Sell Me Something Good

Photo by jamieanne

I think it was the first class, Matt made a point which I think needs to be remembered while reading nearly all of the course literature that pertains to getting your work out. Your work has to be good.

I mean, Pay Me For My Content doesn't offer any practical advice on how to get paid. Jaron Lernier (whom I am unfamiliar with, I should note) can't even sell me on the idea of "ecosystems", and that's not to say there isn't a valid point to be made. I just don't like his writing and I wouldn't pay for it.

Excellence and persistance are qualities which distinguish good from great in any field. I didn't go into the journalism department with stars in my eyes thinking a degree in print journalism would be worth anything more than the paper it's written on when it came to making a decision for myself. Whatever I do with it, it's going to require a lot of self-discipline. If I'm going to freelance, I'm going to hustle.

The opportunity to make money by doing something you really enjoy isn't a birthright. If you expect people to pay for your product, you have to get it to them.

Please refer to this post on my own blog before reading further.

Atmosphere is pushing product. Granted, it's music, but these guys went from making basement tapes to building a indie rap label with over 20 acts. Have they created an "ecosystem"? No, but they've generated a fanbase by using the web wisely and not losing sleep over the fact that people are gonna steal. What they and the other acts on their label do well is get it out to the people in person, and help each other do it. In short they make lemonade outta lemons.

Unless your drive is really to get hired as a staff writer somewhere - and that is a legitimate goal - you must understand that no one owes you a career. If you're determined to get paid, and driven by a desire to do your work independently, you have to look at what you're good at and what you aren't. Find the people who know things you don't, and figure out how you can help each other. Networking doesn't always mean going out brown nosing, even if that can be fun. Talent will get you everywhere if you are serious about using it.