Job Discussion Forums

[Wonder]

I'm interested in an editing position with a company called English 4 U and would like to hear from anyone who has actually worked for this place.

I'm well aware of the income and hours relative to editing compared to teaching, so please do not post opinions or info on that topic.

Just would like to find out a little more about this particular place from present or former employees.

I've also posted this inquiry on Forumosa. PM me if you're shy!

Cheers

[Aristotle]

I can find no information on that institution. Please include the land line telephone number or address for more information.
Good luck,
A.

[Fortigurn]

Any place called 'English 4 U' is failing its mandate.

[Polina]

English magazines here are utter crud - don't do it if you like writing. I worked for one for a while. The Westerners create interesting articles, then have to give them to the Taiwanese "editors" - usually younger people with no imagination and very little life experience let alone English ability - who then proceed to say that you have to change this and that because this isn't correct (seriously) and that is too wierd, and bla bla bla ... Then you get criticised by them for not handing in something when they want because the deadline they set was totally unrealistic, which is because they have absolutely no idea of what they're doing. But it's always the Taiwanese who get to be in control. Utterly absurd. A few places are okay, but if you don't have a brown belt in butt-licking, you'd better be very careful before you commit to the job.

[Wonder]

Polina, I couldn't agree more with your assesment of the English magazines here. At least from our perspective, they are indeed "crud."

However, looked at through Taiwanese or ESL students' eyes, I'm sure they are more or less helpful for at least practicing reading and comprehension. In the end it's all relative. It doesn't really matter what's on the page, as long as it's grammatically correct, etc.

As far as this English 4 U place and their hiring practices? Well, that's another story all together. They contacted me because I had applied before, and I sent them my credentials and resume, which would more than qualify me for the job. Then one day they just cut-off contact completely. Now I see they are looking for yet another English "editor." It sounds like they have a revolving door in that department. I will stay far away from this particular company.

However, as far as your comment about other younger, inexperienced editors changing copy to some garbled mess...who cares? If you are getting paid to write and edit, and they're happy with it, does it really matter what they do with it afterwards? You have to remember that when you're a professional in these situations, you have to leave your emotional attachments out of it. I learned that a long time ago when I was reporting for newspapers and copywriting for magazines.

Just as long as they're happy and you're getting paid a half-decent wage, it doesn't really matter what they do with your work. I can understand your frustration, of course, but that goes away after you develop thick skin. Writers are always trampled on and we never get paid what we're really worth. Just as long as the people in charge know what you initially submitted, it's not you fault some fool trashed your article.

[Polina]

You first sounded like you were agreeing with me, but then contradicted yourself. Then you showed almost total ignorance of English teaching by saying it doesn't matter what the content of the magazine is. Then you insulted me by saying that caring about quality of the magazine you work for is mere emotional attachment - very possibly because I am female and how could I possible have a rational brain (which is probably why you're stuck here, anyway) . I don't think that settling for nothing else but being paid is at all positive or rational - look at the bigger picture, further than the end of your nose! How are you improving the world if all you care about is your wallet? If being professional means doing whatever you're told without thinking or taking any responsibility for your actions, then may I never be! (Need I mention Nazi Germany, or a lot of what WE have allowed to happen in the world today? ) You have shown yourself for what you are - you have given up totally on justice and integrity, which means your will is weak, and you will never ever excel at writing. Funnily enough, it's types like you who thrive in Taiwan - which is why the same old crap just keeps getting recycled in the English magazines, and in the Taiwanese students' heads!!!

By the way, I'll not bother to respond to you again or even read this thread, so say whatever you like now.

[Wonder]

Well...you should read my post again, because there are no personal insults directed toward you.

Also, I had no idea of your gender. It's also another thing that doesn't matter regarding this topic.

However, if you had read my post carefully, I didn't say you should not care about your work, I said you should do whatever your empolyer expects of you, within reason, and then you can keep your job as a writer.

Sure I said it doesn't really matter what's on the page...but I qualified that by saying it should be grammatically correct. That's really all they're wanting in these rags. You should read posts more thoroughly in the future and you won't get so angry.

Look, there are numerous forums to freelance your personal writing, and demand that absolutely nothing be changed. Then you can get personal satisfaction. Eventually, if you are dedicated, you become a respected writer with a good name and nobody will dare change a word.

But these things take time and dedication and it's not going to happen at an ESL magazine in Taiwan.

I have no idea how much exp. you have as a pro, but comparing a writing gig with Nazi Germany is a little extreme.

I''ll not resort to insults and slurs as you have in your post. That only creates unnecessary conflict and destracts from the topic. One day, if indeed you continue to pursue a writing career, you will understand what I meant in my initial post. Most of us do.

Cheers

[AndyRoofman]

I'm based in Korea and desperately want info about doing freelance writing work, which I have been offered for a fairly well known magazine in Seoul in addition to my current Hagwon post. I'm a marketing and public relations professional in my home country and hope to see my experience here (in writing, PR and teaching) to find a good postition back home.

Officially, I'm prohibited from doing any freelance work, but given that it's a two days a month type deal, relevant to my career ( and possibly a gateway to better things in Korea) and I don't really need the money, I'm interested knowing knowing what the general opinion of people in Korea to this is (note: I did not solicit this job- I met a writer/editor at a book fair who invited me to write). Should I
1.) Not inform my school and agents about this- if they find out I might be fired (my email address would appear in the article and it would be pretty obvious who wrote it)?
2.) Not inform my school, but "ghost" the article or set up another email address that would not identify me directly?
3.) Don't freelance for them- too risky?
4.) Inform the school first, if they object, then and on;y then go the anonomous route?

As a point in my favour, the teacher who lives downstairs from me stated she thought it would be good publicity for the school and couldn't see why they should possibly object to me doing this.

As this is important to me, I would greatly appreciate any feedback.