MediaBistro Membership Worth It?
Reader Denise R. wanted to know any thoughts on the MediaBistro AvantGuild membership. Although I've recently purchased one, I've only taken advantage of the How To Pitch articles (which, incidentally, are the main reason I purchased, anyway!). Upon checking out the membership benefits page, I know there's a lot more offers that I should be looking into. Taking advantage of just a few would pay back my fee quite easily.
It looks like you pay approximately $149 yearly. I say approximately because there are a few "benefits" that cost just a little more for AvantGuild members. For example, that $149 isn't going to get you a listing in their freelancing index where "work finds you" but it will get you a big discount on said listing.
Honestly, if you're in need of health or dental insurance, it looks like there are a lot of options. I despise paying for dental services out of pocket since I quit full time work, and know that I could probably stand to save some on my daughter's upcoming braces :) . Another way that this membership might pay for itself is the How To Pitch articles. Reading one of them gave me an electric idea, and it would only take one sale to make back the $149 (and then some!).
Any thoughts or success stories?
Comments
It’s $49 not $149…
oops, you’re correct patricia. I think I was switching it with the Editorial Freelancer’s Assoc membership.
I’m still up in the air, though, as far as if it’s “worth it.”
I think it’s SO worth it. I’ve written some of the HTP articles, so I may be biased, but I really do think they are the BEST tool for freelancers. Also, the “work finding you” index has gotten me much more than $49/year worth of work. VERY worth it, I think.
Very convincing. I do want to get on the index soon. Just a matter of getting to it! I love the HTP How To Pitch articles- great insider info!
I’m a freelance business journalist based in Europe. My listing in the “Freelance Marketplace” in MediaBistro has paid for itself several times over. I also use the free web page that’s included in the MediaBistro membership. I put a link to it in the signature block at the bottom of my outgoing e-mail. (”viral marketing”) Getting into the “Freelance Markeplace” is what I was going after and I think that’s the part that has paid off. Of course, I did put a lot of work into getting some good “selling” words into my profile on the Freelance Markeplace.
REG CROWDER
Freelance Business Journalist
London, UK & Brittany, France
http://www.RegCrowder.com
http://www.MediaBistro.com/RegCrowder
Definitely worth it. I originally signed up just for the HTP articles (including the HTP An Agent columns), but I also love getting the Wired and New York magazine subscriptions (which are included in your membership). I don’t live anywhere near NYC (I live in Colorado), but the NY mag has fantastic writing and has given me lots of usable ideas for other markets. Wired is the same way: great writing, thought-provoking commentary on technology and the future.
The HTP articles are worth the $49, though, much more than any other service I’ve found online. Some individual listings can stand to be updated more often, but it’s been a great help, and they’ve taken pains to expand the offerings the last few years. That + Writer’s Market is a great combo for the pro freelance writer.
Cheers,
Marjorie
Marjorie, I’m also enjoying my free subscriptions! I love both those magazines. They’ve probably got a subscriber out of me.