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March 2009

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Freelance 101: Getting started as an independent writer

Freelance 101: Getting started as an independent writer

By Michelle V. Rafter on March 30, 2009 | 5 Responses

Congratulations new freelancer. While this might not be the best time to join the ranks of independently employed writers, we realize you may not have had much of a choice.
But when it comes to how you conduct your freelance business, you do have lots of choices. Well, OK, maybe not as many choices as you [...]

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WordCount online media news for week of March 27

By Michelle V. Rafter on March 27, 2009 | 2 Responses

Online media business highlights of the past week:
A group of reporters displaced when Denver’s Rocky Mountain News folded have started an online-only news outfit called InDenverTimes.com. The basic news service will be free, with subscriptions available for interactive features.
While community news ventures like InDenverTimes.com, newspaper companies and other online entrepreneurs continue to explore viable financial [...]

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5 easy ways to add value to your freelance business

By Michelle V. Rafter on March 25, 2009 | 8 Responses

Right now the freelance market is crammed with laid off writers, editors and other creative types trying their hand at self employment.
With so much supply, it’s important to stand out. One way to do that is by offering some added value to work you perform for existing and new clients.
What’s added value? It’s some extra [...]

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A writers' guide to getting the most out of Twitter

A writers' guide to getting the most out of Twitter

By Michelle V. Rafter on March 23, 2009 | 19 Responses

My work life feels like it revolves around Twitter. I recently:

Pitched a story about Twitter.
Found sources for the story on Twitter.
Had sources use Twitter to publicize the story once it went live.
Watched my Twitter followers have a real-time debate over pros and cons of issues raised in story.
Had a Twitter conversation with one of those [...]

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The use and abuse of Twitter to flog your blog

By Michelle V. Rafter on March 20, 2009 | 9 Responses

Twitter users fall into one of three categories: people who use it only to promote their blogs, people who sometimes use it to promote their blogs, and people who never had a blog or dumped theirs because all they want to do is hang out on Twitter.
Which camp are you in?
Plenty of Twitter etiquette experts [...]

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SeattlePI.com's great online news experiment

SeattlePI.com's great online news experiment

By Michelle V. Rafter on March 18, 2009 | 2 Responses

Tuesday was the last day the Seattle Post Intelligencer published a print newspaper.
Starting today, the 146-year-old Seattle daily goes online only.
The print edition of the paper folded after Hearst Corp. determined the company couldn’t afford to continue running the money-losing paper as is.
So they pulled the plug. Rather, they plugged in. Hearst officials said they [...]

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6 surefire strategies to get more comments on your blog

By Michelle V. Rafter on March 16, 2009 | 8 Responses

A freelance writer acquaintance recently asked how she could quickly and easily boost comments on her new blog.
The good news is it is possible to get more people to leave comments on your blog. The bad news is may not be quick or easy.
In the 15 months since I started blogging, I’ve seen the number [...]

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WordCount poll: How many Twitter accounts does one person need?

WordCount poll: How many Twitter accounts does one person need?

By Michelle V. Rafter on March 13, 2009 | 9 Responses

A  freelance writer friend found me on Twitter this week so I sent a note welcoming her to the service.  As it turns out, she’s been there for a while, just tweeting on a different account. My friend explained that she has two Twitter accounts, one she set up specifically to track developments in an [...]

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To stay fresh, take a mental break between writing deadlines

To stay fresh, take a mental break between writing deadlines

By Michelle V. Rafter on March 11, 2009 | 5 Responses

It’s hard to jump straight from writing “The End” on one assignment to “Once upon a time” on the next. Sometimes you need a mental break in between, even if it’s a short one. Think of it as a palate cleanser between courses.
I recharge the old writing batteries by doing a quick activity between two [...]

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Too many deadlines? Here's how to avoid panic mode

Too many deadlines? Here's how to avoid panic mode

By Michelle V. Rafter on March 9, 2009 | 4 Responses

Sometimes despite careful planning, assignments get backed up, editors ask for work early or you get sick and miss a few days of work. Maybe you just spent all day on Twitter instead of finishing a story that’s due.
Whatever the reason, you’re behind and close to hitting the panic button.
That’s me right now. Too many [...]

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Michelle V. Rafter

Reporting and blogging about business, tech and media.

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The Blogathon is coming! The Blogathon is coming! The 3rd annual WordCount Blogathon is just around the corner. This May, freelancers, writers and bloggers of all stripes are invited to join me in a blogging marathon - posting 31 days straight. This year's Blothathon promises to be better than ever, with participant badges, giveaways, a guest-post exchange, and real-time recap. Look for more details coming soon. Meanwhile, check out Blogathon resources here. Read. Comment. Enjoy.

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