Appearances Count – Even When You Freelance

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pigpen

The other day I was at a holiday gathering when an attendee asked if I can get him some freelance writing work or recommend him to my clients. My answer to him was “no,” but that I would offer tips for getting started. I know that wasn’t the answer he wanted, but I wasn’t about to give him or get him a job.

I said “no” for a couple of reasons.

1. This person has never written for anyone before in his life. I can’t in good conscience recommend anyone for a job if I don’t know a thing about his writing or his work ethic. I don’t recommend people simply because I know them, they have to earn their good reputation first.

2. I don’t believe in just giving people jobs because they ask, no matter how well I know them. People have been asking me to “find them work” or “get them a job” ever since I started this freelance writing blog. I find that kind of lame. As I mentioned above, you have to earn your recommendation. I have no way of knowing if you’re a good worker or a good writer. All the freelance writers I know worked hard to get where they are today without looking for handouts, I’d rather give my recommendation to someone I know will do well. This person isn’t going out and looking for work. He wants other people to find work for him. He indicated to us his ideal position would be not to do the work, but to delegate. I’d rather help someone who wants to work and put their all into the gig.

3. He was slovenly. My main reason for turning down this person is because of his appearance. Freelancers don’t see people every day but that doesn’t mean appearances don’t count. This person was at a holiday gathering wearing sweats, a dirty t-shirt and his hair was unkempt and looked like it hadn’t been combed in days. That he showed up for a party looking as he did, asked for a job looking as he did, and even went as far as to say he didn’t want to do actual work. all indicated laziness. If he can’t be counted on to take care with his appearance at a Christmas party, how can I trust him to take proper care with his work.

As I’ve said before, everyone you meet is a potential client. If they don’t hire writers, they might know someone who hires writers. Don’t you want the impression you make to be a good one? Appearances DO count, even when you’re freelancing. The person who approached me for a job may be the hardest worker in the world, but nothing in the way he looked or acted indicated this to me.

It’s one thing to be a little unkempt after bumping into someone on a jogging track or tennis court, it’s quite another thing to show up at dressier occassions looking like a slob. People remember. If you never make a good impression, they will never think of you as something other than what your appearance indicates.

Maybe that sounds snobby but some of my neighbors have actually contacted me for help with freelance writing and social media projects. I don’t think that would have happened if I dressed slovenly or didn’t practice good grooming. Appearances really do matter, even if you rarely leave the house.

Again, everyone you meet has the potential to become a client. How do you want them to remember you?

5 Mistakes Freelance Writers Make During the Holidays

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There’s no right or wrong way to be a freelance writer. Everyone has a different formula for success. What works for me, might not work for you. That’s why I love the Internet. So many freelance writers are sharing their experiences, it’s interesting to see how different writers are tacking their careers. Inspiration and motivation is never a bad thing. Take the holidays, for example. Some freelance writers choose this time to step away from their laptops for a few days, while others use this time to pick up work during a time when traditionally fewer freelancers are looking for work. Again, there’s no right and wrong.

Whether or not you decided to vacate during the holidays, consider these common mistakes made by freelance writers during the holidays season.

1. Not checking email: Emergencies happen. Clients may need to source a quote or have you resend a file. If you’re on vacation they probably don’t want to bother you, but what if they need a crucial bit of information before publishing? Checking your email at least once a day may put you in a position to save a project. At the very least your clients know they can count on you at all times.

2. Not checking in with clients: As mentioned above, stuff happens. Taking 30 seconds to say, “Happy Holidays” or “Do you have everything you need before I take time off?” can prevent disaster. Your clients will appreciate your professionalism and you can take a few days away with a clear mind.

3. Not taking time for yourself and your family: It’s the holidays. Earning extra money and building a client base is fine, but don’t forget to take time off for what’s really important. You and your family. Having fun, sleeping late and enjoying good company will allow for rejuvenation. Besides, you won’t be distracted while having regrets or watching everyone around you enjoy themselves.

4. Not looking for work: Take some time out now and then to see if what kind of jobs are floating around. Even if you won’t be working, it can’t hurt to send out a query or respond to a job ad. It doesn’t mean you have to start right away, but the last thing you want is to miss out on a good opportunity because you weren’t paying attention to the ads.

5. Taking on new clients during the holiday lull without thinking ahead: If you’re taking on extra clients during the holidays, consider what having those new clients will do for your freelance writing load once the holiday season ends. You may find yourself with too much work or in a stressful situation because you can’t keep up. By all means, keep up the client hunt but be realistic as well. Before taking on any new work, make sure you can keep it up once the holiday lull ends.

Whether you decided to take a break or work through the holidays, be sure to remain professional and make sure all your clients’ needs are met before you shut down…and don’t forget to take time for yourself. You deserve the break!

Online Image vs. Offline Image: Are You One in the Same…and is That a Good Thing?

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No anonymous

Deb’s note: I wrote this post a couple of weeks ago and left it in “draft” for proofreading. As I acted on other blog post ideas, this hung out on the backburner for a while. I found it today and thought it might make an interesting discussion in light of recent events. I didn’t change any of the wording around before posting today.

A few weeks ago, we discussed building both online and offline relationships. They’re each very important for building a freelance writing business.

What you think you see may not be what you get

When I was at BlogWorld in October, I met one of my clients for lunch. She said, “I’m so relieved you’re exactly who you are online.” She told me she met with another of her freelancers at the event and said he was very different from his online persona and she felt rather betrayed.

The anonymity factor

I think about this  a lot lately. In the real world, I enjoy friendships and socializing but I’m also a little shy. I never had as many friends offline as I do online.

When it comes to presenting myself and meeting with others, I need a giant confidence boost. I once even spent the hour before a speaking engagement throwing up in the ladies room. Am I a different person because I’m more confident online?

Confidence aside, I talk the same, I write the same and I do business the same online and offline.

I wonder if many of us who spend a great deal of time cultivating online relationships consider whether we have extra “keyboard courage.” I wonder how many of are more confident when we don’t have to make phone calls or attend client meetings. I wonder how many of us are web based writers because of the anonymity the web provides?

Would we be able to achieve this level of success if there was no Internet?

Here’s what keeps me in check. My son is 7 years old. Except for the rare computer game or parentally-approved web search, he doesn’t spend much time online. Before he logs on I tell him to let me know if anyone tries to talk with him. I explain that sometimes people online pretend to be someone they’re not and it’s not always for good reasons.I keep this in mind when I do business. I don’t want to be one of the people I warn my son about.

I imagine it must be very disappointing to find out someone with whom you built a personal or client based relation isn’t who he (or she ) says he is. Maybe that’s why I enjoy online and offline relationships so much. They keep me honest.

Are you the same person online as offline?

On Bad Writing, Bad Proofreading and Responsibility

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Credit where it’s due: Carson Brackney’s most recent post discusses Angela Hoy’s latest  rant against content sites and the people who write for them. In his post, “Content Mills, Angela Hoy, Search Engines and the Quality of Writng” Carson explores who really bears responsibility for bad content. This isn’t to argue Carson’s point, more to discuss the difference between bad writing and bad proofreading and also to touch a little on the responsibility part. I was going to leave a comment on Carson’s blog but it got too wordy, so I’m sharing my thoughts here. Warning: This is kind of wordy too.

Every now and then I like to touch on the topic of bad writing. Because anyone can be a writer nowadays, there’s a lot of bad writing on the web. I’m not going to blame it on web content or low payers, because I know a few high payers who employ writers who, well, aren’t very good. I read “columns” written by high paid celebrities that are absolute garbage. I also know of some sales people who write their own content to sell a product, and bloggers with their own personal blogs who also put out some questionable content.  On the other side of the coin there’s plenty of content on the web that’s terrific but the author didn’t proofread very well. As this community knows, I’m guilty of this very thing (but I hope I’m getting better). Sometimes, it’s not bad writing as much as it is bad proofreading.

So I feel like exploring this a bit…

Using the “Loose” vs. “Lose” Theory

In Carson’s article he makes reference to Angela Hoy’s most recent “investigation” which entailed searching for the word “loose” and citing examples of articles where “loose” was used in the title instead of “lose” in order to prove how web content pollutes the airwaves. In all fairness, “loose” instead of “lose” is a pet peeve of mine as well. However, as we were only treated to the titles of the articles and not the actual articles, all Hoy proved was that someone didn’t proofread. We don’t know if the content is poor, because we didn’t read the articles. Using “loose” instead of “lose” doesn’t necessarily mean you’re a bad writer, it can also mean you’re a bad speller and a bad proofreader. There’s a difference between bad writing and bad proofreading. I post and run all the time, and though that’s not an excuse for publishing sloppy work, the truth is, it happens and it doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to live.

What makes a bad piece of writing?

Granted, some of the articles referenced in her article might be terrible, but Hoy didn’t link to them and I didn’t read them, so I have no way of telling. However, if the whole article was filled with typos, poorly formed sentences and misinformation, I would have to agree it’s a crappy article. If it’s factually correct and well-written, but simply has a typo in the title, I can be forgiving. I’ve found typos in Writer’s Digest on more than one occasion and I don’t see anyone going after them. There’s a difference between bad writing and bad proofreading. Should we publish articles that are victims of poor proofreading? Of course not. However, to say a well written article with a typo is what’s wrong with the world today is kind of silly.

Who bears responsibility

I’m very vocal about writers being responsible for their own writing. I don’t think it’s the fault of the content site any more than it’s the fault of McDonalds for hiring someone who can’t be counted on to show up for work on time. Anyone who accepts any gig needs to do said gig to the best of his ability or move on. However, I also believe content sites need to be more selective with the writers they hire.

The problem here is the content site’s purpose. If it’s a site geared towards hobbyists, there’s a whole different set of standards than the site geared towards putting out “how to” content or news. Getting upset because someone who writes for a hobby site used “loose” is like getting angry at the people who volunteer to put together a community newsletter for not properly structuring a paragraph. You can’t compare a site like Hub Pages to a site like Demand Studios. They have different pay, different requirements, a different purpose, and sometimes, different writers.The content site that wishes to be viewed as an authority and trusted source of information does bear more responsibility than the hobby site. You can’t go after a site for hobbyists and say “you’re polluting the web” because they’re not claiming to put out reputable content. However the site that employs editors and fact checkers has no excuse.

There are a variety of reasons why a bad piece of writing hits the web, but the bulk of responsibility belongs to the writer. It’s the writer who should proofread several times before hitting “send” and it’s the writer who needs to do more than Google and rewrite when researching information. It’s about pride. It’s about not wanting anyone to read something I wrote and seeing “loose” instead of “lose.” The authoritative content sites need to ensure they hire quality writers, and the editors must do their jobs properly, but any writer who habitually turns in poor writing, doesn’t deserve the gig.

Bad writing isn’t exclusive to content sites

I’ve said it before, if you think bad writing is exclusive to web content sites, read the “Twilight” series. Read the church newsletter and the high school newspaper. Read the newsletter at the Senior center or the weekly Mayor’s address. I find typos on a regular basis in books, magazines, newspapers and on websites. Poor proofreading is everywhere. To say content sites lower the quality of writing on the Internet is like saying the moms who started the neighborhood watch newsletter are lowering the quality of journalism.

Typos vs. Quality

Something I worry about more than a writer using “loose” instead of “lose” is a junior high school kid stumbling upon a piece of fluff in his research and thinking it’s good information. Content sites do bear the responsibility to make sure content is factually correct. Thankfully most schools (and parents) have caught on and don’t allow sites such as Wikipedia or Associated Content to be used as sources or references. Still, folks need to back up their facts. If a writer has no medical experience and they’re Googling and rewriting some bad medical writing they found, a disclaimer would be nice. Personally, I feel people who don’t know a thing about medicine shouldn’t be giving out medical advice, but since there’s no way to police this, we need disclaimers. Folks need to know how writers come across their information. I can overlook a typo if the article contains good information, but I can’t overlook bad information.

News vs. Content

Now, the question was asked if web content sites lower the quality of news on the Internet. I don’t know that they necessarily do. Most web content sites with writers who report the news are relaying the facts so it’s not like they’re getting it wrong. Multiple television stations, websites, magazines and newspapers report on the same scandal. Having someone in web content discuss the same thing doesn’t mean it’s lowering the quality. However, most content sites aren’t reporting news. “How to Tie Your Shoelaces” isn’t news. News and content are two separate puppies.

Are you done yet, Deb?

This went kind of long and I need to wrap it up. I hope it makes sense and I hope I proofread well enough.

Content isn’t evil. Web content sites aren’t evil. Bad writers are everywhere and it has nothing to do with where they work or how much they’re paid. It’s the writer’s responsibility to write well and it’s the editor’s responsibility to to edit. If you’re going after web content sites for a case of bad proofreading, you’re also going to have to go after sign makers, newspapers, sales people, newsletters and magazines. Typos are everywhere. Bad writing should go, but using “loose” instead of “lose” doesn’t a bad article make. It will make me stop and pause. It will make me think more about the writer and the writing, but it’s not a deal breaker.

Who bears the responsibility for bad writing?

10 Things Freelance Writers Need to Stop Doing

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Though freelance writing has changed so much in the past twenty years, so many things have stayed the same. It’s still a hustle to find work, and we still have some less than stellar clients. The good news is that it’s easier than ever to become a successful writer. Those who make good choices and act in a professional manner will go far.

In the Internet age, more freelancers are talking and sharing ideas, which is terrific. Something not so wonderful is how some freelancers take the anonymity of the Internet too far, or how they don’t make good business decisions.

As new freelance writers begin their careers every day, I thought I’d share:

10 Things Freelance Writers Need to Stop Doing

1. Apologize for your choices

Are you happy with the writing you do? Do like your clients? If so, why are you apologizing for your choices?  Very few people get to live their dream and work at jobs that make them happy. Always make the choices best for you, there’s no reason to be sorry. When you apologize for taking on a client someone else might not approve of or working for someone another writer doesn’t recommend, it shows a lack of confidence and if you can’t trust yourself…how can others? Never apologize for being happy just because someone else couldn’t hack it.

Bad mouth clients

A major pet peeve, bad mouthing clients has become commonplace on blogs and writing forums. The problem is, these things are left online forever. What happens if you one day reconcile with that client or end up regretting your choice of words? You can’t always remove a forum thread or blog comment. Even blog posts that are deleted often turn up later thanks to caches. What if a potential client or employer Googles you and visits a writing forum only to see some of your harsh words directed at past clients? He’ll probably pass in favor of someone who is more professional and trustworthy.

3. Make Excuses

Does this sound familiar:

  • “I can’t…”
  • “I don’t have time…”
  • “I don’t have the experience…”

Those are excuses all freelance writers use to keep them from working to their true potential. Now, if you’re happy in your career, more power to you. However, if you’re looking to get ahead but put out more excuses than effort, you won’t get far. Instead of making excuses, make a list of excuses. Next to each excuse, write down why. For example, if you don’t have enough time to look for work, list the reasons why. Chances are, most of your excuses are easily remedied. For example, if you don’t have time, cut out an hour of watching TV or get up earlier in the morning. Excuses only keep you from achieving your goals if you let them.

4. Knock other freelancers for their choices

Do you call other writers “hacks” because you don’t approve of their choices? Do tell everyone they must not know better because they don’t follow your path? If so, it’s time to climb down off that ivory tower. There are ways to get your point across without insulting people. Moreover, no one wants to hang around with someone who continuously spouts negativity. If your purpose is to share tips with other writers, by all means do so. Insulting someone isn’t sharing a tip, it’s showing people you can’t validate your own choices without resorting to name calling.

5. Miss deadlines and make excuses

Do you have regular excuses for missing deadlines? Is someone in your family always sick? Did your Internet connection go out for the 20th time this month? It doesn’t matter if these are really things that happen or if they’re excuses because you kept putting off your assignments or didn’t budget your time wisely. Your client needs the work done in a timely manner. That’s why he hired you. If you can’t meet your deadlines or if you hate the writing you do so much you procrastinate, you need to find another line of work – or another type of writing.

6. Treat each client differently

If Client A pays less than Client B, you might be tempted to treat Client A differently. Pay is no reason to be unprofessional, however. Use good customer service practices regardless of how much a customer pays. Consider your name, your brand and your reputation. Also, lower paying clients now might be higher paying clients tomorrow. They may want you to grow with them.

7. Forget freelance writing is a business

Freelance writing is a business in the same way a restaurant is a business or a Fortune 500 company is a business. Though there are hobbyists, it’s safe to say most of us are doing this to earn a living. That means we have to practice good customer service, handle sales, act professionally and remember our deductions.

8. Stay inside the comfort zone

This isn’t a low pay/high pay/content mill thing. This is more about trying new things. Sometimes when we stay in our comfort zones we get a little bored. Branch out and see the world. Try a new form of writing or take on a new client. Mix it up a little and see how much more interesting life becomes.

9. Follow someone else’s path

Do you pitch magazines because someone told you this is what freelance writers are supposed to do? Are you only looking for journalism jobs because some blogger thinks this is a better idea than blogging? That doesn’t sound like you’re following your own path. It seems like you’re following another person’s vision. You’ll be a happier person if you stay true to your calling. It’s important to try new things, but don’t take on something you don’t enjoy simply because another writer thinks it’s what you should do.

10. Let one rejection set you back

I like to tell writers about Stephen King. In his book “On Writing” Stephen King talks of how he stuck a railroad spike in the wall of his bedroom and soon that spike was filled with rejection slips. King isn’t the only writer who has received numerous rejections. It’s all part of the job. Just because one person doesn’t think you’re a good fit, doesn’t mean you don’t fit another publication or website’s vision. I don’t know of a single writer who hasn’t received at least one rejection. Don’t let it get you down.

10 Freelance Writing Lessons Learned from the People of Walmart

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People of Walmart

The People of Walmart is one of those blogs that gets me through every situation. For example, if I’m feeling as if I have nothing to wear, I turn to the People of Walmart to show me there are endless wardrobe possibilities for the taking in my own closet.

Just when I think my hair cut is getting a little shaggy, I turn to the People of Walmart and realize that it’s nothing a couple of barrettes or a pony tail holder can’t handle. Business in the front and a party in the back, baby.

Finally, when life is getting dull or I need a break in the action, the People of Walmart give me the ability to laugh at myself as I realize that could be me in one of those photos, and maybe one day it will be. You won’t find me rocking a mullet or g-string, well, not in public anyway, but I’m sure there are people who don’t agree with some choices I make, either.

There are lessons to be learned at Walmart, even for freelance writers.

1. Style is in the eye of the beholder.

We may think we have it right, but there are other people to answer to. We might think our writing style is interesting or funny, but our clients or readers might find us dull. Something we might consider amusing, someone else might find offensive.  If you’re going for style over substance, be prepared for the consequences.

2. There’s a market for everything.

Whatever your specialty, whatever your preference, there’s a market for your writing. There are buyers for all niches and genres. Whether you write for business or print, there’s work out there. It may take a while to find what you’re looking for, but it’s there. If you’re good at what you do, you can carve out a good living.

3. There are good ways to grab attention.

Your readers appreciate value. They appreciate having information presented to them in a cohesive manner. Readers will always appreciate good content, no matter where it’s published. If you research properly and write for your audience they’ll continue to follow you and support all your endeavors. Grab their attention with good writing and good reporting. Use eye-catching headlines and a kickass opening paragraph. Find a good hook and bring them in.

4. There are bad ways to grab attention.

Going for shock or controversy will bring in attention for sure, but once the train wreck is over everyone will go home. This kind of attention is always short lived, and it doesn’t leave the right taste in everyone’s mouth. Consider why your readers trust you, and take it from there.

5. Marching to your own drum is swell on your own time, but sometimes you have to conform.

It’s great to be an individual, but when someone is paying you to do a job, you’ll have to conform to their standards. When you’re representing someone else’s brand you’ll have to tone down the flair – unless that’s what they’re looking for. Before you begin any project make sure you and your clients discuss what is expected, and what they don’t want to see.

6. Just when you think you’re done, there’s the checkout aisle.

Acting impulsively as a writer isn’t a bad thing. Getting to the end of a piece of writing and adding in a last bit of brilliance to tie it all together can make a project. Moreover, taking the time to read your writing several times over to add a few lines, remove unnecessary words or typos and tweak the finished project is necessary. You wouldn’t complete your shopping trip without going through the check out aisle and you wouldn’t call a piece of writing “complete” without reading it over more than once to make adjustments.

7. Camouflage only hides so much.

Extra words don’t hide bad writing, they make it worse. Don’t pad your writing with fluff to up your word count. If you can’t talk about the topic in the desired word count, you probably don’t know enough about the topic.  All extra words do is make the piece more confusing. Fluff takes away from the matter at hand.

8. We can better get down to business when we’re comfortable.

Freelancers work in pajamas, sweats, shorts and baggies. We’re productive and we’re comfortable. Ties and waist bands distract, who cares who might see us?

9. We are what we wear…er…write.

Just as a shopper’s wardrobe might say a lot about her personality, our writing says a lot about ours. Our writing might tell the world if we have a sense of humor (or not), it will say if we’re angry and bitter or calm and rational. Our writing will show if we’re slanted towards a certain topic, or have no affiliation whatsoever.

10. If you’re not careful you’ll find yourself on someone’s blog.

Your writing may inspire another writer to react. Sometimes it’s in a positive manner and that other writer will agree, and sometimes it will elicit respectful disagreement. Still other times, your writing will inspire bitterness or anger. When you write, think about how other people will react. Are you prepared to defend your writing?

Can you find any comparisons between the People of Walmart and the world of freelance writing?

5 Reasons Offline Relationships are Important for Freelance Writers

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Community

Last week we discussed the importance of freelance writers using social media tools to build online relationships. While the benefits abound, it’s important to note offline relationships are also important. In fact, taking your online relationships offline, can further solidify a working association. Don’t be afraid to join a local networking group or reach out to people in the real world.

Offline relationships are just important. No ,they’re more important than the bonds you form online.

Why Are Offline Relationships Important for Freelance Writers

1. Because everyone is a potential client

It doesn’t matter if it’s your neighbor, the Cub Scout leader or your Realtor, everyone has the potential to be a client. There are different reasons to hire writers and not all writing jobs are found online. Every single person you meet may need to hire a writer one day. When you maintain good relationships with the people in your area, you’re the one who will come to mind when it’s time to hire a freelancer. Besides, ,most people prefer to hire local anyway.

2. Because people have more faith and trust in those they meet face to face

Are you more likely to trust someone online or off? Offline we can meet someone and hit it off right off the bat. Online, it takes more time to establish that trust. We can’t tell who we want to do business with after a couple of Tweets. However, after talking with someone face to face at a networking meeting, we might have a good idea of whether or not someone is a potential client or freelancer.

3. Because everyone knows someone

All of your neighbors, friends and acquaintances  know people…people who might have a need for writers. If you have established trust with others, they’ll have no hesitation when it comes to recommending you for a gig.

4. Because you can do more offline than on

When you talk with someone online they can hear the sound of your voice and see the sincerity in your eyes. They can tell by your handshake if you’re confident or going through the motions. You can show a portfolio and go through your projects in detail, and  elaborate on points and issues. When we’re  talking via Skype or a social network, it’s generally hurried. In person we can slow down and address everything needing to be addressed.

5. Because it’s more personal offline

Offline is more personal. Online relationships can only go so far. Offline you can attend meetings and brainstorming sessions. You can tell by your client’s face and tone which ideas are a hit and which are bombs. Anything you do in person is more, well, personal.  To date, I haven’t met one client who says he prefers online relationships over offline relationships.

Start doing business in person and see what I mean.

What do you do to maintain professional relationships offline?

How to Differentiate Genuine Sincerity from Good P.R.

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Bull

I talk about trust a lot. If you or my clients didn’t trust me, I’d be sucking it up in a cube farm somewhere. So being real is important to me. However, I realize how you see me and how I see me are two different things. Appearances are important. That’s why when I work on building  traffic, I may have the occasional contest, but for the most part I rely on good content and the power of community. I hope I come across as sincere in my sharing with you. I think I do, otherwise  you wouldn’t trust me and come back every day.

Yesterday, someone said to me, “Good P.R. is often disguised as sincerity.” I can’t tell how you how true this is. The problem is, with so many people  being “sincere” online, how do you know when someone truly means well and when someone is making a move in order to get some good publicity or practice good public relations? There are some things that I use to gauge the b.s. factor, and I’m interested in your perspective as well.

Here’s how I differentiate genuine sincerity from good public relations:

Consider the source:

Who is the person who is hyping or giving out the information? Is it someone who is consistent about what he believes in, especially in his goals or visions, or is he someone who changes his tune every week to suit his perception of what people are looking for? Is he someone who is a chameleon and changes to different things for different people, or is he someone who remains true to himself and his product and his brand? The people who mean well always mean well and don’t only do nice things when it’s convenient.

Consider the record:

Why is this business or brand doing what they’re doing? Is it something they’ve always done, or are they just rolling it out for a reason. Look into past instances. Does this brand or person have a history of changing his tune or way of thinking every month or two? Is there a new promotion every other week? If he can’t stay true to form and true to his mission, sincerity probably isn’t a strong point. People who care stay true to themselves and the people who follow their brand or community.  It’s one thing to evolve with the needs of the public, but changing format or opinions every few months is confusing and doesn’t help to build a following.

Why now?

Why is this promotion happening now? Why release this news now? Why the hype now? Why not quietly roll out new features or services? What is the motivation behind this business or individual’s decision? Why the major announcement? Has there been some bad press? Is it because a competitor is doing something similar – or a competitor is successful with the opposite model? Consider all these factors to determine if it’s P.R. hype or a desire to do good things for a community of people.

Everything happens for a reason. It’s up to us as users, consumers and community members to questions the things that seem a little off. Is someone being sincere in his desire to help someone? Is a brand sincere in their desire to give you the best quality for your money? Check the record, delve into the past. Ask yourself, “is this someone who has always been straight with me, or is this someone who has let me down in the past?”

How are some of the ways you can sniff out a P.R. attempt and what causes you to trust a business or a brand?

3 Tips for Being a Truly Objective Freelance Writer

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Back in the day, it was imperative to back up articles with facts, references and whos, whats, wheres, whys and hows. Nowadays it’s much different. On the web we can write what we want, when we want, and how we want. We can write the most unbelievable crap, if we want, and there will still always be someone who believes it.

As bloggers, we can offer a balanced opinion or a one-sided point of view. However, if a writer is continuously one-sided in  his assessments, he can’t wake one day and decide he’s going to be fair and objective. It won’t fly among his readers. It’s sort of like Bill O’Reilly saying he’s going to give an objective assessment of the Obama Health Care Plan. If you continuously, and obviously, lean to one side of the other, you can’t claim to reside in the no spin zone.

A community counts on favorite bloggers to offer an honest point of view. However, it’s the same as with those who are watching the aforementioned Mr. O’Reilly. If you’re constantly blogging against a certain idea or entity, to come back and say, “well today I’m going to offer a balanced assessment of the idea or entity I’ve been railing against for the past year” it isn’t going to fly. Opinions are one thing, and readers value opinions, but if you want to be truly objective, you’re going to have to take a few things into consideration.

Being truly objective spans a career, it’s not a one off thing. To be objective in your writing:

1. Keep Your Emotions in Check

An objective writer has passion but keeps emotion and personal point of view in check. Anyone offering an honest or balanced point of view will always show all sides of a story. An objective report doesn’t have an angry tone, nor is it continuously rosy. A balanced point of view is exactly that, balanced. It’s hard to be fair when you’re mad at a company for a particular reason or if you don’t like one of the people behind the company. It’s also hard to be fair if you’re “objectively” pitching a product or service.

The above applies to past articles as well. For example if you regularly write about Evil Company X and discuss how they’re against everything you stand for and you will never recommend anyone work for them, you can’t turn around and say, “well today I’m goign to give an objective point of view about Evil Company X.” That doesn’t fly and your readers won’t buy it. Moreover, if you’re going to write a “balanced” negative piece in a magazine article and then a really one-sided angry piece on your blog about the same topic, you’re playing with your credibility.

2.Keep Your Agenda in Check

If you’re selling something, you’re probably not the right person to give a balanced point of view. If you hate something with a passion, you’re probably not the right person to give an objective point of view. Plus, if the only people you quote or interview are the people who share your point of view, your agenda is made obvious. If you stated your displeasure for Evil Topic Y on a regular basis, you can’t come back and say, “but today’s article is different because I’m going to be objective.” How can you possibly show objectivity about a topic you’re so negative about every other time? No one will buy it. Transparency is one thing, but no one can be objective after previously expressing dissatisfaction with a particular company, product, service or person.

3.  Keep Your Bandwagon in the Parking Lot

Is this you, “Hey…this topic brings in mega-traffic. If I link to this blogger or piggy back on his topic not only will I get the traffic, but I’ll get the comments too. If I give it a really negative slant, we can have a really cool free for all.” Unfortunately, bandwagon traffic is short-lived and those 60 comment posts are few and far between. If you’re only jumping on negative topics for the traffic your community will get bored, especially if it’s not a topic you delve into on a regular basis anyway. Most readers can spot a bandwagon jumper right away. There’s no way you can expect to be fair and objective when your obvious goal is to bring in traffic with negativity.

Bloggers aren’t always known for their objectivity. Most of us make no bones about how we feel and that’s why our community visits us every day. However, if you’re going to claim to be fair and balanced, make sure you don’t leave a breadcrumb trail back to your agenda.

Updated to Add: Someone asked a little while ago on Twitter how one can be objective with when it’s known that person endorses a particular product or service. It’s a good, valid point. The truth is, you can’t.  You have to be honest about your affiliation and let readers draw their own conclusions. However, if you built up a trust with your readers, such as I have over 4 1/2 years,  hopefully they’ll trust your judgement. Especially if you’re not in the habit of accepting money to endorse anyone who comes along. It’s all about trust. I hope I can speak about my sponsors honestly without people thinking I’m a shill, but that’s not going to happen, people are going to say it anyway. So I won’t claim objectivity when talking about a sponsor.

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