Ethical Content Writing

Many years ago, a psychic service offered me a content writing gig. I had worked for them before as an independent contractor. The pieces I wrote were uplifting, positive, and healing. However, when they changed department managers, the new department head told me that my services were no longer required, which is why I was surprised when he offered to hire me. The job paid better than before. However, after listening to the negative messages he wanted me to write, I turned him down. Instead of attracting new customers with positive messages, he wanted to send out ones that caused others to be fearful, suspicious, and angry—you've been cursed, contact our readers to find out who did it and how to remove it. Your loved one is cheating, contact our readers to know with whom. One of your co-workers is making you look bad, contact our readers to learn how you can find out who and why. 

A good content writer shares information in such a way as to attract and inspire readers to take specific actions. We use words as tools, which can heal or do harm. The messages we send out do have consequences. Using humor, thought-provoking ideas, facts based on evidence, and unique phrases inspire positive responses. But content based on fear, anger, and guilt court negative consequences. More often than not, the messenger loses control of the message as it morphs into monsters that create negative consequences and harmful actions.

Working for others means we control the message, but we can influence the presentation. We also have the power to choose which clients to work with and when to walk away. In the media world, that which bleeds gets the lead, but only in the short term. It's the positive articles that attract long-lasting readers or viewerships. 

Content writers build their reputations based on what they write, how it is written, and the effectiveness of their work. Promotion and marketing campaigns are marathons, not sprints. Sensationalism gives short-term attention, but well-thought-out creates messaging that lasts. Content writers, who work from these concepts, develop good reputations and attract clients.

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Kaleidoscope Film and TelevisionWebsite

How to write an effective press release

Having a provocative opening to your press release will only catch your readers attention for a moment. Press releases need to be more than just the who, what, where, when, and why. They must capture the reader attention in the first paragraph, while still providing all the necessary information.

No matter what venue for which it has been written, a press release must pack a great deal of information in short, quick to read pieces that are tightly formatted. The first paragraph attracts and catches the readers attention by setting the stage. The second paragraph goes into detail about the what it is and why it is important or unique. The third focuses on the who is involved and why they a credible. The fourth summarized the release, hitting the high points, while reinforcing the who, what, where, when, and why.

However, misleading or poorly structured releases will garner negative reactions from readers. At best, they won't finish reading it. At worse, it will leave the reader with a negative option of the message, making release totally counterproductive. Correct spelling and grammar prove professionalism and give credibility as does the correct usage of words not only for definition but also for basic context.

Catchy phrases and intriguing opening paragraphs will attract readers, but it takes a well-crafted press release to keep their attention. Keep it simple. Keep it concise. Keep it professional.

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Imprisoned in her family's home, the spirit of a murdered child waits for her parents to free her. But they have moved on to new lives as has her killer. Randi must bring them back together, so that they can forgive themselves and make amends. If she succeeds, they will all heal and she will be freed to also reincarnate. If she fails, their need for revenge will damn them all.

Veterans can't go back and make a brand new start but they can start from now and make a brand new end. The unscripted television series will help veterans develop new coping skills for their physical and emotional challenges. Each season eight veterans will share their stories while they go through a combination of equine therapy and peer support therapy.