I recently introduced myself to the forums here on AC. I don’t recall venturing into that territory until last week or so, having decided to nominate someone for the “Best Of” September Award. While I was there, I looked around to see the types of topics discussed. I noticed some bickering along the way, but also some stalwart follow up posts that made me feel good. Early this morning I went back, and it was then I realized I don’t have the emotional stamina to read such interactions.
Among the hurtful exchanges and self-promotion, I was particularly troubled by the declarations that writing AC articles for conservative amounts is a joke. You know, because good writers, even in this economy, should obviously make more like $500 per shot, no? Well, that certainly was expressed by some, and I’d just like to follow it up by saying I respectfully, but adamantly, disagree.
Wanting to voice the plight of the hard-working and underpaid, but not wanting to envelop myself any further, I decided to simply leave a comment and try to move on. “People . . . willing to write for that obviously have tight enough circumstances it seems a little compassion could be warranted. That’s great that people have better offers, but no one needs to be made ashamed for taking care of his or her circumstances to the best of that person’s ability.”
In case there are some people actually wondering, here’s your answer: no, it’s not universally helpful to be told writing for little pay is a joke when that little pay, indeed, may be the best offer he has. While writing for small amounts of change, these people might not actually be having the time of their lives and they don’t need extra help in putting them in their places. They probably don’t find it glamorous, and they probably don’t get together with their friends and brag how they now make a fraction of what they used to earn. They’re probably not that delusional about how little they’re being paid and how much effort is involved in writing a 400-word article.
There is nothing shameful about working your hardest in honest ways to provide for yourself and your family the best you know how. I’m thankful I have the understanding and peace of mind that comes from knowing that. And I really hope others do, too, so that when they come across people who feel otherwise, those interactions don’t set them back. Some of the most exemplary people in life are the ones who work twice as hard for half the pay. Those are the people I want to work to be like.
I’m thankful for the opportunity to write, which sometimes includes the opportunity to write for low pay. I know my Father in Heaven is helping me every step of the way. And I trust it makes Him sad when we hurt others and put them down. I pray I can learn from these experiences and better watch my own behavior and actions.
Additional Note: Perhaps you’re reading this and severely concerned for my mental wellbeing, being able to become this unhinged from simple forum comments. Someone even mentioned in the forum, although not aimed at me, something of the like that the ability to feel rage from reading forum posts warranted the need for psychiatric attention. (First, is that helpful for people who have their feelings hurt? And second, forum or no forum, we’re talking about human beings interacting with other human beings. If your point is sometimes rage is valid, why can’t insensitive and pointed forum posts affect you equally? But I digress . . . .) It’s okay: I’m going to be just fine. :)
