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A World of Ideas
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Welcome
Whether you realize it or not, you are now part of a revolution that is transforming freelance writing and editing. The Writers' Bridge is just part of that revolution, of course, and our membership comprises just a tiny increment of all the writers out there. But I believe we can make an impact far out of proportion to our size.
What's changing, more than anything else, is the idea that freelancers must work in isolation. For too long, too many of us have sealed ourselves inside psychological cubicles. We have come to believe that there is only a limited amount of work available, and so we must engage in fierce competition with other freelancers to find it. As an extension of that, we have come to regard our fellow writers as the enemy, and been reluctant to share information or ideas for fear of piracy.
Like stray mutts skulking around a dumpster, we have fought for whatever scraps that freelance markets cared to throw to us. In the process, we have betrayed ourselves by not seeking true value for our valuable services. Moreover, we have tended to conduct separate quests for more knowledge about our profession, missing the chance to learn from the practical experience of others like us.
As The Writers' Bridge evolves, it will become a true community. Those of us who establish productive relationships with individual magazines or Websites will begin to share those contacts with others in the group. If someone sees a freelance opportunity that is out of his or her area of expertise but might interest another member, that will be passed along. We will begin to explore ways of collaborating on articles. We start to exchange some of what makes us people instead of mere bylines -- personal triumphs and events in our lives. In many cases, I hope, we will become friends.
Let me emphasize, finally, that I am merely the person to whom this idea occurred. We are a work in progress. I welcome any suggestions anyone may have to make The Writers' Bridge more unique, more inclusive or more efficient, and I hope to see other members step up to assume leadership roles in years to come.
-- Darrell Laurant
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