Screw You! Paranoia
It was bound to happen eventually. I very likely lost my first client as a result of this blog. Do I look like I care? Frankly, my take is that Screw You! is what it is and I make no apologies for it.
Catalyst Blogger recently singled out my blog with this comment: "There's always a possibility that clients and potential clients will find those blogs." And she's right. I don't market Screw You! as a business blog but neither do I try to hide my identity. It's easy enough for any client to uncover if they do a little digging. And sometimes, I'll outright point them to it if I think it's relevant to the assignment at hand. That's what recently happened with RG, who asked: "Do you have experience with BLOGs, forums, etc.??"
Do I ever. The problem is, my other blogs are pretty infrequently updated so they don't reflect my capabilities in that regard. Hence, I make a calculated decision and send RG here, with the warning: "As the name implies, it tends to be a bit irreverent and sarcastic, so take it tongue in cheek."
RG is back a couple hours later with this: "If this is to promote your firm's writing services, I'm not quite sure how this helps with PR. Is it meant to be like 'The Onion' with sensationalized made-up articles? If not, I'm a little taken aback by your blog. I know you mention that it's to be taken tongue-in-cheek, but it seems to have pretty harsh undertones. Would you help me understand the promotional aspects of the blog?"
That's pretty funny, RG. If only what I write about here were manufactured. Unfortunately, every word of it is true, and if my readers are any indication, it's fairly reflective of the freelancing world as a whole.
Me: "I realize that some people will not like my blog style, which is why I gave you fair warning. The blog is NOT to promote my writing services (I have a very infrequently updated business blog for that purpose), but neither are the articles manufactured. It's really just for entertainment purposes and to build my name and reputation in the blogosphere (where I've already gotten recognition with Writer's Digest). It also showcases a different side of my personality, and probably most importantly, it is my venting forum. And yes, someday I plan to use my freelancing experiences as fodder for a book. I'm sorry you found it offensive, but it is a part of who I am (and more pertinently it shows that I know my way around the blogosphere, which was why I sent you there in the first place). That said, if you're going to take it so seriously, it's probably better that you choose an alternate provider. Whatever you decide, I wish you the best of luck with your promotional efforts."
As soon as I shift the conversation to finding someone else, RG is back with a different tone: "I would just be a bit concerned that the impression your Blog gives may be a turn-off for potential employers. It seems that you concentrate on 2 main topics: 1. Bashing clients. I hope those types of clients are few and far between, but it seems to be pretty frequent. If we were in a project and maybe having a misunderstanding, as a hiring manager, I worry that you may bash me or my firm. 2. Crusading against eLance. ... You may want to reconsider the type of impression on your business that this displays to an outsider.
Actually, as a weird sort of coincidence, the type of writer we're looking for would ... be able to write professional responses to possible external Blogs that 'vent' against our company, similar to your venting against your clients and eLance."
Me, growing bored: "Most of the 'clients' I bash on Elance are not actually my clients. They are buyers seeking assistance for whom I would NEVER work. When I do mention actual clients, which does happen, I am very careful never to divulge any identifying information about them. So if you became the topic of a post, only you and I would know. I don't showcase my blog to buyers but neither do I make any apologies for it if they happen to stumble upon it. It is what it is.
As for Elance, until very recently, I have never mentioned their name on my blog. With the recent restructuring developments, they have begun censoring posts here [on the Elance site], so I am just exercising my freedom of speech rights. I have enough funds in the Elance coffer to extend my membership for three more months. After that, unless I see some major changes taking place, yes, I do plan to leave. However, Elance will be more than happy to take a chunk of my earnings into perpetuity, so even if I leave, I can finish out existing projects here. I am in no way concerned what impression this 'crusading' leaves on potential Elance clients. If they want to work with me, they'll seek me out privately, which many of them do anyway.
And trust me, I know how to handle people like me because I am me. I also know that there's a time and a place for irreverence and a time and place for professionalism. I wouldn't have been able to make a success of freelancing for nearly a decade if I didn't value clients who value me. You might find this hard to believe, but my very first Elance client (going all the way back to 1999) is still a client today.
How would I respond to my own posts if I were the clients being taken to task? (Sorry, I can't even begin to concoct a defense for Elance.) I would address each point raised one by one, neutrally stating the facts. If you read my long post about Elance, you'll see I did just that. Only at the end did I allow my emotions and attitude to take over. If I'm passionate about something there's no stopping me. Some people think that's a character flaw; I think it's a strength, and I believe I bring that same passion to my long-term clients."
RG: "Maybe I was just reading too much into the negativity in your BLOG writings. I do think it a bit odd that you would bash people who aren't actually your clients in your BLOG, which I assume potentially includes me as well..."
Yep, RG, guess what? You're now the showcase du jour at Screw You! A revelation has dawned on me as a result of this situation. Any client who is paranoid about my blog is likely to become the type of client who is going to deserve mention here. I think perhaps I may start sending more clients here before I agree to work with them. It just might save me a whole lot of Screw you! headaches in the end.
Labels: client tales
posted by Irreverent Freelancer @ 10:01 AM
14 comments
14 Comments:
It might help you, too. I've had clients before who were looking for a more irreverent tone. Your blog would probably be a selling point for those.
It's one thing I've learned about blogging, though--if you can't be yourself, there's no point.
I think you demonstrate a keen sense for where the line is drawn, Kathy. I've never, beyond the ELance issue, seen you name names, nor have you ever represented yourself in a false manner. If I were a client, I'd hire you. I would see your irreverence as someone who is professional enough not to take any bu!!$hit. And in this profession above any other, we are given a ton of bu!!$hit to shovel from clients. It's why this blog and others like it exist - because we want to educate other writers and serve potential clients with a notice - We are serious about our profession. Don't screw with us and we won't screw with you.
Easy enough to find if the client does a little digging? Kathy, your “Screw You!” blog came up as the #1 hit after I googled your name. No digging needed. I’ve been reading your blog for a few months now, and you have been entertaining, but I think you are misreading yourself.
You seem to have a lot of cheerleaders rooting for you, going by the comments left on various blog entries here. The thing is, you honestly do come across as a bit of an a-hole when you rip on your clients. And yes, I understand the difference between “clients” and “people you like to make fun of who post things on elance.” The person you mention in this blog posting had some very legitimate concerns, which you completely dismiss in an incredibly flippant (not irreverent – you tend to overuse the term “irreverent” anyway) manner. Calling someone paranoid is a typical knee-jerk response: “What? You can’t handle my irreverent irreverence? You must be paranoid. Screw you!”
You also admit that you rarely update your professional blogs, which really makes me question your dedication to your professional image. This blog is updated often – which would make anyone looking to hire you wonder where your true priorities lie.
You keep on mentioning your success as a professional writer and editor, but this post alone has two errors in the very beginning: “Do I look like a care? Frankly, my take is that Scrwe You! is what it is and I make no apologies for it.”
That’s just plain old embarrassing. Though of course you should make no apologies for your blog, but mocking a potential client for voicing a very real concern is problematic. Perhaps you are enjoying some popularity with your fellow cheerleading writers – but are they paying your rent? Word of mouth goes a long way… and you honestly do come across as a condescending jerk a lot of the time. Perhaps you think you are being irreverent, but being openly hostile is not irreverence – it’s, well, hostility.
Good luck with your future projects, Kathy. I’m pleased that writers/editors such as you are out there; you prove that it doesn’t take much to make some money off of this freelance thing… and as one writer to another, I implore you to please keep on using those tired clichés – it’s one of the first things I noticed about your professional website “….Like it or lump it……” I’m lumpin’ it. Lumpin’ it lots.
Sorry that I'm not providing a link to my (anonymous) blog. I am concerned about your fanatical cheerleaders getting spammy on me....!
Interesing stuff. I know very little about the freelancing world, but as a struggling fiction writer I find all aspects of the writing world insightful. Found you via Word Vixen by the way.
Thanks for popping in, Carmen, and for pointing out my typos. Since this is a personal blog, they sometimes slip through. Typically, I reread my posts later in the day when I have time and catch most of the typos. Obviously, I make no money off this blog, so it's not my top priority. Apparently, since you keep reading, you find something of worth here. If you don't like it, stop coming. It's a free world. When my income actually starts taking a hit because of this blog, I'll consider going anonymous. Until then, I stand my ground. You might find it interesting to note that Jennifer is right. I HAVE actually gotten work thanks to this blog. Believe it or not, some people actually like straightforwardness. Others can't handle it. That's their prerogative and the way this blog is handled is mine. Lump that!
If I were as venomous as Carmen, I'd be concerned too.
Gotta love how she is criticizing Kathy for being "an a-hole," as she puts it, yet packs as much nasty into her comment as she possibly can. Here are a few choice nuggets that I couldn't help but notice:
"you tend to overuse the term 'irreverent' anyway"
This from the person who accused Kathy of "misreading" herself. Hmmm... I think that's what Mark Twain would refer to as the right word's second cousin.
"You keep on mentioning your success as a professional writer and editor, but this post alone has two errors in the very beginning..."
Let the one who has never overlooked a typo cast the first stone.
"I’m pleased that writers/editors such as you are out there; you prove that it doesn’t take much to make some money off of this freelance thing..."
>>>falls off chair laughing hysterically<<<
"...and as one writer to another, I implore you to please keep on using those tired cliches."
Apparently, now that Carminny has established a moral high ground, she feels justified in stooping to sarcasm that's even below Screw You!'s standards.
Guess what, Carminny? Writers don't make it as long as Kathy has by taking sh!t from clients. What you call an unprofessional attitude happens to be why we're all still around to call ourselves professionals. If you don't learn to tell clients off when they take advantage, you'll be writing articles for a buck apiece for the rest of your "career."
Oh, yeah, and because I don't need to hide behind my anonymity, this is Katharine Swan posting.
Oh yeah, I just wanted to add, that although I probably do overuse the words "Screw you!" (after all, that is the title of this blog), it's rare that I use the word irreverent. So I'm kind of at a loss to that insult. However, as I mentioned to one of my "cheerleaders" the other day, I thrive on controversy (no press is bad press, now is it?--how's that for a cliche?), so insult away, Carmen. You know you've made it in this business when people start getting hostile toward you, so I'm actually kind of flattered, especially when that hostility is opened with the admission that I'm entertaining.
Hate to say it, but RG does have a point. Bad mouthing clients and almost clients is never professional. At least it isn't when they can track you on the internet. A business would be correct to be cautious, since the wrath of an angry blogger can be a huge risk.
Maybe you don't want the sort of client that would be concerned with what you wrote about them... but people talk. I wouldn't want to take the chance that an argument with a contractor could lead to public humiliation.
Brave move regardless. Perhaps there is value in a transparent view of the nastier side of freelancing.
ps. perceived hostility is not a sign of success.
I'd say, any company that has to hire someone to defend them against bad press in blogland probably has enough issues that you wouldn't want to defend them.
Also, I think blogs such as this and Writing Frump could be educational for clients in learning how to be good clients. What are the two most common postings? Scammers and poor communication.
I'm thinking that a scammer would read those posts (if they research at all, which I doubt), and then not bother, and bad communicators may catch themselves being vague or contradictory and try to correct themselves. It's probably not often, but if it helps just one client to improve, it'll make the freelance world better for all.
And think of all the new freelancers who are just breaking into the field. With posts such as these, we learn how to defend ourselves against the users, and that we don't have to take on sh*t jobs.
I'd say being called an "a-hole" and a "condescending jerk" is a bit more than "perceived" hostility, wouldn't you? And thanks to all the members of my first-ever hate fest who are so concerned about my professional reputation. You don't know how much I appreciate it, but why don't you all let me worry about that? Come on, whatta ya say? It is, after all, MINE.
Aaahhh thanks. I needed a little giggle today. I know I shouldn't be amused by the hate fest going on but I look at it like Kathy does, "no press is bad press" The bottom line is that's it's Kathy's blog and it's personal. She's not out making money and posting ads on it (like mine which makes nill anyway) and anyone who stumbles upon it gets a wide eyed view of just what some clients are expecting (can we say move the earth and save them from all the meaners in the blogosphere?)
Eh... whatever, RG made me smile and Kathy's response made me smile bigger. Carmen? Now that cracked me up.
Hi. Me again (Carmen - or Carminny to Ms. Swan)
First, my apologies to Kathy. I insulted you needlessly - pointing out the typos was a lame stunt, and after I sent the comment, I immediately regretted it. Pointing out typos is lame, and criticizing someone else's word choices is a lame move too. Clichés are there for a reason, no?
I hope that Katharine didn't injure herself when she fell off her chair in hysterical laughter. Katharine: I said "a-hole" instead of "asshole" because there seems to be some sort of unwritten rule around here & similar writer blogs to not swear, as you show by saying "sh!t" instead of "shit." I don't know why this is, but I was trying to respect the "rules" around here by not swearing - yep, and then I went ahead and insulted K's abilities - which, as mentioned previous, was a completely lame, asshole thing to do. So, I am an asshole too. (Or should I say a$$hole?)
Katharine, you say" If I were as venomous as Carmen, I'd be concerned too." And then you go on to spew some of your own venom - and mock my name, too. Clever! You really got me there!
"Guess what, Carminny? Writers don't make it as long as Kathy has by taking sh!t from clients. What you call an unprofessional attitude....."
Where did I say "unprofessional attitude"? And I never said anything like Kathy should take shit from clients. This guy wasn't a client, and he wasn't giving Kathy shit. He was questioning her about her professional relationship with her clients, and expressing some dismay over potentially being mocked on a blog that is quite often quite cruel (the main reason I read this thing - I like dirt). It seems to me that Kathy was the one giving shit, not receiving it.
Regarding the overusage of "irreverent"....I meant specifically in this particular blog posting. Again, my apologies - I was unclear, and my spewage was uncalled for. I should have thought that baby through before posting.
And of course no press is bad press, but I don't think my comment actually qualifies as "press". I'm an anonymous, chickensh!t commenter. I'm just someone who was a little surprised to see one of her favourite bloggers label a legitimate client concern as "paranoid". And then I went and babbled some crap without thinking it through, instead of phrasing an intelligent response that wouldn't be attacked by your blogbuddies.
Let's sum up the lessons learned here:
1. I'm an asshole. I mean a$$hole.
2. Kathy has some quick fingered friends who rush to her defence and make up phrases and names and think they are very clever.
3. I'm still an a$$hole.
4. Kathy's not afraid of libel (I'm sure she's changed the initials of the fella and would never transcribe actual email conversations word for word).
5. I'm still the a$$hole here.
6. I shall never post anonymous comments again, after this one. (I felt bad on my ride home from work - and then I laughed at Katharine's silliness, but still... it was a lame move on my part to insult you, Kathy.)
"You know you've made it in this business when people start getting hostile toward you." Huh? How have you "made it" because of some stupid off-the-cuff comments from, uh, me? You're giving me too much credit and too much time.
Kathy, you ARE entertaining. I'm glad you got work BECAUSE of this blog.... your stories usually make me laugh - you do have talent. Let's just end it with that.
(hate fest? now I'm giggling.)
Hey Carmen, you're talking with the QUEEN of speaking without thinking things through, so I hardly think apologies are necessary. In any event, I just want to make two things clear to all my readers, not you specifically. For a case of libel to ever make it into a courtroom, what is said has to be untrue. As long as what I write is the truth, which I can assure you it always is, I am protected by my first amendment right. Furthermore, since I've revealed neither RG's real name nor his company name, he'd have no case for damage to reputation, another inherent aspect of "libel." As long as we're clear on those issues, we're all still friends. Even you and Katharine can give each other a hug now, can't you? LOL I've waited a LONG time to stir up this kind of controversy at my blog (in fact, I often wondered how I could be so outspoken and full of attitude and NOT), so thanks for the early Christmas present. ;o) Now if only you would reveal your (anonymous) blog to me so I could return the favor, because I'd bet money on you thriving on controversy too. Ah, and to set the record straight for one and all: I'm not a swearer (in real life or the blogosphere). Hence all the $!@& you may be wondering about. Neither, however, am I a censorer (is that an actual word?), so if you want to swear here, by all means feel free to do so. At some point, I suppose it could cross the line, so I won't go so far as to say I'll never delete comments, but for now, all's fair in hate and war. (Sorry, I couldn't resist tossing in one more twisted cliche.)
Carmen,
I had assumed you had used a fake name, since you indicated you didn't want us knowing who you were. I apologize for making fun of your name. I know that names are personal things, and had I known it was your real name I would have stayed away from that.
Other than the name thing, I don't think my comment was particularly venomous. Certainly not friendly, but it wasn't below the belt, either. (The name thing was, I'll admit, but right now I'm talking about the other stuff.)
I do want to demonstrate why I felt you were accusing Kathy of an unprofessional attitude. In your post above, you said:
"Where did I say 'unprofessional attitude'? And I never said anything like Kathy should take shit from clients. This guy wasn't a client, and he wasn't giving Kathy shit... It seems to me that Kathy was the one giving shit, not receiving it."
It sounds in this comment that you are claiming to have ONLY been criticizing Kathy's behavior with THIS client. However, in your original comment, you said:
"The thing is, you honestly do come across as a bit of an a-hole when you rip on your clients."
and
"Word of mouth goes a long way... and you honestly do come across as a condescending jerk a lot of the time."
Together with the comment about Kathy's typos despite her claims of professional success, I was under the impression you were intimating that she was unprofessional.
I just wanted to explain that I did have reason for thinking you were accusing her of being unprofessional. Whether or not it was good reason, I'll leave it up to the readers to decide.
Now, about that hug Kathy suggested...
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