RETURN TO WRITING STRATEGIES

The Writer's Edge
Discussion Forums - by Terri Mrosko

There are plenty of books at the library that answer questions about running a freelance writing business. There are tons of Web sites as well that explain how to write a magazine article, what the basics of copyright law are, and where to find markets for your work.

Sometimes, however, you come across a tricky nuance of writing that cannot be answered by any book. What do you do when an online site still owing you money suddenly ceases to exist or how do you find an expert to interview in a specific field of work?

The next time you need a quick answer to a not-so-typical question, try posting it on a discussion forum or message board. There are thousands of potential respondents waiting to give you an answer.

Posting a Reply. When you participate in discussion forums, you establish a rapport with other writers who are in similar situations. You’ll find someone else asked a question you’ve been wondering about.

Spend some time “lurking” in different forums until you are comfortable with the format and responses to offer up your own advice. Be as forthcoming as you like in the advice you give to your fellow writers—it’s a fairly anonymous venue.

At the same time, you need to take the anonymity factor into careful consideration when taking the advice of others. You don’t know quite with whom you are dealing when entering into discussion forums on the Internet. Be careful how much you share about yourself.

Besides a good place to get advice from other writers, discussion forums are great avenues for marketing your Web site. When you offer sound advice of your own, others will take the time to track you down and see what else you have to offer. Include your URL when posting a message.