November 20, 2007
The Mic is On: Yep, We’re Talking Turkeys and Millionaires!
ME Liz Strauss wrote this at 7:00 pm
It’s Like Open Mic Only Different
Here’s how it works.
It’s like any rambling conversation. Don’t try to read it all. Jump in whenever you get here. Just go to the end and start talking. EVERYONE is WELCOME.
The rules are simple — be nice.
There are always first timers and new things to talk about. It’s sort of half “Cheers” part “Friends” and part video game. You don’t know how much fun it is until you try it.
That’s Right We’re Talking Turkeys and Millionaires
We might talk about:
- people we’ve met and read about
- people we may have dated
- times that we, ourselves, have acted like either turkeys or millionaires
- there’s which one our family thinks we’re most likely to be?
- and then, of course what flavor of Klondike Bars we’ll be having
And, whatever else comes up, including THE EVER POPULAR, Basil the code-writing donkey . . . and flamenco dancing (because we always get off topic, anyway.)
Oh, and bring links about turkeys and millionaires to share!
–ME “Liz” Strauss
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279 Comments to “The Mic is On: Yep, We’re Talking Turkeys and Millionaires!”
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DaveOlson said
I’m the first!!
Brooke said
Yeah Dave! I was first last week!
Hey - I just bought a fat tire neon beer sign for hubs for xmas!!! He’s onna LOVE it! Fat Tire[p-[0p-0p;p[pl;p-=-0-0p-0-0p0-o0o00-9o0okplokokioijmolkmkolijkomjkoioikooooooooik
Joe said
Oh, Dave
I tried so hard to be first once again…
ME Strauss said
Hey Dave!
Hey Brooke!
I had my first Fat Tire in LasVegas!!
Brooke said
oops… Fat Tire
ME Strauss said
Hi Joe!
I’m so glad to see you!
Joe said
Brooke, is that Londoneese?
Philadelphiaese?
Suburbeeese?
Brooke said
Ooooohhh - isn’t it goooood? I am so glad that you aren’t a Fat Tire virgin anymore.
ME Strauss said
How many times do you think we have to say “Fat Tire” to get them to sponsor SOBCon in the spring?
Joe said
Hey Liz.
Brooke said
LOL!!!!! Joe - that’s suburbanese…
ME Strauss said
Yeah, Brooke,
I didn’t even know I was one . . . been behind on my beer commercials.
DaveOlson said
Turkeys and millionaires… okay what percentage of your life is spent as one or the other.
Joe said
I always thought you were a Suburbanite, Brooke.
Brooke said
Liz - it is great that you are here this week.
What’s everyone’s plans for Turkey Day?
ME Strauss said
Thanks Brooke.
I’m feeling good about being here myself!
Brooke said
I have been a Turkey 95.8% of my life.
We got a hold of Fat Tire YEARS ago in CO. Before the commercials.
ME Strauss said
Well, Dave,
I would say I’ve got a million of something around here . . . hmmm, let me look.
DaveOlson said
Brooke, we had Thanksgiving Day up here last month. Designed to stretch out the holiday shopping season.
Joe said
Sorry guys, I still don’t get the FAT TIRE thinky.
ME Strauss said
Joe,
Fat Tire is a beer.
A good one!
Brooke said
Great Liz!
Hey - question for all of you SOB’s…
I got someone I freelance work out to who is great! But he’s great when he’s working - other wise he is flaky. What do I do when clients need stuff and I cannot get a hold of him?
Joe said
Kin we brin out the Klodikes yet???
Joe said
Call me.
ME Strauss said
Hit the freezer, Joe!
Any flavor you want is there!
Brooke,
The sidebar has plenty of your favorite beer.
Brooke said
yeah - bring em out Joe!!!
ME Strauss said
What kind of freelance work, Brooke?
Joe said
** tosses Klodikes all around **
Hope I didn’t miss anybody.
Brooke said
hmmmm….well Liz, databases, shopping carts, css help, php, and any extra aid that I might need. Just not graphics or flash.
DaveOlson said
who’s gonna pass the Fat Tire around. Always up to check out a new ‘merican beer… just to see
Brooke said
THANKS JOE!!!! I need them!
Brooke said
I gotta case Dave - Here you are everyone! ***tossin them ’round.****
DaveOlson said
Anyone want a Caramilk bar?
Char said
Happy early Thanksgiving everyone! I’ll take one of those Klondikes.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Hi everyone!
Interesting topic, Liz. Do you mean Millionaires who are turkeys or turkey Millionaires? Just wondering!
ME Strauss said
Ah Brooke,
I know some really realiable folks, who are great at what they do and easy to work with like my friend Joe.
Char said
Dave - did you just offer up chocolate? I’ll take some. Has anyone tried the new dark chocolate Ferrero Rocher? Oh my, they are yummy.
Joe said
Ok we’re doin pretty good.
2.1875 Comments per Minute! Not a record, but pretty good!
DaveOlson said
I’ve got Caramilk and Coffee Crisp.. (hands Caramilk to Char)
Char said
Thanks Dave. Who’s cooking turkey this year?
ME Strauss said
Hey Glenda!
I’m not thinking they HAVE to be the same thing . . . but they could.
Brooke said
Really Liz? Well…I guess we should talk. Or can I email you?
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Liz, have the men in white coats released Mike yet? I have a question for him.
ME Strauss said
Oh sure, Char, walk in talking dark chocolate. You and that is a double treat!
Joe said
Well thank you Liz. Brooke has my Skype, she knows she can call anytime.
ME Strauss said
Yeah, Joe,
The numbers are rolling in!
ME Strauss said
Brooke,
An email or a call either one works for me. I’d love to talk with you.
Joe said
Hey Glenda, sorry didn’t see you come in!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Oops sorry, Liz, I just deduced turkeys and millions are the same. I’m willing to be proven wrong tho!
DaveOlson said
Hi Glenda!
Char said
Dark chocolate is my weakness. I’m going to be giving away some of those yummy new dark chocolates later this week too at Casual Keystrokes.
And, thanks for the kind words Liz…
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Hey Joe, how are you doing?
ME Strauss said
Oh don’t do that, Glenda!
If you decide that a millionaire is a turkey, that means you’ll never let yourself be a millionaire.
Joe said
Hey Glenda, wanna dance? If you don’t mind dancing with a Turkey (I’m sooo far from a millionaire)
Brooke said
Thanks Joe, Thanks Liz. I never thought of checking with you all - and I need help now!!!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Hi Dave. Do you have snow yet? We had thick rain yesterday morning. I’m ready to head to Hawaii for five months.
Joe said
Brooke, you can skype me now, if Liz doesn’t mind us taking a break from the party.
BUT, there is always tomorrow!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Joe, that makes two turkeys. I’m no where near being a millionairess, at least according to the bank account. But, I do feel rich and definitely have expensive tastes - go into walmart and I can find the most expensive outfit!
Joe said
Glenda, I feel like a million dollars every
Tuesday night with all the friends I have around here.
ME Strauss said
Hey Glenda,
Too cool! A million smiles.
Brooke said
Thanks Joe - can’t tonight. I am trying first to remedy things with my partner I have now. Hopefully I’ll hear back in a few days. (If I am lucky. Most likely it’ll be 5-9 days.) Damn Brits. LOL! juuuuuuust kidding!!
Rick Cockrum said
Hi Liz, Joe, Glenda, Brooke, Char, Dave. Happy American Thanksgiving!
A long time ago I read that you’re a millioniare if your income is such that you can live as if you were living on the earnings from a million dollars getting a five percent return. I’ve felt like a millionaire ever since.
Joanna Young said
Hi everyone, I’m up late because it’s taken me till now to get my brain into gear… and now I can’t switch it off again - so I thought I’d take advantage of being up late and say hi, and happy thanksgiving to you all (is it okay to say that in advance?)
Thought you might this link - it’s about party words, including the ‘what on earth on are klondike bars’ question - though I might have to update it now I’ve learned Fat Tire (sounds like what you get round your middle from drinking too many?)
http://coachingwizardry.typepad.com/confident_writing/2007/11/the-language-of.html
Joanna
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Good point in #53, Liz. Hadn’t thought of that way, but what are the chances of that happening?
ME Strauss said
Glenda!
The chances are as likely as you are determined!
ME Strauss said
Wow! Look who’s here!
Hey Rick! Hey Joanna!
Joe said
Any time Brooke, you know how to reach me.
I guess that last statement tells me you are NOT a Londoner.
ME Strauss said
Rick,
A friend in college once told me he wanted to be $2 million in debt, because then he would know someone thought he was worth that much!
Rick Cockrum said
Hi Joanna!
It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without the infamous WKRP Turkey Drop.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Hey Rick! Good philosophy, but don’t you need some money to invest to get a 5% ROR?
J. Erik Potter said
Happy Thanksgiving everyone. Hi Joanna.
ME Strauss said
Joanna,
I think I’m going to find some way to charge you up more often. It’s so fun to have you here!
Rick Cockrum said
Liz, with that attitude and work he made it, too. I think it was Henry Ford who said something to the effect that he must be doing well because of all the money he owed.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Liz, my determination is taking a bit of a licking this week. But it’ll bounce back.
Joe said
Hey Rick and Joanna,
I loved that episode, but wasn’t that Cincinnati not Pittsburgh?
Rick Cockrum said
Hi J. Welcome!
Aruni said
Unfortunately I have no turkey stories. I do know some millionaires but none have blogs. Interesting isn’t it.
Well Liz, you might be a millionaire but I just don’t know and honestly I don’t care.
S couple of millionaires (back in the day) wanted to date me but for some reason I was not interested. They were good people but I’ve never been one to have the money win me over. I married a guy who is extremely intelligent (a rocket scientist) but he was in debt and pretty poor when I met him. I helped get out of that situation though and now we are doing OK financially.
ME Strauss said
Hi Erik!
Welcome. Any friend of Joanna!s is a fine guest. Will you be having a beer, chocolate, an ice cream treat, or have you another idea altogether?
Rick Cockrum said
Yeah. It was Cincinatti, Joe.
Brooke said
Love that Rick!
ME Strauss said
Hi Aruni!
If I’m a millionaire, I’m not aware of it . . . yet!
J. Erik Potter said
I’m actually partial to eating chocolate while drinking beer. Thanks for the welcome!
ME Strauss said
Glenda,
Nothing can hold us down.
Make us tired you bet. Heck, who wants to live life without a fight?
Rick Cockrum said
Welcome, Aruni!
The star of another American Thanksgiving tradition, Alice of Alice’s Restaurant fame, was featured on This I Believe this week.
ME Strauss said
It seems, Mr. Potter, you’ve come to the right place!
How cool is that?!!!
You’re not a stranger anymore!
Timothy Johnson said
Greetings, fellow pilgrims! Everyone ready to gobble down the turkey?
(Liz, did I hear that you ordered Cranberry Klondike Bars for tonight???)
ME Strauss said
Rick,
You are so coooooool!!
Joe said
Hey Tim,
I had them in the back of the fridge. They WERE for desert.
** tosses Cranberry Klondikes to everyone **
J. Erik Potter said
Happy Thanksgiving, Professor Johnson. (in my best Eddie Haskel voice)
Joanna Young said
Hi Rick
Thanks for the video! It made me laugh - though I have no idea who everyone was. So much to learn…
Liz, I think maybe I should just forget working ‘normal’ hours and start working the hours that work for me - including being up late on a Tuesday night.
Glenda, hi, I saw some of your tweets on twitter but I’m still too slow to work out how to reply - plus I don’t know what the answer is as to how we can all help - other than that surely the bloggers you know must have some answers… I hope
Erik - hi!
Joanna
Timothy Johnson said
Thanks Joe
Um, Erik, don’t you have a paper and presentation to be working on? Or is tonight helping you gain inspiration?
(Sucks to be on open mic night with your professor, doesn’t it?)
Joe said
** whispers ** I heard that J. Erik is Harry’s REAL father.
Rick Cockrum said
Hi Tim! Happy Thanksgiving.
In reply to Char’s question about who’s cooking turkey, Lady Glynis with help from our daughter. I have commited myself to doing the dishes to earn my keep, though.
(After the apple pie.)
I want to be like Alice when I grow up, Liz.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
How true, Liz! Just been really tired since getting home from Vegas and the results at http://blogforayear.com/profiles have me discouraged, plus getting my knuckles rapped this morning for being spammy on twitter. Just need to give myself a good talking to and do a little conniving with Mr Caper.
Joanna Young said
Joe, that would explain a lot
Char said
Whoa! Hello Aruni, Tim, Rick and crew - I step away and the party gets bigger.
How about the instructions for a Pop-up Turkey Card…
Char said
I think my last comment vaporized…
Timothy Johnson said
Hi Rick and Glenda
Erik, is that true, what Joe said? Wow, that explains a lot. I never thought you were a muggle.
J. Erik Potter said
I’m working on the paper in a separate window, Tim.
Joe - Harry’s actually my dad. . .no joke. . .H. James Potter. The book has made life interesting to say the least.
Rick Cockrum said
Erik is bussstttedddd!
Joanna, it’s from the TV show WKRP in Cincinnati, popular about 30 years ago. The turkey drop was one of their most famous episodes.
ME Strauss said
Tim,
You always bring out the best in in everyone. We needed an Eddie Haskel around here. . . .
What is the paper supposed to be on, Erik?
Timothy Johnson said
So… how are people preparing their turkeys? Smoked? Deep fried? Brined? Grilled?
ME Strauss said
Joe,
He doesn’t look old enough to be Harry’s father . . . wow! Maybe he’s had plastic surgery too!!
Joanna Young said
Thanks Rick
Do you guys all eat turkeys again come Christmas or have you had enough of it by then?
J. Erik Potter said
Tim took it easy on us all:
How I’m Going To Change the World - in ten pages or so. . .
Joanna Young said
Hey Erik - that’s perfect for Liz - maybe you could help her out with a guest post!
Brooke said
You guys are all goona be jealouss to hearr that I am watching Little Einsteins with me kids!!
Joe said
How about pre-cooked Turkey in a little tin plate with gravy on the mashed potatoes with peas and a little apple cobbler on the side for desert?
Just joking now, but been there done that…
ME Strauss said
Char,
Your comment is back at #96 . . . apparently Akisment was checking out the Turkey PopUp Card.
Brooke said
Tim - Deep Fried
Joanna - we have ham - though I LOVE turkey!
J. Erik Potter said
Jump Joey, Jump, Jump, to the talent show.
Jump Joey Jump
Jump Joey Jump
- Little Einstein’s for the morbidly curious
Brooke said
Jow *sniff sniff* that is sad. NEVER do that!
ME Strauss said
Glenda!
Hope is a choice! We can’t pick what happens only how we react to it!
Every time something didn’t go my way, in the end, I was glad because of what it made room for.
Joanna Young said
Hi Brookes
Funny - we do deep fried everything in Scotland, even mars bars - but I don’t think people eat deep fried turkey. I know not why…
Brooke said
alright Potter - that’s sad. “Brother’s abd Sisters to the Resscue!” That’s good s**t.
Joe said
I thought J. Erik was talking to me for a minute there.
Only my little sister can still call me Joey! 
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Hi Joanna! I found it interesting how the one tweeter was quick to critize, but didn’t offer any suggestions, even when I direct messaged him. Oh well, guess he’s a TURKEY. And will that come back to bite me for saying that publicly?
Brooke said
Joanna - we are ggonnna try it thiss year and see. I bet it’s great!!!
Brooke said
Well - hubs is gonna try - he’s the maker off thanksgiving. I do clean up!!!
Rick Cockrum said
We’re traditional. Roast turkey. Homemade cranberry sauce. Mashed potatoes. Sweet potatoes. Pumpkin pie. Apple pie. Long nap.
Joanna Young said
Glenda, the way I see it, you’re doing something with positive intention - which means it can’t, by definition be spammy. I guess not everyone sees it like that tho’
I have to confess it took me this week to realise I needed to vote each day (sorry for being dim) and I don’t quite know how you get round reminding people without irritating someone or other.
One thing I wasn’t sure of - if you got lots of votes one day would that count, or does it only really make the difference if people remember to do it day in day out?
Joanna
Timothy Johnson said
Hi Rick… I’ll be over for leftovers as soon as we’re done. Smoked turkey (garnished with lingonberry), mashed potatoes and gravy, dressing (the best in the whole wide world), pie
ME Strauss said
I agree with Joanna, Glenda!
Some folks deal from deprivation. They aren’t happy with other folks having something they don’t!
Char said
We do a combined effort - my mom is going to deep fry the turkey, I’m providing the ham, and we all are bringing a few of the sides. Should be yummy.
ME Strauss said
Erik!
I wanted you to have this . . .
Change the World: One World-Sized Idea
let me know if you want to do a guest post! You’ve got until Friday!
Timothy Johnson said
Wow, Erik, no need to do Eddie Haskall impersonations… Liz is letting you do guest posts?!?! She’s never even let me do that. Way to go, dude!!
ME Strauss said
Tim,
The open invitation was in my post yesterday . . . BUSTED!!!
Sure you’re welcome to do one. You’ve got until Friday too!
Rick Cockrum said
Ooohhh! I forgot the stuffing. And carrots. And green beans. And crescent rolls. And lots of whipped cream for the pumpkin pie.
We’ll be expecting you, Tim. But you have to help with the dishes.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Joanna, I’m starting to think the timeframe for the contest is way too long. I haven’t figured out how to remind people to vote daily until Dec 31 without becoming an annoying pain. I was hoping to get a viral tweet going and have a major jump in votes in a few hours. Oh well, guess that isn’t the way to become a millionairess. Next idea!
ME Strauss said
Here you go, Tim,
It’s under
I. Problems and Solutions!!
http://www.successful-blog.com/1/25-days-to-organize-a-bloggers-life-in-time-for-holiday-fun/
And I hereby invite you personally.
Professor Johnson, writer,
Would you like to post on my blog?
Timothy Johnson said
Yes, Liz, busted… was working with my client yesterday… sorry.
Rick, I am a champ with a dish towel.
ME Strauss said
Tim,
I don’t read my blog . . .
Silly, who could possibly read everything I put out there?
J. Erik Potter said
Liz, its a deal. I’ll have something to you by Friday.
Thanks for link.
Joanna Young said
Glenda - I’m sure there’s a solution with your name on it - just not found it yet…
Liz - there you go again, that’s one of those things you write that makes my eyes sting with tears.
I am so, so thankful to have found you this year
And everyone - thanks for the chat! You’ve made my day and reminded me why this blogging stuff matters - it’s to spend time with folk like you. Have a fab holiday
G’night
Joanna
Joe said
Nite Joanna.
have a nice holiday!
Rick Cockrum said
Good night, Joanna. Every day really is thanks giving.
Brooke said
Thanks for the convo - and also thanks for all of the great referrals Liz. I will be contacting you! (liz, Char, Joe and others!)
ME Strauss said
Good night, Joanna!
You’re a pleasure!
Aruni said
Hi Char and Rick and everyone else! I’m wracking my brain trying to think of a turkey story but I’m drawing a blank. gobble. gobble. I was able to go to my son’s Thanksgiving lunch today at school and it was so fun to see the kids dressed up as Pilgrims and Indians.
I actually just joined Facebook today after putting it off forever. So maybe now I’ll be a millionaire soon!
I did a post about it just now at http://www.entrepremusings.com/index.php/2007/11/20/why-i-finally-joined-facebook/.
Brooke said
G’nite Joanna!
Joe said
See ya Brooke
Have a Happy Thanksgiving
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Thanks Joanna! Have a good night.
Timothy Johnson said
Aruni… congrats on joining facebook… I haven’t really been big on Facebook, but it’s helped people find me. I don’t think I’ve invited a single contact on Facebook; they’ve all invited me. Linkedin has been better for “professional networking”
Rick Cockrum said
Good night, Brooke. Good luck with the new site.
Hi Aruni. I missed you earlier. I’m sorry. Whenever I want a turkey story I look in a mirror. Remember, Ben Franklin wanted to make the turkey the national bird rather than the carrion feeder we ended up with.
Aruni said
Hi Tim - I am on LinkedIn too and so far it’s been interesting. I do like LinkedIn but I’ve still found that the greatest connections are made person to person. I don’t think I’ve used LinkedIn to its utmost utility.
ME Strauss said
Good night, Brooke!
Let me know if I can help!
Timothy Johnson said
Aruni, I just get overwhelmed by the amount of information that facebook shows… I don’t really care that “Xavier is bored at 2:47″ or that “Bob and Ted are now friends with Carol and Alice” or that “Kirsten is at home relaxing”… or that my contacts can see that kind of information… if I’m communicating something with someone, I don’t want other people to see that.
J. Erik Potter said
I’ve been able to hook up with 4-5 high school to college friends within the first week of LinkedIn usage. Still developing the professional contacts aspect of it.
Timothy Johnson said
Ah, Erik, your youth is showing… I don’t even remember high school or college any more.
J. Erik Potter said
Now I’m trying to picture Tim with hair in high school . . .
ME Strauss said
I’m not sure I fully remember last week.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Since we’re kinda talking about freelancing and blog writing, how does one figure out how to charge when asked to write an article for a site? Is there a going rate?
J. Erik Potter said
We charge $1/word at my company. That’s Des Moines, IA prices though. . .
Joe said
Glenda, Start High.
you can always lower your price.
Go with what you think your writing is worth.
Rick Cockrum said
I remember yesterday. But then, after working two days this week I found out I was supposed to be on vacation all week. That’s dedication.
How much is your time worth to you, Glenda?
Sheila at Family Travel said
Hi everyone, thought I’d drop by and say hi.
When you see that “star in the East” tomorrow, it’s because I’m in the kitchen baking something….
Turkey will be picked up at Whole Foods Market. I really like the modern world. I can vote, get birth control and don’t have to wear a corset.
Timothy Johnson said
Um, Rick, you who works through two days of vacation… and you’re asking Glenda what her time is worth to her? Am I the only one who finds that humorously ironic?
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Wow! She would like 2000 words. That would make a great Christmas present!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Erik, may I write for your company???
Timothy Johnson said
Glenda… write yourself a new sports car.
ME Strauss said
Sheila,
What do magazines pay for 2000 words and how does that compare to blogs?
J. Erik Potter said
Good night everyone. Thanks for making it easy on my first night.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Timothy Johnson said
Later Erik… good luck with the paper.
Short time out on this end… I have to read another chapter of Trixie Belden to my daughter…. back in a few….
ME Strauss said
Welcome Erik,
Thanks for coming. It was fun to have the Harry-Potter-son, Eddie Haskel member of the family.
You’re not a stranger anymore!
Rick Cockrum said
Ironic to no end, Tim. This is the third time this year. But, I’m on salary and they make it up to me, so it’s all good.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Timothy, are we talking model-sized or actual size sports car?
J. Erik Potter said
Ok, last, last comment for Glenda:
Most of our copy is lawyer-speak planned giving stuff. . .so maybe our rates are higher than most. And most of the articles we write are around 300-500 words.
ME Strauss said
Hey, you guys!
:) 
Why do you think I offered to let him guest post???!!! Just kidding!!
Rick Cockrum said
Good night, Erik. I’m glad to be able to say I met Harry Potter’s son. Good luck with your paper.
ME Strauss said
Glenda, Tim, Sheila, Joe, Rick, Char!
Anyone want anything from the sidebar while I’m over here?
Shashi Bellamkonda said
Have a Great Turkey Holiday ! Everyone
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Thanks Erik, I’ll keep that in mind!
Timothy Johnson said
A nice pumpkin malt would cheer me up, Liz… thanks
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
ooo-ooh, a Bailey’s Klondike bar, please Ms Liz.
Rick Cockrum said
Hi Sheila! Welcome to the Millionaire Turkey Club.
2000 words for a blog post, Glenda?
Joe said
Yea Liz, I’ll take one of those Flat Tire beers!
I just can’t figure out how the sell ANY beer with “flat” in the name!
Rick Cockrum said
Cranberry juice (with a touch of vodka) and one of those cranberry Klondikes please, Liz.
Sheila at Family Travel said
Oy, in a great world, you’d get between .50 and US$1.00/word from national print mags, so for, say, 2000 words, even I can do the math.
Problem is, most do not reimburse expenses and comp’d rooms/meals/etc. aren’t allowed (compromises objectivity.) So, $1,000-$2,000 sounds great till you subtract plane tix, hotel bills, meals, taxes, Social Security, retirement savings, etc.
Online comparison: one of my online gigs is going to pay me $1,100 for an article of about 1000 words, not bad, but another only pays $50 a pop for a 450-500 word bulleted article. The last did want a number of them, though, so my invoice to them was for $300.
Bottom line: I’m really glad that I have a military pension.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
lol Rick, Millionaire Turkey Club, I love that! Thanks for the laugh.
Rick Cockrum said
Trixie Belden. We’ve still got several of those from our daughter’s younger years.
ME Strauss said
I was just thinking that, Glenda.
Rick!
The Millionaire Turkey Club . . . sounds like what we should rename Tuesday Night Comments !!!
Then, one day they would make it a movie!
ME Strauss said
Sheila,
That is the best description of payment rates online and off I’ve ever heard! Would turn THAT into a blog post??
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Liz, Millionaire Turkey Is another honour you give people , after they’ve reached SOB.
Marti said
gobble gobble
ME Strauss said
MARTi!!
Rick Cockrum said
Millionaire Turkey Club just doesn’t have the same ring as SOB. It would get a lot of readers come Thanksgiving, though.
Sheila at Family Travel said
OK, Liz, I was just rambling, but would be happy to dish the dirt (without naming pubs; I’m not sensitive but THEY are) about pay rates.
Could cover that topic for you vice social media thingie we discussed, if you like.
Rick Cockrum said
Happy Turkey Day, Marti!
Marti said
Hi Liz and gang! I hope everyone is doing well!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Thanks Sheila, much appreciated. There’ll likely be some research involved for this article, so I’m thinking low three-digits. Of course, it’ll work out to peanuts per hour, particularly with the low US dollar, but that is the writer’s life. But it’ll feel good to sink my teeth into something meatier than a blog post for a change.
ME Strauss said
Sheila,
Do whichever you think works best when you sit down to write it up.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Hey Marti!
Timothy Johnson said
Sheila, my first article was 1000 words, no research, and I was paid $350 for it 10 years ago. I’d go mid- to high- 3-digits. Unless you’re treating it as a loss leader (i.e., more follow-on business coming out of it). For example, I don’t charge Office-Politics.com a dime to write for them, but Franke’s site gets over a quarter million hits a month so it’s very good publicity for me.
And, Rick, glad to see I’m not the only dad who “gets” Trixie Belden… we’re on #12, the Mystery of the Blinking Eye.
Marti said
Do they make turkey flavor Klondikes? LOL I am really looking forward to Thanksgiving, I love turkey.
And I want to say how grateful I am to Liz for hosting these delightful get togethers! (raises glass in toast)
To Liz!
Timothy Johnson said
To Liz (hi Marti)
Sheila at Family Travel said
I know that one of Liz’s topics was old boyfriends, and just want to say that one of mine now lives about two miles from me and another is a dear friend along with his family, so never burn your bridges.
Joe said
To Liz
** raises Flat beer **
(ya had to be here for that)
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
To Liz!
Rick Cockrum said
I read Trixie Belden when I was a kid, Tim. Along with Nancy Drew, the Hardy Boys, the Bobbsey Twins, Brains Benton, the Three Investigators, and as many other series as I could get my hands on but I can’t remember now. I’m glad to see children are still enjoying them.
ME Strauss said
Hey!
I’m calling a FAT TIRE Beer and raising one to all of you!!
Timothy Johnson said
We share a lot of the same reading history then, Rick. Went through the Trixie Belden series and Hardy Boys and Encyclopedia Brown and Boxcar Kids. Want to make sure that my daughter knows a world beyond Bratz and American Girl.
Joe said
OOOOhhhh, it’s FAT not FLAT tire.
My bad.
Sheila at Family Travel said
Was I so busy blabbing about ex-boyfriends that I missed the toast? Sorry!!!
To Liz, who makes us all feel welcome. So nice to only be a stranger once….
Marti said
I am truly so grateful for the Internet. Ten years ago when I first stumbled into this strange new world, I had no car and no neighbors. I was so lonely. I love to talk to people and this opened a whole new world for me. I started chatting at message boards and made new friends. Now I can publish books, sell stuff at eBay and most importantly, get to have the most fabulous conversations in the world, right here.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Amen, Marti!
Eric said
Hi Liz! Hi everyone! Am I too late to join the festivities? I’ve brought a fabulous smashed sweet potato side dish with nutmeg and marshmallows! My wife’s secret recipe!
How about some spiced apple cider? Oh wait….I see everyone here is drinking Fat Tire!
Timothy Johnson said
Marti - your sentiment meshes well with my post from earlier this week…
http://carpefactum.typepad.com/my_weblog/2007/11/yeah-im-thankfu.html
Rick Cockrum said
Hi gp! My wife is drooling over the picture of the multitier oven rack you showed.
Hear! Hear! Raise a glass to Liz!
Becky McCray said
Gosh, what a party! And my house smells of pumpkin pie, so that seems appropriate.
Marti said
Oh Timothy, that is a lovely post!
Timothy Johnson said
Thanks, Marti… we are all fortunate to have made such great friends through blogging, aren’t we?
Marti said
OK, I have something totally silly for y’all.
Got this in one of those mass e-mail forwards but it is funny.
1.Lift your right foot off the floor and make clockwise circles.
2. Now, while doing this, draw the number “6″ in the air with your right hand. Your foot will change direction!
(I am laughing at the visual of y’all doing this at the same time)
Marti said
I am drooling through the giggles, smelling sweet potatoes and pumpkin pie…..
Becky McCray said
OK, Marti, you got me with that one.
How the heck are you, Marti??? Long time, no chance to catch up!
Erica Ross-Krieger said
I just joined the party…first timer. And I tried the foot thing. Is it always like this on Tuesdays:)
Marti said
Y’all can break the tension of a dull family gathering with the foot trick on Thanksgiving - LOL
Timothy Johnson said
Hi Erica… no, usually we’re a little less focused.
ME Strauss said
Hi EVERYONE!
Please notice Eric at #206!
Hi Eric!
Welcome! Sorry you got stuck in moderation. I had a problem to take care of.
Erica Ross-Krieger said
Great. Focs is the last thing I have at this hour of the day — good thing it’s not a requirement. Though I know nothing about Fat Tires?
Joe said
Once again I had such a great time
Spending time with friends is just sublime
During holidays and times when some are so sad
Being here with you all makes me so glad
That I can see the faces of those that I’ve met
And can imagine the new friends I haven’t met yet
Happy Thanksgiving to everyone in the U.S.
All others, good cheer and I wish you the best.
Berma Shave
Nite Liz
Nite All
Erica Ross-Krieger said
Great. I spelled focus wrong. See what I mean?
ME Strauss said
Hi Becky!
Welcome to what Rick named the “Millionaire’s Turkey Club”
Pumpkin pie, FLAT TIRE beer, and stories
Life is good!
Timothy Johnson said
Eric!!! Hey everybody, it’s my other student named Eric.
Glad you could make it!
Eric said
I just had my first Fat Tire a week or so ago. I must say it’s a new favorite!
Rick Cockrum said
Welcome, Erica! What Tim said.
It works with both feet, Marti. If I try it at Thanksgiving, with my luck I would be accused of trying to play footsie with someone.
ME Strauss said
Hi Erica!
Welcome!
ME Strauss said
Okay, Okay, Tim! so they’re FAT Tires. I like thinking of Flat tires more.
Timothy Johnson said
G’night Joe… love your poetry dude. Thanks for keeping bermashave alive and well for the rest of us.
ME Strauss said
Thanks Joe, good night.
Sleepy swell.
Erica Ross-Krieger said
How late do you all hang out here?
ME Strauss said
Tim,
I’m beginning to think you should hold a night class here.
Eric said
Thanks Tim. I had such a great time a couple weeks ago (Haloween), that I couldn’t wait for my next chance to join your conversation. Unfortunately, most of my Tuesday nights are spent in class.
Liz, you are a great host. Thank you for including me!
Marti said
Timothy, I feel truly blessed to know all of you.
Becky, I am tired. Grandma runs me ragged - LOL
I take daughter to school every morning and head over to grandma’s house. We write descriptions of half a dozen of her pieces of depression glass, take pictures and list them on eBay. We wrap orders and giggle at the funny questions people write us (like a listing that said in 18 point font “Made in Italy” that someone asked us where it was made) We eat a lot of cheese. (Maybe that’s where she gets her strength - LOL)
ME Strauss said
. . . for students named Eric.
Timothy Johnson said
Hmmmm… let’s see if Bob and Ryan and Ellen show up, Liz… then I’ll let you know if I will begin holding a blogospheric MBA class.
Rick Cockrum said
Hi Eric, and Becky!
Erik, Eric, Erica. I’m seeing a pattern starting.
Good night, Joe. Have a great Thanksgiving.
ME Strauss said
Erica,
We hang out until the comment box sits quite for a few minutes in a row . . . could be a while from now.
Marti said
Sweet dreams to Joe, the Prince of Poetry
Eric said
The third Eric couldn’t make it…He’s working on his paper. I, however, have priorities!
Erica Ross-Krieger said
Okay, it was good to drop by and say hi. I’ll check in again next time. Thanks for hosting, Liz. G’nite.
ME Strauss said
Good night, Erica!
Thanks for checking things out!
ME Strauss said
Tim,
In blogospheric, what does MBA stand for?
Eric said
Goodnight Joe
Timothy Johnson said
Eric… what kind of jerk professor would have you working on a paper over Thanksgiving break???!!! Er… um… wait… that would be me… never mind.
ME Strauss said
Eric,
I like your priorities!!
I think we’re going to be friends. Have another Fat Tire.
ME Strauss said
Eric… what kind of jerk professor would have you working on a paper on Open Comment night???!!! Er… um… wait… that would be Tim… never mind.
Timothy Johnson said
Liz, well, since in non-blogospheric, it stands for Master of Business Administration, I would guess in our world it would stand for Master of Blogospheric Action.
Sheila at Family Travel said
I told everyone over at Twitter that if they felt chatty, they ought to come over here.
My tweets are at http://twitter.com/SheilaS if you want to follow.
ME Strauss said
So Marti,
Show off your new store to everyone!
Rick Cockrum said
Good night, Erica. Until we meet again.
Eric said
Liz- I would love another Fat Tire. Thank you
Tim - “Jerk” is such a strong word!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Liz, I have to ask: how did you connect turkeys and Millionaires??
Marti said
Is the “B” in MBA for “Blogger” ? LOL
Eric said
Liz - I would love to be your friend. Your hospitality is amazing.
Timothy Johnson said
Hey all… I need to turn in before this Turkey turns into a Pumpkin… er… um… well… you know what I mean….
As always, been great chatting with everybody…
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!
ME Strauss said
Good night, professor!
I promise not to keep your students too late . . . My mom always said, “It’s never late until midnight and after that it’s early.”
Marti said
Aww Liz, you’re a doll!
http://stores.ebay.com/Grandma-s-Timeless-Treasures
Eric said
Happy Thanksgiving Tim. And have a great night. And, in no way are you a jerk. Thank you for your weekly inspiration.
ME Strauss said
Glenda!
I was talking about millionaires all day and this week is USA Thanksgiving. It just seemed to go well together.
Rick Cockrum said
Good night, Tim. Sleep well and Happy Thanksgiving to you, your family, and those of your students who couldn’t make it.
Eric said
Sorry Liz…But am I stuck in moderation again?
Marti said
Good night and best wishes for a fabulous Thanksgiving to you too, Timothy!
Rick Cockrum said
It’s too bad Mike isn’t here. He could get that Corvette Grandma has and he and Glenda could race.
Marti said
Sheila, I added you as a Twitter friend. I am Marti_L
Marti said
LOL at Rick!
Rick Cockrum said
I’m going to say farewell, too. There’s a piece of early pumpkin pie with my name on it.
Liz, thank you. Everyone in the US, have a bright holiday. Everyone else, have a great week.
ME Strauss said
Good night, Rick!
Thanks for being such fun to have with us!
Eric said
Thank you Rick. Have a great week!
Marti said
Sweet dreams Rick. Best wishes for a fabulous Thanksgiving!
Eric said
I suppose it’s time for me to turn in as well. Happy Thanksgiving to you all.
Liz - Thank you for a wonderful evening. I only wish I hadn’t joined in the conversation so late!
Until next time!
Marti said
Oh dear, I must be tired, I used “fabulous” twice. I struggle so hard not to repeat repeat myself.
*grin*
ME Strauss said
Hi Marti,
I was so tempted to pick up your comment and just repeat it.
Sheila at Family Travel said
Thanks, Marti!
I’m signing off, too. ‘Night, all….
ME Strauss said
Good night, Sheila!
Take good care of that pension . . . on second thought — send money!!
Marti said
Well, I should be turning in as well. Liz, thank you for being such a delightful hostess. I send best wishes to everyone for a (searching for a word besides “fabulous”) uh….wonderful! That’s it! A wonderful Thanksgiving!
Peace and joy!
ME Strauss said
Peace and joy, Marti!
Peace and joy!!
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Happy Thanksgiving to my friends south of the border.
ME Strauss said
Thank you, Glenda!
You are one inspiring woman.
Just because folks yell louder, doesn’t make them right.
Glenda Watson Hyatt said
Thanks Liz, I’ll keep that mind!
No signs of Mike? Hmm.