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occupation or profession
I think there is a big difference between the words profession and occupation. For example, Suppose a professional carpenter can't find work for a short time. If he gets a job at a fast food chain, does s/he stop being a professional carpenter?
I am just getting started in writing, and am by no meens a professional, but I think that what you want to do most in your life is your profession, not what you're doing to keep yourself fed etc.
posted by
new_view
on June 2, 2005 at 6:01 PM
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Princess
The minute you earned even a penny on Blogit for writing made you a professional. Far as I can see you are all of that luv. Now, get back to writing
posted by
WileyJohn
on May 30, 2005 at 8:36 PM
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Simple. When I get my mits on that check and it clears the bank. If they give you money for it, then you're a pro -- or at least that's how the IRS sees it.
posted by
telynor
on May 30, 2005 at 7:34 PM
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Tiger
First, I love your poem Duck, Duck Goose.
I've been making my living as a writer for more than 2 decades, but have been at it since I was 15. I have a problem with people announcing they are professionals just because they are using a pen and paper. I use a calculator, but I'm not a mathmetician. What it really is involves a frame of mind, not the name on the paper. To me it has to do with a serious desire and a want to always get better. I'm in a writing group, and I'm always passing my stuff by people, and I'm always learning something.
It sure looks like you have that. Do I think people are professional writers because they joined Blogit. No way, no how. And I'm ducking rocks, I know. I've looked at the top numbers, and it's absolutely nothing. What it is a foot in the door, a way to try out new things and get feedback and the like. If that's why you've done it, it can be a great tool for a serious writer.
Even after 20 years I came here to BlogIt try different genres. I'm getting feedback, great feedback, in fact. I have thrown humor stuff out there, and the comments that come back to me are making it so much better. So it's a means to an end---certainly not the end. It's nothing I'd put on my resume. I don't even talk about it much outside my immediate family. I've never told people in my writing group, to be honest.
But just as you buy a better computer when you can and heavyweight paper to send to editors (with brilliant words on it), so should you invest in other tools---in this case BlogIt, if you think it will improve your writing.
Tiger, you're obviously trying out lots of stuff, and that's just the right thing to do. So are you a writer? Well, whether you are supporting yourself as a writer is a different question entirely. Do you take it seriously, and look to making an income or more income from it? That's more the sign to me.
As for the term professional writer---I hate it, and NEVER use it. It's used incorrectly by too many people so it's a watered-down term. No one says "I'm a professional doctor." You have something to show---as per your Duck, Duck Goose poem I mentioned. THAT'S what sets you apart from others. Do you really need a term to describe it. Writer is it, plain and simple.
Kim
posted by
terpgirl30
on May 30, 2005 at 7:02 PM
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Don't knock the fanzines - although most of the stuff in them is amateur-written, there's some real professionals working with them as well. I started to consider myself a professional writer when I was 17, and got a couple of short stories published. But, although writing has played a big part in my career in I.T. and coaching, it wasn't what I got paid for... But I still think I'm a professional writer.
posted by
L.E.Gant
on May 30, 2005 at 6:32 PM
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I consider myself to be a professional writer, and have enjoyed moderate success with having my work published.. But in order to support myself as a writer, I've had to work as a teacher and social worker. The writing part I get; marketing I don't. But regardless of success or not, I write because that's what I enjoy doing the most.
posted by
dog1net
on May 30, 2005 at 5:59 PM
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tigerprincess...
Would think to be professional you'd have to be seeing the cheques coming in.
posted by
ginnieb
on May 30, 2005 at 8:41 AM
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Apparently there are bloggers who make a living from blogging...
posted by
Ca88andra
on May 30, 2005 at 3:03 AM
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Good Post!
"Engaging in a given activity as a source of livelihood or as a career: a professional writer."
as given by dictionary.com
so, I guess technically, you are professional if you are getting paid for it, AND making a living...?
posted by
Hammock_Noweilz
on May 29, 2005 at 10:56 PM
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