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RE: [GWL]: Gwl Several Things

Title: RE: [GWL]: Gwl Several Things
Here's a good example of why first hand experience is a must --

I am working on an article on enabled gardening and am researching appropriate tools.  The Arthritis Foundation, in this case, the "experts," endorse a line of tools that I have tested in the past and found to be terrible. If I hadn't tested that tool, which by the way, I got for free at a GWAA symposium a few years back -- I'd have taken their recommendation and promoted an inappropriate product.


That said, my other job is writing training materials and the such.  For that job, I rely 100% on expert knowledge as I write about everything from electronics to sales to employee coaching.  But, and this is a big but, that kind of writing and the audience's expectation is totally different.

My major garden writing client is a large regional publication.  The audience that reads my garden articles rely on what I tell them.  They see me as an authority.  They know that I have either tested the plant or product or service myself or I have consulted with local experts who have.    Of course I rely on the expertise of others, but I am very careful about who I use, I always quote them carefully, and if what they say doesn't hold water, I test it out myself.

In essence, I have a personal relationship with these readers.  This is quite different from  doing PR writing, or writing general interest articles for a newspaper, or even writing for a national publication.

Bottom line is this -- there are no hard and fast rules.  I've never felt beholden to anyone who gives me anything to test.  I know why they have given it to me.  They know why they have given it to me.  I treat them well, they treat me well.  If the product is good, I'll write about it.  If it isn't, I won't.  No conflict.

Now, this has been an interesting thread but I think it is time we move on.

All in favor, say "Aye."

Nan



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Nan Sterman                     PlantSoup
205 Cole Ranch Road            
Olivenhain, CA 92024            760.634.2902 (voice)   
NSterman@PlantSoup.Com          760.634.2957 (fax)

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