Make a Living Writing News: Why Blog Comments Are Back

Ever leave a comment on the Make a Living Writing blog?

For years, you could chime in at the end of a blog post, ask questions, get help, and be part of the conversation about the business and craft of freelance writing.

And then we turned comments off on the Make a Living Writing blog in May 2017. At the time, there were plenty of valid reasons to nix the comments.

But things change.

The blogosphere is a different place now than it was back then.

And the rules of engagement have morphed on many social media platforms.

So now what?

One of most quotable lines from the Arnold Schwarzenegger blockbuster Terminator comes to mind: “I’ll be back.”

That’s the plan. Here’s why we’re turning comments back on at Make a Living Writing.

• Work smarter, not harder. When we shut off comments on Make a Living Writing, we planned on using social media platforms to discuss the business and craft of freelance writing. But it turned into chasing conversations in multiple places, and engaging with people who aren’t subscribers. Time to work smarter, not harder.
• Facebook frustrations. In case you haven’t noticed, Facebook isn’t exactly everyone’s favorite social media platform right now for a lot of reasons. You a fan of frequent data and security breaches and misuse of personal information? Me neither. Other changes at Facebook may even mean the end of my business page at some point. And there’s also no shortage of Facebook haters who feel compelled to spew their poison instead of comment to provide support and encouragement to help freelancers make a living writing.
• Freelance writers on social media? There’s a certain segment of writers who use social media frequently. But there’s a significant group of freelancers who aren’t on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter, or at least not active. We want to make it easier for everyone to be part of the conversation about how to make a living writing.
• Limitations to own and control social content. Using social media is still an effective way to reach a lot of people about freelance writing. But every platform has its limitations to own and control conversations. Going back to blog comments eliminates that headache.
• No more missing out. On the Make a Living Writing blog we host essay contests, best-of blog round-ups, and publish user-generated content that allow readers to shine. But if you’re counting on social media to keep you up to date, the platforms don’t always come through, and you miss out. That ends now.

Blog comments: What happens next?

If you want to leave a comment on a Make a Living Writing blog, scroll to the bottom of the post. Ask a question, leave a comment, and be part of the conversation. Your first comment will need to be approved by our moderator. After that, you’re set. You should only need to be moderated in once.

After a new Make a Living Writing post is published, we’ll close comments after 30 days. This helps prevent a lot of spam comments and wasted staff time. Work smarter, not harder.

Other changes at Make a Living Writing

Just when you thought the surprises were over, we’re planning on a few more changes.

• Publishing 3x a week. Beginning in January, we’re moving to publishing 12 times a month, or three times a week. We know some other sites for writers have cut back on how much useful content they produce, but we want to deliver MORE.
• More digital delights for writers. Here’s what you can expect. More contests, video/audio posts — more learning delivered more ways, and more opportunities for YOU to be heard at Make a Living Writing.

If you’re looking for motivation, marketing strategies, a network of other writers, and tips to help you make a living writing, check out the blog, subscribe, and leave a comment below.

How will you make a living writing in 2019? Let’s discuss in the comments section below.

Evan Jensen is the blog editor for Make a Living Writing. When he’s not on a writing deadline or catching up on emails, he’s training to run another 100-mile ultra-marathon

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