The Professional

Among the nicer things about writing this blog are the occasional notes I receive by those who tell me that they enjoy my posts. I can honestly say that more than a few people have told me that I should be writing about woodworking professionally. I don’t agree with that assessment, but nonetheless it was flattering to hear. Because I am neither a professional writer nor a professional woodworker I wouldn’t feel comfortable writing about the topic. Obviously I write a blog about woodworking, but it is less about projects and techniques  and rather more about the lunacy I encounter in woodworking magazines and forums.  So that being said, maybe there is a small place for me in the ranks of professional woodworking writers….

Actually, there probably isn’t. While I have no moral opposition to being paid for my posts, I would still not feel comfortable being under any obligation where I know that I may not be able to put forth my best efforts. The real truth is something that I’ve never mentioned on this blog. But believe it or not I have had several offers from some very respectable sources offering to pay me for my services. Up to this point I turned them down graciously with no hard feelings either way. At this juncture in my life I simply don’t have the time to put forth the effort needed to become a “professional writer”. Of course, there is a very small part of me that would love to throw caution to the wind, quit my job, and become a “starving artist”, but that part is far outweighed by the part of me that really doesn’t like starving artists all that much. Still, the offer of some free tools here and there along with a little extra cash was and is tempting. However, though my reputation in the world of woodworking blogging may not be stellar, in the real world I am a pretty respectable person. In order for me to be a good parent, husband, and human being I need to live my life with integrity, and taking money or goods for a job or contract that I may or may not be able to give my best efforts to is not the way to go about it.

For the record, I do not openly solicit myself in any way. In fact, the one and only time I ever submitted an article for consideration was to Popular Woodworking Magazine for an ‘End Grain” piece. Naturally it was shot down in flames like a scud missile. My failure notwithstanding, I am not writing this blog to hone my skills in the hopes that I may be paid to do this one day; I do it because I mostly enjoy it. That doesn’t mean I’m dismissing the option completely. When and if I receive an offer that I find fair and reasonable, I will certainly consider it. Rest assured if that day ever comes I will put forth my best efforts.

 

So for those of you who were kind enough to leave those nice notes I was talking about, I thank you. Not long ago I mentioned on this blog that I am through explaining myself and what I write, and I meant it sincerely. I am making an exception in this case not for the benefit of those who feel the need to criticize rather than enjoy, but for those who thought enough about what I do to take the time to let me know about it. I truly appreciate it, and even more so the fact that you think somebody ought to be paying me. Maybe there will be a day when that happens, but for now I’m just happy to be here.