So you know me a little, right? Granted, we may not have met in person, but if you've been coming here for a while you do know a little about me. You know my faith. You know some of what's important to me. You know my heart. Right?
I signed an exclusive contract with AOL some weeks ago to write for them. The idea was a "mood food" type column filled with recipes, food pics, stories from my life, the like. I gleefully jumped into the challenge of being a paid food columnist. Are you kidding me? I was ecstatic. But I did have some reservations about submitting my work to editors with full creative control and license over my writing. That was a big deal for me. They can change things up and publish them however and wherever they wish, I told my parents. They'll own the rights to my writing. But maybe I'm just a control freak. I'm sure it will be okay.
If anyone's read the article(s) coming out with my name on them, please know: they have been edited. You know me. And I hope you'd know I didn't write some of the things, titles or comments that are out there. We live and learn.
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27 comments:
Oh no! Do you have a link to the article?
They could have taken the subject any way they liked but it was particularly contrary with your expressed blogging persona. Gross. They should be ashamed.
Those of us who have read your blogs know you dont identify with the way the subject was worded. You keep doing what you do, you have lost no credibility in my eyes, and nor should you in anybody else's for something you had no control over.
I know that was not your writing. You would never write in that fashion. You trusted someone with your faith and they abused it. You don't have anything to be ashamed of, they are the disappointment for taking advantage of your exceptional writing abilities. I love you and have complete faith in you. Keep your head help high and keep looking upward! Love ya, Sis, AM
I have not read your column but what a heartbreaker... as you said - we all have to learn as we go. Brush it off girl you are totally unique and beautiful. Jesus Knows.
I've been wondering how to get to your articles. I'll take them with a grain of salt, knowing they have been changed, but I would love to read them! Can you give us a link? I can see how allowing someone to diddle with your writing would be a concern. You write beautifully though, this is just a start, later, when you are famous, you can keep control right? ;>)
I know you Brin and love your writing, so I"ll know. Do you have a link, how can we find them?
My opinion of AOL has lowered even further.
Where would one find these articles you've written??
I have followed you long enough to know your true heart. I hate that AOL is going to change up your writing to suit them...that is just wrong.
Hugs,
Tara
Oh I'm sorry! I havne't read your column but can just imagine your frustration/heartbreak! I'm so sorry.
And, because there's no easy way to segue into it, i'll just say it: I nominated you for a beautiful blog award in my latest entry. :) xx
Ug, sickening! My husband is a free-lance illustrator, and we know all about copyright. I suggest getting a guideline book for understanding some of the things they can get away with if you sign over copyright. He uses "Graphic Artists Guild Handbook, Pricing and Ethical Guidelines" I'm sure there is one for authors and free-lance writers too. It gives you contract examples, pricing, etc. One thing that people in the illustration and graphic arts world push for is for people to NOT sell their copyright - it cheapens the industry, your own work, and fellow artists. It sells yourself short. But I know most publishers also have the upperhand. It can be a battle at times, since there seems to always be someone who will sell themselves short, and they're the ones who get the jobs a lot of times. You write beautifully and honestly, and I hope you don't ever feel like you should sell your copyright :)
(I do understand that publishers will ask for changes, and we all have to work to meet in the middle, but freedom to edit is a little scary.)
-Kath
Oh Brin!
I see what you mean...Second Runner up Lasagna sounds more like you than their title did!
Sorry for the liberty they took with your good-cooking and even better writing. Not to mention- your reputation for being a nice home-grown girl!
I love lasagna. I love your blog too. Nothing will change that.
oh no! That is so hard when editors take free reign of your writing. There should be a law...
So sorry for this, I bet you and alot of people are sick about this. I read where AOL signed on about 2000 new monthly contributors for Ballsy type columns. Such a shame of them. I would never give someone over ride control of anything I wrote. Too much margin there for comfort, especially if my name is going to be signed to it. Is there anyway you can be relieved of your contractual obligations.
Don't worry, it's nothing we have never heard or seen before, I like the original blog story better.
You write a beautiful blog and maybe that is your calling. It's calling to you, if you would only listen. We love your blog, don't change a thing.
could you please link to the article?
it would be such fun for a wanna be
like me to read a bonafide!
give me some hope!
congratulations! . . . and sorry about
the editing. what do they know?
Oh, Brin. How totally frustrating. I'll pray that from here on out the don't steer things it that direction.
Oh Brin! So sorry. Yes, we do live and learn. Perhaps it will lead to bigger and better things however that you DO approve of. I have not seen the articles, but yes, we do know you.....!!!!
Shame on AOL. They're on my black list now.
As for you, young lady, I've been reading your blog for nearly 2 1/2 years now, even BEFORE I met your mom. I feel like I know what is in your heart and soul. You are God's child and it shows.
Let it roll off sweetie. Maybe you can complain to them or re-do your contract or something. I don't know how all that works...
I'm your mom's good buddy, so I'm really hoping you can join us in June!
Your original "runner up lasagna" post was memorable as it was & I certainly enjoyed it back then.
The editors' target audience is influencing their choices, but really, how tacky of them! Now that you see how they think, don't mention men in future articles - maybe it won't give them any bright editing ideas.
A good friend is a playwright, and he suffers through something similar whenever his plays are handed over to a director - his input is finished when he signs the dotted line.
Live and learn, don't worry about it, & move forward, Brin - your readers know you and we love your blog!
Yeah...that title so isn't you. At all.
Oh no. I found it. I see what you mean. That's not you at all. We all love your simple honesty and are inspired by your faith. I can see why you would feel so violated. Can you quit writing for aol?! The nerve!
oops - I glaringly missed the "gotten me laid" in the title. Wow EEk Yikes !!!! I hope they're feeding you well.
Hi, Brin. I'm here from your mom's blog and this one is just lovely! I am sorry that you have had a less than expected experience with being published by AOL. But, I trust all the folks that really matter in your life know your heart. Take care. I've added myself as a follower. Will you still be posting to this blog, too?
I agree... I love your blog and I love lasagne and that is all that matters. I have been a follower of your blog for a loooong time and we all know what a dear person you are.
Have you ended your relationship with AOL ?
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