|
Feb 28, 2003 This month I can count three magazines in which I recently had work accepted in that is now a closed publication or simply has disappeared without a trace. Wanting to stay calm and professional I shrug my shoulders and find something else to do for say..five minutes. Call me ungrateful but I put a lot of work into those poems and stories just to find out they are gone and not one email was sent to me explaining why. Writing is a hard job, which we all know and for obvious reasons we are not all going to end up being famous because we dont know the right people. However, it is unprofessional, in my opinion, to acknowledge someones writing and just discard it like it were a Publishers Clearing House Sweepstake certificate you have received three times every week! If I had someones work, I would take extra special care of it knowing that blood, sweat, and tears went into it. If that sounds a little too exaggerated then at least hard work, talent, and many editing hours went into that manuscript. I realize I am asking for a lot but I expect a small form of respect. I am one of the first to jump in to help a new magazine begin and support that establishment for as long as they plan to run. It is a give and take business. The least I would like in return is a simple, Im sorry, this is too much, I give up, thank you for your talent, and by the way this is the last month the website will run, and I would accept that. Well after I knocked around a few items on my desk and busted up a few dishes in the kitchen then I accepted it. Either way, I simply want to be aware of a passing webzine or dead market. People start out with good intentions, wanting to recognize others talents and give them a helping hand. I appreciate that immensely. Other than perusing endless websites of dead markets and the writers beware charts, there isnt much information to go on other than they have a call out for submissions. One such place began with a very inviting call out. They were expanding a particular project and welcomed those who had personal input to spread the word and make a difference. I had been very close to the subject they were promoting and had many poems and essays to offer. A beautiful message was returned to me, and they deemed my work as so inspiring, my words would introduce their site. I was floored! I was honored! Their debut date came and I was pleased as punch. I continued to contribute another two months not out of the need for exposure but out of the simple fact that the subject of this website was very dear to my heart. This was a way for me to get my voice heard and it was therapeutic in many areas as well. Well, a few months passed and I surfed back to the site and much to my dismay, it didnt even come up. Everything was gone, without a trace, without a word. My heart sank. The fact my work was gone as well wasnt what first upset me. It was that this subject was a worthwhile project and they had many supporters and contributors. What they were accomplishing was important and gave people strength and knowledge. After the effects of those thoughts wore off, then came the disappointment and anger that they couldnt bother to email me a quick message stating they were done and maybe even thank me for my time. I was hurt and felt betrayed. I realize this happens all the time, but I had never had the site disappear so quickly, left as soon as it arrived. It didnt seem fair or right and it was certainly unprofessional in my eyes. Now of course I am trying to be more cautious and do more research but in my heart I also want to support the newcomers and wish to gain experience and exposure at the same time. Again it is a practice of give and take and I believe that as long as I am acting as a professional writer and showing that publication care and respect than I am not asking for too much when I say, please let me know when you have run your last issue or post on the site their apologies that they can no longer stay online. It makes a difference to me and I know makes a difference to others. They have a right to discontinue their services but we also have a right to know. I mean, most places of business advertise their closing time, it seems the right thing to do, I think others should follow suit. About the author: Nancy Jackson is a full time author and poet with works in Literati, Twilight Times, Anotherealm, Sonny World, and various anthologies. Her pasttimes include spending time with her loved ones, drinking wine, and lots of writing! Email Nancy Jackson: coryann93@yahoo.com ------------ Comment on this column in the forum. ------------ |
||||||
|
|
|||||||
|
