Writing samples - suggestions?

[bengal]

So I'm looking at non-tv jobs, and I'm struggling when they ask for writing samples. I'm a good writer, but what I have online, well, isn't fantastic; I know I can write better than the stories I've done for the station website, but that's what I have that's been published. I also have a blog, but I doubt that's what they want.

So the question is this: When a non-tv job is asking for writing samples, do you just create new ones? Is that kosher? Is there a better way/idea?

[s'news]

You have to give the client what they want to see. If the client publishes, then you need to give them published work.

By the way, avoid semicolons unless the client is an English teacher.

[wx or not]

By the way, avoid semicolons unless the client is an English teacher.
or s'news

[s'news]

:worship:

[Mom]

I don't know the answer to your question but I do wonder why you've published pieces for your website but then say, "I know I can write better." How do you know? Do you routinely do mediocre work at your place of employment, saving the good stuff only for when you're applying for a job? Hint: Don't tell a future employer, "Here's what I've done at work but I can write much better than that." They'll wonder, as I did, why you're not doing your best work in the job you currently hold. Nothing will make them run in the other direction faster than, "I can do better than what this shows."

[TokenWhiteGirl]

Agreed with Mom. You should do your best EVERYDAY - no matter how stupid or pointless or boring whatever you're doing actually is. It will come in handy in times like these.

[TVMattNYC]

I don't know the answer to your question but I do wonder why you've published pieces for your website but then say, "I know I can write better." How do you know? Do you routinely do mediocre work at your place of employment, saving the good stuff only for when you're applying for a job? Hint: Don't tell a future employer, "Here's what I've done at work but I can write much better than that." They'll wonder, as I did, why you're not doing your best work in the job you currently hold. Nothing will make them run in the other direction faster than, "I can do better than what this shows."

Mom, let's not be too hard on her. Maybe what she's really saying is that she works in a sausage factory that requires her to crank out ten stories an hour. Who among us can say we're really doing our best writing on a daily basis, when on a daily basis we're forced to cut corners and take shortcuts just to get our overloaded workloads on the air in time?

I can relate to her. Night after night I cranked out what I thought were kick-ass network shows, but when it came time to start making selections for awards, it was always quite humbling to go through show after show thinking "I could do better ... I could do better ... I've DONE better ..."

[east coast producer]

Let me first tell you that you do not write better than anyone else (who's educated). Everyone has their own style of writing, and to them, they obviously prefer it. Writing is an art (much like weatherguessing), not a science, so to say you're a better writer than someone else is a word that Phony will hit the 'report' button on.

I've been fortunate that, as a pro freelancer, I work in both print and broadcast, so I have print samples. This doesn't help you.

If you're still young, perhaps you have a college admittance essay? I had to write one to get (accepted) into Medill that I recycled later for some PR job I didn't get.

Otherwise, maybe your (crappy) blog can work. Depending on what kind of non-tv writing job it is and how crappy your blog is, if you can show something relevant and show personality at the same time, maybe that would work.

[bengal]

Lord, I'll go somewhere else.

Congrats on getting out your anger. And don't tell me the whole "If you can't take criticism, get outta the business" garbage. Perhaps you can try being human for a day.

I figured this would be a good place to go for advice, but most of what I get are responses from people trying to be as obnoxious as possible. Going out of their way to be difficult. Sigh.

Feel free to blast away. I'm done with Medialine. It's garbage like these responses that's pushed me away from this website. A few years ago I would visit a few times a day, which then became once a day, then a few times a week, once a week, a month, and so on. Reading the same old cranky, bitter attitudes posted thousands of times wore me out. This was my last attempt at the site - even the J board is filled with people throwing their anger at life out at someone asking a simple question. So, no more. There's better than this online.

Thanks to those few who actually tried to answer. For the rest, enjoy the anger and bitterness. Hope you feel a ton better. To the Medialine folks, do you really want people like this dominating your board? There's a million places to go on the internet, and who wants to stick around here when crap like that is posted?

[east coast producer]

I was serious. :-(

[Mom]

Oh my. May that refreshing job-seeking attitude of yours take you merrily into your next broadcasting position and may you grow a thicker coat of skin to help you forge your way through every day of difficult writing challenges. And, by all means, blame the evil Medialine Open Line Forum for all that goes wrong in your life. Perhaps no one told you when you first registered and had you known, you may have never entered this God forsaken place, but Satan resides within. Shhhhhh, we try to keep that a secret around here.

[Consider This]

Let me first tell you that you do not write better than anyone else (who's educated). Everyone has their own style of writing, and to them, they obviously prefer it. Writing is an art (much like weatherguessing), not a science, so to say you're a better writer than someone else is a word that Phony will hit the 'report' button on.

Let's hope this is not a sample of the quality of your writing. What a barely comprehensible mess. And where did bengal claim he wrote better than anyone? Was there a deleted post or something I missed? I didn't see anything in his original post that invited such venom. Where did that come from?

[Consider This]

Oh my. May that refreshing job-seeking attitude of yours take you merrily into your next broadcasting position and may you grow a thicker coat of skin to help you forge your way through every day of difficult writing challenges. And, by all means, blame the evil Medialine Open Line Forum for all that goes wrong in your life.

You used to be better than this.

First, the original post said the poster was looking for a position outiside broadcasting. Second, he blames MedaLine's Open Line Forum for nothing more than harboring a bunch of unhelpful a$$holes.

You must be proud to confirm the creed.

[Consider This]

So the question is this: When a non-tv job is asking for writing samples, do you just create new ones? Is that kosher? Is there a better way/idea?

There are sites like examiner.com that often advertise for writers. Most of them operate on a pay-per-click model so you won't make much money, if any, at first. However, since there's no risk to the site because it doesn't pay you unless you earn an audience, it's a job you may be able to land with an eloquent cover letter expressing a sincere interest. Your blog may provide more samples, depending on its contents.

Even if that job doesn't pay much, it provides a platform for you to publish articles that will serve your portfolio.

[east coast producer]

Let's hope this is not a sample of the quality of your writing.

Then make another draft to improve it.... or just *****. Whichever.

[east coast producer]

Your blog may provide more samples, depending on its contents.

Which is the essence of advice I gave the guy. CALVIN! SOMEONE'S REPOSTING MY CONTENT WITHOUT ATTRIBUTION AND A LINK!!

[SamG]

You used to be better than this.

First, the original post said the poster was looking for a position outiside broadcasting. Second, he blames MedaLine's Open Line Forum for nothing more than harboring a bunch of unhelpful a$$holes.

You must be proud to confirm the creed.
Actually there was nothing hateful in this thread. Even Mom saying "you should do your best everyday" was not being hateful. The quote you pulled from Mom was after Bengal got upset (I still don't understand about what). The advice given in this thread was all helpful. There was no 'get out of the business', etc. If Bengal gets that upset simply because he/she is told "you should do your best everyday", I don't see he/she succeeding in ANY field.

[wx or not]

bengal, you and I have shared PMs in the past. You come across as rather witty and resourceful, but I have no idea where this vitriol came from. It's not as if all responses are serious or comical, but you have to admit that the original question is rather elementary in its nature. You write what you know, you write with clarity and complexion, and above all, write with passion. From where it comes, it does not matter.

[i'm in touch, so you be in touch]

Bengal --

Everyone who posted to your reply gave some of the most serious answers I have EVER read on here. They actually answered your question. Your original post gives away your work ethic. "I can write better, but I don't." Maybe there are factors behind that, as one poster mentioned, but you don't answer the question.

Best of luck to you - but you earn a better job. You are not entitled to it.

[Consider This]

Actually there was nothing hateful in this thread. Even Mom saying "you should do your best everyday" was not being hateful. The quote you pulled from Mom was after Bengal got upset (I still don't understand about what). The advice given in this thread was all helpful.

I'm sure ECP's "you don't write better than anyone else who's educated" quip (which ECP's own attempt at prose made ironic) and reference to bengal's "crappy blog" were meant in the kindest, most loving way possible. How could anyone have misread that as unhelpful?

Oh, and the "I'm a pro... that doesn't help you" was another useful pearl of wisdom.

And Mom didn't advise bengal "do your best every day." She stated that she didn't know the answer to his question, ASSumed that (a) he wasn't doing his best work as a matter of routine (Um, maybe the station wanted only two paragraph summaries of stories to supplement video versions embedded on the page?) and (b) counseled him only not to reveal to prospective employers his penchant for mailing it in.

Well, gosh, I can't fathom how bengal could have reacted to that with anything other than abject gratitude. That was all so incredibly helpful. However, the note about semicolons was a top-flight tip.

Mom isn't the only one who used to be better than this. OpenLine is like the rest of the business. There's not a hell of a lot left.

[i'm in touch, so you be in touch]

Consider, your analysis is worthy of Fox News Channel.

East Coast advised that bengal will not be competing for best writing - but best style. You can be an extremely competent writer without being compelling.

Mom was also dead-on saying put your best work forward. Even if a two paragraph summary is what's required of the station's Web site, it can still shine in concise, interesting story telling.

[News Is Broken]

I would like to add that I have nothing more to add but I wish bengal the best regardless.

[wx or not]

Agreed. This one bengal is okay, but our Bengals suck. :frustrated:

[Consider This]

Consider, your analysis is worthy of Fox News Channel.

And yours is worthy of someone who didn't bother to read the original post. I don't mean that as an insult, as I'm sure you didn't with your comparison.

East Coast advised that bengal will not be competing for best writing - but best style.

Where? No, really. Where?

Mom was also dead-on saying put your best work forward. Even if a two paragraph summary is what's required of the station's Web site, it can still shine in concise, interesting story telling.

No one's arguing against putting one's best foot forward. Again, are you even reading the stuff you comment about? The argument is against assuming that a best effort is not being made simply because the original poster said that the articles on the website didn't represent his best work. Best effort and best work aren't the same. I know that some of my best work has been the easiest. Rescuing crap has often required the most effort.

Depending on the type of job applied for, the most brilliant two paragraph summary ever articulated may not be suitable sample material.

[wx or not]

Depending on the type of job applied for, the most brilliant two paragraph summary ever articulated may not be suitable sample material.
In the words of an old professor of mine, consider your audience. Always.

[SamG]

Oh, and the "I'm a pro... that doesn't help you" was another useful pearl of wisdom.For someone who accuses others of not reading, you do your own...

ECP's actual statement...
I've been fortunate that, as a pro freelancer, I work in both print and broadcast, so I have print samples. This doesn't help you.I read that as saying he (ECP) has print samples. bengal doesn't. So, while the sentence really doesn't help, how does it hurt?


And Mom didn't advise bengal "do your best every day." She stated that she didn't know the answer to his question, ASSumed that (a) he wasn't doing his best work as a matter of routine (Um, maybe the station wanted only two paragraph summaries of stories to supplement video versions embedded on the page?) and (b) counseled him only not to reveal to prospective employers his penchant for mailing it in.(a) Wouldn't you want those two paragraph summaries to be the best? (b) Why would you do anything different? You think you should tell a prospective boss "here's my work, but I can do better."?

Your suggestion really doesn't answer the question either. Presumably the job opening is NOW and requires writing samples that bengal doesn't have. Your suggestion of examiner.com is good for long term, but doesn't help for the short term.

[Consider This]

For someone who accuses others of not reading, you do your own...

ECP's actual statement...
I read that as saying he (ECP) has print samples. bengal doesn't. So, while the sentence really doesn't help, how does it hurt?

The fact that it wasn't helpful was my point. Glad you finally grasped that. And my summary was accurate.

(a) Wouldn't you want those two paragraph summaries to be the best? (b) Why would you do anything different? You think you should tell a prospective boss "here's my work, but I can do better."?

(A) Yes. There was no dispute about that. (B) The original poster already acknowledged that he didn't want to do that. The premise of Mom's advice was that he was mailing in the effort, which we do not know to be the case.

Your suggestion really doesn't answer the question either. Presumably the job opening is NOW and requires writing samples that bengal doesn't have.

Again with the presuming incorrectly. Here again was bengal's question: So the question is this: When a non-tv job is asking for writing samples, do you just create new ones? Is that kosher? Is there a better way/idea?

It dealt with how to create samples, which the examiner.com idea addresses better than anything else in this thread.

[east coast producer]

East Coast advised that bengal will not be competing for best writing - but best style.

Where? No, really. Where?

My FIRST sentence. Every professional writer will read another professional writer's work and have a thousand things stand out at him that he doesn't like and would do differently. It's the nature of working in an art.

I'm sure ECP's "you don't write better than anyone else who's educated" quip (which ECP's own attempt at prose made ironic) and reference to bengal's "crappy blog" were meant in the kindest, most loving way possible. How could anyone have misread that as unhelpful?

Oh, and the "I'm a pro... that doesn't help you" was another useful pearl of wisdom.


I really don't get why you're flipping out on this thread. Like others have said, people have contributed an uncommonly generous amount of advice. To rephrase what I said, if you're educated, you likely can clearly write in English. So can everyone else. What sets you apart in your style, tone and personality. That's the art in what we do. The "crappy blog" wasn't serious, and I doubt anyone but you took it that way. I bet you get upset when Dyck calls yo momma so fat, that they use her belt to measure the equator.

You didn't mention more about the "I'm a pro" snippet. I professionally freelance in both local/network broadcast and as a print reporter for a metro newspaper. I have the samples. If you recall, I suggested college essays or even some of his blog stuff. Depending on the gig he's going for, he could go to some city council meeting and write a hard story on that. Without knowing the kind of job, it's difficult to give advice. No one's telling him to get out of whatever he's trying to get into. Everyone but you seems to be offering solid advice.

You've never gone crazy like this before, so whatever. I still like you.

[east coast producer]

East Coast advised that bengal will not be competing for best writing - but best style.

Where? No, really. Where?

My FIRST sentence. Every professional writer will read another professional writer's work and have a thousand things stand out at him that he doesn't like and would do differently. It's the nature of working in an art.

I'm sure ECP's "you don't write better than anyone else who's educated" quip (which ECP's own attempt at prose made ironic) and reference to bengal's "crappy blog" were meant in the kindest, most loving way possible. How could anyone have misread that as unhelpful?

Oh, and the "I'm a pro... that doesn't help you" was another useful pearl of wisdom.


I really don't get why you're flipping out on this thread. Like others have said, people have contributed an uncommonly generous amount of advice. To rephrase what I said, if you're educated, you likely can clearly write in English. So can everyone else with a degree. What sets you apart in your style, tone and the personality you can feel through the writing. That's the art in what we do. The "crappy blog" wasn't serious, and I doubt anyone but you took it that way. I bet you get upset when Dyck calls yo momma so fat, that they use her belt to measure the equator.

You didn't mention more about my "I'm a pro" snippet. I professionally freelance in both local/network broadcast and as a print reporter for a major metro newspaper. I have the samples. If you recall, I suggested college essays or even some of his blog stuff. Depending on the gig he's going for, he could go to some city council meeting and write a hard story on that. Without knowing the kind of job, it's difficult to give advice. No one's telling him to get out of whatever he's trying to get into. Everyone but you seems to be offering solid advice.

I don't know why you keep harping on the one sentence I wrote. What's grammatically wrong with it?

You've never gone crazy like this before, so whatever. I still like you.

[east coast producer]

The fact that it wasn't helpful was my point. Glad you finally grasped that. And my summary was accurate.


No, your summary wasn't complete. Your didn't mention that I went on to say that while I'm not in the same situation as him so I can't relate quite as well, I still want to help so here are some ideas (which I offered).

[east coast producer]

Damn, today will forever be known as Hate on ECP Day.

Since Consider This is on my case for whatever reason, lemme tell you his examiner idea is awful. If you want immediate per diem work, use Demand Studios. They pay $15 usually for a short article, and there's tons of things you can write about. The content winds up on about.com, ehow.com, etc. Unfortunately, you have to send them writing samples to be approved.

[i'm in touch, so you be in touch]

Let's not hate on ECP any more. Consider this is probably just constipated or frustrated or who knows what. Apparently he has troubles with reading comprehension, because I understood what you and Mom wrote. I did not find it negative. Bengal is also clearly frustrated and hates his job and therefore puts out bad product. That's a shame, because now its biting him back.

Best of luck to all of you!

[Roy Hobbs]

and who wants to stick around here when crap like that is posted?

When I was reading that diatribe I was thinking "She should at least be glad she didn't get a poop joke." Then the payoff above.

[Consider This]

Since you are obviously a wise and generous soul who only seeks to spread wisdom to those less fortunate, perhaps you will help me see what I (and bengal, too) missed in your original post that should have been seen as instructive, constructive and, minor thing here, an answer to his question.

Which was: When a non-tv job is asking for writing samples, do you just create new ones? Is that kosher? Is there a better way/idea?

Let me first tell you that you do not write better than anyone else (who's educated). Everyone has their own style of writing, and to them, they obviously prefer it. Writing is an art (much like weatherguessing), not a science, so to say you're a better writer than someone else is a word that Phony will hit the 'report' button on.

Where in here do you advise him on how to generate better or more suitable writing samples? Did bengal indicate that he was unaware that writing is subjective? Did he claim that he was a better writer than someone else?

And I disagree with your assertion that everyone prefers their style of writing. There are lots of people's writing styles I prefer to my own. I simply lack the skills to match them.

I've been fortunate that, as a pro freelancer, I work in both print and broadcast, so I have print samples. This doesn't help you.

You're right. It doesn't help. Why include it?

If you're still young, perhaps you have a college admittance essay? I had to write one to get (accepted) into Medill that I recycled later for some PR job I didn't get.

I grant your intent to assist here, though suggesting that someone recycle a college admissions essay for a professional writing job is akin to advising as aspiring airplane mechanic to submit a hobby model plane assembled in childhood with his application.

Otherwise, maybe your (crappy) blog can work. Depending on what kind of non-tv writing job it is and how crappy your blog is, if you can show something relevant and show personality at the same time, maybe that would work.

Since you have already judged his blog to be crappy, what reason would bengal have to believe you really see this as a source of portfolio material? How can he read that as anything other than condescending derision?

These are not rhetorical questions. I am genuinely curious to read the answers.

Now, please excuse me. I'm going to go take some stool softener. Perhaps after that works its magic, the answers to my questions won't be the only things more clear.