Would like to hire some one to write a sailing article

[Dave Lochner]

[QUOTE=Redinari;3099188]

Originally Posted by Mora

Hi!
I'm having no luck hiring content writers out in the world because they clearly know nothing about the subject: sailing.




Is it really luck or fair market value holding back the writing quality?
Do we know what the articles are for and who, in the end, really benefits from the publication?

Good point. The OP might have more luck/volunteers if we knew what the publication was about and who the target audience is.

If the publication was for some worthy cause some people might be more willing to write for below market rates.

[Ken Pole]

As someone who writes for a living (mostly defence and aerospace) and has done so on a freelance basis for four decades, I suggest that only specialized technical writers are paid $1 a word. Going rate for many mags is .35-.45. That said, sometimes low-paid amateurs come up with ideas/angles the so-called pros don't.

[Hunterdog]

I’m 18 months into a 10 year tour of the world...pm me on FB...Grateful Travel.

[conchaway]

I was an adjunct professor of English literature and composition for thirteen years at Indian River State College.
I also have ASA 101, 103, and 104; and 10 years experience crewing in sailboat races.
If you can use my services, contact me.
Thank you.

[Mike OReilly]

For those of you so quick to accept such crappy rates, please know you're undercutting those of us who make a living as writers.

Imagine your job, and then imagine someone coming in and offering to do your job for 10% of what you get paid. That's what is happening here. I realize there are lots of people who have other incomes, and who can afford to work for nothing, but just realize what you're doing to others.

[George DuBose]

https://www.bwsailing.com/circumnavi...-in-six-weeks/

George Day at water sailing">Blue Water Sailing published this story and then won't pay me. I have been nagging him for two years.

Anybody else been stiffed by BWS. If I wasn't currently based in Europe, I would drag him in to Small Claims court.

Forearmed is forewarned.

[contrail]

Originally Posted by George DuBose

https://www.bwsailing.com/circumnavi...-in-six-weeks/

George Day at Blue Water Sailing published this story and then won't pay me. I have been nagging him for two years.

Anybody else been stiffed by BWS. If I wasn't currently based in Europe, I would drag him in to Small Claims court.

Forearmed is forewarned.

Me Too.

[gamayun]

For those who are thinking of responding, you might also ask if you will get your name in the byline. I answered an ad when I was just out of college that involved interviewing and writing a piece for a booklet that came out every year on current career opportunities for recent grads. I spent a good bit of time outside of my own job to work on it and it cost me money when I used up available cellular minutes. I sent in the receipts as requested, which included a small stipend of my hours worked, and got stiffed. That was a painful lesson for the need to get a contract or something in writing before doing the job, and to also better value the true cost of your services. It's understandable to offer free labor when you're trying to build a portfolio, but it might be better to give it away to a non-profit who might need content for their newsletter or to a small town newspaper who values a little spice from an outside voice. Published writing in any format is still an acceptable example of someone's work.

[thinwater]

"Looking for good boat for $1000."


It's a troll.

[Thumbs Up]

Don't forget that all we do on cruiser's forum is write sailing content that is being published online. For free, some of you CF "supporters" are even paying. So $40.00 would be an upgrade.

[Mike OReilly]

Originally Posted by Thumbs Up

Don't forget that all we do on cruiser's forum is write sailing content that is being published online. For free, some of you CF "supporters" are even paying. So $40.00 would be an upgrade.

Exactly right. I'd rather make my volunteer contribution here, supporting a community that supports me, rather than basically give it away to some unknown (and apparently disrespectful) unknown enterprise.

[Hardhead]

Originally Posted by George DuBose

https://www.bwsailing.com/circumnavi...-in-six-weeks/

George Day at Blue Water Sailing published this story and then won't pay me. I have been nagging him for two years.

Anybody else been stiffed by BWS. If I wasn't currently based in Europe, I would drag him in to Small Claims court.

Forearmed is forewarned.

That's really a great article you have written. Obviously - it took a lot of time, effort, and skill, to write such a well documented and entertaining sailing story.

AND - that's really shameful behavior by "Blue Water Sailing." If it's true - and it seems to be, given there's another poster here with the same experience - then it's good to get the word out. No credible excuse for that kind of practice.

[Mike OReilly]

Originally Posted by George DuBose

https://www.bwsailing.com/circumnavi...-in-six-weeks/

George Day at Blue Water Sailing published this story and then won't pay me. I have been nagging him for two years.

Anybody else been stiffed by BWS. If I wasn't currently based in Europe, I would drag him in to Small Claims court.

Forearmed is forewarned.

George, are you a member of any writer's association or union? I've led a few such organizations over my near 30-year career. I spent a lot of time chasing dead beat publishers who stiffed our members.

[Hardhead]

Charging fair rates is fair too. Seems like the content production is where the entire value of the reading is.

[wolfgal]

Originally Posted by Mike OReilly

For those of you so quick to accept such crappy rates, please know you're undercutting those of us who make a living as writers.

Imagine your job, and then imagine someone coming in and offering to do your job for 10% of what you get paid. That's what is happening here. I realize there are lots of people who have other incomes, and who can afford to work for nothing, but just realize what you're doing to others.

please forgive me, Mike. Just lost my job...