Comments on: Monday, May 12, 2008

By: Shirley

Shirley — Tue, 13 May 2008 15:02:42 +0000

Great post on fees, Devon. I couldn’t agree more.

Glad you were able to spend time with your mother.

By: Melissa Marsh

Melissa Marsh — Mon, 12 May 2008 21:50:04 +0000

I’m so glad you were able to spend some time with your Mom. I spent a good 45 minutes on the phone with mine last night, so guess that is better than nothing since we live so far apart.

Have a great week!

By: bookmom

bookmom — Mon, 12 May 2008 20:35:31 +0000

I never unstand how people feel okay criticizing someone they’ve never met for something that is none of their business.
I wish you nothing but the best in your house hunting endeavors in MA in the coming weeks!
I hope your Mom feels better.

Have a pleasant monday.

By: Erin C.

Erin C. — Mon, 12 May 2008 17:12:05 +0000

Blue Moon. Yum.

I am very glad to read your thoughts on negotiating fees, and I appreciate how even-handed you were with the response. I think all artists suffer from the same issue, whether they be writers, painters, singers, or actors. Luckily we actors have a union that negotiates our minimums, but being part of a union (as you know) also has its drawbacks when it comes to picking and choosing what kind of work you can do. It is wonderful to see an artist who is standing up for what they deserve, and taking everything that comes with that. Bravo.

By: Tyhitia

Tyhitia — Mon, 12 May 2008 16:35:46 +0000

Great post. I cannot believe that someone would insist that you coach them. LOL. Oh please. They better find critique partners and betas. Sheesh. Anyway, I hope that you have a great week also and I hope you find that house.

By: Rebecca Smith

Rebecca Smith — Mon, 12 May 2008 15:45:55 +0000

Hi, Devon -

Good for you for setting such admirable standards for your work and fees. Your clients are lucky to have you.

By: Lori

Lori — Mon, 12 May 2008 14:57:18 +0000

You hit the nail on the head regarding fees, Devon. I have my standards, but in each case I have to examine the ratio of work-to-pay before I turn down the jobs. Right now, I’ve taken on a few articles that aren’t paying much. The payoff for me isn’t in the cash, but in the clips in a much-coveted area. I won’t work for these people forever, but when I am working for them, they’ll get my best. I agreed to the work – to give them less than my best is cheating them.

I’ve come across one person in my life who’s demanded I drop everything and guide her through her work life (and her personal life too, but I digress). I didn’t. That she’s still struggling surprises me none – she’s getting out of her career exactly the effort she’s investing into it.

By: Lara

Lara — Mon, 12 May 2008 14:35:08 +0000

On Negotiating Fees: AMEN.

On Life Stuff: Things are looking more cheery for you! Hooray! Hope your mom is better.

On Writing: May you have a productive week!

By: Michelle

Michelle — Mon, 12 May 2008 13:40:21 +0000

Here’s to a great writing week for you!

By: Cliff Burns

Cliff Burns — Mon, 12 May 2008 13:27:13 +0000

Devon:

It amazes me how civility goes out the window when it comes to communicating on-line. Anonymity emboldens the inner bully, people addressing each other in a manner they wouldn’t DARE try in person. And with writers there is always jealousy involved, especially if a wannabe runs across my site and discovers some of the pointed comments I make about people who write and publish very little, yet presume to be experts on every aspect of the printed word. I’m a professional writer and I have little time for those arses out there who just KNOW they’d be a great writer if they ever actually sat down and, you know, wrote.

Good post, glad I came across it…