TechWhirl (TECHWR-L) is a resource for technical writing and technical communications professionals of all experience levels and in all industries to share their experiences and acquire information.
For two decades, technical communicators have turned to TechWhirl to ask and answer questions about the always-changing world of technical communications, such as tools, skills, career paths, methodologies, and emerging industries. The TechWhirl Archives and magazine, created for, by and about technical writers, offer a wealth of knowledge to everyone with an interest in any aspect of technical communications.
OK, to finish the saga. She wants to put me in a "stable" with other
people and vend out my services. Now she bills out at $50/hr., and she
wants to make a profit on top of paying me or someone else, so she'll be
paying in the $20s. In addition, she wants samples of my work
immediately, and when I told her I was swamped and could barely keep my
head above water with all the work I have she became irrate with me. She
told me she can't do some of the work people are calling her to do so
she really needs me to work for her, and inexpensively.
She stated she was asking these questions to determine where my
expertise was to pigeon-hole me in her stable.
I just said I couldn't right now, but I'd think about it. The think
about it part is because of the women's group we're in together.
The "you write books" dialog happens to me often. This one was just
stranger than the rest. I once had a client that I created online help
for, then the programmer who I worked with left the company and they
hired a technical writer. This tech writer called me and asked for more
samples because he wanted me to do some work for him. I sent samples and
then followed up via phone. In the follow up call this TW told me that I
wouldn't be a good fit because I write books.
--
Michele
"I've learned that sometimes all a person needs is a hand
to hold and a heart to understand." Andy Rooney
www.krautgrrl.com
Paul Strasser wrote:
You tell us, "But I'm thinking working with her is going to suck given that
conversation."
Where in this conversation does she mention working for her/with her? One
might assume that if someone asks for writing samples and hourly rates that
there is some sort of potential job in the offing. What is it? Did this
ever come up?