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At LWN we try to pay generously, and would love even to bring on somebody full time. But we don't pay per word; we see that as being a lot like paying develope
by corbet 7y ago
At LWN we try to pay generously, and would love even to bring on somebody full time. But we don't pay per word; we see that as being a lot like paying developers per line of code. Words are consumed to create an article, not created, and we value conciseness. Giving authors an incentive to pad things out just seems silly.
- skilled 7y agoWhat do you mean "pad things"? Most of my clients have a set word limit for each article. They set the limit, and I simply don't go over it, although sometimes I do because there is a lot more to say. And sometimes I write a lot less because there isn't much else to add to the topic. I find that clients are more receptive to the per-word system because it gives them some control over how much they have to pay. If you write some bullshit articles about "1000 ways to be happy instantly must-see immediately" -- then sure, pad away. Personally, I take great pride in my portfolio and want my content to be read, shared, promoted, etc. It's an entirely different attitude. And certainly a lot less straining on your brain.