What Not To Do

WOAH!
I've been a Virtual Assistant for 11 years now and I've seen a lot of "discussions" on the value of Virtual Assistants and how they can bring sanity back into the life of their clients. Now some of these discussions have gone on in forums, yahoogroups, between VAs, blogs and VAs...

But for the first time ever, that I've seen anyways, I've found a blogger who has a Neanderthal approach on how to look for a Virtual Assistant and two VAs slinging mud back and forth at each other and another using profanity in his comments section on the blog.

And it ain't pretty. (yeah, I said ain't)

If anything, Kate LaFrance makes some really good points. She's an established VA that's been around the block. And while her comments were strong, because she's passionate about the industry, it certainly did not call for Kelly's attack.

I do wholeheartedly disagree with Kelly about the "assistant" comment (Let me be clear, we are "assistants" and we appointed ourselves that title.) Just because we assist someone does not negate the fact that we're important to their business nor does the word "assistant" indicate we are of less value because we assist someone. There wasn't much else I disagreed with other than her comment directly to Kate that was pretty unnecessary.

And as far as Jennifer Goodwin, she gets my laugh of the day award for her "ARE YOU F*%&#$%^ KIDDING ME?" comment...that's exactly what I thought reading his blog post. And yes Jennifer, I agree with you too, but um, maybe in a more professional manner. ;) Maybe it was you calling him a "Jackaaaass" at the closing was going a little too far? ahahaha loves it!

But the bottom line? Now this Neanderthal's ideals on how VAs aren't worth over $19 per hour just got a boost from the cat fight on the comments area. I'm not sure how many people reading those comments will hire a VA or be willing to pay more than $19 an hour now. *sigh*

... and NO I won't work for Mr. Neanderthal...because of his attitude and because he cant' afford me! :)