This post offers information about an ASJA member-only service. Interested in becoming an ASJA member? Check out our website’s membership section for information on joining ASJA.
I have been an ASJA member for more than 20 years, back when what is now known as the ASJA Forum was an oddly organized electronic bulletin board where members would swap tips, complain about editors and sometimes engage in heated discussions about what to do when their labradoodle encountered a skunk. Well, like all Internet/web based offerings, it has evolved, changed and become more sophisticated. Today’s ASJA Forum consists of moderated discussions in specific subject areas, including forums for ASJA chapters and the organization in general. They are monitored by ASJA volunteers who post useful tips and help get you answers.
So, how, you may wonder, is the ASJA Forum different from other online venues, including Facebook and Twitter? I asked Mark Obbie, forums committee chair. While online public sites may have some of these advantages, few if any have all of them:
- The ASJA Forum is completely confidential. “The ASJA Forum rules amount to respecting the three C’s—copyright, confidentiality, and collegiality,” states Obbie. So when “you vent about an editor or wonder aloud about pricing or any of the other topics that you wouldn’t want to broadcast publicly, you’re safe in knowing you’re among friends and colleagues in the same business who have agreed to these rules.”
- You can find jobs, resources, and ideas here. The most obvious of these is the “Jobs, Jobs, Jobs” section, but opportunities and fresh viewpoints can be located in other sections as well, including “Books,” “Periodicals” and “Corporate and Custom Content.” In fact the first two, respectively, have more than 25,000 posts and 3,700 threads and nearly 20,000 posts and 3,200 threads.
- You can get the inside scoop on editors, publishers and content creators. Thanks to “six degrees of separation”—the idea that “friends of friends” are connected with each other with a maximum of six steps— the above-mentioned sections are also good for sussing out connections you’d like to make.
- Other members are very supportive, especially when you need a boost of confidence. It’s a place to turn to for honest, balanced advice and while you may not agree with everything, you’ll find lots of innovative and thought-provoking solutions.
- The ASJA Forum can also take care of the business end. Along with taxes, insurance, and contracts the “Business of Independent Writing” covers marketing, social media and promotion. And if you’re having technical issues, there’s “Tech Tools and Tips,” for that; users share advice and troubleshoot on software, apps and devices.
- New to ASJA? Just introduce yourself, as one member who wondered if she “was the lone member from Nebraska” did in our “Pleased to Meet You” section. She was welcomed warmly and is an active participant. “Your tribe is here, 24/7, no matter where you’re located,” adds Obbie.
- The ASJA Forum’s upper-right corner hand search box makes it easy to locate past posts, threads and topics. Want to know if something has already been discussed? Just type in the subject or name of the editor or publication. You can even find out which members have posted by typing in their names.
The ASJA Forum is also home to special interest groups (SIGS)—private, online, short-term discussions focused on a particular topic. “Guided by discussion leaders, members share tips and ask questions about aspects of the business they want to learn more about,” explains Obbie. “Events” keeps you abreast of what’s happening in ASJA as well as writing-related gatherings and conferences. And “Hot Threads” in the ASJA Weekly newsletter carries a list of especially intriguing conversations.
Once you’ve logged in, there are many resources to help you become quickly proficient. These include nuts and bolts on posting, subscribing and staying logged in; FAQs and rules and a general forum Q & A.
Some people join ASJA just to get access to the ASJA Forum. “If you don’t make it to the [New York City] conference, it’s here for you the other 363 days,” observes Obbie. Thanks to Obbie and his loyal gang of moderators, excessive-self promotion, humblebragging, inappropriate or upsetting content and political head-bashing won’t be found on the ASJA forum either. What you will discover is a trustworthy, nonjudgmental online “home” to expand your writing endeavors and help raise your professional profile.
Have you heard about ASJA’s Chicago Conference? For two days in November, we’re hosting two very special events. Spotlight on Ghostwriting takes place on Friday, November 17, and Boosting Your Content IQ will be held the next day, Saturday, November 18. Sign up for one or both days. Registration is open now!