Writers, editors, photogs, and bloggers share tips, leads, ideas, news, gripes. PR reps/journos ISO press releases/trips, see also "PR/Marketing." Opinions stated are not necessarily those of Tripatini.
What do you wear to Seven Magic Mountains?
Seven Magic Mountains is an art installation located in the Nevada desert, and the weather can be quite hot and dry. Therefore, it is recommended to wear comfortable and breathable clothing, such as shorts, t-shirts, and sandals or sneakers. You may also want to bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun. It's also a good idea to bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated. While there is no strict dress code, it's important to dress appropriately for the weather and…
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Comments
Actually, I have seen a leveling off of falling rates, and a couple places I write for recently increased their pay. It's still not great compared to days of yore when I could limit assignments to only those that paid $1/word or more, but it's an improvement. But you're right, Allan, I should have written that "I can't afford to not take those jobs until I can secure more regular assignments for publications that still pay professional rates." Now, that opinion will probably generate some comments on what qualifies as professional rates or not...
As for the terms travel writer versus travel journalist, I think it depends on what part of the industry one is covering and how. I started my career working for a trade, but the editor considered it a real newspaper and ran it as such. We had beats and were required to break news about the industry, and that certainly didn't mean being the first to write about a new hotel opening or remodeling. We did occasionally get to go on press trips and write travel destination features (which I too call travel writing, not journalism), but it wasn't often and he doled them out only as rewards for doing well covering the news end of our industry.
Donna, do you see rates improving? Ever? Most of the titles I know pay now what they paid in 1990. Cover prices and ad rates have increased, but not editorial rates.
Sam & Donna,
I don't believe Max said he was approached by someone he wrote about. I think there is a problem if you're hired to work for a client and later expected to write about that client for publication. Now, if you write about a client and they like how you treated them - as in how you interpreted their product or place - I can see working for them on the understanding that the relationship changes and there would be no more 'free' editorial coverage, as in writing about them for media.
I'm an old dog, so I get uncomfortable calling myself a travel journalist. I'm a travel writer. In my old school training and background, journalism is reserved for those covering the news. The launch of a new cruise ship or opening of a new resort isn't quite the same for me. That said, I don't sell out my editorial content in an article. And I'm amused by these policies that don't allow free travel; if someone thinks I'm selling out my reputation for a free hotel room or plane ticket they're sadly mistaken.
When I started writing for one trade magazine one woman I interviewed said, "what is this, this is like a real interview? I thought you wanted me to talk about thread counts and the menu."
Like everyone here I have certain specialities. I'd be a fool not to cash in one the specialized knowledge I have. But in agreeing to write for certain clients or speak to certain groups or consult, I consider our future dealings. If they hire me to help, then their editorial coverage (as in magazine articles or other coverage) is handed off to someone else.
We have to recognize that some clients will come to us because they've watched how we cover their industry or destination or competition. Then we decide whether to accept that business and how to deal in the future. But we all know that. I don't think it has to be spelled out each time we ask a question.
This is where it pays to have a daily or hourly rate. I know people who charge $100 a day for travel. It's sort of a per diem to cover those little airport costs that eat a hole in the wallet and gives some recognition for the time you're not being productive. That's to and from, so $200. Then when you start to do the site inspection the hourly rate kicks in. The hourly rate is what you're paid for seeing the place, conducting interviews and writing. My friends' rates range from $50 - $125 per hour.
Plus we charge for expenses: telephone calls, internet connections (in the hotel), airport parking.
All of this is stated up front with an estimate of the time required. Expenses are backed up with receipts.