Price versus Quality

Writing for a living can be a tough and often thankless job, particularly for writers who work in the commercial space. I am fortunate to be doing what I love for a living. I take as much pride in the quality of my work and professionalism as I did when I worked in Corporate America. However, there are those in the business world who seem to have a disregard for the commercial writing profession.

As a commercial writer I have to find jobs. No fancy bylines or articles for me. I have to spend a portion of my week on business development. In the past year that I’ve been in business, I have developed regular clients but as all business owners know you can never stop marketing. So, I use several of the freelance boards to bid on writing assignments. It’s a great way to reach a target market but every group has its rotten apples. As I sifted through project listings today, I ran across what sounded like an awesome creative writing project until I read the post. The client was looking for talented, creative, dependable, flawless writers with excellent command of the English language. This client was tired of posting projects only to work with writers who have disappointed in some way. The client was unwilling to pay any up front deposit because he’d been burned in the past. The post was one of the longest I’d ever seen with many requirements. I was interested until the end “will only buy in bulk, 50 articles, 1 per day, will pay no more than $1 per article.”

If the article takes 2 hours to research and write, you are making $0.50 an hour. At 2 hours per article, you are giving this client a little more than 2 weeks of your time for a whopping $100.00. The client complained about quality but the old adage “you get what you pay for” does apply here. This client will get lots of bids but at that price will not find quality writers.

It leaves me wondering, if we have reached the point that we are so price driven that quality no longer matters. For my sake and that of other service professionals I hope that time will prove me wrong.

Off to the Naughty Mat!

I am an avid fan of track and field, among other sports. As a runner though, I particularly enjoy watching athletes race at speeds I will never, ever reach. So as a fan, the news of doping allegations against Justin Gatlin and Marion Jones really troubled me. These allegations came just as I was digesting the Floyd Lndis scandal. Unfortunately for sports fans, there has been no shortage of bad boy (or girl) behavior from the sports world. In recent weeks, rather than headlines about home runs, touchdowns and birdies, we have been treated to items about weapons charges, child molestation, rehab and manager with bloodied noses. Sadly the sports section is beginning to resemble the crime beat.

I realize that the world itself has become a different place, so it is inevitable that all facets of society will be impacted, but must it be that way. What message are we sending to our children? We encourage our young people to dream big and work hard so that they can achieve greatness and inspire others. We teach them that success and good citzenship are intertwined. Yet, public figures seem to spit in the face of this logic.

JonBenet Ramsay's alleged murderer has received rock star media attention. Mel Gibson drives drunk and denigrates the Jews and receives a publicity blitz bigger than any of his film openings. Pitchers hit their manager in the nose and it hits the front page of the papers. In this country, it would appear, in spite of what we teach, bad behavior is rewarded.

It is easy to blame the media and they certainly have some responsibility, but we must share the blame. We continue to watch, read, listen and comment on bad news items. Certainly, the public is deserving to be made aware of many of these situations, but must we be bombarded with them daily? I think we would all benefit from a little less of the bad and a little more of the good. Instead of hearing about every nuance of a murderer's life, why not treat the public to stories of hope, survival and good behavior? If we shift the balance, even a little, I believe that we and our children will benefit in the end.

Growth and Renewal

One of my favorite places to run is a local park. It's only four miles from my home. I can run there and back on the days I need longer miles. As you drive through residential streets and turn into the entrance, it looks like an average park. There are benches, playsets, harried parents and children laughing. However, as you pass the play equipment you walk over a bridge and enter an oasis of serenity. The trees loom over the path creating a quiet, forest setting. There are ponds and streams that wrap around wooded trails each leading to a new adventure.

It is here in what I fondly call my "happy place" that I do many of my long distance runs. I also come when I am pondering, procrastinating or otherwise in need of a diversion or pick me up. This morning, I was here for the pure simple joy of running in the place I love. The first 6 miles passed in silent thought. I mulled over new business ideas, thought of stories in progress and examined areas of life and business that I want to improve. I was beginning mile 7 when a leaf fell in my pathway. It was so quiet that the gentle sound broke through my thoughts. As my running shoes crunched over the leaf, I looked up at the tree. It was so tall I had to strain my neck to see the upper branches. There were mature leaves and new leaves sprouting from its sturdy limbs. I glanced over at the pond and saw a large branch floating along the surface.

I kept running but I thought of that tree and how much it resembles our lives. Each year that goes by, our base grows stronger and although we are aging, we never stop growing. Like the tree our lives have seasons. We have our share of the barren winter months. A time when we are quiet and still as we await the new season. We also have our spring, when hope is renewed as God waters the seeds that have been planted so that they will grow. We have our summer, when new gifts spring forth and enjoy the slower rhythm and time of play. Finally, we too have our autumn, when once again the dead places in our lives fall away so there is room for new growth. Each season has a purpose in our lives, although not all are enjoyable. We need the different seasons to reach our full potential, just like the trees.

There are times in our lives when we shed more than leaves, but we lose an entire branch. We can lose a larger branch during a time of intense challenge or trauma. We can lose a branch because it has been broken by someone who did not exercise the right amount of care. We may even lose a branch due to aging, we simply cannot support the weight of it anymore. Yet, the branch does not bring down the tree.

I finished up 17 miles and I felt physically and spiritually stronger. I realized that God gives us the ability to weather all of the seasons are life. Because of Him, we can grow and flourish and one days our branches will also touch the sky.

My Dad Dot Com

My 76 year old father has developed a sudden fascination with the net, not in using it mind you but in having others use it for him. My Dad does not own a computer, and seems to have no interest in acquiring one but over the past several weeks he has gone out of his way to ensure that all of his transactions are handled via the net. Last week he drove 15 miles to my niece's house to have her send an email on his behalf. Why didn't he just pick up the phone to ask my niece to send the email? It's a mystery to us all and we have learned not to ask too many questions of a 76 year old man! A few days later, he called me and asked me to RSVP to a wedding via email. Of course it took three phone calls for him to decipher and tell me the email address (aha, perhaps that explains the 15 mile drive!) but we were finally able to get it done. I have no idea why he didn't check the little box and drop it in the mail, or even call for pete's sake. He just seemed mighty determined to use the technology that the bride and groom had offered! Today, I get a call from my Dad asking if I was really, really busy. Uh, I write for a living Dad, am I ever too busy for distractions? When I avoid a direct answer (I'm not letting on that I was procrastinating on an assignment by reading about Lindsay Lohan) and say calmly "What's up Dad? What do you need?" he answers, I need you to cancel an appointment. Well, yes this I can do! "Sure Dad, do you have the number?" Silly me, I still pick up the phone to make appointments. My Dad replies, its Henry Ford dot com. Uh, okay Dad. So I log on to the site and he recites his medical number. "Dad who is the appoinment with?" "It's with the hearing aid people." (Gee, thanks Dad I'm sure there's only one audiologist there). I input his name and birthdate and then ask "Dad who's your doctor?" Does he know? Of course not, but darnit he knows Henry Ford dot com! Okay, I type Audiology and hope that combined with his name and birthdate they'll figure it out. Surely, they'll figure it out when he doesn't show up! Okay, Dad it's done. He excitedly says "Thank you Baby!" tells me good-bye and is off to who knows what adventure. Can online shopping be far behind?

Merry Christmas?

Once upon a time I really loved Christmas, alas that time has come and gone. Rather than a time of peace on earth and joy, Christmas has become a time of higher crime rates, depression, major stress and general nastiness. Gifts are no longer given out of joy but out of a forced sense of obligation, so we get things we don't want and buy things we cannot afford and then we regift. Children are overindulged (yeah, I said it, go ahead throw tomatoes at your pc), and stressed out parents strive every year for the bigger better toy, decoration and celebration. Does anyone out there actually still enjoy this holiday?

We have even gone over the top in our "all inclusive" policy. We no longer want to call it Christmas but simply a "holiday." Hey, why not desecrate Hannukah while we're at it. Christmas is what it is - a time when Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus. Don't like it, don't believe it, don't celebrate it!

Now, while I may sound like a sour sport, I'm really not. I long for the Christmas of past, simple celebrations that honored the Christ child. A celebration of the victory and triumph that Christmas represents. A time when families came together in remembrance. A time when gifts were simply given from the heart. A time when we remembered to reach out to those that are in need.

Perhaps we would all benefit by even taking it down a notch or two, spending less and loving more, receiving less and giving more. I have personally found no greater joy than giving to others, and that joy is expanded when the recipient is someone in need.

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas!

The Richest Nation

In viewing a Nightline report last night, I was once again reminded how blessed I am to live in this nation. The Nightline report dealt with the crisis situation in Niger. I watched in horror as the BBC reporter spoke with families that are literally starving to death. I wanted to turn away, yet could not, as images of starving children filled my TV screen. People lay dying because there is no food and no water. Some of the villagers found rats to eat, and so were able to have a meal. When a bit of help did arrive, starving people had to hike 6 miles to get food, and there was not enough for everyone, only the most critical were allowed food. My eyes flooded with tears as I watched.

I too have had days of need but I have never known starvation. Yes, I have been hungry and without food, but I live in a country where at the very least I can get a meal. In America we make provision for the needy. We have shelters, and food banks so that no one has to starve to death. I was humbled as I watched people in far dire circumstances than I shall ever experience. This is a tough time for me, and my refrigerator is empty but my situation is 1000 times better than the people of Niger. I do not take joy in their misery. My heart aches for them and I pray that the richer nations of the world will not only help in this crisis but make provision for ongoing help for those that are less fortunate. If you are reading this today, I urge you to make it your personal mission to not only count your blessings, but share them. Whatever you lack, there is someone who has even less.

The Business of Basketball

For sports fans following "As the Pistons Turn" the news of Larry Brown's departure came as not shock. Unlike many loyal Michigan fans, I say "Good Riddance!" Don't get me wrong, Larry did a great job when committed to the team but following "the brawl," his health difficulties and the negative diversions during the playoffs, well...Perhaps change is good. What is disturbing is that so often in sports things turn ugly. Sports used to be a way for us to teach our children discipline, commitment, loyalty. Players were drug free, team oriented and stood out as good role models for us. Today's environment is all about me, me, me and the almighty dollar. Loyalty, shmoalty! Agents, contracts and cold hard cash are what drive the game. Frankly, the Pistons deserve better. They have remained a team of level headed guys who truly seem to enjoy what they do. They give back to the community and show a genuine appreciation for the fans. Detroiters and the Pistons have a mutual love affair. Although the players come from various places, they seem to be more representative of Detroit - hard working, no frills, down to earth like so many of the people that live in the city. I'd say the Bad Boys deserve a coach that will be committed, hard working and not looking for his next job while his team is fighting to win a championship.

Grief and Anniversaries

Today would have been my 12th anniversary. It is a really tough day and one that I must endure alone. This is the second anniversary since my husband's death. There are times when it still seems unreal - is he really gone forever? People seem to think that becoming a widow at a young age offers some kind of advantage. They think it hurts less because you were not married that long. They forget that I have not been widowed after being married 50 years so I cannot compare my pain and somehow minimize it to "not being as bad." No one talks to me about my husband anymore. I suppose people either feel that I've moved on or they do not want to bring up the pain. Yes, I have continued to live and have written new chapters in my life but my husband will always be a part of me. You don't just move on from those that you have loved. Many of my tearful remembrances have now become happy ones. I think of my husband and smile or laugh. Sadly, there is no one with whom I can share these moments. No one remembers that today is the day that I pledged "till death do us part." I don't really have the energy or the inclination to bring it to anyone's attention - so I will deal with this day as I have all the others- alone. I will mourn, laugh, cry and try not to feel self pity. I will remind myself that life does indeed continue to be an adventure filled with change, wonder, and challenges. I will thank God for the time that I had with my dearly beloved. I will embrace the lessons that I learned and continue to grow as a person. I will work through this difficult day, with faith and an undeniable truth that this too shall pass.

Hug someone you love today, you may not get another opportunity.

Is it really Spring?

Soon after I wrote my last post, the weather once again returned to Winter conditions. What a dirty trick! It seems that this has been the "Year of Weird" for weather everywhere. I'm not sure if its due to global warming or not, but I do know that the weather has an effect on your mood. As I look out the window today, I see trees blowing and rain gently falling. That normally would lull me into a sense of peace, but yesterday it waas blue skies and sunshine, and people were driving around with the top down! Going from wonderful to dreary overnight makes it very difficult to spring into action (pardon the pun). I am expending a great deal of energy today, motivating myself to work. This poses a real problem because I'm self-employed, and if I don't work, I don't eat! Yesterday, people were smiling and willing to chat. Today, everyone is gloomy and in a hurry to just get through the day. Still others look up at the sky and will the sun to shine. They refuse to carry an umbrella or dress in warmer clothing, by golly its Spring, even if the weather will not cooperate! Well, I'm going to put on my sunglasses, pick up my umbrella and head out to drum up business. It may be cold outside, but in my heart it's Springtime baby!

Make it a great day! Karen

Hurray It's Spring!

After what seemed like an unending winter, Spring has finally arrived - hurray! I must admit that even I, lover of all seasons, grew weary of boots, heavy coats, gloves, and that doggone salt everywhere! It is a lovely 59 degrees here in the Midwest, birds are singing, children are playing outside, mothers are pushing baby strollers. Oh glorious day! I think that what I truly love about Spring, is not just the warmer temperature but the rebirth that it signals. Winter tends to be dark and cold, and sometimes lonely. Spring reminds us that the light does shine again. Spring is a time to throw open the windows and clear out the clutter in our homes and within our selves. Spring is a time when dreams really do seem possible, and hope is renewed. We watch birds returning from their winter retreat, plants and flowers begin to bloom, and the dark winter skies become a distant memory. The days are longer and the nights are shorter. We survived another winter, and this is our reward, our time of celebration. For some, winter truly may have been a dark time. There are those that may have lost a job, or a loved one. Perhaps a cherished relationship came to an end, or you faced a medical crisis. I've lived through many dark times as well, but today, be encouraged that winter does not last. Spring always comes, it never fails. Your rebirth shall come too.

Love and sunshine,

Karen

The New American Work Force

No one can argue that being an employee in today's marketplace is vastly different than what our grandparents and great grandparents experienced. Most of us have accepted that at some point in our work history, we may be downsized, right sized or outsized out of our job. Yet, amazingly, many American workers are not prepared for this stark reality - financially or emotionally. Some choose to believe that it can't or won't happen to them. This is, in my opinion, as frightening as the person who has chest pains and doesn't take time to see a doctor. Neither scenario has a happy ending.

For those that continue to earn a living by being employed must realize that showing up every day and hoping for the best is no longer good enough. The new American worker must be savvy enough to have a Plan B, and a Plan C. They must always be thinking one step ahead and never allow themselves to be lulled into a false sense of security. What does this really mean? Start cutting expenses before you're faced with a job loss. It is easier to cut back and make different choices when things are going well. You think you've earned the life you're living, that you deserve a little luxury after all your hard work? If you lost your job today and could not find work for 12 months, would you still feel the same way? The harsh reality is in today's economy, there are many talented, well educated people who are out of work for extended periods of time. Are you prepared for a sudden job loss, a sudden illness? Getting your finances in order is only one piece of the puzzle.

In this new world, it's imperative to have a backup plan and a backup to the backup. While employed take advantage of every opportunity to broaden your skill base. Take classes, volunteer to learn new skills. Think ahead and begin working on that second career while still employed. It's far easier to sacrifice a little time when you have a steady paycheck than when you are out of a job and desperate.

Finally, there is an emotional component. We spend a great deal of time at our jobs. We are sadly, more connected at work than we are to our families and communities. Losing your job can also mean the loss of a social outlet, the loss of a community. Again, in this case a little pre-planning can go a long way. Companies are impersonal machines that are focused on the bottom line. Begin to see your workplace for what it really is, a job. Enjoy the work, enjoy the people but do not expect that big, impersonal machine to take care of you. Form a support network outside of work. It's amazing how many of us neglect to nurture friendships and family relationships because we're too busy working. Spending time with people who have nothing to do with work will give you balance and help you to be more relaxed and dare I say it, productive at your job. However, if you do lose your job, you will have a network of people to help you through the rough times.

At the end of the day, spending less, sharpening your skills and nurturing relationships will improve your life, even if you do keep your day job.

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