What's the WORST thing a writer can do?

60 replies
Hi Warriors,

I'm new to this forum, and I must say...
it's downright addictive!

I'm just beginning my writing career by
completing courses that teach you
how to write for the internet, but not
many people discuss the pitfalls of
writing online.

I want to build a list of clients and I'm
sure this forum is a great place to start.

But at the same time I hope to avoid like
the plague things that turn internet marketers
off.

Would you be so kind to list your pet
peeves for those of us just starting out?

Thank you...
#thing #worst #worst writer #writer #writing tips
  • Profile picture of the author Dan Ambrose
    I'm not a writer, and for that, I'm sorry I can't give you the advice you need, however I wanted to commend you for coming here and asking others for help so that you get it right first time.

    PS $3 per article is a great price (looking at your sig), I would be more than happy to take a look at your work.. if you have a decent portfolio, please PM me some work you have done (pref in the money making niche)

    Daniel
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    • Profile picture of the author Steven Wagenheim
      The worst thing a writer can do?

      Lie.
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      • Profile picture of the author Frank Donovan
        Hi Tamaradaria

        If you're just starting out as a professional writer, one of the biggest mistakes you should be wary of is writing for yourself and not for your client/reader/prospect.

        I mention this because I have found it's an easy mistake to make; especially if, like most writers, you know best.



        Frank
        Signature


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      • Profile picture of the author Paul Myers
        Lie.
        Immediately followed by...

        Be boring.

        Plagiarizing isn't writing. It's theft by copy and paste.


        Paul
        Signature
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        Stop by Paul's Pub - my little hangout on Facebook.

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    • Profile picture of the author tamaradaria
      Originally Posted by mm365 View Post

      I'm not a writer, and for that, I'm sorry I can't give you the advice you need, however I wanted to commend you for coming here and asking others for help so that you get it right first time.

      PS $3 per article is a great price (looking at your sig), I would be more than happy to take a look at your work.. if you have a decent portfolio, please PM me some work you have done (pref in the money making niche)

      Daniel
      Thanks Daniel for you willingness
      to give me a shot.

      I'll PM you when I earn the privilege.
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    • Profile picture of the author DanielFonda
      Originally Posted by mm365 View Post

      I'm not a writer, and for that, I'm sorry I can't give you the advice you need, however I wanted to commend you for coming here and asking others for help so that you get it right first time.

      PS $3 per article is a great price (looking at your sig), I would be more than happy to take a look at your work.. if you have a decent portfolio, please PM me some work you have done (pref in the money making niche)

      Daniel
      Yap I agree. 3$ is quite cheap. I usually write articles for even less. but it's a fair price. I'm quite cheap otherwise (not advertising myself )
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  • Profile picture of the author martster
    The worst pitfall: Devalue yourself and undercharge for your services to "Internet marketers" who believe they should call the shots and pay you peanuts.

    These "Internet marketers" can always "only afford to pay" this and that, and they believe most writers are so desperate that you'll go along with what they dictate. Build value in regard to yourself and convince them they're getting a lot for what they pay.
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  • Profile picture of the author thatgirlJ
    The worst thing a writer can do is just rewrite junk that is already on the Internet. Quality research, quality writing, and on time delivery are all you need to become a successful writer
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  • Profile picture of the author Kenneth Fox
    The worst thing a writer can do is
    make deadline promises and not keep
    them.

    The second worst thing is not to keep
    communications line open with your client.

    The above assumes that the writer is a
    professional and creates unique content.
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    • Profile picture of the author DanielFonda
      Originally Posted by Kenneth Fox View Post

      The worst thing a writer can do is
      make deadline promises and not keep
      them.

      The second worst thing is not to keep
      communications line open with your client.

      The above assumes that the writer is a
      professional and creates unique content.
      Yap I agree. That's a downright thing to do as well (the first thing).
      It's always important to stick to the dead-lines.
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  • Profile picture of the author Stallion
    Worst thing... plagiarize.
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  • Profile picture of the author tamaradaria
    Wow, this is really good
    stuff. This is going to
    help a bunch of us get
    off on the right foot.
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  • Profile picture of the author Lindsay Brynn
    I agree with Dee and Jenn. Plagiarizing is obviously illegal and will get you nowhere. And just rewriting content is pretty uninteresting.
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  • Profile picture of the author LilBlackDress
    I am a writer and doing very well at it with a contract in the four figures monthly and a nice residual income. Instead of sharing the worst you can do, I am sharing what you absolutely should do......

    Provide original content
    Keep all of your client's information totally confidential
    Charge a rate that is fair to both you and the client
    Provide your client with top quality work
    Be totally accurate in the information you write about
    Accept only assignments that you feel you can do an excellent job with
    Turn around articles in a timely fashion
    Guarantee your clients happiness


    If you do this...you will be providing your clients great quality and value and you will get a lot of repeat business.

    I have a site for writers, if you want the link pm me. I also have a select group of writers that write for me (clients know this) and all of them sign NDA's and provide top quality work.
    Signature

    Pen Name + 8 eBooks + social media sites 4 SALE - PM me (evergreen beauty niche)

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  • Profile picture of the author Lambert Klein
    Not writing
    Signature

    WordPress Domination: from Beginner to Ninja in 7 Days http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007LS0TLE

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    • Profile picture of the author bbrian017
      Originally Posted by lklein View Post

      Not writing
      I agree to not write would be the worst!
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      • Profile picture of the author Andrew G Gowans
        Originally Posted by bbrian017 View Post

        I agree to not write would be the worst!
        Writer write, that's what we do. And, above all, believe in yourself. Never let the demon of doubt get in the way.

        Some great quotes from writers more expert than I am...

        "And by the way, everything in life is writable about if you have the outgoing guts to do it, and the imagination to improvise. The worst enemy to creativity is self-doubt." ~Sylvia Plath

        "It took me fifteen years to discover I had no talent for writing, but I couldn't give it up because by that time I was too famous." ~Robert Benchley

        "I suggest that the only books that influence us are those for which we are ready, and which have gone a little farther down our particular path than we have yet got ourselves." ~E.M. Forster, Two Cheers for Democracy, 1951

        The very best of good fortune and keep writing.

        Andrew G.
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    • Profile picture of the author Karen Blundell
      Originally Posted by lklein View Post

      Not writing
      ding!ding!ding! You win the prize
      The worst thing for a writer is not writing.
      Don't stop writing. The more you write, the more you develop your own style.
      Signature
      ---------------
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  • Profile picture of the author Midas15
    Banned
    [DELETED]
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    • Profile picture of the author Ghostinthemachine
      I sent you a pm.

      I would say in answer to your question...
      -plagiarize
      -miss deadlines(this can happen due to writers block, but at least stay in contact)
      -write "fluffy" and useless stuff
      -run off with your clients money and never contact them again
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      • Profile picture of the author tamaradaria
        Originally Posted by Ghostinthemachine View Post

        I sent you a pm.

        I would say in answer to your question...
        -plagiarize
        -miss deadlines(this can happen due to writers block, but at least stay in contact)
        -write "fluffy" and useless stuff
        -run off with your clients money and never contact them again
        Whew, all of that is ugly!

        Knowing how people really feel
        is giving me that extra kick in
        the butt to stay at the very
        top of my game.

        Oh, I didn't get your pm...you may
        not have enough posts yet.

        You can email me at
        tamaradaria@gmail.com
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  • Profile picture of the author Fabian Tan
    Lying? You could apply that to anything.

    Writing for yourself? You could apply that to anyone who writes anything for someone else too.

    I would go along with plagiarism as the worst thing.

    Fabian
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  • Profile picture of the author Shane Watson
    I indeed faced some worse thing and learned it the hard way. Never compromise with the quality of the article no mater how much time it takes.
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  • Profile picture of the author Dan Ambrose
    I have to say, having now seen some of Tamara's work and I am so pleased with it that I have decided to pay her for her services.

    I look forward to a long and fruitful relationship.

    Daniel
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  • Profile picture of the author tamaradaria
    Thank you Daniel...

    I intend to do my very best on
    your order.

    I am confident that you are going
    to love the results!
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  • Profile picture of the author traces2757
    I think it's better to concentrate on the best things a writer can do rather than the worst.

    1. Always be willing to put yourself on the line to prove your worth. Have some ready-made samples of your work ready, but also be willing to write an article off the cuff for a potential client to show them what you can do specifically for 'them'.
    2. Be honest! If you are looking at a certain deadline and you don't think you can make it, tell the client as soon as possible. They almost always appreciate the honesty, and if you are delivering quality work they are usually willing to work with you. If you're confused about an article topic, say so. If you don't feel comfortable writing about something, say so. It's an old cliche, but honesty really is the best policy.
    3. Treat every writing project like it's going to be your most important grade in a journalism class (and that getting a good grade in this class is crucial for getting your degree.)
    4. Believe in yourself.
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    • Profile picture of the author tamaradaria
      Originally Posted by traces2757 View Post

      I think it's better to concentrate on the best things a writer can do rather than the worst.

      1. Always be willing to put yourself on the line to prove your worth. Have some ready-made samples of your work ready, but also be willing to write an article off the cuff for a potential client to show them what you can do specifically for 'them'.
      2. Be honest! If you are looking at a certain deadline and you don't think you can make it, tell the client as soon as possible. They almost always appreciate the honesty, and if you are delivering quality work they are usually willing to work with you. If you're confused about an article topic, say so. If you don't feel comfortable writing about something, say so. It's an old cliche, but honesty really is the best policy.
      3. Treat every writing project like it's going to be your most important grade in a journalism class (and that getting a good grade in this class is crucial for getting your degree.)
      4. Believe in yourself.
      That's absolutely perfect!

      Thanks Tracy!
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  • Profile picture of the author bannor32
    The worst thing a writer can do is procrastinate. Time spent typing equals money. Set a schedule, avoid distractions and get to it!
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  • Profile picture of the author Mark009
    Copy articles from my own ebook and sell them as unique content over at freelancer sites.

    I even had that happening sometimes

    All the best,
    Mark
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  • Profile picture of the author jackpt
    Banned
    [DELETED]
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  • Profile picture of the author Craig Fenton
    Hi Love2Write:

    Welcome to the forum and the world of writing.

    I can give you first hand advice being an author/writer/public-speaker. Many will brag about their resume to anyone that will listen but what has worked for me very well over the years isn't only the track record but understanding that if somebody is going to pay you for a service or recommend you it is not demanding that you:
    Answer calls/email timely
    Meet or beat the deadlines (excluding family illness for example) a lot is at stake and somebody paying you doesn't want to be behind on their schedule.
    Although the money is always tempting, only take on what you can handle or you'll lose more than you'll turn down.
    No project should be considered small. To the person paying you their vision is the most important thing in the world.

    Do it the right way and you'll be great!

    Good luck.
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    • Profile picture of the author Ghostinthemachine
      Tamara, my mistake, I cannot PM just yet, but I did send you an email.
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  • Profile picture of the author Michael Oksa
    For a writer...

    Plagiarizing is the same as lying AND not writing.

    Far better to procrastinate, or not wirte at all then to steal someone else's work.

    All the best,
    Michael
    Signature

    "Ich bin en fuego!"
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  • Profile picture of the author seobro
    → Cut and paste content from eza and claim it is your own original work.

    This happens a lot. Always use copyscape to check the work.
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  • Profile picture of the author GarryMSayer
    The worst thing a writer can do .........

    Write with authority about stuff they know very little about.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jason Moffatt
    Originally Posted by tamaradaria View Post

    I want to build a list of clients and I'm
    sure this forum is a great place to start.

    But at the same time I hope to avoid like
    the plague things that turn internet marketers
    off.
    Worrying about turning off some marketers is a true red flag that you are going to have a hard time in this industry.

    You are way better served by pissing off 80% of the marketers, and focusing on the 20% (or less) that actually give two bits about what you are talking about.

    If you try to please everyone, you'll likely be ignored by almost everyone.

    Writers are a dime a dozen.

    I'd quit calling yourself a writer and focus on a angle that positions you above just a simple writer. Or, you could try to be a writer and get paid like a writer.

    Case in point, I have a client that makes about $125 per blog post writing for a travel company. Here's the cool thing... she doesn't have a ounce of professional writing experience. She sold herself as a marketer and PR person, not a writer.

    Had she positioned herself as a article writer, she'd be making about 10 times less.
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    • Profile picture of the author Paul Myers
      Worrying about turning off some marketers is a true red flag that you are going to have a hard time in this industry.
      'Struth.

      Re-read this several dozen times, so you'll remember it when you make that mistake. (You will. Just accept it.)

      There are people in this market - lots of them - who have no clue about how anything works, much less the everything they'll try and convince you they're expert in. They know nothing, and they want to make sure you know it, too.

      There are a similarly disturbing number of people who play in this field for the sole purpose of screwing up other folks' dreams.
      If you try to please everyone, you'll likely be ignored by almost everyone.
      Ask anyone who's done it. That's not a fun way to live. Better to be outrageous, if that's who you are, than bland and boring.


      Paul
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  • Profile picture of the author Anomaly1974
    I would have to say from personal experience disappearing on your list of clients ... no matter what the reason.

    Always use something like g-mail (send an email to yourself with your list of clients and contact information) to keep a list of clients so that no matter what happens you can always get in touch with them.

    Twice I lost my computer (and a whole lot more but whaa!) and disappeared on my clients. Rebuilding with literally nothing after that (in a third world country where the only work I can do is online) has been a truly painful and unforgiving (But valuable) lesson.

    Had I been able to contact my clients after losing everything, I may have even been able to work something out with some of them to get another cheapie computer and get back to work.

    Above all - Do NOT disappear ... even if you have no choice.

    Apart from that -

    Using Wikipedia as a sole reference for information and fact checking!

    Plagiarism of any kind

    Re-writing PLR materials ... at least IMHO since it can rarely be verified and is often incorrect!

    Under-charging or over-charging ... as it will get you stuck in a loop as you build up your client base. Offer introductory rates, explain that they are introductory rates and dump any clients who expect you to become their full time slave for less than living wages.

    As for "writing for yourself" I think what the person was referring to was writing what you think the client wants rather than what they ask for. If I have a client request keyword spam (which because I DID regretfully disappear on all of my clients TWICE are the type of people I am currently working with to survive) I make certain that they never use my name, never admit that I wrote the material but I write their keyword spam if that is what they want.

    Completing a project without reviewing it with the client as you write it. It may or may not surprise you how many people request "professional style" writing (Which is generally such as you would find in a newspaper or magazine) when they really want more personal and informal styles written.

    What you can do ...

    The power of the written word has literally shaped history and the future. As a writer you can do pretty much anything you want, have the will and the (pardon the expression) the testicular fortitude to attempt!

    Just my two cents
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    “They did not know it was impossible so they did it”
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  • Profile picture of the author ecoverartist
    I've written for everyone from big national name-brand companies to small-time work at home moms. And I can tell you from experience that the WORST thing a writer can do is cheat -- themselves and their clients.

    If you don't have faith in your product, how can you expect anyone else to?
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  • Profile picture of the author Gabe77
    I echo what has been said here again and again -- plagiarize someone else's work. It's unprofessional and will work against your credibility once you're caught.
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  • Profile picture of the author DanielFonda
    Originally Posted by tamaradaria View Post

    Hi Warriors,

    I'm new to this forum, and I must say...
    it's downright addictive!

    I'm just beginning my writing career by
    completing courses that teach you
    how to write for the internet, but not
    many people discuss the pitfalls of
    writing online.

    I want to build a list of clients and I'm
    sure this forum is a great place to start.

    But at the same time I hope to avoid like
    the plague things that turn internet marketers
    off.

    Would you be so kind to list your pet
    peeves for those of us just starting out?

    Thank you...
    I'm not really sure what the title has to do with your post. But I believe the worst thing a writer could do is copy and paste someone's work.
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  • Profile picture of the author Kirahster
    Hi,
    I sent an email to you via your gmail account. I look forward to hearing from you!
    Signature
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  • Profile picture of the author bechelle
    Plaigarism and missing deadlines without notification are probably the worst I can think of.

    Write for your client, on time, with revelant quality and you should do just fine.

    Best Wishes
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    • Profile picture of the author Kevin Riley
      If you're writing for me, the worst thing is to be unreliable. That's missing deadlines and/or fluctuating in the quality of your writing.
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      Kevin Riley, long-time Warrior living in Osaka, Japan

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      • Profile picture of the author ExRat
        Hi,

        What's the WORST thing a writer can do?
        Write nothing.
        Signature


        Roger Davis

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    • Profile picture of the author aneel90
      plagarizing is the worst! There's nothing worse for a writer to have someone else take credit for all the effort they've put in
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  • Profile picture of the author The Copy Nazi
    Banned
    Babe, the worst thing a writer can do is to use tired old expressions, hackneyed sayings and clichés. Like "avoid like the plague".
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    • Profile picture of the author Paul Myers
      Like "avoid like the plague".
      You mean, like referring to a woman you don't know (very) personally as "babe?"


      Paul
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      Stop by Paul's Pub - my little hangout on Facebook.

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      • Profile picture of the author The Copy Nazi
        Banned
        Originally Posted by Paul Myers View Post

        You mean, like referring to a woman you don't know (very) personally as "babe?"


        Paul
        Smartass. Reading back through the thread, wasn't it you who said "Better to be outrageous, if that's who you are, than bland and boring." You're not very consistent are you.

        And BTW...how do you know I don't know her? You there babe?

        Back at you with your signature "Wake up. If you haven't got anything useful to say, what makes you think we care what you're promoting"
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        • Profile picture of the author Paul Myers
          Smartass.
          Hey. You do what you're good at.
          Reading back through the thread, wasn't it you who said "Better to be outrageous, if that's who you are, than bland and boring." You're not very consistent are you.
          Ya think? How is courtesy inconsistent with being outrageous?

          I find that the two make for an interesting mix.


          Paul

          PS: I'm not promoting anything, so the sig file is ... irrelevant.
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          • Profile picture of the author The Copy Nazi
            Banned
            Originally Posted by Paul Myers View Post

            Hey. You do what you're good at.Ya think? How is courtesy inconsistent with being outrageous?

            I find that the two make for an interesting mix.


            Paul

            PS: I'm not promoting anything, so the sig file is ... irrelevant.
            Rubbish. You're promoting your blog. There's a hyperlink above that line of linkbait. But whatever. I could care less. But I went to your bloggie and found you were addressing us as "Man", "Baby" and "Dude" so you look even sillier now, babe.
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            • Profile picture of the author Paul Myers
              Rubbish. You're promoting your blog.
              Ah. Confusion about the difference between linking to an article on ethics and selling. Fair enough. Colloquial usage difference. Sort of like the difference between calling a woman "babe" and using the phrase, "Pitch me, baby. Don't beanball me" in an article.

              That aside, the link would be irrelevant even if there were a commercial connection. If you read it in context, you'll note that it says something about posting primarily for the exposure. But hey... Have fun with that.


              Paul
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  • Profile picture of the author browse15
    Plagiarism and not meeting deadline!
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  • Profile picture of the author charlesburke
    From the perspective of business blunders, clients will generally forgive the odd mistake if you'll admit it straight up when they point it out. And they'll usually negotiate on deadlines. Once the deadline is set, however, you really will need to honor it.

    The number two worst business killer is being hard to deal with. Grouchy, contrary, primadonas don't keep clients very long. Then can't figure out why.

    And the number one worst thing you can do to a client is selling them stolen goods. Copying or editing down material from this place or that - this'll destroy your client's trust in you faster than anything else. Because it makes them look bad.

    From the viewpoint of writing mistakes, the biggest one, as several posters have already pointed out, is not writing.

    And by the way, Tamaradaria, with this thread you've proved that successful people really do welcome new folks into the field. Reading all these encouraging posts has been a great experience. Thanks for posting your question.

    Cheers from warm and smiling Thailand,
    Charles
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    • Profile picture of the author The Copy Nazi
      Banned
      Originally Posted by charlesburke View Post

      The number two worst business killer is being hard to deal with. Grouchy, contrary, primadonas ...
      Unless, of course, you specialise in it. Comme moi.
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  • Profile picture of the author rocketgirl
    Lots of good things are covered here. For me the biggest mistakes are:

    1. plagiarize
    2. Lie about your ability to write on a given subject
    3. Be unreliable. In other words, keep your deadlines or at least contact your client and explain what the problem is.
    4. Take money from warriors for work and then disappear.

    Oh, that last one is a big no no for anyone trying to conduct business online.

    Bj
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  • Profile picture of the author Nooz
    The worst thing a writer can do?
    Do not refund an unsatisfied client.
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