I should state here that this is an opinion piece, if you’re looking for writing tips today, this isn’t it. Sorry.
I want to rant just a bit today, or maybe rant quite a bit, or I may even fully climb up on the soapbox, but I want to complain about all the writing tips you get in your email.
Several years ago I signed up for some writing tips from a rather well-known writer on the web. I was a bit disappointed in most of the content I received as tips. I then took a rather long hiatus from writing and cancelled all emails regarding writing tips.
Recently I have picked up pen and paper once again and returned to my passion. I mean that literally too, I love writing with pen and paper. It’s more personal than a keyboard and computer screen- but that’s another story.
Now that I’m back to writing, this writer with the great tips began showing up again. I signed up for a few. I won’t mention her name but she has tips on every writing category under the sun, tons of writing courses and classes that you can sign up for–for a nominal fee of course.
Needless to say I am more disappointed this time around. She’s been busy alright, and created more websites and more courses than should be humanly possible. Her email tips consist of a lame tip and a dozen links to her websites/courses. There’s more links in the body of these emails than text.
I have to admit that this pissed me off years ago when I walked away from writing. I thought things would improve over time but alas, it’s worse and still pisses me off.
I have come back to writing with a renewed passion for being a better writer, for giving information that people can actually use and not wanting to create a writing class in hopes that people will sign up and make me rich. Yeah, I’d love to get rich doing what I love, but that’s not the reason I write. I write to entertain people, to help people, and because it’s the one form of communication that I find I’m actually half decent at.
My website will contain tips on writing, but I promise if I serve you hash there will be scrambled eggs to go with it. I may even throw in some bacon, toast and coffee.
Now that I have your attention why not hop on over and sign up for my ecourse?
I’m kidding. I don’t have an ecourse. I don’t even have an ebook or a newsletter. I’m just a writer who wants to improve my own writing skills and help others along the way.
This post was also inspired by:
3 Shocker Reasons Why Article Marketing Is Not Driving Enough Traffic To Your Blog
Ryan said:
Don’t EVER buy into the whole, “for more info on how to make money online, click here or visit my website” type attitude. If your writing an article on “how to research profitable keywords for your google adwords campaign”, then for heaven’s sake, include ALL the tips, techniques, and strategies that you know. Don’t provide one or two small tips and then say “for more info on researching keywords, check out my site”. By doing that your not creating enough value for your reader. Your article is thin and needs more content.
And that reminded me of my rant with writing tips!
All feedback is appreciated. Share your thoughts or experiences with rehashed writing tips on the web.
Write On!
Patti Stafford (climbing off soap box to work)
Be sure to visit the Free Reports page. I recently added a
Freelance Success Report for you to download. Enjoy! :)
Check out More Writing Recommendations by me.
Have you signed up for the Content & Writing eCourse yet?
Want to be notified when I update this blog?
Related posts:
Hi Patti,
Nice post. The need for free quality content is what inspired me to write on “3 shocker reasons”. Most internet marketers enjoy providing scarce information, such as a teaser tip or two in their free articles or e-books and then expect you to pay a hefty cost for so-called ” more insider or top secret tips”. Interestingly enough, the “more insider tips” will often contain links to subscribe or purchase to even more products. The chain fails to ever end.
My article, i will admit, does not necessarily provide any unique insights. But, it does attempt to expose those that charge for played out information or expect high volume traffic from limited overused content. I hope my rehashed article has provided some scrambled eggs as well. I was not sure if you liked it or not. Do offer me your thoughts on whether i should have included more info or something different. I’d like a second opinion. Thanks.
Ryan DSouza
I for one am grateful for people like you who really care and who aren’t afraid to share your knowledge with others. :-)
Thank you Patti