How far would you go?
August 9th 2007 00:08
I was just having a conversation with David and a question popped out of my head.
How much would you compromise your ideals to be paid for something that is in the realm of where you want to work? For example, if you’re a writer, would you write for Mills and Boons if it meant you were getting paid to write? If you were a singer, would you sing/mime a Britney song? If you were an actor would you take a role in The Bold and the Beautiful?
I can’t think of any more examples, hopefully you get my gist.
How far would you go?
| 143 |
| Vote |
Add To: 
Subscribe to this blog
Comment by Kleonaptra
Kalikapsychosis
For writing, I suppose I could do just about anything. Write greeting cards, romance novels, whatever. My writing skills can be stretched to maximum there. Im not saying I wouldnt hate it, but Id do just about anything to get paid to write! And no matter what I was getting paid for, Id still be writing, even crap will extend my skills in the long run, and I can work on my own stuff when I have the time.
Horses are another matter. I love working with horses but I wont work somewhere that theyre being mistreated or not well cared for by MY standards. I wont work in a knackers yard or culling brumbies.
I cant even volunteer as a vet nurse - Its all for a good cause and all that but I just cant cope with animals in pain, it makes me so sick. I could do a lot of good work for the cat protection society but I cant take the amount that get put down everyday. Couldnt work there no matter what I was paid.
Comment by Damo
For the Sake of Argument
My Apologetics
What is left to compromise?
Comment by Aimzster
Health and Beauty
Reality TV
The Jeepney Stop
Comment by Chic Critique
Cheers
CC
Comment by Candice
Great question! I would do any type of writing if it paid the bills as long as I didn't disapprove of it ethically. I'd much rather have fun writing a Mills & Boon than doing an office job or something like that. I'd definitely write that type of stuff under a pseudonym though. I know of a literary author who actually does M&B to fund his other writing. It'd be better if literary authors were paid properly but if that's the way it is at least he's still managing to do what he loves at the same time.
Comment by Lilla
Enviro Warrior
An Extra Ordinary Life
Dream Herald
Good Question, and I'd have to say, '..not very far at all.'
I'm a jurno who doesn't write for lead newspapers and magazines (often) because they expect, gonzo-journalism based on sensationalism, half-truths and downright manipulation...
I can't do public relations anymore either, especially if it supports corruption, pollution and corporate "bottom lines" - you read my last interview fiascso on Ordinary Life.
As Damo says, I blog regardless of all that means ...
When I'm acting (theatrics), I wouldn't take off my clothes...
So, you see, not very far at all, not for money...but I might consider the last one for love? *chuckle*
but, that's another story.
Lilla ...
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Thanks for all your answers, it is a tough one isn't it?
Hi Kleo
It sounds like you've thought about this before. I've thought the same thing, that I would write in any genre if I was paid. But I don’t have a specific answer for myself, I oscillate back and forth.
This is definitely a great point that I hadn't thought of:
I guess it's learning to make the situation work for you and getting whatever you can from it.
I can understand what you mean about working with horses that aren’t being treated well, I think that’s completely different. They don’t have a choice and it would be horrible to be a part of that environment. I know I definitely couldn’t work somewhere where animals are in pain, that would be too hard even if it was in a vet environment, it would still be too sad for me to see, but I admire people who can.
Thanks for your comments, Kleo,
Tracy
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Hmmm, I’m not sure about seeing blogging that way..... but your comment made me smile and ponder......
Thanks for popping in,
Tracy
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
The more comments that I read where everyone is saying yes, is convincing me that yes I would write in any capacity for money!!!
A friend and I had a drunken night and decided that we would even consider writing erotica (under a pseudonym of course) if we could get paid for writing...in a non-drunken state, I’m not so sure...but it’s always an option....particularly when drunk....
Byee and thanks for your comments,
Tracy
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Yeppie, I agree, being in a job with an element of creativity is appealing, especially if more opportunities could come up later. I've done that and have relished those moments where I was doing what I love. Like you said, it’s not ideal but if it’s enough to keep your zest going, then that’s great.
Thanks for popping in,
Tracy
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
That’s interesting that you know someone that does write for Mills and Boons and that you can definitely do it under a pseudonym. I think that would be the only way I would do that sort of writing. It sounds like he’s at least able to do the writing he loves while earning some money.
Yes, I don’t think I could do any sort of job that I didn’t approve of ethically, writing or otherwise.
Thanks for those thoughts,
Tracy
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Hi Lilla
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, it sounds like you’ve done all sorts that’s led you to your spot.
Yes, I read about your interview on an Ordinary Life-not pleasant at all. So you do freelance journo work now? Do you enjoy that?
My thoughts behind asking the question is that it can be a bit of a quandary, should a person wait for the rightish job and stick to what they know they want or is it helpful to work in a field that is somehow related to the one you want to be in, with the hope that it could improve.....
I’ve liked so many aspects of what people have said, it’s encouraging. It’s good to have an idea of what you’re happy with I guess....which can be a bit hard to know!!
I’m not sure I’m making sense at the moment, I’m a bit delirious, so I might leave it there for now!
Thanks for popping in,
Tracy
Comment by katyzzz
Photography Tips
Health Focus
Poetry Lighthouse
MS Paint Art
But, if it is a really important issue I would not do it. But, if you're not careful, you'll never make a name for yourself and can spend a long time out in the cold, sometimes we have to compromise, I'm with Damo here, even if it is simply humerous.
I don't know about him, but I don't even make loose change here. So I am already compromised, wonder if I should wash dishes? other than my own, that is. Could be relaxing. But why work for someone who is going to make heaps from our lowly efforts and invariably such people are underpaid. We do have to draw the line at times.
katyzzz
Comment by Patricia
Travel Stripe
Comment by Andrea
Diet and Health
V8 Supercar Pitstop
Yep ... I'm with most of the other writers on this one. I'd write pretty much anything. Not just for the money though but because it would get me a presence in the writing fraternity, maybe get my name known and give me a better chance of getting a foot in the door for other writing jobs.
For me, the writing of a blog (or two) is just for that purpose. I can turn around to a publisher or employer adn say to them, "see ... I'm not just a one hit wonder, I have potential to continue and a desire to create. I won't let you down."
A.
Comment by D. Armenta
The Florida Keys and Everglades
The Black Sheep Chronicles
What constitutes bad manners?
The male mystique
Debate Fan
Oh, I'd have a personal blast writing for greeting cards, romance novels, ad copy, you name it. The companies would get complaints from some of the sharper knives in the drawer--I'd get my sly little pliskies in-- but I'd have cashed the check and been long gone by then....
HAHAHAHA Damo! He shoots, he scores!
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Thanks for your thoughts, this is one of my concerns:
This is true and it’s hard to know how long to hope that the job will become what you would like it to be or when it’s time to look at something else and draw that line.
I see what you and Damo are saying, but I see blogging as slightly different. I have a few health issues so I’m not working much at the moment so am trying to keep my writing zest going, as well as practising writing as much as possible and keeping my mind active by analysing the films I see. Plus, I enjoy the interaction and the ideas that other people have as well as well as the many laughs.
Byee
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Sometimes it really does boil down to the basics of needing to bring a wage in doesn’t it? But hopefully still keeping an eye open for a job that might be closer to what you would like to be doing.
Thanks for your comments,
Tracy
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Thanks for your comments, that’s a great way of looking at it:
Yes, I also see blogging as a way of showing creativity, as well as having a committment to write regulalry as I tend to get caught up in other things at times and don’t write enough. Yeppie, I agree with you.
Tracy
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Your comments made me laugh! I think I would be like that too, if I was doing some sort of cheesy writing then I may as well enjoy it!! I like your way of thinking....
Byeeee
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Good to see you. I see what you mean, I'm newish to the writing field, I used to do Welfare work so I'm just fumbling around trying to find my way after uni. I've done some interesting freelance work that I enjoyed but it didn't continue which was a pity but it was great experience and keeps me hopeful that something else might pop up. Can't lose that zest....
It is a hard field to secure some work in isn't it? And harder to find work that appeals. At this stage I would write for almost anyone if it meant some money or a step forward!!
If you did write for Woman's Day, I would read it. Your writing would raise its standard highly, especially if you were doing film reviews.....I wonder if they've thought of that?!
Bye and thanks for your comments,
Tracy
Comment by Lily
Ars Poetica
As a poet, my options are MUCH more limited. There seems to be this thing where everyone wants your poems for free, put in a book, magazaine, e-zine whatever, that other people buy. Apparently the kudos for being published is it's own reward.
But i don't write for those reasons, so i'm fortunate to have the genre field wide open in front of me.
I'm not sure if i could write an article, a couple of attempts at short stories have failed miserably. I did write one one here called 'The Look' about my daughter, basically about evil eye darts and rats nest hair.
Saturday eve and i think my new book calls.. once i can get the evil imp into bed... smiles
what was the question again? lol
i like parts of my job, but i hate going to work every day, does that count?
~Lily
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
It's good to see you. My friend is a poet and she says the same thing, that it's so hard to get paid. Maybe I'm a ridiculous optimist, but I hope that wouldn't deter you and other poets from writing and sharing your work. That would be a pity.
I think it’s great you’ve written some articles. Regardless of whether they were published or not, I think it's an achievement. I like the theme of the one you described:
I understand completely about enjoying some parts of your work but not liking going in everyday, full-time structured work is exhausting. Not that I’m doing it at the moment, I’m having some time off for health reasons. But yes, as well as having our passion for writing, we need to earn money, that's the tricky bit
Good luck with your book and thanks for popping in,
Tracy