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Here's to a Happy, Healthy 2010
Writer Michael Cunningham once compared the pains of writing a novel to trying to cover the Empire State Building in prose. My father understood that. His first novel, “The Price,” sits unpublished in a box under my bed. He was a professor who published several academic books, and he reviewed books for various newspapers.
His “sideline” inspired me to write book reviews of my own, and I often asked him to edit my critiques before they published. One day, I wrote a negative review for a book by a first-time author. My father suggested that I soften my criticism and explained, “The first-time author should be treated with a different, kinder approach than the proven author. This writer should be nurtured almost to a fault.”
I like to think we embody my father’s gentle philosophy at Demand, and that we treasure and nurture the talents of everyone “almost to a fault.” Some days we get it right, and other days we learn we’ve still got a ways to go. And so, we keep at it.
As I look back on 2009, numerous highlights stand out. Although many of the observations below are from recent days, each reflects the spirit that enveloped us throughout the year.
I want to start with Andria Krewson, a Demand Studios writer who recently published an article that detailed her experiences writing for us. It was a well-written and accurate account, an example of responsible reporting. She used the product, and noted the good along with the bad in a way that we could gain better understanding and act on it. Andria’s article reminded me of the wisdom a New York Times restaurant critic imparted when he shared his “rules” for composing professional reviews: Pay your own way; never review a restaurant until it has been open long enough to “work out the bugs;” and share your opinions in print only after making multiple visits with multiple people, so you can genuinely capture the essence of the place.
In other words, take your time to get it right.
I’ve loved watching our blog develop this year, and it’s been wonderful to hear what’s inspired our team members to do what they do. I also fell in love with posts by folks like Carrie, Mary, Rachel (see below post) and others, in which they shared what DS videos and articles they've loved and why.
A review of the past year would not be complete if I didn’t offer a big thanks to Deb Ng. I have such respect for her perspective on all things freelancing. She took a lot of heat after partnering with Demand Studios, yet she never once lost her poise. I read her site every day and admire how she tirelessly works to help other freelancers. She and others have served as our mentors.
And, then there is the “100 Words of DS,” which Jennifer kicked off in the forums. I am addicted to it, and I’m not alone. Our CEO Richard Rosenblatt checks in daily, and Remi is always sending around her favorites. Forum threads like these influence how we think about the future, and help us to focus on what’s important. As I’ve said in that very thread, the stories are amazing.
A few weeks ago, we had the pleasure of hosting Richard Lally, Jay Holzer and Eve Lederman in our Santa Monica office for some holiday festivities. We shared some good times as we looked back while looking forward. When the well-dressed Richard returned to New York, he sent me this:
The "can do" atmosphere is infectious, and I'm always struck by how many good people work with us. By good, I mean more than skilled and creative (and they are all of that). They also convey a sense of decency and integrity, and nearly every one of them becomes a best friend upon first meeting.
There's a great line in the Brit crime film "The Long Good Friday." London gangland boss Bob Hoskins's empire is under siege, but Jeff, his right-hand man, appears totally unruffled. When Hoskins asks, "Why are you so cool?" Jeff replies, "Because I'm on the winning side." That’s how I feel about this “gang” at Demand.
----
And we share that feeling. Thanks from all of us for making this such a happy and rewarding 2009. We wish you and your loved ones all the best in the coming year.
Happy New Year,
Jeremy & the Demand Studios Team
Oh yeah, and here is a favorite photo from the year:
Demand Studios’ Chai and Johan showed up at the holiday festivities in matching sweaters.
His “sideline” inspired me to write book reviews of my own, and I often asked him to edit my critiques before they published. One day, I wrote a negative review for a book by a first-time author. My father suggested that I soften my criticism and explained, “The first-time author should be treated with a different, kinder approach than the proven author. This writer should be nurtured almost to a fault.”
I like to think we embody my father’s gentle philosophy at Demand, and that we treasure and nurture the talents of everyone “almost to a fault.” Some days we get it right, and other days we learn we’ve still got a ways to go. And so, we keep at it.
As I look back on 2009, numerous highlights stand out. Although many of the observations below are from recent days, each reflects the spirit that enveloped us throughout the year.
I want to start with Andria Krewson, a Demand Studios writer who recently published an article that detailed her experiences writing for us. It was a well-written and accurate account, an example of responsible reporting. She used the product, and noted the good along with the bad in a way that we could gain better understanding and act on it. Andria’s article reminded me of the wisdom a New York Times restaurant critic imparted when he shared his “rules” for composing professional reviews: Pay your own way; never review a restaurant until it has been open long enough to “work out the bugs;” and share your opinions in print only after making multiple visits with multiple people, so you can genuinely capture the essence of the place.
In other words, take your time to get it right.
I’ve loved watching our blog develop this year, and it’s been wonderful to hear what’s inspired our team members to do what they do. I also fell in love with posts by folks like Carrie, Mary, Rachel (see below post) and others, in which they shared what DS videos and articles they've loved and why.
A review of the past year would not be complete if I didn’t offer a big thanks to Deb Ng. I have such respect for her perspective on all things freelancing. She took a lot of heat after partnering with Demand Studios, yet she never once lost her poise. I read her site every day and admire how she tirelessly works to help other freelancers. She and others have served as our mentors.
And, then there is the “100 Words of DS,” which Jennifer kicked off in the forums. I am addicted to it, and I’m not alone. Our CEO Richard Rosenblatt checks in daily, and Remi is always sending around her favorites. Forum threads like these influence how we think about the future, and help us to focus on what’s important. As I’ve said in that very thread, the stories are amazing.
A few weeks ago, we had the pleasure of hosting Richard Lally, Jay Holzer and Eve Lederman in our Santa Monica office for some holiday festivities. We shared some good times as we looked back while looking forward. When the well-dressed Richard returned to New York, he sent me this:
The "can do" atmosphere is infectious, and I'm always struck by how many good people work with us. By good, I mean more than skilled and creative (and they are all of that). They also convey a sense of decency and integrity, and nearly every one of them becomes a best friend upon first meeting.
There's a great line in the Brit crime film "The Long Good Friday." London gangland boss Bob Hoskins's empire is under siege, but Jeff, his right-hand man, appears totally unruffled. When Hoskins asks, "Why are you so cool?" Jeff replies, "Because I'm on the winning side." That’s how I feel about this “gang” at Demand.
----
And we share that feeling. Thanks from all of us for making this such a happy and rewarding 2009. We wish you and your loved ones all the best in the coming year.
Happy New Year,
Jeremy & the Demand Studios Team
Oh yeah, and here is a favorite photo from the year:
Demand Studios’ Chai and Johan showed up at the holiday festivities in matching sweaters.
LaineD
Dec 23, 3:24 PM
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Judy "the foodie"
Dec 23, 5:15 PM
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Madrigalblue
Dec 23, 5:50 PM
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CharlieB
Dec 23, 6:39 PM
If you really want to make it a Happy 2010 at Demand Studios, you can help by recommending something drastic be done to improve the relationship and the balance of power between the Writer and the CE. here are some suggestions
1)The CE knows our name but we don't usually know our CE's name. Do something to fix it
2) Allow a Writer to rate the performance of the CE. Again, the CE knows our name and has the capability to rate our work but we have no way to hold the CE accountable for their performance with OUR articles here at Demand Studios.
Surely there must be something the team can implement which will rectify the situation.
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AndriaK
Dec 23, 8:39 PM
Thanks for the opportunities.
DS came up in conversation at a holiday party tonight. People clearly seemed to see DS as an important model for the future of online information.
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Anastasia Z
Dec 24, 8:09 AM
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SaraD
Dec 24, 12:49 PM
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MarciaLF
Dec 25, 7:57 AM
I've had a difficult few last months of 2009 with health issues and assigned work, but Demand is going to be a much steadier part of my 2010. It is truly a wonderful place for freelance writers, providing some great articles for the internet that the public can count on to be accurate. I am glad to be a part of it and thank you all for your hard work.
Marcia
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Done So Done
Dec 27, 12:14 PM
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Michele Starkey
Dec 28, 5:56 AM
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