Does anyone here subscribe to mediabistro.com's Avant Guild?

[BurtWorm]

Is it worth it? $49 a year?

[lapislzi]

1. I've heard good things about mediabistro

...but on the graphics/design side. I didn't know it was for writers as well. My company advertised design positions there (and filled them). I have never checked it out. Now I'm curious.

[BurtWorm]

2. It is a good site even for free.

But the Avant Guild gives you (allegedly) access to more in-depth articles, forums with literary agents and major mass market editors, a free-lancer's data-base, discounts on wqorkshops and various other benefits. I just wonder if anyone who is an AG member could tell me if they've found it useful and worth the investment.

[lapislzi]

4. Sounds like it isn't anything you couldn't get from Writer's Market

It's only as good as the number of publishers who know about it and subscribe. Everyone knows about Writer's Market.

The discounts sound interesting, though. Wonder how many workshops you'd have to attend to make it worthwhile (imagines self racing from conference to conference trailing loose pages).

[BurtWorm]

5. What makes it different from Writer's Market

(unless you're not talking about the book but a Website I've never been to) is the access it supposedly gives you to live agents and editors in regular forums, as well as the discounts to its workshops. And its job market (for positions in all kinds of media--but that's available to people who aren't AG members, too).

[tjdee]

3. If you find out, let me know. Love mediabistro.

Been considering it myself--but since I've been off my game for awhile, I'm working on getting a piece or two published before I do so.

Seems to me that it's for people farther along than I am.

[BurtWorm]

6. I don't think there's a requisite amount of experience entailed.

I think anyone can join. If you have stuff to show or shop around, it might be worth it. I really don't know. I wish a member would join this thread and tell us.