What All Those Freelance Writing Job Ads Really Mean
February 18, 2009 by Deb Ng
Filed under Freelance Writing
by Deborah Ng
It’s been a while since I trolled the job boards looking for leads to post here. Not too much has changed in the past year. There are still scammers, spammers and slime out there, but I’m happy to report there are also plenty of desirable offers. One disturbing trend I see is that there are more non-payers. The non-payers and low payers come up with plenty of good excuses as to why you shouldn’t earn money for your labor. While I agree that there are times one should donate one’s services, I also believe one should mostly walk away from insulting offers and never look back.
Many of these low payers and no payers are cleverly disguised. They make you feel like you’re getting the world, but the reality is, you doing a lot of work for nothing. To prove that I’m a giver, I’m posting a sampling of those ads, and translating into English what they really mean. Check it out:
“We’re just starting out, so we’re not offering any pay”
Translation:” Since we’re brand new at this, the only people we want to earn money is us. ”
Seriously. This is like a brand new restaurant opening and saying to the waitstaff, “We’re new, so you can give up your free time and the option of a paying job just to work for us because we’re new.” It makes no sense. They want to earn money, but so do you. Just because a business is new, doesn’t mean it shouldn’t pay. If it doesn’t pay it needs to re-think its business plan, or do the work themselves until they make enough money to pay writers.
“This job doesn’t pay, but you will receive credit for your work”
Translation “We’re generously letting you have your byline.”
Credit? You’re allowing us to take credit for our words? How generous. So surprised more people aren’t knocking on your door.
Here’s a clue, a website receiving 50 visitors a day, all family members, is not going to do much for your career. Pass and look for a paying opportunity.
“Here’s the chance to have your writing seen by millions”
Translation: “Ok, so maybe dozens.”
Very few blogs or websites receive millions in traffic. Very few blogs and websites receive thousands of visitors each day. If this person is receiving so many visitors, yet he’s not earning enough to pay you for your work, he’s an idiot. Pass and look for someone with better management skills.
“Pay: Exposure”
Translation “The truth is, there are no perks.”
I get exposed to stuff every time I play class mom, thanks. I’d rather receive monetary payment instead.
“These are short articles and shouldn’t take you more than 15 minutes each to write.”
Translation: “We have no idea how long it will take, but we want to justify your low pay.”
If it’s so simple, YOU go ahead and write it. We’ll wait for the good jobs, thank you very much.
Go ahead, give it a try. Translate some of the insulting offers you find online.
@ Deb
Great post, and very true. The last one is what really gets me. I frequently see ads looking for 500-word articles for $5 a pop. The poster goes on to say that many writers produce 4 or 5 an hour, which translates into a very good wage. What?!? I could never write that fast. I know there are people who say they can, but I would ask whether they can sustain that pace for seven or eight hours a day. That’s the only way it might be worth your time. And, in the end, who wants to write 20 or 30 articles a day anyway?
My personal favorite: “This is an easy job for someone who knows what they’re doing.”
Translation: “We obviously think you’re an idiot we can condescend to, and by applying our domination and bully tactics, we can crush your self-esteem and worth.”
Anytime I see that line or a variation (“this can be done in 20 minutes for a pro.” Ohhhh, really???), it really strikes a nerve! I get so ticked off and offended. Who are these people? They’re hiring someone to do something that they can’t do (very few of them are actually experienced in the field and are only posting because they’re too busy to do it themselves), and they’re telling us that it’s easy and telling us how long it will take.
Obviously, I’m not a writer. I’m a programmer. But, I see these things in ads all the time and it just gets to me. When I come across these ads, I like to bid more than I would have had the poster not added the idiotic line.
Deb, we also need to call attention to some of these ads that look legitimate – and may even include a stated fee – but when you get down to the final negotiations around work, the price begins to drop. I’ve had that happen twice now. I feel as if some of these guys are luring writers in by promising a higher price tag, but then when it gets down to finalizing the deal, the actual payment for the work drops. It’s a waste of my time pitching and following up.
There are some that want you to do an unpaid “apprenticeship” of sorts….”Work for us for three months and then if we decide you’re good enough, then we’ll pay you”…Sorry, no.
This is great. I was going to say the same thing as James Chartrand. “I would like an in-depth article on the molecular decomposition of complex phenotypes. This is easy work for someone who knows what they are doing.”
I also like the people who get a quote for say 500 words and say, “Oh, well…how much would it be for say 300 words.” Same topic, same amount of research but they expect the article for next to nothing because they shaved off 200 words.
One of the funniest conversations I had with a potential client was “I used to pay $4 per article but I was really getting what I paid for so I decided to pay more. Would you take $7 per 800 word article?”
My answer…in polite terms…”ummm, no.” Needless to say, I didn’t work for him.
Thanks for a good read this morning Deb.
Yes, Yes, and Yes!
I always use the restaurant analogy too. If you can’t afford to pay your staff, you shouldn’t be in business.
And don’t get me started on the “This is an easy job.” So easy that you can’t do it yourself and need to find a PROFESSIONAL – then pay a PROFESSIONAL a PROFESSIONAL rate.
Right you all are! And don’t forget internships. Real internships offer something – a prestigious paying job after college, college credits, etc. Lots of folks will pull the internship card just to get folks to work free – but they’re not offering any benefits.
Yes! You got it right Deb. I keep thinking I’m a failure since I don’t have a ton on my plate – once in a while I get a good gig. I was starting to think maybe I’m not as good as I think I am. Maybe the writing markets are in worse shape than I thought.
What about those “revenue sharing” ones? Oooh, I can’t wait to earn $.30 every three months.
Even payment on publication doesn’t make much sense when you think about it. Do you go to a butcher for a steak and then promise to pay for it when you get around to defrosting, cooking and eating it?
In every venture, writers are seen as the last to be paid, but without editorial, there is no product. Try telling the utility company, internet service provider, printer, post office, office supply store, etc. that there’s nothing in the budget for that stuff!
Amazing article! I’ve been a freelancer for a while now and everything you wrote is so true.So many places just don’t want to pay for good writing and will find any and all excuses to write. I find being a MD works against me in the freelance world at times because some editors find that as an “expert” they should be able to use me for free even though I’m doing the writing myself. The bottom line is no one wants to pay these days!
Hey Deb:
Thanks so much for your site! Ever consider doing something on Craig’s List? I have come across people looking for “sports fans” and many of the sites looking for reviewers.
Are they scams?
Thanks!
Don
Good insight Deb!
I think that there have been more ads recently from non-payers. I’ve personally been contacted twice in the last month.
I read each e-mail carefully, looking for the fine print that told me what my pay was to be. Then it dawned on me – there was no pay.
IMHO, such offers may be of interest to those who write as a hobby. However, if you’re trying to make a living as a writer there are far better opportunities out there.
@Jeanne – I landed a job with a great rate of pay and within two weeks was given a raise providing I add a couple things to my articles. One is a Youtube video that cannot have any advertising and must relate to the topic. Try to find Youtube videos on credit repair that aren’t affiliated with another company. Then I have to find three links that are associated with the Federal Government and have a Google rank of four or higher that are found by typing in a specific keyword that is used in my article. The job is now taking me twice as long and I’m not convinced worth the pay raise.
Meanwhile, one of my better clients has run out of work for now, so if I give up this other, I’m out two jobs. Can’t afford that when my husband’s employer just laid off a third round of workers leaving him at the bottom in seniority despite having been with them for 31 years.
There is so much out there to frustrate the new freelancer and these “miracle pay” ads rank right up there. After getting burned a couple of times I finally have given up trolling for awhile and am concentrating on applying for opportunities posted on this site and writing for two “pay-per-view” sites. (That’s probably not the right terminology for these sites, but it amuses me and I need all the amusement I can get right now!) I figure that this allows me to build up a portfolio of “samples,” gives me practice in streamlining and editing my writing, and helps me learn to write for an Internet audience.
Beth: I hope you’re enjoying the pay-per-view sites. Do NOT use them as a portfolio, however. Many people looking to hire legitimate writers frown on seeing work that has been posted on AC, eHow and the like. And honestly, are you making any money at it? No one I’ve talked to has.
Great article, and so very true. I have been writing about food for about 8 years now, and the trend in nonpayers has become rather disturbing. I have been approached on many occasions and asked to contribute articles with original recipes (which involves extensive testing and food costs which often causes me a financial loss in the end) by major clients (some very well-known) who refuse to compensate. I, in turn, refuse to work for nothing, and have held strong in this regard. I only take paying jobs unless they are for a good cause (i.e. a friend/editor who needs my help) or it’s a great opportunity for me. The fact that you describe these types of “offers” as “insulting” clearly says it all. When editors, publishers etc… make money doing their jobs, why shouldn’t we?
Great post. I am writing for two organizations and just landed another writing opportunity. However, the new opportunity pays you based on “page ranks.” I did not know this when I applied for the opportunity. But, it may be worth it just for the experience. Since I know how to utilize social media, I’m confident that I will be able to “boost” my page rank.
I am grateful for these opportunities. These opportunities are allowing me to branch out into teaching and consulting. If you find the right organization it can lead you in many directions. The key is to know how to “weed” out companies that may not be legit.
Awesome post.
I have one phrase for you that falls into many of the categories of BS you listed: Examiner.com
Fame people, you can get famous from writing on examiner.com, fame! Celebrity! What a bleeping joke. Apparently you get paid by the thousands of hits? Thought I’d mention them as an example since they seem to post on here quite a bit.
My best, most reliable clients come from my relationships with website programmer and designers and graphic designers who I’ve met through my business networking travels. They have clients purchasing large creative projects, most of which require a lot of writing (entire websites for instance). Aligning yourself with businesses who serve a similar demographic of client to your own, is a very effective marketing strategy, I’ve found.
Best of luck everyone, in these difficult times.
-Christine
I love it when we all get to bond through our commiserating. But I wish we could bond without having something to commiserate over!
By the way, Dr. Gwenn, About.com has some opportunities for health care professionals to be guides for health care topics–you should check it out.
Amen! If writers stop giving away their writing for cheap or free, then these scammers and slackers can’t operate, and all what would be left would be fewer, legitimate operations competing for the same amount of advertising dollars, which means they can afford to pay their writers fairly. I look forward to the day.
I saw one about how you were supposed to absolutely have your article (or whatever) be in the top 10 or top 20 (can’t be sure now) rankings on Google or you’re fired.
Well, how on earth are you supposed to know that it would get there? You aren’t in control of that no matter how great your writing is. Or maybe, I’m just ignorant. Is there some way you can guarantee some top ranking range with a certain way of SEO writing? Are they just delusional?
I see so many of these jobs and I wonder who actually takes me. I totally agree about the one that says you can get exposure for your articles but we can’t pay. If you are getting exposure then they should have the money to pay you.
Erika: IIRC, there is a way to ratchet up the ranking on Google by clicking on your article a certain number of times, but I don’t remember all the details. You’d have to do it often, though.
Good post, Deb. And very informative, too!
I hope you would allow me to ask this question to all the wonderful writers that frequents your site.
My question is: What should I (we) do to “discourage” newbie writers from accepting $5 or $9 per article?
I’m stumped, really. And I need some inputs.
Great article, thank you very much. I am brand new to the freelance world and while I now wake up excited again every day…staying away from the scams and wolf’s in sheep’s clothing can be a bit daunting. This was one of the first sights I stumbled upon in my initial research and I am so grateful for it! So thanks again.
I don’t know that there is anything you can do to stop writers for writing at rock bottom prices. I think all you can do is hold firm in your unwillingness to do so. At some point the people who pay rock-bottom prices realize (if only briefly) that they get what they pay for. Occasionally I’ll pop onto a bid site like Elance and bid something at a real price just so some of these bozos who only pay rock-bottom prices will see that there are people out there who want and deserve real pay for real work.
There are way too many bait and switch advertisers out there who say in ads, “This is what we pay,” and then when you actually are offered the work the pay is drastically less. I walk away. I’m not going to waste my energy on poorly paid work that could be applied to getting jobs that pay real money.,
Great point Arlyn. My question though would be, “How do you “discourage” experienced writers from accepting that price?” I have lost jobs to “experienced” writers who will write an article for $5. I was ranting about it today to my dh and going on about how those are really the “amateurs” that Harlan Ellison was ranting about. I probably sounded like him too. ;o)
Here’s a good one, but it was an actual phone interview I had. Talk about major scammers. When I initially received the email response from the company, I emailed them back and made it clear that I was not interested in ANY type of revenue sharing type writing (it was a for an alternative health wellness site). I was led to believe it was a regular assignment.
When I talked to the guy on the phone, I knew something fishy was up when I got around to payment. He hedged and said those dreaded words “revenue share.” He tried to talk me into it by boasting they were going to be the “best alternative health site in the world. (yes, in the world). They were a “start up company.” Translation: we want you to work for free and we have no guarantee that our site will even make it.
I was annoyed that my time was completely wasted and I politely told him that do not put revenue sharing on legitimate freelance writing sites as freelance writers will not work for free. He understood why I declined (duhhhhhhhh!) I grew more annoyed as he tried to talk me into writing for the site with all these crazed promises about being the best alt. medical site “in the world.” No thanks!
Please note: there are LEGITIMATE gigs out there. As a copywriter, I am working! Also, remember the energy that you put out there – what you put out there is what you’re going to get back. If you think negatively and aren’t proactive, then you won’t find gigs but if you think positive and put good energy out there (and keep actively looking), good things (and gigs) will happen! There are writing jobs out there and I’m staying busy!
@Food Writer: I’m jealous! That’s a niche I would love to break into more. I write a food and wine blog. Food and wine are my passions.
I can’t believe people would approach you to write recipes (test, etc.) for FREE! I would think that with your food expertise, you would be held in high regard – how insulting. Good for you for sticking with your principles. I wouldn’t take a non-paid gig either!
@Jodee: I’ve seen those as well. I also love the blogger jobs where they ask you to write ten “sample” blogs as a “test.” No way. They are going to take those blog “samples” and turn around and publish them. I’ve heard that’s a big scam that these big scammer companies do to generate blogs for free. Then they skip out of town and never hear from them again and they just have 100 plus blog posts written for them (at no expense).
By the way, I have just started a new blog (that’s a rant/tirade type blog) about writing (and marketing). I’ve been so ticked off lately with how freelancers have been treated that I decided to start venting and sticking up for the rights of writers and consultants.
I’ve had one guy try to get me to work for free to which I replied “Sure when you can get my groceries, gas, electricity and water supplied for free I’ll be more than happy to work for you.”
I have been stumped by one ad recently though, could do with an explanation/translation please.
“…We’d like you to publish 2 well written articles per month to your own blog, which you will write yourself based around a topic set by us – linking back to the original source.”
What does that mean exactly?
The ad was placed on a respectable site so I didn’t think much of it until I reached the payment part.
“The payment will vary depending on the popularity and strength of your blog but there is potential to earn up to $10 per post with an incentive to earn more!!”
Am I being too paranoid here? As I said, the ad was on a respected site and the advertiser would have had to have paid some money to place it there.
@ Marc – That’s a strategy to boost PR. The more sites pointing to your site, the more Google thinks you’re a good site, and your PR goes up. There’s also a double whammy, because your site talks about this site and points to it, so readers who land will have more of a tendency to put trust in the site.
They’re basically saying, “We’ll pay you to help us be popular.” They get sales, traffic, readers…
Kind of like a paid review to boost PR. It’s legit, but whether you feel it’s right or not depends on you. There are pros and cons.
Thanks James. That’s what I thought it was about.
Has anyone had any experience with this sort of strategy? I’m interested in learning more.
I think it is possible to earn a little money from these types of sites. I have been writing for the Examiner (ducking under a chair…) since Feb 3 and have made some actual money! I like it because I can post, and then spend several days looking for work and still earn revenue while I am not activly working on that site. But I am also new, so it is serving me well in that I am able to practice and get my juices flowing.
Marc,
I have written a couple of ads for this type of site – and they do pay. You have the option of writing the ad or not, and you post it on your blog.
I guess if you don’t mind the ads, it can help your blog produce more money. The ads are short – only about 150 words each.
Just quit my revenue sharing “content mill” position, thanks to this post.
Appreciate the advice and support for those of us who are just starting out.
This is to the posters who wanted to know how to “discourage” newbie writers from accepting low paying jobs. Well, as a newbie writer, I’m already pretty discouraged. It seems like there isn’t any decent work out there for people without a long list of paid experience, and no way to get that experience- the eternal catch-22 of the job hunt world. So we hope that at least taking a couple of these rock bottom jobs will let us flesh out our resumes a little, saying “See- someone paid me to work for them!” even if the payment is laughable.
I don’t know any alternative- I’d love to hear one.
I’m so glad you wrote this post. I love how you translated all of their “reasons” for not paying.
I just did a test article for ContentCurrent, not knowing how much they pay for a 500-word SEO article. Turns out it’s $6 a throw, and they puff their chest quite a bit about having editorial standards. Some days you want to be able to reach through the screen and just — bam! Slap em.
I am trying to break into writing about green technology. I’ve been an editor for federal publications (mainly environmental) for a number of years. I decided to build my portfolio by offering to write a set number of articles for free for a friend’s website. At least that way, I feel I am not feeding into the cheap article frenzy. But I’m not sure. Is this a good way to build a portfolio?
@Allison,
I just wanted to say I absolutely love your website. It’s funny, clever, and professional. Your personality really shines through. I’m a writer myself, but if I was looking for one…I’d hire you.
Also, that blows about ContentCurrent. That sort of thing has happened a few times to me. Now I won’t do anything until I get an answer about payment upfront. That way, if it’s something like $6/500 words, we can both just stop wasting each other’s time.
@Krista:
Thanks so much — your words really mean a lot! I certainly appreciate the smile on a cloudy Friday morning.
I was totally irritated about ContentCurrent. Not to mention that I did a free test article in order to qualify, whatever that means. I figure if we all just get through these tough times (and they WILL get better) we’ll know who to court and who to avoid like the devil.
Have a great weekend!
- A.
I’ve been a freelance writer for 18 years and have made a good living at it until now. I can’t tell you how discouraged I am about the current state of affairs. The economy is about to cost me a really great client and in trying to find new work, all I can find are ads for people wanting to pay 2 cents are word on a 500-word SEO article that they plan to run through software to ensure its originality! You all know the ones I mean. I am seriously rethinking my career. There is more need than ever before for content because of the Web, but for some inexplicable reason, no one wants to pay for it!
I am glad that i read your article about poeple not wanting to pay for your writing work. I am new to this business. I have been doing alot of research on the freelance writing market and have visitied this web site often. I was just on craigslist and 2 of the 3 job postings i saw for writers were “start – up” companies who said that they would start paying when business got going. this statement i think refers back to the comment you made about working for a restaurant for free because it is new! whats up with that! Do these people really get writers to work for free?
I have myself lost gigs to writers who would do write for half the amount I charge. It is frustrating.
They generally reply back with “They are not as good as you, but they are less expensive so we would prefer to keep you only for a ‘niche’”
and so i end up doing 2 articles a month instead of 20 articles. I have seriously considered lowering my prices instead of having to put in only a couple of hour’s work each day.
Thanks for the heads up. Yeah I see many of these ads. It’s as if writers are on the lower rung of the ladder.
I came across this post upon a recommendation from a e-mail blast. The post was written back in Feb of this year, and I hate to have to say this, but the situation for me has not improved within the last 6 months. I find listings for writers, contributors and bloggers for topics which I enjoy writing about, and offer no pay. I see the same type of “explanations” as you listed, Deb. I laughed at your translations, because that’s how I see their lousy excuses too. I am frustrated by these constant type of job ads, since they appear everywhere, including Ed2010, Craig’s List and other boards. I currently have a nonpaid internship, and I hate that I have to weed through ads that intrigue me until I come to the realization that they are not willing to pay for my work. I hope that these sites go out of business, and that writers looking for have a career will reject their offers and gain the respect they dserve.