It’s like the writer’s version of the casting couch, except writers only get taken for a ride figuratively…

I agree, it’s a good rule of thumb for new writers: make sure you know specifically what compensation you are getting for your writing up front. And cash for your content is always king.

~Graham

Regardless of how “successful” a blog might be for a writer, at least you retain some measure of control over your own content; when you create content for someone else’s site (Facebook, online marketing portal, e-zine, etc), you’re not building your brand, you’re building theirs.

That’s fine as long as the return is there and you go into the arrangement with eyes open. My concern is that many newer copywriters are getting stars in their eyes over the somewhat vague concept of “exposure” — and giving away the farm (and the content) when the return is unclear.

As always, I appreciate everyone’s participation. The online world has changed how we market, and quality discussions among practitioners are one way we uncover the truth behind so much of the hype.

I agree — one of the most obvious examples of this is the decision to start a blog. I mean, what else is that but “free” content?

But just because it is free for the reader does not mean it has no value to the writer. That value is different from blog to blog: exposure, thought leadership, ad revenues, or maybe just another fun, creative outlet (yes, there is value in non-commercial ventures too!).

Social networking, blogging, and other “free content” activities certainly do take time. And unfortunately, it is hard to gauge the return on your investment — especially in the short term.

~Graham

Why create articles for an article directory when it could be written and submitted to a well-read marketing magazine or site? Why, in fact, do it for free at all — especially if the traffic it delivers doesn’t result in quality leads or revenue?

Would that time better spent pitching specific clients?

Newer copywriters should be asking those questions.

I’m not suggesting free content generation has no value to they copywriter, but I will suggest copywriters should look hard at the results, and truly decide if they’re wasting their time or not.

Content has value, even if it builds someone else’s site too.

Now, if you create the environment where others share content, that’s where the money is in social marketing…if you can hack it.

Ebay built its business on creating the environment where people sell to people…

Amazon did the same thing…

Bebo and others simply did it by creating the environment where people are sharing words with each other, in exchange for exposure for it’s users.

Joseph Ratliff

Of course, “Survivor” may be the grandaddy of the modern wave, but you can see this in things like America’s Funniest Home Videos, and even Let’s Make a Deal, where people dressed up in ridiculous get-ups to get on the show. I imagine that was half the appeal to viewers.

There are always going to be AFHV-type shows, just as there will likely always be Bebo-type websites. But the good news for us writers is that there will also always be well-paying, scripted projects. Where each of us lands individually, as you say, will depend on the value we place on our own work.

~Graham