Terrified to Put Up my Own Web Page

[HawaiianGirl]

WAHbird,

Your reply hit me square in the heart. I am not only an introvert but also a perfectionist and tend to self-edit as I go, instead of writing freeflow. My writing entails a lot of research about legal topics (i.e. bankruptcy, criminal or immigration law) and I must also compile statistics (i.e. - how many people are killed because of text messaging each year) for personal injury websites. Because I write a bit slower, my biggest fear is that I will not be able to meet a new client's turnaround requirements.

I appreciate your honesty. I think that even if I learn to write faster, know my subjects inside and out, and learn all there is to know about SEO and technical aspects of web page designing, inside I will always be shy and introverted and must fight against it all my life.

Sometimes I think that "PANDA" was the worst, and best thing to hit us. Writing for content mills is so convenient, "in-the-box", and allows for anonymity. But it also squashes our creativity. The new economic climate is forcing us all to question ourselves and to expand our talents -- even if it is painful.

I appreciate your honesty.

HawaiianGirl

[Jonelle]

Keep in mind the beauty of a website -- it is so easy to update things, so if you find opportunities to improve, you can easily do so.

[WAHbird]

Originally Posted by HawaiianGirl

WAHbird,

Your reply hit me square in the heart. I am not only an introvert but also a perfectionist and tend to self-edit as I go, instead of writing freeflow. My writing entails a lot of research about legal topics (i.e. bankruptcy, criminal or immigration law) and I must also compile statistics (i.e. - how many people are killed because of text messaging each year) for personal injury websites. Because I write a bit slower, my biggest fear is that I will not be able to meet a new client's turnaround requirements.

I appreciate your honesty. I think that even if I learn to write faster, know my subjects inside and out, and learn all there is to know about SEO and technical aspects of web page designing, inside I will always be shy and introverted and must fight against it all my life.

Sometimes I think that "PANDA" was the worst, and best thing to hit us. Writing for content mills is so convenient, "in-the-box", and allows for anonymity. But it also squashes our creativity. The new economic climate is forcing us all to question ourselves and to expand our talents -- even if it is painful.

I appreciate your honesty.

HawaiianGirl

It sounds like we are in the exact same boat. Law is my main writing niche as well. As you point out, it is all about precision in this field. Off-the-cuff writing simply does cut it when you are writing for legal clients.

Even when I do write about other topics, like you, I write quite slowly. I like to take my time to formulate an original angle and then edit my work carefully. I have found that when I taken on bigger projects with private clients--say, for example, writing a series of 20 or 30 articles--I get so burnt out striving for perfection that the money is just not worth it. What suited me well (and might suit you well, too) is magazine and journalistic writing. It allowed me to be creative and paid enough to give me the time I need to put forth my best work. Unfortunately, that takes more self-promotion than I have in me most weeks and I just find the querying too emotionally exhausting.

[HawaiianGirl]

WAHbird,

I started out in print journalism years ago, writing for newspapers and magazines in my early 20s. Then I set it aside and became a legal assistant for many years. I have a B.A. in Communications and have often thought of going back to print journalism or magazine writing. I would have to dig out my Writers Market and dust off my querying skills.

I am so glad you shared. We do seem to share the same niche and have similar writing backgrounds. It is always a pleasure to meet other legal writers on the forum. I believe Kiernansmom also writes legal topics, if I remember correctly.

HawaiianGirl

[ErinHill226]

A fear of failure has definitely held me back, but I had to remind myself that NOT putting myself out there only ENSURES I will fail. If you make the website, sure, you might not do any better than you are now. But if you DON'T, you definitely won't. I guess my only advice is to grit your teeth, hit publish, and then try not to think about it for awhile. That helped me. lol

[copydiva]

I understand the fear. My biggest fear was answering ads that still had me feeling inadequate. Like Erin said, you won't succeed if you don't even try. Look back at all that you've learned and you will realize that you are the professional that you are presenting to the world. You have more experience than anyone that started writing for a living after you. Hope that makes sense. Hold your breath and jump in.

[LilBlackDress]

"LilBlackDress - wow 20 websites! Is it for passive income purposes or for advertising specific niches?"


It is certainly not passive. I work my butt off. But that is really because I should have about 5 or so instead of 20. These are all big sites and need updates. In addition, I am in the midst of creating a product on Rev.Share income and jumping into Kindle Publishing.

But the nice thing is, my sites are open 24/7 and while I am sleeping they are open.

There are a number of ways to make an income online. Wordpress websites are one way (easy to understand) to do it.

[HawaiianGirl]

Dear Ladies,

All your comments have calmed my fears. It feels good to come to a place of support and to gain wisdom from writers who have triumphed over their own fears and ultimately succeeded in their craft.

The greatest lesson today is what Erin Hill said: "NOT putting myself out there only ENSURES I will fail."

I will certainly move forward by putting together and publishing persuasive web page for myself.

Thanks again,

HawaiianGirl