Google the phrase “more unique” and you will likely encounter some 74,000,000 incorrect, from my point-of-view, uses of the word unique. Unique is an absolute term. It describes something that has no equal, no peer. Like, “The Earth is unique among the planets we know.”

I always felt completely secure in that point of view. I knew, absolutely, that a description of being unique can’t be compared among nouns. Sort of like pregnant can’t be relative. You are or you ain’t.

Oh yes, I stood my ground, until I checked an online dictionary and found this!

1. existing as the only one or as the sole example; single; solitary in type or characteristics: a unique copy of an ancient manuscript. (Ok, works for me.)
2. having no like or equal; unparalleled; incomparable: Bach was unique in his handling of counterpoint. (Yep. Good.)
3. limited to a single outcome or result; without alternative possibilities: Certain types of problems have unique solutions. (I’m nodding righteously. Damned straight.)
4. not typical; unusual: She has a very unique smile. (Say whuuuut?!?!?!)

Even J.D. Salinger and Merriam Webster stand against me – “We were fairly unique, the sixty of us, in that there wasn’t one good mixer in the bunch “— J. D. Salinger.

I concede, though I will forever maintain one can’t be slightly pregnant. Never again will I whine about those dolts who don’t realize you can’t be a little unique. You can. And I am.

Read more:
Grammar police: Comparative adjectives
Grammar Day from grammar police
Grammar police – future conditional

1. My first post on WordPress – how a blog was born. My old blog site crashed and I lost everything, but valiantly committed to rebuilding. I made sure i posted regularly and the content was worth something to freelancers.
2. The post most fun to write – An interview with Chicago-based mystery writer Libby Hellmann. I so liked talking with her. She gave great advice.
3. Readers contributed to this one – a young writer complained loudly about how the industry failed to accommodate her. Writers rang in and a discussion ensued on LinkedIn.
4. An article on ghosting I wish I had written – It’s worth your time.
5. A title that said it all – I chimed in on the raging battle of why writers shouldn’t have to settle for a pittance.
6. I wish more people had read this three-part series – I felt it was worthwhile to learn about how U.S. copyrighting protects your work. The cool part? You needn’t spend a dime to be protected.

Thanks for browsing. What’s your favorite post at OnText. What do you need to know to get your career super-charged?

Don’t you get tired of reading the same over-published, randomly copied Craigslist jobs for freelance writers? These gigs are mostly trash, don’t pay, and some are even out-right scams. However, there are work-at-home, telecommute jobs for writers — jobs that pay decent money. Here’s one of my best finds.

A site called Cheapism hires freelancers to write short reviews of low-price, high-value consumer goods. Here’s their ad:

Are you a thorough researcher, fluid writer, and cautious spender? If the answer to all three is yes, Cheapism.com would like to meet you. We are a new website that aims to be consumers’ first stop on the way to finding the best inexpensive goods and services.

We are looking for freelance writers who will learn about a product category, identify the low-priced products, assess what the experts and users say about them, and write an article that tells consumers what they need to know and recommends the best budget buys.

In this time of economic stress, you can help put some lining back into consumers’ pockets and cash into your wallet; last but not least, you’ll have the good fortune of working with a collegial and easy-going crowd.

Contact us today at jobs@cheapism.com

I went through the application process with these folks a while back. They are serious about their business and looking for long-term relationships with good writers who can produce quickly.

Cheapism pays adequately. You will be asked to submit samples and suggestions. You will undergo an in-depth telephone interview and the company principals will take a few days to decide if you’re a good match. Feel free to ask questions.

Let us know how you fared with them and what you thought of the hiring process and the job.

More to read:

How to stop bitching and sell your writing

Make $30K annually from your blog