Craig's (anti-capital) list

I have to admit I couldn't quite wipe the smirk off my face while reading this article in the New York Times: Craigslist Meets the Capitalists.

Appearing at the UBS global media conference in New York, Mr. Buckmaster took questions from the bemused audience, which apparently could not get its collective mind around the notion that Craigslist exists to help Web users find jobs, cars, apartments and dates — and not so much to make money.

Maybe it's just a happy fiction that will evaporate the next time a group of investment bankers backs a dump truck full of money up to the Criag Newmark's house, but I'll take it. This is a world I believe in.

For furhter reading, check out this post on the Art and Architecture of Craigslist.

Writers + Business Sense = Money

I had an experience with a editor recently that really opened my eyes to how important it is for writers to be able to talk about money. Simply put: he offered to pay me $50 for a 650-700 word article. I said that was great, but could he possibly make it $75? When he didn't answer for a couple days, I was sure that I'd lost the job.

When he finally did answer, he said, let's start with 50. That was fine by me, after all I still had the job! So, I wrote the article, edited it, and made sure it was the best I could do. I turned it in right on schedule. He was so happy with the product and my professionalism, he sent me the $75 I asked for!

It may not seem like much, but it was a powerful lesson for me. A fearless attitude coupled with dependability and a well-written article can increase your bottom line.

Now, go forth and haggle!

This entry was posted as a response to a post at the Golden Pencil on a similar topic. And the blog Words on the Page wrote on this subject too.