Cheaper ain't better

Ask a group of freelancers about rates, and the battle will surely get heated. A few of my cohorts are chronic gig bidders. I, do not. I get harrassed perpetually for not joining in on this riualistic, carnivorous pasttime. I refuse. The rates are substandard. Children in third world countries working at Kathie Lee Gifford's sweatshops make more than a freelancer makes after bidding and working hard on a project.

FREELANCE FRIEND

But I won the bid!

RITA

And what exactly did you win?

FREELANCE FRIEND

I'm writing a 500 word article about the mating habits of dolphins. And I'm getting a dollar!

RITA

A dollar per word?

FREELANCE FRIEND

Nooo. A dollar for the project.

RITA

So, let me get this straight. You spent three days bidding on a project, which you won-- yaaay you-- and now you need to spend, at minimum, two hours on the first draft for a dollar.

FREELANCE FRIEND

Yeah. Don't I rock!

RITA

You should be getting paid at least $250 for your 5oo words.

FREELANCE FRIEND

(gets a little testy with her kind, wise friend)

That's why I get more projects than you do.

RITA

You're right. But I out earn you. You may complete a hundred projects and make $200. I can do one project and make $250.

FREELANCE FRIEND

You're too expensive.

RITA

No, I'm not. I put a value on my work. If you don't, a client won't.

FREELANCE FRIEND

Whatever.

=============

Many of my freelance colleagues bid, and bid well. They write a ton of stuff and are satisfied. I'm not knockin' the process. I see so many people busting their chops for little return.

Cheaper isn't better.

P.S. When it's all said and done, "Freelance Friend" and I kiss and make up, then write some prose together. lol

xoxo,

RiRi

I'm an adult?

OMG this is the sign of Armageddon.

Someone called me an adult. Me. Adult. Me. Perpetually 25 in my heart. Me. The woman-child. I was complimented, and totally freaked out at the same time.

Only recently have I entertainted the notion of being an "adult." I have a house. I have plants that I haven't killed. And I have a dog. Big accomplishments.

A colleauge and friend of mine called me for advice... because I'm an adult in the business. What? I told her she must've been scraping the bottom of the barrel and ran out of real adults.

Her dilemma-- staying in a fulltime job because it's a fulltime job. She makes shit, gets treated like shit and doesn't give a shit. She wants to leave the aforementioned shit job to pursue something she's interested in-- organic farming.

This chick is young, bright and ambitious. She's a media-type and a fellow writer. This could flourish (like something on a farm-- lol) into a career for her. How hot and niche is organic right now?

She has a part-time gig in radio news. She wants some freelance writing gigs.

My advice: follow your gut/heart. There is nothing worse than having a job for the sake of a job, despite the economy right now. I've been in this position. I've also been without a gig, and while that sucks some major-league sweaty balls, nothing sucks it harder than unhappiness and dis-satisfaction and defeat.

There is no blueprint for living life. Our parents told us that getting an education and pursuing the "American Dream" is the thing to do. They did what they thought was best-- but it doesn't work for everyone.

Who's life are you living? Yours? Or someone else's?

Everything works out as it needs to, when it needs to.

Hugs... The Newly Crowned Adult
RiRi

Writer for hire

Did I Mention I'm a "Writer for Hire?"

While I'm attempting to roundhouse-kick open the doors of Hollywood, I gotta eat. Nothing but the finest Ramen noodles and Easy Mac for me. I use my unique perspective and experience in front of the camera and behind the microphone to create juicy nuggets as a freelance writer. My edge over the other freelancers is that I know what catches the attention of producers and talent because I've been there.

What I write: video scripts, radio/television commercial copy, web copy, articles, descriptive, press releases, want ads, and anything else you may need.

Oh-- I've got excellent turnaround time. In this case, a quickie is a good thing...

Rate sheet, samples and testimonials available for serious inquiries only. ritachronicles@gmail.com