The Musings of Writers and Cats

I was tweeting this on Twitter, and thought it might be better to just show everyone all at once, so here goes. It's a really handy way to organize your whole follow list in a few hours, and have it ready for tweeting thanks to for FollowFridays, WriterWednesdays or etc. =)

First, you need Textpad. You can download a free version from the website, but consider a donation to keep this software going. You CAN evaluate it as long as you want to, but if it's worthwhile to you, it's only $27.00 I think. And it blows Notepad and Wordpad out of the water anyway. =)

Okay, so once you have Textpad, first consult your Twitter following list, the people following you right now. Notice, you'll have to probably scroll down for a while, but eventually Twitter will list them all. Now, go to your LAST name on the bottom, and start selecting that by highlighting the text. STOP and go up to your "Edit" menu in your browser, and choose "SELECT ALL". Now ALL that text will be selected - all of your followers. =)

Now open Textpad and select "paste" from the "Edit" menu to paste all of that text into the file. You'll notice it's quite a mess, right? We'll fix that now.

Go to "Search" and choose "Replace..." Have the search locate all instances of "Follow " (space included), match case, and replace with one blank space, then do the same for "Unfollow " (space included). Now each of your followers are separated with a blank line.

Now comes the hard part. You want each of these to be on a separate line. This will take a hell of a lot of time if you have a big list, but you can spot the usernames easier this way. Once every username is on a line by itself, it's time to add those pesky "@" symbols. Thank God for macros...

Go to the TOP of your list, place the cursor in front of the first name, then go up and select "macro" and "record". Your cursor becomes a tape icon. (cute, huh?)  Now do this EXACTLY:

Type a "@" symbol, arrow back so that the cursor is back at the front and go DOWN one line. Go back to "macro" and select "stop recording". You'll be prompted to save the macro. Just call it something, like tweeps, for example, and then mark the option "repeat to end of file".

Okay, now you have a saved macro. Go to the FRONT of the SECOND line (You should still be there actually) and select "Macro" and choose your saved macro from the list - and viola! Your username list has the @ symbols all present and accounted for, saving a LOT of typing. =) You can even sort the list alphabetically using "tools" and "sort" as well.

If you like this idea, please share with others. It's not the quickest way to maintain a following list, but it's certainly the best way to do it for free - and a little work on your part. =)

Hey, if it was all easy, we'd all die of boredom, right? =)

Reading about Dungeons and Dragons misadventures from others. I miss that game so much sometimes. We both do. We had a stint for a few months, but we just stayed in a sewer killing rats, and that was no fun. Watching my cats all sitting together on the carpet in the other room, I can almost picture them giving D&D a try. Let's watch... =)

**************

Mystery, Grimalkin and Karma sit around a large board, filled with wooden pieces, model trees and several dice.
"Okay," Mystery says, reading from a small pamphlet next to her, her black tail swaying to and fro. "You've reached a large farmyard, with many sheep-"
"Sheep!" Grimalkin's ears perk up, "Are...are they evil?"
Karma clubs him on the ear with her paw. "Why do you ask if everything is evil?!"
"Hey, when you're leading this party, you have to take some responsibility!"
"Grim, we're a party of two. You're Bearmeat, I'm Petunia Prissy the Sixty-Ninth. Myst is the DM, that's it, okay? There is no party. This is barely a social gathering."
"Fine, Miss 'Gee, maybe we should eat the hanging fruit from the black tree in the forest.'"
"Says the bozo who decided he could take on a red boar at Level 2!"
"Shush, both of you!" Myst hisses suddenly at them. "Now, look Grim, the sheep aren't dangerous, they're just sheep...attacking them might not be wise..."
"I'll roll for surprise attack with my arrow!" He suddenly swats at the dice. "Woo! 18!"
Myst stares at him blankly, and reads from the pamphlet, sighing. "There is now a large arrow sticking out of one of the sheep. It bleats briefly and collapses to the ground."
"Yessss! How many more sheep are there?"
"I don't know, about thirty or so..."
"Will you stop it?!" Karma cries out, "You don't have to kill them!"
"How do you KNOW? Huh? We are in a whole other world here! A world of dark and dangerous creatures around every corner, epic and fascinating journeys to accomplish harrowing tasks, and garner more wealth than we could ever dream of having! We can't take any chances, and I'm the leader here, so we should do what I say..."
The two girls exchange glances. "Fine," Myst sighs again, and bats a ten-sided dice. "DM rolls a nine. The sheep staggers to its feet again, growling, and rips the arrow from its side with its maw, suddenly charging you both, sharp teeth bared!"
"WHAT?!" Karma smacks Grimalkin again. "Happy now?! It's a zombie sheep!"
"Kill it, kill it!"
Karma bats at the dice. "Two..."
Myst grins, "You take a stab at the sheep and miss entirely, cutting your own foot. You lose about 10% of your mobility and one attack round. The sheep," she bats at her own dice, "slices through you both in rage, biting you for 10 HP each."
"We have to run now!" Grimalkin yells, and bats at his dice set. "Oh crap...4."
Myst giggles behind a paw. "You try to escape, and trip on a blade of grass. The sheep...rolls a, wow, 17. Another 17 HP lost on you both. And the sheep gets another attack against immobile Petunia..."
"Grim, you are so dead when this is over..."
"The sheep tears through Petunia for another 12 hit points of damage..."
"Save me, you moron!"
"I'm trying, I'm trying!" He angrily swats at his dice. "Damn! 2!"
Myst starts laughing uncontrollably. "The angry sheep is suddenly not alone. All thirty of the beasts realize one of their own are being attacked and have come to join the fray...you both have one chance to roll for a full escape or you're sheep-chow..."
Grimalkin blinks, "Are they all evil?!"
"I'm going to kill you!" Karma swats her dice. "NO! 0!" She flumps to the ground on her belly and sulks pitifully.
"Um...3?"
Myst grins. "You are done for. The sheep enjoy their impromptu meal. It is some time later in the evening when the sheep have their regular bowel movements, and your shredded remains lie stinking in the open fields. A fitting end to your journey after so much crap you had to endure from each other..."
Karma sighs, "Good call on the sheep, big brother...thanks..."
"Want to play again?"
"Only if I'M leading..."
Paul wanders in just then, hunkering down with the cats. "So what's going on here?"
"We're killing sheep..." Karma snorted derisively.
"Oh yeah, gotta watch those sheep. They're evil, you know..."
"I TOLD you, Karma."
"Shut up and roll for initiative...where are we going anyway?"
Myst hmms and looks at Paul. "Should they go to the farm again?"
Paul shakes his head. "Not if they can't get past the sheep..."
"Wait a minute," Karma looks up curiously. "You've played this already?"
"This particular module, yeah. If you go to the farm, sneak past the sheep, get to the barn, grab the +3 knife inside the chest and run like hell...why?"
"Well, it's moot," Myst grins and turned a few pages. "How about the swamp? You are in a dank, dark swamp, with no idea how you got here. Around you, all you can see is a heavy mist, a few shadows of trees, and you can hear the faint croaking of bullfrogs..."
"Are they evil bullfrogs?"
"I'm going to slug you..."

The tragic events in Arizona today should be a wake up call to all those who spew hate filled rhetoric. The tea party and their queen need to reassess their priorities and realize that their actions and their support of threats and violence - from cross hairs on websites and subliminal hate mongering - have real consequences. Their actions are not American and reminiscent of third world banana republics.  These are the people who wear the flag lapel pins and pretend to believe in the principles of our nation, but are actually and secretly anxious for someone to overthrow the constitution that they've never read and create a fascist state.

There is much power in symbols.  So when someone puts a cross hair on a website it shows a certain callous disregard for life.  Just as burning a flag desecrates someones belief, standing around with guns and shooting off 20 rounds and killing people desecrates our belief in the sanctity of life.

Words are vital to the well being of this country.  "We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal and are endowed by their Creator with certain inalienable rights, that among these are LIFE, LIBERTY AND THE PURSUIT OF HAPPINESS."  These are the principles upon which we thrive and anyone who doesn't adhere to their meaning is unaware of the true purpose of this great nation.

There are other words that have equal meaning "We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the general Welfare and secure the blessings of Liberty to ourselves and Our Posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America." 

Last Thursday, an expurgated reading of the constitution of this nation was read in the halls of Congress by duly elected representatives.  It is a living breathing document and has for over 200 years provided us with the guidelines for our nation.  Today, in Arizona, a man whose limited understanding of what this country is, shot a duly elected representative of this nation.  This is not what AMERICANs do.  They don't like someone, they elect someone else.  They argue, they debate, and occasionally they call each other names, but in the long run, and when it comes down to it, they stand together.

Only today, the actions in Arizona showed how deep the hatred that the tea party has for this nation runs.  It is frightening and it should be a wake up call to all Americans - true Americans - to remind them that the price of liberty is to be ever vigilant or our domestic tranquility will shatter like glass in a strong wind.

Our country was founded on debate, on compromise and civil discourse. Those who carry out their beliefs with gun in hand denigrate what it means to be an American. My advice to all of you secretly cheering the venal and heinous actions in Arizona today as a show of your influence should look to your souls. They are in danger.

Paula

So we were reading about this company, Freelance Home Writers (I know, what a delicious company name, right? Every word is a key word that points you from "work at home" to "freelance" to "writing" in one feel swoop. Genius.) and asked them a couple of questions.

See, we've been freelance writers both for a VERY long time, since BEFORE the internet became such a world. We watched freelance writing farms by the THOUSANDS teem with projects and opportunities, grabbing juicy commissions, and hurting millions of writers worldwide by not paying them as much as they should. It is these kind of farms that are hurting the entire freelance industry on a whole.

So, when we caught wind of this Freelance Home Writers company, we checked them out. You'll pay about $50 a month to look over their contingent of jobs, and they respectfully call the job-holders they advertise as "employers". I thought...well, that doesn't seem right, so I helpfully contacted customer support, happy to get a chat line:
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Thanks for contacting us. Please hold a moment while we route your chat to a specialist who will help you with your question: 'We're interested, but have no idea how this works....'
laura has received your message and will be right with you.
Please wait, connecting to server...
Connected!
laura says:    04:27:56 PM
Hello, my name is Laura. Give me a moment while I access your account.
Paul says:    04:28:08 PM
I don't have an account.
laura says:    04:28:31 PM

One moment please Paul
Paul says:    04:32:54 PM
?
laura says:    04:33:41 PM
sorry Paul, its very busy today. Our site lists over 300 opportunities per day to do freelance writing jobs on your own time on your own computer, at home
laura says:    04:33:55 PM
Sorry over 3000 not 300
Paul says:    04:34:33 PM
We're both freelance writers so we know the drill. What our concern is...how are you finding these opportunities? Is this through a broker, a farm, etc?
Paul says:    04:35:07 PM
So we're paying you a fee, plus a monthly charge...not to actually get jobs, but to get wind of jobs, correct?
laura says:    04:35:18 PM
I have no idea Paul.
Paul says:    04:35:44 PM
Look, Laura, let's start the new year right. Be honest with us, okay?
laura says:    04:35:58 PM
I am Paul
Paul says:    04:36:06 PM
So the idea is, we're paying a fee...to view jobs available. We're not given jobs. Right?
laura says:    04:36:46 PM
Correct
Paul says:    04:37:18 PM
I don't understand. Why are we paying a monthly recurring charge if we still have to apply and fight over projects?
laura says:    04:38:40 PM
so you do not have to take YOUR time look for them. They are all in one place so you can use your time to apply and work
laura says:    04:39:02 PM
and make $
Paul says:    04:39:06 PM
Ma'am, we're freelance writers. Most of us have the extra time to look. =)
Paul says:    04:39:39 PM
I'd venture about 95% of the people signing up have the extra time. They don't want to sit in a queue and wait to be called.
Paul says:    04:39:59 PM
What can you offer that others can't?
laura says:    04:40:00 PM
That is why we offer the 7 day trial .. so you can see if this is right for you or not.
Paul says:    04:40:26 PM
Why not just arrange to pay you people a commission fee for jobs you match us up with?
laura says:    04:41:07 PM
We are not the employers, we only list the jobs daily for you
Paul says:    04:41:40 PM
I know that, but as the listers, isn't the site responsible to the employer at that point?
laura says:    04:42:19 PM
not that I am aware of. I do not know how they obtain the projects, therefore can not honestly answer that question
Paul says:    04:43:26 PM
See, this is my concern, and please let me explain. We have been freelance writers for about 15 years, okay? And we KNOW what goes on. Most of the freelance writing jobs now listed, do not come from employers, but from OTHER farms, such as Elance, and others, ok?
Paul says:    04:43:37 PM
So...we'd never see full payment for our work. =(
laura says:    04:43:56 PM
So how may I help you here Paul?
Paul says:    04:45:02 PM
You can help me by telling us why your company isn't checking out and screening their employers. If we're going to pay for your services, isn't it in your best interest to make sure the projects listed our legit, and not "farmed out"?
Paul says:    04:45:12 PM
our=are, sorry.
laura says:    04:45:13 PM
We offer the 7 day trial for you to see how the jobs are set up and offered. It would be my suggestion for you tosee if this a good fit for you
Paul says:    04:46:30 PM
But what about the projects and the employers represented?
laura says:    04:46:37 PM
I am here to help you with your account. I have no idea if managment is or is not screening the employers Paul
Paul says:    04:46:39 PM
How are we to know these have been screened?
Paul says:    04:46:52 PM
Well, shouldn't someone know for sure?! =(
Paul says:    04:47:27 PM
You understand my concern, right, Laura? I hope?
Paul says:    04:47:56 PM
I'm paying a monthly fee - and it's possible the job I want...isn't an actual employer?
laura says:    04:48:10 PM
again Paul, I would suggest trying the 7 day trial to see if this is what you desire or not. I do not know what type of screening is done. 
Paul says:    04:48:27 PM
Is there someone in management I can speak to by phone?
laura says:    04:48:47 PM
I would suggest reading the terms and conditions then as that is your agreement if you become a member
Paul says:    04:48:56 PM
Because, if you're charging people nearly 600 a year...I think they should know why. =(
laura says:    04:49:05 PM
you can call 800-750-7660
Paul says:    04:49:16 PM
May I ask again, is there someone in management I can speak to by phone please?
laura says:    04:49:20 PM
you will need to speak to a manager
Paul says:    04:49:23 PM
and whom do I ask for?
laura says:    04:49:34 PM
a manager Paul
Paul says:    04:49:45 PM
I would like a name please.
laura says:    04:49:50 PM
Sorry I was unable to answer you more
Paul says:    04:50:09 PM
Surely you know whom your manager is, right?
laura says:    04:50:39 PM
unfortunately I do not have that for you Paul. I do not know who would be the appropriate reference for your questions
laura says:    04:50:57 PM
Again, I am sorry I am unable to help you more.
Paul says:    04:51:01 PM
I don't understand. Don't you have a supervisor?
laura says:    04:51:22 PM
Again, I am sorry I am unable to help you more.
Paul says:    04:51:36 PM
Laura, please be reasonable with me.
Paul says:    04:51:42 PM
I'm asking a very simple request.
Paul says:    04:51:53 PM
I'm also logging this entire conversation.
laura says:    04:52:15 PM
I have answered your questions to the best of my ability. I am sorry I can not help you more Paul
Paul says:    04:52:26 PM
Please tell me whom I speak to in management.
laura says:    04:52:41 PM
May I suggest you call the number I gave you and request a manager as I suggested before.
Paul says:    04:53:00 PM
No, I'm not going to call without a name. it's not courteous.
laura says:    04:53:06 PM
Again, unfortunately I do not have that for you Paul. I do not know who would be the appropriate reference for your questions
Paul says:    04:53:18 PM
The proper way is to address by name in the U.S.
laura says:    04:54:14 PM
I will be terminating this conversation as I have answered your questions to the best of my ability and you keep asking the same questions I am unable to answer. I am sorry Paul, you will need to call and ask for a manager please.
laura says:    04:54:36 PM
Good day
Paul says:    04:54:41 PM
So...when I write my review for Freelance Home Writers, I should write that Freelance Home Writers has zero control over who lists projects?
laura left this room.
Paul says:    04:54:51 PM
I wouldn't suggest you hang up just yet.

So Laura hung up and closed the chat at this point. Needless to say, I was not happy with what I was learning. People pay this company about 600 a year - and they have no idea if the jobs placed are even legit?! What's to stop these people from simply "creating" leads by themselves? Say, a Texas company needs someone to write video games. 100 people on Freelance Home Writers could apply for it - but who knows who got it? They could easily just create a fictional listing, a fictional gmail account to send to, and viola - you apply, get a happy "Thanks for applying" email back - and then nothing else.

I thought, "Well, perhaps I should call them." but then I thought, if Laura won't tell me, maybe someone else will. I placed my same contact information, and tried another chat. This time, I seemed to get a "manager". Not that I believe that. =)

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Thanks for contacting us. Please hold a moment while we route your chat to a specialist who will help you with your question: 'I was hung up on without getting an answer to a qu...'
brittney has received your message and will be right with you.
Please wait, connecting to server...
Connected!
brittney says:    04:56:56 PM
Hi my name is Brittney, I am the Manager
Paul says:    04:57:18 PM
Wonderful. Could you please address my earlier concerns?
brittney says:    04:57:39 PM
We affiliate with Other companies
Paul says:    04:58:05 PM
But they're not the direct employers, are they?
brittney says:    04:58:18 PM

Yes they are
Paul says:    04:58:33 PM
No, they're not. If you pull someone out of Elance, no.
Paul says:    04:58:42 PM
or whatever other farm is out there.
Paul says:    04:59:00 PM
Trust me, I'm a freelance writer of about 15 years. I know how the system works.
Paul says:    04:59:28 PM
So, if people are paying a monthly fee, to work for employers... this is wrong then.
brittney says:    04:59:32 PM
So what would you like me to tell you
Paul says:    04:59:38 PM
you should not call them employers. =(
Paul says:    04:59:57 PM
I want you to change the scope of your business, because you're lying to people paying you money. =(
Paul says:    05:00:32 PM
I believe "employers" should not be listed anywhere on your site, because that is inaccurate.
brittney says:    05:00:50 PM
Well i will send the information to the correct people
Paul says:    05:01:13 PM
I really would appreciate that. If they have more to explain, they are free to email us.
brittney says:    05:01:28 PM
Okay no problem
Paul says:    05:01:29 PM
But I believe this is wrong.
Paul says:    05:01:35 PM
That's just my opinion.
Paul says:    05:01:49 PM
And I think you need a new screening process. =(
Paul says:    05:02:01 PM
If we're going to work with employers, they should be direct.
Paul says:    05:02:06 PM
Not commissioned brokers. =(
brittney says:    05:02:24 PM
Okay well is there anything else that i can assist you with today?
Paul says:    05:02:34 PM
Although...well, let's be honest. The chances of you finding any direct writing jobs are a million to one.
Paul says:    05:02:40 PM
Right?
Paul says:    05:03:00 PM
No, I'm done. Thank you.

I didn't stay for the fireworks after that. She knows EXACTLY what I'm talking about.

Lesson learned, dear readers and freelancers out there. The odds of you getting a DIRECT job and an employer are slim to none. =( It is IMPORTANT that you contact businesses DIRECTLY to get the jobs you're looking for. Don't count on some farm to do it for you.

And as far as Freelance Home Writers goes? Well, let's just say, I hope I've opened a few eyes on that front too. =)

Peace!

Paul
(with cats looking over shoulder) >^^<