Caution: change is coming.
It’s been almost two years since I launched WordCount: Freelancing in the Digital Age as a way to get back into the writing business after an extended break, get myself up to speed on changes in the media industry, and continue a passion for writing on a weekly or biweekly basis I’ve held since the time I worked as a newspaper tech columnist.
A lot’s happened in the past 20 months. The start of this blog coincided with the biggest upheaval the media businesses has seen in my lifetime (and I’m no spring chicken), thanks to the twin whammies of the Internet and the recession. Those changes have wreaked havoc on newspaper and magazine advertising and employment. More to the point of this blog, it’s pulled the rug out from under independent writers who aspire to work for them. Old markets are drying up, and new ones emerging.
As my favorite TV character says, change isn’t good or bad. It just is (thanks Don).
So just as freelancers have to change to keep up with the times, WordCount does too. In short order, expect to see a new look here as well as some revamped content and other additions.
What I won’t be changing is my exploration of what it means to be a journalist and independent writer today.
When I started out, I thought of blogging as a solitary experience. It isn’t. Good blogs are like good conversations – stimulating, provocative – and two-sided. That lesson hit home recently in the very lively debates that have happened here over content sites and the rates they pay.
Since I value the WordCount community – including everyone who visits here and leaves comments, as well as my freelance tribes and my blogathon buddies – I’d love to hear what topics you’d like to see covered in coming months. Let me know by taking a minute to fill out this quick poll. Your reward – a preview of the new WordCount logo.
[polldaddy poll=2040937]
Michelle,
Big congrats. I am proud to say “I knew you when” before you had a blog. I subscribed to your blog the week you launched it and have enjoyed watching you build this into such a wonderful resource. You’ve been an inspiration to me with the frequency and quality of your posts.
Looking forward to the big changes you have on the horizon.
Hi Michelle —
I want to check several options on your survey but it will only let me pick one. Is that a problem at my end — or do you only want one selection?
Tracey
Tracey: I’m sorry – PollDaddy only allows 1 answer per visit; however, I’ve turned off the feature that blocks one IP address from voting multiple times, so if you want to pick more than one topic you’ll have to vote twice. Thanks again for visiting.
Michelle
Hi Michelle ~ I look forward to seeing your changes here! One thing I would love to see you continue (and maybe even do more of) is posts like your “content sites and the rates they pay. You presented a variety of opinions and gave your readers an opportunity to form their own, educated opinions. It was so refreshing to see multiple sides of an argument presented in a more objective way that forced readers to think for themselves!
Love the redesign.