tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15930234.post2400672662766890852..comments2023-10-01T08:20:44.621-07:00Comments on Writhing in Apathy: Stupid MagazinesLarissahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04973507475111468033noreply@blogger.comBlogger5125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15930234.post-40979196954722071032008-11-25T21:24:00.000-08:002008-11-25T21:24:00.000-08:00Well, now the "quality" of writing that I see in a...Well, now the "quality" of writing that I see in a lot of newspapers and magazines these days starts to make sense. -- When publishers create an economy designed to appeal to writer's egos instead of rewarding (heck, even compensating) skilled work -- they get what they pay for.<BR/><BR/>But as consumers - <B>we</B> don't.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15930234.post-63930567281423618062008-11-19T08:40:00.000-08:002008-11-19T08:40:00.000-08:00Larissa and Steve: What if there is no justice? T...Larissa and Steve: What if there is no justice? That seems damn likely to me. What's the writer's fall-back position then?<BR/><BR/>I offer myself for example. I have a fraction the talent of either of you, a public school education and no formal training as a writer or editor. My job, as a writer and editor, suffers mightily for all that. <BR/><BR/>But it's a job in the field. I keep reminding myself. It is maybe not ideal, but what would be the idea writing job for me? Paid three times as much to blog about falconry would be ideal, but there can't be many of those jobs around.<BR/><BR/>I write promotional copy and public remarks for university administrators; if it wasn't me, someone else would be doing it. I just replaced a guy who went on to a better paying PR job. I'm replaceable also.<BR/><BR/>So I hedge my bets and do some aditional web design for my institution, some graphic design, some penicl pushing. I keep a couple steady freelance clients. I stay prepared, although do not expect, to mow lawns for a living if I need to.<BR/><BR/>And meanwhile I fly my hawks and try to be a good dad and husband and friend and find some time to read. I expect I'll be dead at some point.<BR/><BR/>I don't want to die angry or disappointed.Matt Mullenixhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11198069782508775543noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15930234.post-5805865876899943362008-11-10T19:54:00.000-08:002008-11-10T19:54:00.000-08:00When did the value of the writer, who provides the...When did the value of the writer, who provides the bulk of a magazine's saleable content, decrease so much? Is it writers who are willing to sell out or is it publishers who aren't willing to dish out?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15930234.post-91463852451883546772008-11-09T16:20:00.000-08:002008-11-09T16:20:00.000-08:00First, BRILLIANT.Second--- and all too true, maybe...First, BRILLIANT.<BR/><BR/>Second--- and all too true, maybe even worse than you know. I have written for magazines in the past year that pay me less than they did in the eighties.<BR/><BR/>Twenty- something editors now make more than most writers, and order them around. A publishing house that paid me a paltry $4000 advance for my first book in 1984 offered me a <I>three</I> thousand dollar advance for book <I>on spec</I> last year. When I laughed at them they told me they would never publish me again. Good.<BR/><BR/>Except for the blog I will never write for free-- it is a rule. Cheap, yes, but all those good reviews must mean something. Can't eat 'em but...<BR/><BR/>Third-- that magazine boggles my mind, but then-- Dubai? Hubristic skyscrapers, skiing indoors in the desert? It is all like that. They also pay six figures for falcons and more for Italian guns with pornographic engraving. You know, they won't last.Steve Bodiohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14434597061701369867noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15930234.post-68911078392302273772008-11-07T10:04:00.000-08:002008-11-07T10:04:00.000-08:00Wow. Well said. Too bad not well paid. I know the ...Wow. Well said. Too bad not well paid. I know the drill. Publishers pay the printer, the internet service provider, the delivery drivers, the post office, etc. That's because not a single one of them would ever consider getting paid in "prestige" or "copies."Lisa Romeohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01522310766694189857noreply@blogger.com