Why the Internet Needs Writers

You and I have the best job in the world.

Why do I say that?  Because every time I submit work to a client, I know that I am providing that client with something meaningful; something of value.  Not everyone can do what you and I do.  The ability to produce well-written, accurate, readable content that is also Search Engine Optimized is a talent that few people have.

Let’s think for a minute about your average web site.  Let’s take The Drudge Report as an example.  Matt Drudge had made millions of dollars on his web site, yet he only rarely produces any content himself.  While Drudge did break the Monica Lewinsky story, the vast majority of the information on Matt’s site is content produced by others (news web sites, in this case).  Matt Drudge isn’t a writer; but without writers, he would still be a struggling beat photographer for a local paper.

photo credit: desi.italy

You see, a web site rises and falls on the content that it provides to its visitors.  While there certainly are other models of content (such as videos, games, and social networking) the most successful web sites over time have been those that have good content. 

You and I have helped to make that happen.  That, my friends, is a good feeling.  The feeling that you are needed.  The feeling that your life and your work have value. 

Every time I visit the web site of my biggest and oldest client, I feel proud.  I know that she has gotten to where she is at, at least in part, because of me.  I’m OK with the fact that I use a pen name on her web site, and can never tell you who I really am.  It doesn’t matter.  I can still look at it and say, I made this.  This is pretty cool.