15:20:55.014-07:00Do you care about your social media image?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<script async="" src="//cdn.chitika.net/getads.js" type="text/javascript"></script>I suppose I should, but I really don't. I gotta be me, people. If my future boss doesn't like me, I don't want to work for him/her anyway. So, I post what I think. I like what I like. I tweet what I think and I'm not always politically correct.<br />
<br />
I'm a vegan, atheist, tree hugging, aging hippie. That's who I am online and it's who I am in real life.<br />
<br />
Sometimes I laugh. Sometimes I cry. Sometimes I'm a real so and so. In other words, I'm a genuine person. I cut to the chase. I tell it like it is. When my Lupus hurts like holy hell, I say so. When I cut myself, I bleed all over the darn place.<br />
<br />
I think it's silly to present yourself as anything other than what you are. After all, they're going to find out anyway. And guess what? When they do, you're out of there. Why?
They hired someone you're not. Now they know you're nothing but a big fat liar.<br />
<br />
So, be yourself online people. It'll attract the kind of employers, followers and friends who like you, not some phony image you've cooked up for yourself. Sure, it'll take some time for you to get hired, but at least you won't get fired for misrepresentation.
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<script type="text/javascript" src="//cdn.chitika.net/getads.js" async></script></div>Jaipi Sixbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140953911429872583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446941313848573403.post-15501599781792112122018-10-31T08:47:00.001-07:002018-10-31T08:47:38.597-07:00Why I don't trash “bad” content<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEKAJdHEjVwfCbOEqZBtM_nB6SyRxw1oMEqOIr96luh1rYAqLmodilPHCXQB7_BEnxWvAcvxlStRx9SXv4WhXdWAVmy0klCrX2XKrfl9F32z3Gn7Cu27nq4tCY_eWAwY2k5iE8j9_cyKD-/s1600/Trash_Can_%25282%2529.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="75" data-original-width="75" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEKAJdHEjVwfCbOEqZBtM_nB6SyRxw1oMEqOIr96luh1rYAqLmodilPHCXQB7_BEnxWvAcvxlStRx9SXv4WhXdWAVmy0klCrX2XKrfl9F32z3Gn7Cu27nq4tCY_eWAwY2k5iE8j9_cyKD-/s1600/Trash_Can_%25282%2529.png" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I write at least one post a month that
doesn't quite come together the way I expected. Maybe the title
doesn't fit. Maybe I took it in the wrong direction. Maybe I sound
like an exhausted, babbling idiot. Maybe the whole thing sounds like
a bunch of bologna. Whatever the reason, I never completely trash bad
content. Here's some of the things I do instead.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>I take a second look.</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Let's face it. At
the end of a long day, many things are not what they seem. The other
day, I wrote quite a few posts. The last one was not up to my
standards, or so I thought. After re-reading it, with a fresh
perspective in the morning, I decided it was the best thing I had
written all day.
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Bad is in the eye of the beholder.</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sometimes I take a
second look at a potential post and I still hate it. When this
happens, I have a friend read it over before I trash it. It may be a
matter of perspective. One mans trash is another mans treasure, as
they say.
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>I file it instead of trashing it.</b></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
When I write a
post I don't particularly like and I don't have time to give it a
second look, I file it and come back to it later.
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Salvaging the salvageable:</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Sometimes I
change the title to fit my thoughts or vice-verse.</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sometimes a post sounds bad simply because it doesn't match the
title. So, I change the title. Or, change the post to fit the title.
The first is easier. The second is for when I'm really trying to make
a point. My thoughts may have wandered off in a different direction.
So, I write it again, keeping the title in mind. </div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Or I do a complete
re-write and publish both posts.
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b><span style="font-style: normal;">I
look for the good bits and pieces.</span><i><br /></i></b><span style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">It
can't be all bad, can it? When I do a re-write, I leave the original
at the bottom of the page. As I write, I use the “good” parts my
new post to save time. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Sometimes, I use
the theme with a different angle.</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Maybe I was going for something not expressed by the title <i>or</i>
the body. It happens. Then, I look for something in the main theme
that inspires me. I give it a new angle. I write about that. Then, I
can trash the old post, or....</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Publish it
anyway</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Just because I think the post I wrote
is crappy, doesn't mean it won't sell. My best selling post of all
time is something I thought was a bunch of gibberish. It could very
well be. It has, however, netted me a lot of page view money over the
years. So, what the heck? Sometimes I publish my “bad” content
anyway, as long as it's grammatically correct and properly
referenced. You never know what might come of it.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
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<script type="text/javascript" src="//cdn.chitika.net/getads.js" async></script></div>Jaipi Sixbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140953911429872583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446941313848573403.post-71217415880727143652016-11-15T06:33:00.003-08:002016-11-15T06:33:52.220-08:00Why you should be flattered when writers use you for a jump off post<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYFJFli2nu0sVblefN-tCf6iADmGlgoA16W7ZHSCTAFnJ3acDwfEhp3StSIPDqVop_TicVAgxxnWHPI8cHWutMKfHKMxA8PosUjJjDds6-TeZq4Nz3ZdlU2F2Xncue655BfUAlzD76G6K/s1600/799px-Pok%25C3%25A9mon%252C_I_Choose_You%2521_Title_Card.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="111" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixYFJFli2nu0sVblefN-tCf6iADmGlgoA16W7ZHSCTAFnJ3acDwfEhp3StSIPDqVop_TicVAgxxnWHPI8cHWutMKfHKMxA8PosUjJjDds6-TeZq4Nz3ZdlU2F2Xncue655BfUAlzD76G6K/s320/799px-Pok%25C3%25A9mon%252C_I_Choose_You%2521_Title_Card.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
My friends, if you find yourself the
inspiration for an article, blog post, book or rant, please don't
take offense. All writers take material from their everyday world.
It's nothing personal. In fact, most of the time, it's not even about
what you said, but what you inspired them to consider.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Be flattered that your opinion means
something to someone. Be happy that someone's listening. Be assured
that even if a writer disagrees completely with what you have said,
they value your opinion enough to talk about it.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And speaking personally, as that
famous quote suggests, but in simpler terms, I will defend your right
to say what you feel, no matter how screwed up I happen to think it
is.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Inspiring a writer to think isn't as
easy as it seems. Give yourself some credit.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Speaking personally, again:</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I've written about every subject under
the sun at this point. So, if your thought process presents an avenue
I haven't yet taken, you should be flattered. No, really, you should.
Even if I'm dissing you, calling you on your bull-crap or reacting
negatively to your views, that means I value your thoughts.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Think about it. I'm a writer. Taking
ideas from life is kind of what I do. So, don't be insulted if
something you say inspires me to express my own thoughts on the
subject. In fact, you should expect me to. It's nothing personal.
It's my job. I'm always looking for things to write about. And the
fact that what you said or did or posted inspired me says a lot about
you.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The same goes for the majority of
writers out there, I'm sure.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
You should be flattered that your
subject is the one I chose to write about out of the thousands of
subjects I consider addressing every day.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Thanks for the inspiration!
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
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<script type="text/javascript" src="//cdn.chitika.net/getads.js" async></script></div>Jaipi Sixbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140953911429872583noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446941313848573403.post-38829327723425864872016-11-15T06:20:00.001-08:002016-11-15T06:20:10.205-08:00Effective time management for online writers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
Having a time schedule for writing
may sound strange or silly to those new to the game. Writing online
seems like a very easy going lifestyle to those who aren't in it.
Those of us who have been at it for a few years or even a few months
know better. There's so much more to consider when writing for a
living than the writing itself.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
<b>Promoting your work is time
consuming.</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
In fact, it takes just as much time
as writing. It's not enough to post links on social networks when you
first publish your work. If you want to be successful, you have to
look for opportunities to promote your older work too. Expect to
spend at least a couple hours daily just getting your links out there
where people can see them. Plus, there's much more to it than that.</div>
<b>Leave time to support other online writers.</b>
<br />
<div style="font-weight: normal;">
<br />Since these people read your articles,
it's only fair to read and promote theirs. Why focus on your own work
all the time? It's certainly more interesting to hear other
viewpoints and subjects than your own.
</div>
<b><br />Social networking is vital.</b>
<br />
<br />
Writing online often means being paid per click, ad view or page
view. Obviously, it's very important to schedule time to promote
articles through social networking. Still,<span style="font-weight: normal;">
the true value in social networking lies in creating friendships with
fellow writers. Other writers are a great source of inspiration,
tips, support and more.</span><br />
<b><br />Education keeps online writing quality in check.</b>
<br />
<br />Schedule time to learn more about producing articles that are well
written and search engine optimized. <span style="font-weight: normal;">Quality
writing is the only writing that sells. </span>Each day the online
writer must schedule time to learn more about their craft. Online
writing is just like any business in this respect. Writers must hone
their skills if they wish to remain a member of the online writing
community in good standing.
<br />
<b><br />Consider your personal style and needs</b>
<br />
<br />When making up your writing schedule, consider the most important
person in your day. It's you!<span style="font-weight: normal;"> Your
writing habits, strengths and weaknesses all determine how you spend
your writing day. </span>For instance, I work better in the morning,
early in the week, whereas, some of my writer friends work better in
the midnight hours or under deadline pressure.
<br />
<b><br />Personal considerations:</b>
<br />
<ul>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Where and when do you prefer to
write?
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Where and when are you most
productive?
</div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Do you work better alone or with
plenty of company?
</div>
</li>
<li>Is there a certain individual who invariably distracts you
from writing?
<br />
</li>
</ul>
<b>Scheduling isn't just about you.</b>
<br />
<br />When my partner's home, I'd much rather spend time with him than
write. So, I do my work when he's at his job. This has the added
bonus of giving us both the same days off so we can spend more time
together.<span style="font-weight: normal;"> Is there anything more
annoying than having someone you're trying to spend time with
occupied online? </span>I think not. So, when you schedule your
writing hours, keep the people who care about you in mind as well.<br />
<br /><br />
<br />
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<script type="text/javascript" src="//cdn.chitika.net/getads.js" async></script></div>Jaipi Sixbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140953911429872583noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446941313848573403.post-87557358474107122642016-11-15T06:07:00.002-08:002016-11-15T06:07:55.890-08:00Writing for my audience and ignoring the naysayers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
As I mentioned in my last post, my way of life and my writing are unconventional. I'm
well aware of that. I don't follow social norms or do things just
because that's the way they've always been done. I try my best to
base my actions on fact, not habit, rumors or doctrine.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Those of you who read my posts know
that I have recently vowed to stop defending myself. This is a
revelation toward that end. After answering some recent comments, I
realized that I'm answering comments from naysayers as if they were
the people I direct my articles to. They're not.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
My articles are directed to people who
are not so set in their ways that they ignore evidence in favor of
old habits that refuse to die.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Please understand that I mean no
offense by this statement. We are all subject to human nature, part
of which is adherence to our beloved comfort zones. I'm no exception
to the rule. In fact, I'm constantly trying to wriggle out of my own
habits and comfort zones in order to remain open to new ideas.
Admittedly, it's sometimes a losing battle, but I do try.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anyway.... The point is that I am now
extending my offense, not defense strategy to the comment section of
my articles.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I will no longer be defending my point
of view to trolls who attack my way of life or express opinions
different from my own. Why? Because it's not productive. These are
people who will never change, despite evidence that indicates they
should. They are set in their ways, with lead shoes on their feet and
wearing ear muffs. There's no point wearing out my fingertips trying
to explain my choices to them.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Instead, I will focus on writing
factual and/or funny articles for those who either agree with me or
are open minded enough to at least consider my viewpoint seriously.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
You know, those who do not read my
articles with the intent to bash me already set in their heads.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Now, don't get me wrong, I love all my
readers. I'm just choosing to direct my articles to a more receptive
audience.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Naysayers are still more than welcome
to read them. I love hearing opposing viewpoints. It gives me article
fodder, as well as making me think.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I'm simply not defending myself to
naysayers in the comment section or making them the focus of my
article subjects. It's a waste of time and energy. Instead, I will
focus on those people who are truly interested in what I have to say.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Personal growth makes me giddy. How
about you?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
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<script type="text/javascript" src="//cdn.chitika.net/getads.js" async></script></div>Jaipi Sixbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140953911429872583noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446941313848573403.post-40563779336251432892016-11-15T05:54:00.000-08:002016-11-15T05:54:11.768-08:00Eliminate Facebook comment wars with interest pages<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4NVx1L1ytwky7ppmEqe3mA5fGJqpFHRGpBkNXK6-7BQC-F-TJkiQVzCqdq_Sr-_dtARwNxkBfUFtRWnfjy6ePosZrGIL5CVBeYW8YEdID0ArokfUp7eXFsw_hqeDH_vEXgtBlegsg-e5/s1600/200px-Swords.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG4NVx1L1ytwky7ppmEqe3mA5fGJqpFHRGpBkNXK6-7BQC-F-TJkiQVzCqdq_Sr-_dtARwNxkBfUFtRWnfjy6ePosZrGIL5CVBeYW8YEdID0ArokfUp7eXFsw_hqeDH_vEXgtBlegsg-e5/s1600/200px-Swords.svg.png" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
What's the most common problem people
have on Facebook? Well, among my friends, it's comment wars. I've
been a victim of them. I've been in the thick of them. Heck, I've
even caused them. In fact, they used to frustrate me so much, I
would write about them daily. I'm writing about them now. Are you at
your wits end with negative Facebook comments on your cause posts?
Have you considered making or liking some interest pages to keep
animosity to a minimum?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>I'm a shining example of
non-conformity.</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I'm not saying this to get attention or
to brag. It's just who I am. I'm a card carrying, vegan leaning,
tree-hugger. I'm an atheist, an animal activist and a liberal. I
speak out for gay rights and gun control. I'm a minimalist and an
extreme organic gardener. I campaign against GMO's in our food. I
detest large corporation subsidies and loopholes. So, as you can
imagine, I am responsible for a lot of Facebook comment wars. That
is, I seem to inspire them. I wonder why?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Believe it or not, I don't enjoy
arguing on Facebook.</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I don't have time for it. I have work
to do. What I do enjoy is keeping people informed on the subjects
that interest me. I like to post a few things, possibly have a laugh
or two, maybe enjoy an enlightening conversation, then go back to
writing. It just doesn't ever seem to work out that way. I have a
really wide variety of friends with an even wider variety of
interests. That fact is the whole reason for posting my pet subjects
on pages for my like minded Facebook friends</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>My most recent experience with
comment wars:</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
It may sound like
nothing. I was getting incredibly tired of <i>bacon</i> comments on
my vegan oriented posts. You see, I don't think of pigs as bacon. I
think of them as fellow animals who are getting a rough deal. You
don't have to agree with me to see the problem. To make a long story
short, negative comments were making my stomach turn and my heart
ache on a daily basis. It upset me so much, it was keeping me from
doing my job. When I asked my friends to respect my sensitive nature,
it started a whole landslide of comment wars.
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>It was then that
I realized, I was talking to the hand. </b>
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
What is the point
of hammering something into someone's head, over and over if they're
just not interested? There <i>is</i> no point. It's absolutely
futile.</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-style: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>I also realized
I was not merely an innocent bystander.</b></div>
<div style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I can be pretty
opinionated when it comes to my passions. Not only that, I enjoy
posting sarcastic memes. It gives me a chuckle and gets me through
the day. Unfortunately, some of my friends don't find my sarcasm
funny. Well, I certainly know how that feels. I don't want to be that
person. I don't want to bring my friends down. I want to lift them
up. So, rather than posting my slightly “snarky” vegan posts on
my news feed, I found several vegan interest pages to post them on.
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
By posting my
vegan stuff on vegan pages, I don't have to worry about offending
anyone. We're all on the same page. Pardon the pun.
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
I also don't have
to put up with those bacon comments or endure hour long comment wars
with my fellow writers. As you can imagine, writers can rattle off
some pretty elaborate (not to mention stinging) jabs and comments.
All the more reason for using or creating interest pages.</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Do you have an uncommon interest?</b></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Do you tire of
promoting and explaining your causes to Facebook friends who have no
interest in them? Are you trying to keep the peace in the comment
section? If so, you might consider creating a page or two of your
own. Just click on pages. It's on the left side of your news feed
(home). Once you click, you'll see a button for creating your page.
Click that too. Facebook will walk you right through the process of
creating your own interest page.
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Not into managing interest pages? </b>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Just like a few
that align with your beliefs and allow you to post away for those who
agree with you and can relate.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
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<script type="text/javascript" src="//cdn.chitika.net/getads.js" async></script></div>Jaipi Sixbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140953911429872583noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446941313848573403.post-56609524894969208512016-10-27T07:34:00.000-07:002016-10-27T07:35:31.883-07:00Keeping ego out of your online writing<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJAJvA_oDIG5f7FE0M2KhKvfWo4bJeSabqPVbVioPzM1SXvPAf6N6Xszy0nhpCvTKDZTctKPU0S6UAXQZiBN5HsBZ0kEKPC5sYMjfyRSu7D3AFSp3GfZLc73NzXlPX2-5FIWm3wMxlkb9/s1600/Britannica_Shakespeare_Janssen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdJAJvA_oDIG5f7FE0M2KhKvfWo4bJeSabqPVbVioPzM1SXvPAf6N6Xszy0nhpCvTKDZTctKPU0S6UAXQZiBN5HsBZ0kEKPC5sYMjfyRSu7D3AFSp3GfZLc73NzXlPX2-5FIWm3wMxlkb9/s320/Britannica_Shakespeare_Janssen.jpg" width="277" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just admit it, you're no Shakespeare anyway. LOL </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If you're like me, you're not too fond
of snobbish, perfectionist writers. Now, I have my pet causes, my pet
peeves and my long winded rants, for sure. Don't we all? That's not
what I'm talking about when I use the term “egotistical” in
reference to writers.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I'm talking about those writers who are
constantly trying to impress you with their big brains. I usually get
about three sentences into their articles and click off. I know all
the big words. Language Arts are kind of my thing, you know? I even read actual books sometimes. (Gasp!) </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I just
don't like those big words shoved down my throat like a spoonful of
unwanted peas. Yes, even if I like the peas. And I'm not the only
one.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
One of the first things I learned about
writing online has served me well consistently over the years. What
is it? Write on an eighth grade level. Now, that's not because your
readers are stupid. It's because they don't have time for your silly,
self centered, big worded, headache promoting, requires too much thought for the time they have passages.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sorry if that offended anyone. It's
natural to try to impress with your writing. I do it myself on
occasion. Maybe I'm doing it now, to a certain extent. Still, the
whole point of online writing is to entertain and/or provide an
answer to your reader's questions, not to rival Shakespeare. Online
readers are looking for a chuckle or quick answers in an easily
understood format. That's it.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The point is that your readers don't
care how eloquent you are. They just want to skim your article, find
the information they came for and move on. Leave your inflated ego
out of it if you want to be read. Simply put, it's not that tough to
write for an online audience. Pomp and circumstance aren't really
necessary here.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Just be easy to read and you'll be
read!
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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<script type="text/javascript" src="//cdn.chitika.net/getads.js" async></script></div>Jaipi Sixbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140953911429872583noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446941313848573403.post-12814086206736792082016-10-26T09:03:00.000-07:002016-10-26T09:04:49.593-07:00Daily earnings charts for online writers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQTrihtIYnundagfj_YF8rTFUu3t7Gy4XDbSeGxieZNmLc3Eur5Vw0Fa2lD-HZbLek7Nt6U55Fcq9FtyJS78AeKAZgQ7SJcfrKycb5C-NXigNnSVB4UYQov832macTBI3kh-IFoBkekrZu/s1600/800px-Keyboard_from_down.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQTrihtIYnundagfj_YF8rTFUu3t7Gy4XDbSeGxieZNmLc3Eur5Vw0Fa2lD-HZbLek7Nt6U55Fcq9FtyJS78AeKAZgQ7SJcfrKycb5C-NXigNnSVB4UYQov832macTBI3kh-IFoBkekrZu/s320/800px-Keyboard_from_down.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Do you know how much you need to earn a
day from your online writing in order to generate a decent income? Online
article writers often forget to do the math. It's easy enough to stop
and perform the calculations. Do you have the time? If not, maybe
this earnings chart can help you put things in perspective and meet
your writing goals. Pardon the formatting please. These are charts I made for my own personal use and decided to share with you. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
These figures are based on writing 5
days a week (20 days per month)
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Daily Monthly Yearly</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
10.00 200.00 2,400.00
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
15.00 300.00 3,600.00
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
20.00 400.00 4,800.00
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
25.00 500.00 6,000.00
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
30.00 600.00 7,200.00
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
35.00 700.00 8,400.00
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
40.00 800.00 9,600.00
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
45.00 900.00 10,800.00
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
50.00 1000.00 12,000.00
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
75.00 1500.00 18,000.00
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
100.00 2000.00 24,000.00
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
These figures are based on writing 7
days a week (28 days a month)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Daily Monthly Yearly</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
10.00 280.00 3,360.00
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
15.00 420.00 5,040.00
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
20.00 560.00 6,720.00
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
25.00 700.00 8,400.00
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
30.00 840.00 10,080.00
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
35.00 980.00 11,760.00
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
40.00 1120.00 13,440.00
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
45.00 1260.00 15,120.00
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
50.00 1400.00 16,800.00
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
75.00 2100.00 25,200.00
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
100.00 3000.00 36,000.00
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
You can have a lot of fun comparing
these statistics. For instance, look at the enormous difference
between the lower right hand totals on the two charts. Obviously, it pays
off in the end to work those longer hours. However, you must weigh
your own odds when it comes to what you're willing to give up for the
larger paycheck. Plus, there are those viral posts to factor in.
Don't despair!
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
By the way, in case you are curious, in
order to reach an income of 100,000. a year (a six figure income)
writing online, you would have to earn an average of 277.77 per day,
working 30 days a month, or 416.66 per day, working 20 days a month. And remember, these figures do not account for income taxes!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Better get to writing, I guess!
</div>
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<script type="text/javascript" src="//cdn.chitika.net/getads.js" async></script></div>Jaipi Sixbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140953911429872583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446941313848573403.post-25323902634901743332016-10-25T10:37:00.003-07:002016-10-25T10:37:53.433-07:00Blogging is great for ending writer's block, etc. etc. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDTf00FX7lGtw6u88DI7zoBgb-70H-L6jFlJKZcKgW4km3JxX0u3qFqMN9wUmqK5G4vS8_XWk0c2dAWfM_J4D78dNeasC9jgXlexJKp9-BK17DA8qE4tdNVH38T7l7Hx7k06Ng-86gYU9y/s1600/Pinewood_block.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDTf00FX7lGtw6u88DI7zoBgb-70H-L6jFlJKZcKgW4km3JxX0u3qFqMN9wUmqK5G4vS8_XWk0c2dAWfM_J4D78dNeasC9jgXlexJKp9-BK17DA8qE4tdNVH38T7l7Hx7k06Ng-86gYU9y/s320/Pinewood_block.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sometimes you just have to write away
your writer's block. Informal blogs are the ideal place to do just
that. For the most part, blogs are about jabbering away on whatever
subject strikes your fancy. Yes, I know. There are some very serious
bloggers out there. I respect them. That's just not the kind of
blogging I'm referring to.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Now comes the confiding part. You see,
every once in a while I used to go into a mode where serious writing
just wasn't something I was all that into. With casual blogging,
though, I was able to free myself from writers block by just rattling
off about any old thing that struck <i>my</i> fancy too. With all the
censorship and rules now dominating the internet, that was a
refreshing relief.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I liked that in their own blogs, people
from all walks of life and writing levels could express themselves
freely, without the grammar police stepping in with their badges and
whistles. I liked that I could write like I talk in my blogs. In
fact, I could write however I want.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And then, it happened. Turning to blogs
to unclog my writer's blog brought about a realization. Which is
this:
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If serious articles cause me to
experience writer's block and blogs never do, perhaps I should be
blogging instead of trying to write like someone else wants me too,
just to make make a buck.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And that realization is exactly why I
stopped writing for private clients, and other venues.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And furthermore:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I also just don't see the point in
forcing myself to comply to whatever standards some dude back in the
1800's set for all writers everywhere. I know that's not a popular
thought among professional writers, but it's exactly how I feel</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A writer should bleed their personality
onto the page without a filter. They shouldn't be writing how someone
else wants them to. They should be writing how they write. They
should write as who they are.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Maybe it's just me but I feel that
otherwise, we would all essentially be writing the same exact way,
which would encourage living and believing the same way too.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Following someone elses rules is just
not my thing, you guys. It's not worth my health, my sanity and my
freedom. I love writing how I'm naturally inclined to write and for
myself and myself alone. Well, and for my readers, of course. The
majority of whom are just as sick of outdated, unreasonable
formalities as I am.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And yes, I do believe that there is
something to be said for writing and spelling well enough to be
understood. I get it. I just don't think the world is going to come
to an end if someone puts a comma in the wrong place or a period
outside quotation marks or whatever.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I also don't believe that people who
are still learning the language should be expected to speak or write
it “properly.” As long as I understand them, or even if I don't,
I hope they continue to write. Because practice is what it takes to
hone your craft, ladies and gentlemen. And neither practice nor any
human being on the planet is ever, ever perfect.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Personally, I like it that way.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
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<script type="text/javascript" src="//cdn.chitika.net/getads.js" async></script></div>Jaipi Sixbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140953911429872583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446941313848573403.post-11774359357017362452016-10-18T10:02:00.004-07:002016-10-18T10:02:55.203-07:00Bye bye Facebook, hello more writing – Conversing with myself<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjldc7IFpkfwvXWb73vpMvvrCQ84Ry3NanbhsJ-rJUEBKdoYjbSObxsBGMqZ1EI37myu7VWcjVcUvqcOzhVtvovtr0d43AivagT68ejp62ShR5s6kHDOH3hE4bR7K3kV-Z3CPDLswZK-v7g/s1600/NO_Facebook.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="82" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjldc7IFpkfwvXWb73vpMvvrCQ84Ry3NanbhsJ-rJUEBKdoYjbSObxsBGMqZ1EI37myu7VWcjVcUvqcOzhVtvovtr0d43AivagT68ejp62ShR5s6kHDOH3hE4bR7K3kV-Z3CPDLswZK-v7g/s320/NO_Facebook.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Me : Are you guilty of writing long
Facebook posts or preaching about your pet peeves on Facebook (ie,
driving everyone nuts?)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
- Why yes, I am. How did I know?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Me: How much time do you spend doing
that?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
- Oh about 3 hours a day. Is that bad?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Me: How about those tweets? How many do
you do a day?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
- Um.... I'd rather not think about it.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Me: How much money do your ranting posts and
tweets make you?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
- They make me exactly<i>
Jack-diddly-squat</i>. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
(That's a saying of my Dad's. You know what it
means? Nothing. Nada. Zip. Zilch. Zero.)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Me: So here's an idea. Stop ticking off
all your Facebook friends with those sarcastic posters and your silly
long winded posts.Write something on those topics. Put it where it can make
you some money. Brilliant, right?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
- But what about my friends? What if I
want to share those thoughts with my friends?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Me: Duh, post a link.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
- Oh... Right.</div>
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<script type="text/javascript" src="//cdn.chitika.net/getads.js" async></script></div>Jaipi Sixbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140953911429872583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446941313848573403.post-74934136469063272012016-10-18T09:43:00.000-07:002016-10-18T09:43:08.023-07:00Writers, I'm not the boss of you<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQd1RcrJO7PP7tW806U8o_RMxUPP-0ro9ns28iuU7Tdg9WtcHCMIqbV_O9_Jk0vBhYVTrluVw9IMV0RQuFTPiP9D6xXb0fn6g9TgvzDfOQEi27WSyZTtCOwmAOG039G0ZH09TpZDV3tv3/s1600/716px-Gavel_%2528PSF%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrQd1RcrJO7PP7tW806U8o_RMxUPP-0ro9ns28iuU7Tdg9WtcHCMIqbV_O9_Jk0vBhYVTrluVw9IMV0RQuFTPiP9D6xXb0fn6g9TgvzDfOQEi27WSyZTtCOwmAOG039G0ZH09TpZDV3tv3/s320/716px-Gavel_%2528PSF%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm not the be all, end all of writing, for sure!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I'm not the bossy type. Heck, sometimes I'm not even the boss
of <i>me</i>. Who has the energy for worrying about other people's writing errors? I
always find it odd when people worry about how or what others are
posting on their blogs. I love to read the posts of those I subscribe
to. I just don't worry about whether they're following the rules. To
each his own.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Oh, I understand that quality posts
make for a quality site. I just don't feel it's my place to take
issue with what other people are writing. Isn't that what admin is
for?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I never liked being a hall monitor in
school. Never been a tattle tale. Abhor being the middle man. Not
into drama. Never been much for gossip or talking crap. Always had
enough responsibilities of my own. Too many to waste time worrying
about what everyone else is doing.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I'm the type of person who, if I had a
bumper sticker, would probably have one that said, “Focus on your
own d.... family.”</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Who has time to be a watchdog anyway?
I'm too busy writing, editing, gardening, cleaning, cooking and
generally maintaining our little fixer upper house. I just can't
imagine pausing in the middle of all that to check someone else's
word count. Heck, I don't even care if you use complete sentences or
aren't familiar with the English language. Goodness knows, I wouldn't
have a clue how to write in another language at all. If you do, even
if you''re only halfway familiar with more than one language, that's
admirable to me.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I love all my writer friends,
regardless of their level of writing progress. I don't care if they
can't spell or don't use proper grammar. I'm interested in what they
have to say. Now, if they start getting crazily offensive, I might
flag them. If you're cruel or bigoted, something like that, I might
call you out or make you aware of how you sound. Ethics and morals
are important to me.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Might is the keyword, though. Might
not. Depends on the day. Lots of times, I even let the mean spirited
posts slide. After all, not everyone is perfect, like me.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Bwa ha ha ha ha ah aha ah! Sure, I am.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So, there you go, fellow writers. Write
what you will. Write it your way. Post what feels right to you. I'll
still read it, especially if it's interesting. I don't go around
flagging everything that doesn't comply with the rules. That's not my
job.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I'm here to write my stuff and read
yours. I'm not the rule enforcement police. I'm just a writer, like
you. Doing my best to do my own thing, better myself and possibly
make a few bucks. No time for dirty looks and nasty complaints. Got
work to do. I'm betting you do too. So, I'm not going to waste your
time and undermine your hard work by filing complaints or engaging in
pointless gossip about your writing.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It's a beautiful day to write! Hope
yours is beautiful too!
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
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<script type="text/javascript" src="//cdn.chitika.net/getads.js" async></script></div>Jaipi Sixbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140953911429872583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446941313848573403.post-90005055204873127972016-10-18T08:57:00.002-07:002016-10-18T08:57:58.110-07:00Best way to make money writing online – a brief reminder<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTgwkjR_eBh6Wzb0YMpPw8PutnbJz3YWkAGPk3sJP7p1zsnd0LWo3InhE9EHdOi8JH3IK-H5lZjMWOsYXnm-QoSuBVWboxesPDjFvnFIsB6nk0qlWtCExjnPaSq2CdDgxFMrObWnckgSLn/s1600/Writing_tools.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="154" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTgwkjR_eBh6Wzb0YMpPw8PutnbJz3YWkAGPk3sJP7p1zsnd0LWo3InhE9EHdOi8JH3IK-H5lZjMWOsYXnm-QoSuBVWboxesPDjFvnFIsB6nk0qlWtCExjnPaSq2CdDgxFMrObWnckgSLn/s320/Writing_tools.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Choose your weapon! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It's not a big secret. Most online
writers know it's true. A small percentage actually do it. What is
it? It's the best way to make money writing online. You can read all
the tip articles in the universe. You can attend virtual seminars. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
You can social network until you're blue in the face and your
hemorrhoids have you reaching new heights. You can hole yourself up
like a hermit to study SEO, LSI, all the while minding your P's and
Q's.You can study all the latest theories and methods known to man. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
You won't make any money after all
that, unless you do the one thing that makes you all the money you
need while writing online. So what is it? What's the big secret? Why
is Jaipi beginning to sound like a bad infomercial? </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Well, it's
because, if I put the secret in the first paragraph, you can see it
in the description, thereby eliminating the need for you to click on
my article.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And the secret is: Write your butt off!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Yup, you have to write and WRITE A LOT
in order to make money writing online. If you sit on Facebook all
day, jabbering away, there is no payout. You might as well get paid
for all your ranting and raving by putting it into a reader friendly,
clickable, money-making form. OK, so why are you still here? You know
the secret.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Now write!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
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<script type="text/javascript" src="//cdn.chitika.net/getads.js" async></script></div>Jaipi Sixbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140953911429872583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446941313848573403.post-88297589456993066862016-10-18T08:44:00.001-07:002016-10-18T08:44:09.182-07:005 Reasons to edit your old content<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1CoS4x5gxdOvTqmtFiBanybQpFUA1s2CC2UvUAGbt-lLVfzs4iS0HnyJM3MZTX5yYUMmU_LeJUiM44h1PSeNdAnWZzpMsOtq3p1eED4Ak86imN-E8PIyxvsoys2_qQGvbEdVto6mG3T7t/s1600/UPdate_logo_2012_b.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1CoS4x5gxdOvTqmtFiBanybQpFUA1s2CC2UvUAGbt-lLVfzs4iS0HnyJM3MZTX5yYUMmU_LeJUiM44h1PSeNdAnWZzpMsOtq3p1eED4Ak86imN-E8PIyxvsoys2_qQGvbEdVto6mG3T7t/s1600/UPdate_logo_2012_b.svg.png" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
For the last several months, I've been
editing my old content, revising some for blogs, etc. I have
literally thousands of online articles under my belt. Many of my
writer friends have asked me why would I put myself through such
torment. Well, right now, for me, the main reason is that a lot of
the sites I wrote for have closed and I hate to see all that work go
to waste. There are, of course, a lot of other reasons to go back
and edit your old online articles and photos. Here are what I
consider the top five.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>1. You have changed your evil ways.</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
As time goes by, we writers undergo
growth, just like anyone else. What we once considered vital
information, may no longer reflect our lifestyle. For instance, I
have gone from vegetarian to 90% vegan. I refer to it as changing my
evil ways because a lot of the articles I wrote in the past don't
reflect my current views. It's important that a writer maintain a
consistent voice, content wide. When past articles cease to reflect
current views, it impacts your writing reputation.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>2. Times have changed.</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A writer bases their facts on currant
information. Over time, new research may come out that disproves old
theories. Links also have to be updated from time to time. Websites
“go out of business.” Site managers delete and edit old content.
This means your older articles may have links that lead to nowhere,
or to irrelevant pages.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>3. You have improved your writing
skills.</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I certainly have. When I first began as
an online writer, I was convinced my articles were stellar. I was
wrong. They're still not! LOL Just like with any other job, you
improve as you go. No writer should ever stop learning new skills and
gaining new experience. As you improve, it's important to go back and
take a look at old content to insure it was written skillfully,
according to the knowledge you've acquired on the way.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>4. Formatting rules have changed.</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Every website follows a different set
of formatting guidelines. Not only that, as time passes, editors
change their ways too. For instance, a few years back, everyone went
from multiple page to single page articles. Spacing requirements
change. Heading preferences change. Some sites even change writing
styles. Some prefer AP, others have their own formatting rules. It's
important to make sure your content is up to date with website
requirements.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>5. SEO rules have changed.</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Those creepy little “spiders” that
find your content in a search have changed their minds. They want
things done a whole different way now. Remember when keyword stuffing
and article “spinning” stopped working for all those spammers?
Most legitimate writers never did that in the first place. However,
some of us did use a few more keywords than we should. Editing old
content is a good way to catch and correct any embarrassing errors
and past mistakes.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
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<script type="text/javascript" src="//cdn.chitika.net/getads.js" async></script></div>Jaipi Sixbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140953911429872583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446941313848573403.post-88997525962795293722016-08-20T08:41:00.001-07:002016-08-20T08:41:14.972-07:005 Awesome side jobs for online article writers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuA7U4PMVxHSHZPwu1pSBdnZIFZ5Zn1DZGSsfBARriz-IMKT7A391F240NdJ3OUYLNWZhrDZ5lK586qlUFrBUJy1847YVAAsOXbt5asmshAX558ytMbrRwh0Oxw83YaBSYaBVYuMppKyLD/s1600/PILOT_CUSTOM_74_pen_point.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuA7U4PMVxHSHZPwu1pSBdnZIFZ5Zn1DZGSsfBARriz-IMKT7A391F240NdJ3OUYLNWZhrDZ5lK586qlUFrBUJy1847YVAAsOXbt5asmshAX558ytMbrRwh0Oxw83YaBSYaBVYuMppKyLD/s320/PILOT_CUSTOM_74_pen_point.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So, you write articles for a living?
How does that pay? Well, sometimes it's very lucrative. Sometimes
it's not. What can you do in between article assignments to make a
little extra cash? You can write a little more. You don't have to
write articles. Write other things. Use your online skills to
generate a little extra cash. Here's a few ideas to get you started.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Social media management</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Managing Facebook and Twitter accounts
for local businesses or fellow writers is a great way to make an
extra buck. Some larger companies pay the equivalent of a full time
salary for these services. They have a business to run. They don't
have time for social networking. You do. It only takes about an hour
out of your writing day. It's a win for both of you.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Writer website building and
maintenance</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Surely you have a website for your
writing business. Did you build your own website? Many authors
haven't a clue how this is done. You have a large writing community
network. If not, you should. Advertise writer website building and
maintenance on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest or wherever else you have
a social presence. Once a website is built, it takes just a few
minutes a day to maintain it.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Blog management</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Most savvy
business owners have blogs on their websites. Unfortunately, they
know a lot about their business, but very little about writing .
That's where you come in. They feed you current events and topics
related to their business. They tell you some personal stories. You
blog about what they're doing. It's ghost writing, personalized.
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Editing for dummies (No offense
intended)</b></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Have you ever gone
to a business website, read their articles and sighed? Why not offer
your services to beef up their grammar, formatting or punctuation?
You do it every day with your own articles. Every website has a
contact form. Use it. Who knows? They may have been waiting for
someone like you to help them out.
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Writing E-Newsletters</b></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
Some companies put
out monthly or bi-monthly newsletters to keep customers interested
and informed. Your word program likely has newsletter templates that
will allow you to easily format them. Email the finished newsletter
to your client. They forward it to their contacts. Charge a per-word
fee. It's that simple. Advertise this and other extra services you
offer on your writing website and social media pages. You never know
until you try!
</div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
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<script type="text/javascript" src="//cdn.chitika.net/getads.js" async></script></div>Jaipi Sixbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140953911429872583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446941313848573403.post-4931416944401213842016-08-04T07:06:00.004-07:002016-08-04T07:06:43.810-07:00Online writing tips – How to gain a reputation as an expert<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1TDWyPlLDPZypXuzq0lHs7UUwex4xCz54f60MhqtWcugSSgVdh9hWSEgaHVL3LyrAs2iPOCmezz7xZ5HzoFEj8GDNY4aKsdVbLq2beWUTzEluQgq5Z1mmxg0wF6tDNklwHNChJwosNtLe/s1600/748px-Axelrod.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1TDWyPlLDPZypXuzq0lHs7UUwex4xCz54f60MhqtWcugSSgVdh9hWSEgaHVL3LyrAs2iPOCmezz7xZ5HzoFEj8GDNY4aKsdVbLq2beWUTzEluQgq5Z1mmxg0wF6tDNklwHNChJwosNtLe/s320/748px-Axelrod.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
Becoming an expert on your pet topic
increases readership. Writing about your interests is probably the
simplest way to build a reputation as an expert. Within your topic of
interest is a vast library of information. Accessing this information
on a daily basis can provide you with the material to become known as
an expert in your field. <br /><br /><b>Repetitive research can make you
an expert.</b>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0.2in;">
You may not know everything about
your chosen subject. If you write about it enough, that could change.
You probably remember how repetition helped you learn in grade
school. Researching the same or similar subjects over and over gives
you an informal education. As you do research to write your articles,
you learn more and more until you are considered an authority.
</div>
<b>Impeccable research will reinforce your expertise.</b>
<br />
<br />
Just researching isn't enough to give you a good education in your
subject matter. It's important to do quality research. Check to see
that the sources you learn from are reliable and unbiased. Bad
information does not constitute expertise. It just makes you look
foolish and ill-informed.
<br />
<br />
<b>A history of writing on specific topics can make you an expert.</b>
<br />
<br />
As your writing history takes shape, your name will come up in
searches for similar topics. That makes you an expert in the eyes of
search engines. The more you write on a specific topic, the better
your search value will be. If Mr. Smith from Washington DC searches
for information on your pet subject, he'll soon see a vast array of
articles by you. Voila! Instant expert.
<br />
<br />
<b>Your article base can make you an expert.</b>
<br />
<br />
What happens when someone goes to your page or website and types
in a search for your pet topic? All your articles on that subject
come up to stare them right in the face. In their eyes, you are an
expert on that subject. You have the experience and background
researching that subject that they are looking for. Now you become a
reliable source.
<br />
<br />
<b>Your readers might already consider you an expert.</b>
<br />
<br />
Your regular readers know what you write about most. They learn to
come to you first for answers on your favorite subject. They might
even message you for advice. What happens when they do?
<br />
<br />
<b>Give the best advice you can.</b>
<br />
<br />
When people ask for advice, double check your research. Don't just
rattle off the first piece of advice that comes to you. No way.
Research the answers to people's questions just as if you were
writing an article. Better yet, write a follow up article. That way
they get the best advice possible and you get an education to further
your expertise.
<br />
<br /><br />
<br />
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<script type="text/javascript" src="//cdn.chitika.net/getads.js" async></script></div>Jaipi Sixbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140953911429872583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446941313848573403.post-83954523037819895172016-08-02T07:00:00.002-07:002016-08-02T07:00:39.805-07:00What is a writer?<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSPrugcGifC-eOoD2wPhGrZu4xQ0nsgCwBSs4f4TJaeQ0mz-7xLrMBzobyMVqmEqcnXG1QZwxLoak0kij_qCoN7v7KRcB4xktcZHlNiFwJMmTTvBEJ1KloF2qJ6bmFjaPDrxNI9_nixbTm/s1600/181447_353038511430925_1385648759_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSPrugcGifC-eOoD2wPhGrZu4xQ0nsgCwBSs4f4TJaeQ0mz-7xLrMBzobyMVqmEqcnXG1QZwxLoak0kij_qCoN7v7KRcB4xktcZHlNiFwJMmTTvBEJ1KloF2qJ6bmFjaPDrxNI9_nixbTm/s320/181447_353038511430925_1385648759_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I seem to be in a philosophical mood today.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Society often dictates the attachment
of labels on things and even on people. So what classifies someone as
a writer? To me, a writer is simply someone who writes. Whereas,
society suggests that to be a writer or an author, one must first be
published.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
My opinion, for what it's worth, is
that if one is inclined to write, enjoys it, has something or even
nothing much to say and an urge to put their thoughts down on paper,
that person is a writer. Now granted, I'm not much into lofty ideals.
I could care less whether I am ever published. For me, it's about the
pure train of thought that comes pouring from my brain and onto the
paper.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I don't care much about perfect
grammar, unless of course, whatever has been written is completely
undecipherable.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I don't care much for using big words,
either, even though I know a heck of a lot of them. No. I prefer that
my writing be easily understood by anyone who cares to read it. After
all, that is why one writes, isn't it?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Well, no. That's not why everyone
writes, actually. Some people simply write for their own
entertainment. That is, because they enjoy the act of writing. I
pretty much lean in that direction, myself, although I do enjoy it
more when someone reads my writing and enjoys it for whatever reason.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So there you go. I say that a writer is
simply one who writes. Society dictates that in order to be
classified as a writer (or author if you prefer the loftier term) one
must be published. But honestly, they're all just words, you know,.
We made them up.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So I guess they can mean whatever we
choose them to.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
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<script type="text/javascript" src="//cdn.chitika.net/getads.js" async></script></div>Jaipi Sixbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140953911429872583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446941313848573403.post-12939125950610027652016-07-13T13:34:00.003-07:002016-07-13T13:34:44.296-07:00Cleaning up the dead weight in your writing queue<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-HaFA1c4n0_KII_Z_DaybjBRpiG87-KTqZ1oBpLGDQ6u8wb5J6odFfkJXoI4YMquaR_MseCdbouS_0-LQSp7M04UA3VpKB4DhhXQMhJBOPz5fpZ30-GRffhanQ7FEutFRNapII1gMookd/s1600/800px-Can.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-HaFA1c4n0_KII_Z_DaybjBRpiG87-KTqZ1oBpLGDQ6u8wb5J6odFfkJXoI4YMquaR_MseCdbouS_0-LQSp7M04UA3VpKB4DhhXQMhJBOPz5fpZ30-GRffhanQ7FEutFRNapII1gMookd/s320/800px-Can.jpg" width="272" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If you're like most online writers, you
use a word program for your writing. Chances are, your queue is
filled with abandoned articles,thoughts, notes and titles for posts
you've never written. There's good and bad ideas in your writing
queue. Why not make it a practice to spend one day a week (or a
month) going through those archives? You can turn all those old
thoughts into gold. Or at least clear some space for new ideas.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>What about those impossible dreams? </b>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
We all have a few of those ideas
sitting in our queue that we know will never come to fruition. There
could be a lot of reasons for this. Maybe you're not qualified to
write that particular article. Maybe it requires more research than
you care to do. Maybe you're just not interested in the subject
matter any more. Maybe someone else beat you to it.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>You could delete it. </b>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
What are the benefits of deleting
abandoned writing projects? It's somewhat satisfying. It also saves
you from looking at it. Who wants to be reminded of their 'to do'
list every time they check their queue? Deleting those lost causes
sure feels good, doesn't it? Wait. Isn't there anything you can do
with it before you say goodbye?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Could you simplify it?</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Maybe instead of writing a factual
article, you could use it as a blog post. You could talk about your
personal experience on the subject. You could rant or rejoice about
it. You could make it funny. You could whip off a couple quick
paragraphs with links to further info. By keeping it casual, you
won't be required to do quite so much research.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Could you change the subject?</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Maybe you could take a look at that
abandoned title you're no longer interested in and be inspired by it.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Could you take it in a different
direction more easily? Is there a related subject that interests you
more? Does it remind you of something else you've been wanting to
write about? Does it have any merit outside your original thought?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Could you part with it?</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
You know your fellow writers pretty
well. You read their work all the time, right? It's only fair, since
they read yours. Do you have a writer friend who might take your
prompt and run with it? Is it right up their writing alley? If so,
why keep it to yourself? It's not doing you any good sitting in the
queue anyway. They might as well give it a go.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Never say never.</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Some of those ideas you have cooking in
your writing queue are worth saving. Others may not be. Just don't
give up on them until you've explored all the possibilities. So
clean up your queue by using those old ideas or losing them. Either,
make some money with your old ideas. Or delete them. After all, the
idea is to make a living at this writing gig, right?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
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<script type="text/javascript" src="//cdn.chitika.net/getads.js" async></script></div>Jaipi Sixbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140953911429872583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446941313848573403.post-20243542460709114542016-07-08T07:40:00.004-07:002016-07-08T07:40:51.857-07:00Now that Examiner has shut down, what will we do?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCdVqebXa-v7NV7ptHb6mveexzpOCD3u7C2kkvqJ41a-HNnuLoXklJ-mY_H1eg8r_voWrPFXlh-TYlojSXNFDVTR1SvVUYDnHjFtOrvkulfZWv_Tc97rOW3WwjQL97zr2PwtbIjNR3rgj9/s1600/600px-Road_Closed_Ahead_sign.svg.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCdVqebXa-v7NV7ptHb6mveexzpOCD3u7C2kkvqJ41a-HNnuLoXklJ-mY_H1eg8r_voWrPFXlh-TYlojSXNFDVTR1SvVUYDnHjFtOrvkulfZWv_Tc97rOW3WwjQL97zr2PwtbIjNR3rgj9/s320/600px-Road_Closed_Ahead_sign.svg.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Oh man, here we go again. Another one
bites the dust, right? I know that's what all my writer buddies are
thinking. That's especially true of those of us who have been through
this all before. Chin up! There are good things about the shut down.
There are also alternatives.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
My daughter would never forgive me if I
didn't mention that she is co-owner of a writing website that is
still very much alive and quite successful. There are opportunities
to blog, write articles or do just about anything you did on Examiner
and more. Contact Lyn Lomasi or her partner Richard Rowell at <a href="http://www.writewavemedia.com/" target="_blank">Write
W.AV.E. Media</a>. She's also recovering content from Examiner.com
for quite a few writers who don't have time to do it themselves. She
can do it for you too!
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Do you have your own website or blog?
If so, this is a great time to transition to writing exclusively for
yourself and/or private clients. Doing so is much more profitable
than writing for someone else, anyway. If you don't have a website or
blog of your own, why not use the opportunity to start one up? It can
be done for free on <a href="https://www.weebly.com/" target="_blank">Weebly.com</a>
or any number of other venues. And no worries if you don't know HTML.
Weebly is point and click. So user friendly!
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
On a personal note, I will miss
Examiner.com. They gave me many years of income, exposure and great
opportunities. However, I must admit that I was getting to a point
where I was conflicted about whether to place my work on my own blogs
or on Examiner, since both have the same topics. And sometimes
sharing was difficult due to the way their site is set up. I'm not
bad-mouthing them, though. As I said, I greatly appreciate what
they've done for me. It is what it is and I have no bad feelings
toward them.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So, now, here I am, able to focus
entirely on blogging, which I love to do. It's very freeing for me.
Down the road, I may or may not go back to seeking out private
clients. I may even look for another website to write for. But you
know, I'm in forced retirement right now, so the blogs are a great
fit. I have no deadlines or clients to worry about. I do things my
way without interference. And if I'm not well that day, there's no
one to answer to but myself.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Folks, I wrote this one a few years
back and updated it today. Thought it was timely, considering the
shut down of Examiner.com. It's certainly all still true. You should
never put all your writing eggs in one basket, so to speak. A lot of
you are finding that out this week. But hey, it's not too late to
save your work or do better next time! So let's talk about being
prepared for that next website shut-down.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Online writing is a fickle mistress.
There's no telling when your favorite writing venue may disappear
from the web. It's best to write for sites that have a long term
history. Like Yahoo Voices or Examiner.com.? Right... </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So, what if your
favorite place to write suddenly shuts down like they both have now?
Would you be prepared? Have you backed up your work? Do you know your
rights as far as publishing content featured there on another site?
How can you be assured of a smooth ride when they “pull the rug
out” from under you?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Do you write “on site?”</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Most online writers know to write in
their word program, rather than in website templates. <span style="font-weight: normal;">If
you're new to the game, you might not realize how important this is.</span>
<b>If you don't retain a copy of your work off website, you may never
be able to retrieve it when a website shuts down without advance
notice</b>. Do you have online content that isn't stored safely in
your word program and backed up on a flash drive? If so, take steps
now to see that you don't suffer a permanent loss.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Are you a single venue writer?</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I'm not. Plus, I make sure I remain in
good standing on all the sites I write for, no matter how successful
I am there. <b>Having back up income makes a huge difference. </b>That
way, if the main site I write for goes through any major changes, my
income doesn't change drastically. If the main site I write for
should happen to shut down, I also know that I can transfer my saved
non-exclusive work to other sites or to my own blogs with ease.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>What about exclusive content?</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Whenever you write exclusive content
for any website, you're taking a calculated risk. Doing so may get
you better assignments or other perks. On the other hand, once the
website closes, it's up to them if they wish to relinquish the rights
to your work. The best rule of thumb is to <b>retain your rights
whenever possible</b>. That way, you can do as you wish with your
content in the event of website shutdown.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>What does your old content look
like?</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
What if the website you write for shut
down? <b>What if a closed venue put your less than perfect exclusive
content on another site you don't have access to?</b> Why not make
sure you've dotted all your I's and crossed all your T's in the
articles you've already written. It would be awful if there were
typos left in something you could no longer change.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Don't walk away mad.</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Writing online is no different than any
other job in that respect. No one wants a disgruntled employee
working for them. <b>Behaving in a less than professional manner when
a venue changes or shuts down reflects badly on you as a writer. </b>It's
not their fault you weren't prepared for any eventuality. Being ready
for such an event before it happens can make a world of difference.</div>
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<br />
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<script type="text/javascript" src="//cdn.chitika.net/getads.js" async></script></div>Jaipi Sixbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140953911429872583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446941313848573403.post-16200614175618779582016-05-27T11:22:00.001-07:002016-05-27T11:22:08.936-07:00Is writer's block just an illusion?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1oMDPQtiAG6r9N_shyphenhyphennk2lv7WsW8JZfGFHuO2xXhUHsEYRPYyJEgPQ_Viacb54AGi_EHF3q7H3W85OKC0_RH81wNSiXsCam-adAKkLmHvhDRD9VN5f0WPFwu6FpEPttpO8XF7STnbHtZ/s1600/729px-Writing_Process_Flow_Chart.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv1oMDPQtiAG6r9N_shyphenhyphennk2lv7WsW8JZfGFHuO2xXhUHsEYRPYyJEgPQ_Viacb54AGi_EHF3q7H3W85OKC0_RH81wNSiXsCam-adAKkLmHvhDRD9VN5f0WPFwu6FpEPttpO8XF7STnbHtZ/s320/729px-Writing_Process_Flow_Chart.gif" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
One of the many conversations I had on
Facebook this morning brought up this question for me. My
grand-daughter posted that she was struck in the writer's block zone.
A mutual friend commented that writer's block is an illusion. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
While I
commented that it's true we can set our mind to do almost anything,
I've had some afterthoughts. Turns out that writer's block is not a
“black and white” issue after all. And sometimes, it's very real.
Here's why.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Writers need a large portion of their
brain to come up with something readable. Granted, you can often just
start writing and break through the mental blockage. However, the
blockage itself is very real. Yes, you can put your mind to it, get
through it and go on to pen an astounding piece of work, most of the
time. But if your brain is busy with other things, doing so can be
daunting.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Writing isn't like most jobs. You
absolutely cannot do it unless the perfect mindset exists in you.
Your mind must be receptive, free of stress and most of all,
completely engaged in what you're doing. Otherwise, you're probably
going to turn out something that's a little less wonderful than you
wanted it to be.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Take this little blog post. </b>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Today I am in a lot of pain. I know the
points I wish to make. Unfortunately, with that back pain occupying
my head, things are not quite coming out as I hoped they would. But
it isn't just extenuating circumstances that can cause writer's block
to become real. It's other factors too.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Here are a few:</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
*A negative attitude</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
*A bad mood</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
*Outside distractions</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
*Being upset about the subject matter</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
*Running out of new ideas</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
*Trying to project positivism when
you're depressed.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I could go on as there are many more
obstacles we face as writers, but you get the point. While it's true
that all these things can be conquered by adopting a more productive
and positive, “can do” mindset, writers still have to get past
them. They are very real. That's because, they are in our heads
where we live. But more importantly, they are in our heads where our
thoughts live. And we can't put those thoughts on paper without
thinking.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In fact, writing is literally your
brain on paper. So, if your head is not clear, your writing is not
clear.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Is writer's block an illusion? </b>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Yes, in that you can talk your brain
into doing anything you want it to.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
No, in that the blockage is very real
until you figure out how to leave it behind, work around it or
eliminate it.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
You can be as industrious and positive
as you want but you still have to conquer those obstacles before you
can keep writing. And that, my friends is why they call it writer's block.
</div>
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<script type="text/javascript" src="//cdn.chitika.net/getads.js" async></script></div>Jaipi Sixbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140953911429872583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446941313848573403.post-18729918315075733172016-03-28T07:55:00.002-07:002016-03-28T07:55:42.065-07:00Choose your writing venues wisely<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXtTrOBoPrnrks0rsMqrsNOaPcY_7A-XVWS3BqvDDfioLT-uYIaus9oN9Npl_SQnDrSy0jmPXuiQAEc2hXzazoBH3WuzSo9y9FwGnQAbuUVUX1HjEFLSgS3K6j7gqiFaSxHI7cvg6DeNzS/s1600/Choosing_Wisely_logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXtTrOBoPrnrks0rsMqrsNOaPcY_7A-XVWS3BqvDDfioLT-uYIaus9oN9Npl_SQnDrSy0jmPXuiQAEc2hXzazoBH3WuzSo9y9FwGnQAbuUVUX1HjEFLSgS3K6j7gqiFaSxHI7cvg6DeNzS/s1600/Choosing_Wisely_logo.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's more important than you think!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Whether you write for
online or print publications, choosing your writing venues wisely
simply makes sense. What kind of writer are you? Do you enjoy working
at your own pace or following guidance from another? When does your
best work happen? What are your goals and interests? Are you
character driven, agenda driven or dollar driven? All these factors
and more determine the type of writing venue you should be
contributing to. Choose your venues carefully to avoid regrets.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Some venues are
deceiving.</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">The general feel of the
venue should suit you. However, there is much more to it than that.
While you may be a liberal, all liberal sites are not created equal.
Some have a more pacifist tone. Others are constantly up in arms.
There's nothing worse than starting to write for someone and having
to leave abruptly after discovering their sentiments don't match
yours as well as you thought. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Don't bash the venue.</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Some writers, when leaving
a site will bad-mouth it for months. They just can't let their
disappointment go. Somehow, it's easier for them to be critical of
the business than admit it was simply a bad fit for them. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">By doing this, they
accomplish nothing but to tarnish their own reputation. Every venue
has it's good and bad points. If you find a site that doesn't meet
your needs, it's best to leave peacefully. Move on to something that
works better for you. Leave your mistakes in the past.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Are you agenda/cause
driven?</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I don't mean this in a bad
way. Many of us have high moral standards. There's nothing wrong with
that. Others have causes they promote that don't jive with certain
writing venues. For instance, since I'm an animal lover, I wouldn't
be writing articles for a hunting magazine. It goes deeper than that,
though. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">I once wrote for an earth
friendly sustainable living magazine. Unfortunately, they
occasionally featured articles on raising animals for food, something
I oppose as a Vegan. They were also great supporters of the NRA.
While I believe in the right to bear arms, I disagree with many of
the extreme right ideals the NRA supports. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">You can't dig too deep
when researching the venues you work for if you want your work to be
a reflection of your ideals.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Workaholic multitasking
fool or not so much?</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Some venues really make
you earn your money. Now, don't get me wrong, there are writers that
thrive on the maddening hustle and bustle, strict deadlines and
constant game plan changes. Others prefer to go at their own pace and
create their own topics. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">To each his own is what
I'm saying here. If you're an adrenaline junkie, go for it. Go balls
out for the money with no regard for the amount of work it takes to
earn it. If not, relax and write what you love. You might just
discover that the money is good on the peaceful side of the fence
too.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><b>Suit yourself, not your
homies.</b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: small;">Some writers make the
mistake of choosing a venue according to the recommendation of
colleagues alone. Remember, we all have different needs. Something
that works out splendidly for a co-worker, may not be suitable for
you. Writing is just like any other job. Choose the right company
based on your own needs and interests, not someone else's. </span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
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<script type="text/javascript" src="//cdn.chitika.net/getads.js" async></script></div>Jaipi Sixbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140953911429872583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446941313848573403.post-88610883930272712622016-03-23T08:21:00.001-07:002016-03-23T08:21:58.854-07:00Humble writing reflections on a snowy day<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwPYmszmGVgMnoE9E8jo7HJZIgxmfetosqtpoTVUQl-A20flaPHZTDlNqcRCwL5gnAsIT4g1sOZDH2oJcBLJ-k2Vp3tKgy2hlt_3BgcxLJHgcDJp-TG_rnWtge-IC87ML3EAdrrO5gUVQt/s1600/101_0025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="" border="0" height="198" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwPYmszmGVgMnoE9E8jo7HJZIgxmfetosqtpoTVUQl-A20flaPHZTDlNqcRCwL5gnAsIT4g1sOZDH2oJcBLJ-k2Vp3tKgy2hlt_3BgcxLJHgcDJp-TG_rnWtge-IC87ML3EAdrrO5gUVQt/s320/101_0025.jpg" title="Own photo all rights reserved" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo by author. All rights reserved.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Snowy days are perfect for doing major
re-writes on old, terribly written and formatted articles. Listening
to the wind blow while watching the flakes pile up is somehow very
calming. There's no pressure to go anywhere or do much of anything.
That fact lends a little more patience to my writing process so that
I can deal with all my past mistakes with slightly less frustration.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It's a real eye opener sometimes to see
how much improvement you've made since day one of being published.
Makes you wonder why they even accepted some of it. Ha! I mean, I
really have to dig into some of these. Once I'm done, some of them
are barely recognizable as rewrites. That's OK. In fact, it's more
than OK. Getting those awful first articles offline and putting up
new and improved work is better for my writing reputation.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
That being said, I did have some great
ideas back then in the land of mental freshness. Just didn't get them
across as well as I can now. In fact, sometimes going through my
older stuff helps get my writing blood pumping. It's been so long
since I wrote some of these articles and posts that I've completely
forgotten them.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I also love adding new experience or
new slants to my old articles. It really makes them “pop” as they
say. Sometimes, if I'm in a particularly peaceful mode, I can get
several article ideas from just one old, crappy article. But that's
not all.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The funniest thing is, it gets me
wondering if, in the future, the ones I write now will seem just as
elementary as those oldies but baddies to me. I bet they will.
Because, as writers, we never really stop growing, do we?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Anyway, it sure is a relaxing day. Just
sitting here waiting out the storm and working on posts long
forgotten. Pulling those old relics from the grave and making them
new again. Isn't rebirth glorious?</div>
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<script type="text/javascript" src="//cdn.chitika.net/getads.js" async></script></div>Jaipi Sixbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140953911429872583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446941313848573403.post-43297835065886315392016-03-18T07:49:00.000-07:002016-03-18T07:49:39.753-07:00Writing what you don't know<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4bDLnv-_1YsGTtL4Xsqwrmr_4hSGYsbLxs03EWFCaExxT3ctHLGLUnJzja10JSyNOxk5CXwmazGjI-c8FImJukPzEuVMsrAP0ftFbb9B29gii03QYiDrn_RndoFB-TaTEG4OzUwAfZFv/s1600/QW_Question_Mark.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="298" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4bDLnv-_1YsGTtL4Xsqwrmr_4hSGYsbLxs03EWFCaExxT3ctHLGLUnJzja10JSyNOxk5CXwmazGjI-c8FImJukPzEuVMsrAP0ftFbb9B29gii03QYiDrn_RndoFB-TaTEG4OzUwAfZFv/s320/QW_Question_Mark.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">What can you say on a subject you know nothing about?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And there it is. That assignment you've
been putting off. You know the one. You know nothing whatever about
the subject at hand but it's your job to get it done anyway. Maybe
it's a private client. Maybe it's a writing site big dollar offering.
Whatever the case, how in the world do you write about something
you've never done and know absolutely nothing about? And the answer
is, very carefully.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>First of all, exactly what does the
paying customer want?</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If you're writing for a private client,
ask for their input. How many words do they want? What type of format
best fits their site? Are there any other special instructions? You
want to reflect their style and fit into their venue. So, while it
may sound biased, it's also important to know how they want the
article slanted. I actually wrote an entire ghost op/ed piece once
only to have to rewrite it because my opinion differed from that of
the client. Oops!
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Note:</b> It was actually a fun
re-write. I just imagined the guy raging at me to prove his point and
it was done in the blink of an eye. Hey, whatever works.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Check out the website the article
will appear on.</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
If this is a private client, their site
will tell you a lot about what they want. It will show you what they
didn't say. You may even find out that you don't care for their
politics or personality. Normally, that's not an issue unless your
beliefs clash loudly. In that case, you may decide not to work for
them at all. Better to find out now, than later on, when you're in a
heated argument over how things should be done.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>There's no getting out of the
research.</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
When you write what you know, as the
saying goes, the article practically writes itself. You have all that
personal experience and previous research to draw on. It's a snap.
But when you tackle what you don't know, extensive research is
absolutely essential.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Use multiple sources.</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Don't be so quick to believe everything
you read. Research from a single source may not reveal the big
picture. So, read several articles before even typing a word. Don't
just rely on one kind of source, either. Watch some videos. Go to the
library for a little history lesson on the subject at hand. You know,
that big building downtown with all the books? And then....</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Talk to someone in the know.</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Sure, you read about it online. You
watched a couple of informative videos. You even took your happy butt
downtown to the good old fashioned library. You have conquered the
Dewey decimal system at last! Isn't that enough? Nope. Now, you need
advice from someone who's been there. There's nothing like a little
personal experience to reveal the facts. Advice from a professional
or expert in the field fills in the blanks and rounds out your
article.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Now you're ready to write.</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Luckily, this part works out the same
as any other article. Choose a title. Write an opening paragraph.
Create sub-titles for all your major points. Fill in the blanks.
Write a closing paragraph. Link to your sources, etc. etc.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Go back and double check everything
you've written.</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
You will be judged on the accuracy of
any information you put out there. This will impact the number of
future assignment you're given as well as the pay that goes along
with them. You can't possibly be too careful. Be sure to double check
those reference links and list your sources in case questions come up
later. If the client does not want or require links, they can remove
them or request that you remove them easily enough. Better safe than
sorry, though. They may want to know where you gleaned your
information. This way, they don't have to ask.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b>Now, turn it in like this....</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
(Client's name): Here is a first draft
of the article you requested. Please look it over and note any
changes you would like me to make.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
By doing this, you allow the client to
inform you of any issues without feeling as if they're insulting your
work. However, hopefully, since you've been so thorough, there will
be no changes and you can get on with your life.
</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzb2pzbYfrAAY64XxCBqf6bry1TFVfRYlsVGL9Rn8E_8vl9QpYi-BvhIBEMecBG2_ysYJ21a9j642pUVh3mfH_I4Uq7fxQ8JpxTxh6zNm19WDInqx0hPm_AyGhcYiKewntXr_aYu9zkGzz/s1600/800px-Boxing080905_photoshop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="197" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzb2pzbYfrAAY64XxCBqf6bry1TFVfRYlsVGL9Rn8E_8vl9QpYi-BvhIBEMecBG2_ysYJ21a9j642pUVh3mfH_I4Uq7fxQ8JpxTxh6zNm19WDInqx0hPm_AyGhcYiKewntXr_aYu9zkGzz/s320/800px-Boxing080905_photoshop.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was satire! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
As writers we're sometimes
misunderstood or misinterpreted. This can lead to hurt feelings and
mistaken impressions. In fact, if we don't word things very
carefully, we may end up misrepresenting our own thoughts, beliefs
and convictions.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I'm sorry to say that I've been
responsible for hurting the feelings of a fellow writer in the past.
She took a sarcastic blog post that I wrote quite literally.
Ironically, I was making the very same point she made in her
retaliation post, just in a satirical way. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And them was fightin' words.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In all seriousness, though, I was truly
sorry that I offended her. Apparently, my satire was so good, she
took it to represent my true feelings. Was it flattering that I could
be so convincing? Sure. That doesn't mean I should have ignored her
ire, though.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
What can you do in this situation?
Well, I apologized, quite sincerely, several times. I even rewrote
the post. You might think this was unnecessary because it wasn't my
fault she took my sarcasm literally. I disagree. Why?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Well, because no matter what my intent,
I did indeed hurt her and I am sorry for that. My friendships with my
fellow writers are very important to me. So, even though she directly
insulted me in her retaliation post, I didn't take offense. I might
have done the same if I took one of her articles the way she took
mine, especially under her current circumstances. Sure, I could have
been rude to her, but I think she genuinely thought I was insulting
her choices. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Plus, we were both making the same point. She was on my side. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So, there you go. If you are a writer
who offends someone, even by mistaken impression, try to look at it
from the other person's viewpoint. Try to see what they're saying.
And above all, be understanding. We all make mistakes. No point in
hurting each other in the process.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Isn't it worth a little rewrite to save a
friendship?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<script type="text/javascript" src="//cdn.chitika.net/getads.js" async></script></div>Jaipi Sixbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140953911429872583noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5446941313848573403.post-28500913509097246242016-03-16T09:33:00.001-07:002016-03-16T09:35:40.689-07:00Making writing dollars from closed sites<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMJh96fq_0oOORhsovfNkE6ASo49jryBkubr5tL0B7fIMTFJrcunyuZP_C86-Ks2mKjUppUXjw0WcMmG4A7N5pAXructy1ITajzV07BatlMJPPKjxNgM4yguMBFK-r25RaS7UsOIve81Q/s1600/US-%252410000-GC-1934-Fr.2412.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSMJh96fq_0oOORhsovfNkE6ASo49jryBkubr5tL0B7fIMTFJrcunyuZP_C86-Ks2mKjUppUXjw0WcMmG4A7N5pAXructy1ITajzV07BatlMJPPKjxNgM4yguMBFK-r25RaS7UsOIve81Q/s320/US-%252410000-GC-1934-Fr.2412.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Those old articles are writing gold! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
In the past, I've written for some very
popular venues that made me a lot of money. It really was scary when
each of them closed. At first all I could think about was how much
monthly page view money I was going to lose. But then, some other
things occurred to me.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I was now free to publish those old,
released articles wherever I wanted and keep making money. How
awesome is that?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Further more, I could take a lot of my
old, less worthy articles and turn them into writing gold. Because
now I have more experience. I can write better articles now. Or, in
this case, turn a bad article into something better.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
And all those silly, embarrassing blog
posts? Well, some of them were actually quite good, of course. But
even if they're not, it's OK. Because the ideas were great, or at
least fairly decent. With a little tweaking, they have a great deal
of potential. So, even if I don't use one word of those old blogs, I
can use the ideas to generate new money.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Plus, here's something else on the same
line of thinking. Do you know how hard it is to come up with those
article ideas? Sometimes it's the hardest thing about writing for a
living. There's so much information out there. It's really difficult
to be original. Well, guess what? I now have hundreds, possibly
thousands of article ideas to draw on, just sitting there in my
queue, waiting to be rewritten.
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So, now, when a website I write for
shuts down, I don't grieve for long. Instead, I make a profit from
it. You can do the same. As long as the website you wrote for is OK
with it, those articles are fair rewriting game. It's perfectly
legal. They're yours now. So, why not use them to your advantage?
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
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<script type="text/javascript" src="//cdn.chitika.net/getads.js" async></script></div>Jaipi Sixbearhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03140953911429872583noreply@blogger.com0