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mar's Desk

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TIPS On Writing

8/26/2015

32 Comments

 
Picturemarcoujor
No-no, this is not a post on how to be a better writer, but thanks for checking out my provocative title!
 
Instead I'm going to focus on the word tips and write a bit of my feelings on the subject.
 
I started thinking about tips when I was thirteen-years-old. Every Saturday night my parents and I went to our church's Bingo social.
 
Mom played Bingo. She and her gal pals enjoyed the camaraderie way more than any prizes won. Dad sold scratch-off tickets at the door with his buddies. Mar served sandwiches, chips and drinks to the gamblers.
 
It thrilled me to make people happy, learning that condiments and extra napkins were a sure smile maker. It thrilled me even more when I got a tip for my good service. Whether a nickel, a quarter or even the occasional dollar, my tip jar had a way of filling up week after week.
 
This experience left an imprint on my heart. I tend to be a generous tipper when someone has bent over backwards to make me happy.
 
I also gained an appreciation for the concept that change makes change. I have always valued coins. Once found in my tip jar and now in wallets, pockets, even the street. 
 
Mom even gave me a coin counter as my guru go-to for financial suggestions.

Picture
My favorite clerk in the Post Office told me a remarkable story. He cashed in $600 worth of pennies, mostly found on his daily walks.  Four new tires were purchased with small change.
 
As a nurse and teacher, my tips have included:
 
  • positive patient satisfaction surveys
  • positive student evaluations
  • cards and e-mail from those I've worked with expressing gratitude


I've had to refuse some patients / their family over the years who've tried to tip me monetarily ~ as that is a breach of my professional ethics. Yet, the gesture was a tip in itself!
 
My years in the health care profession has undoubtedly influenced my initial reaction to the following posts from respected writing friends...
 
  • Cyber-begging or Cyber-earning? via WarnerWords
  • Indie Biz: I wish you had a tip jar! via flashPress

I would never have thought of a writer's tip jar for myself, yet I loved the idea of this being installed on others' websites.
 
I've shared countless posts from writers I follow and via e-mail to friends and colleagues.  In addition to a comment of support, the thought of a tip to express my appreciation sounds more than reasonable. Thanks to my ongoing collection of coin, I always have a few extra bucks now for such occasions.
Picture
foto by PublicDomainPictures of Pixabay
I have decided to incorporate my first tip jar in over 40-years (see right)...!  
 
Should some tips find their way to my jar, I'll see this as positive evidence that I have helped someone through my writing.
 
How about you...?
 
I welcome my friends on HubPages to consider building their own website. There is help available with writing webmasters like Angelia Phillips of flashPress, who built my amazing website. Shauna L. Bowling of Bravewarrior's Feathered Pen and Mike Friedman of Mockingbird Books have set up their own websites and provide support and wisdom to me on an ongoing basis.
 
I prefer selecting who I'd like to critique and edit my writing over the external mechanism that's currently being proposed on this site. Having my own Weebly website, I take even more pride and ownership in the writing I share with those who choose to follow me.
 
Websites and virtual tip jars - long may they both live!

Hoping to hear soon about your new website - would love to stop by and check out what's cooking.
 
Meanwhile in the rest of Weeblyhood, I have a brand new page on my site I hope you'll check out called I recommend... (just click the title--the link's embedded for you), and please don't miss the Weeblyhood's latest..

  • This One-Hose Town via WarnerWords
  • Dollars & Cents: Subculture Perks via flashPress

Until next week, wishing you peace and hugs, mar
32 Comments
Sunshine
8/26/2015 01:04:52 am

Tip jars are a excellent idea! I always drop tips when I see a jar. Whether I'm picking up pizza for dinner or at my local 7-11 where theirs isn't exactly a tip jar, but for donations for a cause of sorts.
My daughter uses a tip jar when she face paints. We also had a tip jar at Team Cap's car wash and the funds were donated to cancer research.
Writers also should have tip jars! Love the idea!

Reply
Maria link
8/26/2015 12:04:25 pm

Hi Sunshine,
Love the idea of donating your tips to cancer research and love you for supporting writers.
Hoping folks check out my 'I Recommend' page and see your two wonderful books- speaking of writers... :)

Reply
Gail Sobotkin
8/26/2015 01:58:39 am

Dear Maria,
As I told Femme, tip jars on websites is a new concept to me, (they were probably there on many websites but if so, I never noticed them) but I do think they're a good idea and it's very easy to use through Paypal.
As you said so eloquently, as nurses it was not acceptable (and sometimes outright forbidden) to take tips from patients even when they wanted to give them. However, as nurses we had wages but as online writers too often even the finest work goes unpaid and unsung.
Hope you get many donations in your jar, not just today but on an ongoing basis.
Love and Hugs,
Gail

Reply
Maria link
8/26/2015 12:07:49 pm

Dear Gail,
Your wish has come true...thanks for giving me my first tip in 40-years. You are beautiful inside and out - your support is greatly appreciated.
Hope you are enjoying our gorgeous weather.
Love and hugs, Maria

Reply
Vicki link
8/26/2015 02:09:15 am

Dear Mareer,
I love your support for this idea! It has the potential to be a huge game changer in our writing world. As you and I have both discovered, having your own website gives you the freedom to constantly evolve in your writing and your topics, and to disseminate your thoughts to many thousands of readers.
I love your money sorter! That must have been a lovely encouragement! And yes, once you see the value of those tiny tips, as they get added together, it's a heady feeling, and the principle of it becomes training for a lifetime.
Love your Pixabay pic too! I always use their pics when I don't have one of my own, and very often give a small tip to the photographer. It's so easy. Writing is no less an art form, and I'm totally in board with the tipping thing.
Great article, and to show my appreciation, I'm about to try out your tip jar!
Many thanks for a morning fun and inspirational article!

Love and hugs! Vickster

Reply
Maria link
8/26/2015 12:12:40 pm

Dear Vickster,
Thanks for teaching me about Pixabay in your recent post...and yes, I showed my appreciation to the talented photographer (above in the picture 'change) by giving a tip...in fact, I'm going to tip you for the tip... :)
And yes, Mom's gift is very sentimental to me...practical and wise, just as she was... Love you and hugs, Maria

Reply
Shauna
8/26/2015 02:38:08 am

Mar, like Linda, I usually tip when I see a physical tip jar. It wasn't until Vicki's post - and now seeing Linda's comment - that I realized there's really no difference between a cyber tip and an in-person one.

Thanks for the shout-out. Your tip is much appreciated!

Reply
Maria link
8/26/2015 12:15:58 pm

Dear Sha,
It's easy to promote you - as you have many talents. I've also 'recommended' your poetry book on my new page.
Wishing the best - today and always. Love you, mar

Reply
Mike
8/26/2015 07:36:23 am

Hello Maria - What an interesting concept a virtual tip jar. I'll have to give that some thought. I might put an 'idea jar' on my page. People could stop by and give me their ideas. Oh, wait, that could lead to trouble. Ok, we'll stick with your idea.

And a new page - you and the team are becoming very progressive here in the weeblyhood.

All the best of luck that your tip jar overflows.

Reply
Maria link
8/26/2015 12:19:05 pm

If I gave you MY 'two cents', would you take that as an idea tip in the best of ways... :))
Mike, you are a funny man...and a kind one too. Hugs, Maria

Reply
femmeflashpoint link
8/26/2015 07:38:07 am

Prof. Mahreer,

This article rocks! Finallyyyyy word is spreading that many writers actually write to earn an income. Some do it just 'cause they want to and aren't dependent on earnings from their effort, but there are a large percentage of us who write for a living. A tip jar is an awesome way to earn a good portion of it without our readers feeling any obligation or financial pinch to support the work they enjoy.

I'm huge-whopping thrilled to have you join the "Tip the Writers" revolution, and hope your tip jars fill up fast and stay that way and I'm excited to be one of your fans adding to your jar's coin pile!

PayPal made it easy and totally painless. :)

femme

Reply
Maria link
8/26/2015 12:37:24 pm

Dear femme,
You and Vicki have been my inspiration...may your tip jar be overflowing for all the kind support and valuable information you share with your loyal followers.
I know I am surely one of them - and the same goes for your amazing sister, Alicia.
Love you and thank you - my 'I Recommend' page is beautiful, mar

Reply
Mike
8/26/2015 07:38:54 am

Oh, and thanks for showcasing my work on your 'I Recommend' page.

Reply
Maria link
8/26/2015 12:39:52 pm

You are welcome, Mike...and I'll add with pride any other books you publish along the way.

Reply
Sannel link
8/27/2015 01:21:01 am

Dear Maria,
All my life I have valued coins. The little things in life, like the coins or pennies found on the streets, have always brought me gratitude and a great smile. I always saw it as a piece of luck. :)

I find cyber tip jars to be an excellent idea! It's a wonderful way to show our appreciation and respect for the writer/artist's hard work.
Many of us does not have a second income or wealth behind us, and the only income may be as a struggling writer/artist/photographer on the internet. So if a few pennies or quarters found its way into a cyber tip jar, it will bring much gratitude and joy, and that thoughtfulness and kindness will always be remembered. :)

I hope your tip jar overflows over and over again, my friend! You and your inspirational writing definitely deserves it. :)

Take good care!
Love and hugs,
Sannel

Reply
Maria link
8/28/2015 12:17:45 am

Dear Sannel,
Your thoughts are similar to mine.
I have always seen coins as good luck, especially pennies.
Thanks for your generous goodness to me and your ongoing friendship.
Love and hugs, Maria

Reply
Martie link
8/27/2015 07:43:50 am

I like your view on tip jars, Mar. I guess this idea will become more popular in the future. If street musicians and artists can make a living on tips, why not also Indie writers?

Now let me see if I have some pennies in my PP-account..... :)

Reply
Maria link
8/28/2015 12:22:16 am

Dear Martie,
I do believe this idea will be catching on in the time to come.
Thanks for your 'good luck' tip~ it means the world. Love ya, mar

Reply
Vinaya Ghimire
8/27/2015 03:45:34 pm

I heard about this "tip" idea from Vicki and I liked this very much. I don't have my own website or blog and most of my writings are pulished on residual income sites like HubPages. Since couple of months I am also thinking to start my own website. In fact I have a weebly account, however, I have not decided to go free weebly or weebly pro. My paypal has zero balance, once I have few bucks I will off course make some tips.

Reply
Maria link
8/28/2015 12:27:56 am

Dear Vinaya,
It would be awesome for you to have your own website~ that in itself would be a great tip.
Hope readers will check my 'I Recommend' page where they will see your two books.
Wonderful to see you and hope you and yours are well.

Reply
Maria link
9/1/2015 12:13:19 am

Dear Vinaya,
It would be wonderful for you to activate your Weebly account.
I use the free version and am happy with it.
Always appreciate your visit and hope all is well with you and yours.

Reply
Angie
8/28/2015 12:39:17 am

Hi, Maria - this has become a really hot topic here! I should investigate it for my site, too, I suppose. I really need to get on the ball and add content to my site - it's kind of bare as of late.

I found Vinaya's book because of mentions from you and Vicki. It was an eye-opening glimpse into the horrors of what his country has undergone - a more personal picture than what the media shows...

Best to you,

~Angie

Reply
Maria link
9/1/2015 12:17:28 am

Dear Angie,
So happy you found Vinaya's book on my I Recommend page.
Will look forward to your posts and your own tip jar of course!
Your visit is welcome and have a lovely day. Hugs, Maria

Reply
Theresa
8/31/2015 09:33:12 am

Do I hear a big Cha-Ching! What a progressive idea here, I must say. I am reminded of the struggling musicians on the streets collecting donations in their hats from passersby. Or in church when alms for the poor are collected as a love offering. I'd like to think of it as a love offering for all the love you share to others. Darling Maria, I would love to make a deposit in your change jar and it just happens that I just received my second payment from HP in well over three years to my PayPal account LOL ...so pitiful, but any who, I do not have a PayPal card to even begin to know how to send anything to anyone else, and I have had to reset my password the two times I accessed PayPal because I can't remember it. Well, I did figure out how to get it transferred to my bank account so I can at least use my debit card. So, having stated all of that, how about the next mailing I send to you I'll include a large roll or two of stamps, being you are always so thoughtful to mail out cards and packages to all ...would that help any and be considered some sort of a tip? Plus, I am sending you a ton of warm southern hugs your way, however, I am mindful that is like saying (as God tells us) when we see a hungry person or a cold person on the street, we just say, "Be blessed, stay warm" and walk away! Does no good at all ...

Love,

Theresa

Reply
Maria link
9/1/2015 12:30:05 am

Dear Theresa,
Your support and kindness is evident in this sweet comment.
Hopefully your PayPal will get straightened out~ I'd love to see you with your own website, with a tip jar of course.
Thanks for thinking of me~ your friendship makes for the best tip of all.
Have a peaceful day.
Love and hugs, Maria

Reply
Genna East
9/6/2015 02:40:12 pm

What a wonderful idea, Maria. :-)

Reply
Maria link
9/10/2015 07:52:41 pm

So lovely to see you, Genna ~ hope all is well. Hugs, Maria

Reply
Mary link
9/26/2015 11:14:58 am

Some great tips on tips! Sometimes, it is the small benefits we overlook in life. A good tip can go a long way!

Reply
Maria link
9/28/2015 05:49:00 pm

I agree with you as usual, dear Mary.

Thanks for stopping by and have a peaceful week. Love, Maria

Reply
Vicki link
2/19/2016 09:27:46 pm

Hi dear Maria,
Just want you to know I came back here after the mention on flashpress, and I've enjoyed this post even more than the last time I read it!
Hope you've had lots of tips! PayPal doesn't even mind 2 cents, and every time you get one, regardless of the amount, it's such a delight!
Love and hugs

Reply
Maria link
2/21/2016 10:13:13 am

Thanks for stopping back, dear Vicki.

I am proud to say that my tip jar (in less than six months) has given me double earnings than (almost) 5-years on another writing site. I remain grateful to you and femme for initiating this wonderful idea.

Have a peaceful Sunday. Love and hugs, mar

Reply
Theresa C link
1/13/2021 10:43:31 am

Good readding

Reply



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    Marcoujor

    Welcome to my desk...

    I am a work in progress, so a rule of thumb is to expect the unexpected every week!

    Pull up a comfy chair and make yourself at home.

    Thank you,

    mar  



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  • Home
  • BOOK SHOP
    • Kylie's Stories
    • Other books by Maria Jordan >
      • Mysterious & Miraculous Book I - News and Reviews
  • BLOGS
    • mar's Desk
    • Inspiration Station
    • Poetic Ponderings
    • marcoujor on Hubpages
  • I Recommend...
  • Contact Me