The Other "F" Word

Every once in a while, I stumble across a commenter who's trying to eliminate the words "freelance" or "freelancing" from the lexicon. The point is well taken--freelancing can be an ugly word, conjuring up fly-by-nighters who couldn't hold a square job--but you have to admit that it's a quick and easy descriptor.

Commercial copywriter, professional writer, creative pro, solo artist, independent contractor...these all have their place, but sometimes they elicit a "Huh?" (e.g., lifestyle entrepreneur?!?) or require further explanation. It also makes a difference whether you're talking to someone in the creative biz or outside it. I'll often say, "I'm a freelance writer who specializes in corporate copywriting." Two birds, one stone.

Ah, maybe I'm channeling my inner Don Quixote. My ultimate preference would be that those of us in the freelance world could rehabilitate the word, through good work well performed, to its former nobility. It is, after all, derived from the days of knights in shining armor.

NOTE: I've written an update to this post over at my Dr. Freelance blog: When freelancer is the other "F" word.