Who's that trip-trapping across MY bridge?

PHEW. Are you really ready for the rollercoaster ride of freelance journalism? And I don't mean the 'feast and famine' caused by crappy, late or non-payers.

Anyone considering dipping their toe in freelance waters, who's prepared to speak up for what they believe in, or even offer advice (Who in their right mind would do such a thing?) needs to beware of the troll.

Online forums, blogs and email lists are awash with the sort of bile that I haven't seen since my days of being threatened with a Chinese burn or good hair pulling. JournoBiz at least (where I am a moderator, don't you know) is a supportive and civil environment.

There was a recent wonderful online look at how to handle the sort of individual who wants to stoke up trouble. I've seen a lot of nonsense lately. It's been a bit of an eye opener.

It shouldn't be of course. At work, I have handed out bollockings and have been on the receiving end plenty of times. But what really irks me about these faceless individuals spouting such venom is that if you ever dare to ask who they are or why they have formed such an opinion, they go off on one about it being none of your business.

Seriously, I wonder if they know anything about people, let alone journalism. And you never know who's reading.

If you were in a position to choose and were a member or reader of such a site, who would you a) rather be interviewed by b) rather pass a story to or c) rather give work to if you were a commissioning editor? Would it be the miserable old fart shooting everyone down or the woman who'd civilly raised a question? Hard one that.

But then, there's even been a row (albeit a passionate and well-reasoned one) on the usually serene Media Women list. What is the world coming to?

[Linda]

Related: It's nice to be nice. Online forums are wonderful of course, but... In praise of JournoBiz

Comments

[Sally]

Hi Linda

It's an interesting theory - I know from experience that when I've commissioned work, I've avoided people who I've seen being abusive online and thought "what an idiot".

But where do you draw the line? As journalists, we do tend to have strong opinions - I don't think I've ever started a blog post with the phrase 'i can see both sides', for example.

So we need to create an environment where it's okay to be critical - and perhaps forcefully - while also maintaining some boundaries and professionalism.

I think it's a really interesting issue, and maybe as the technology matures, people will begin to realise just how long some of those online witticisms could hang around to haunt them.

Sally

[Linda]

Yes but a **** is a ****. I am also in a position to farm out work sometimes and anyone who has shown a distinct lack of sense of humour is way off my radar.

I struggle to be nasty (honest!) and do start with 'I can see both sides...' so when I find myself under attack, I do think **** you.

Anyone who can't spell 'definitely' is also off the list. If someone posts a "case study request" on every forum/list known to woman, then says: "Eeeeeeeeeeeek" (or "Gah!" - :)) when you gently suggest LIKE PHONING SOMEONE is also out of the picture. I like a 'glass full' sort of a gal - but enough about my personal life.