Things That Bug Me, Part One:
I saw one of those ads again today–the ads that beg good writers to check out their website, join, and bid on projects. Being the curious journalist, I looked. The jobs were certainly legitimate, so I looked a little further. Alas, the catch. The site is one of those “bidding war” sites where “writers” bid on projects and those bids are out there for the world to see. What’s worse is how easy it is to be under-bid.
Here’s a sample project:
“Article writer needed. Various subjects. Short articles, quick payment. Bring your experience to work for us!”
Sample bids:
“I can do each article for $4.”
“I can do FIVE articles for $4!”
“Wait, I’ll do them ALL for $4!”
I’m exaggerating, right? I wish. Are these people kidding? Four dollars for hours of your time? And if the last person can write what amounts to an endless supply of articles for $4, just how good (or factual) will those articles be?
It irks me to see sites like this. It irks me because it mocks my profession. Sleazy people get tons of work out of unnecessarily desperate people. It’s a sick triangle–sleaze, work, desperation. I cannot believe anyone wins in this scenario.
Yet there were more than enough bids. I’d love to be looking over the shoulder of the person who paid four bucks for an article. My guess is the work submitted will be worth just about what that person paid for it. That’s if there’s any justice in the world.
I can tell you I’ve worked for nearly 15 years at some form of freelancing. Never have I been paid less than $50. Never EVER have I worked for exposure (only nudists need to work that way). I work for a fair wage. My clients pay it without complaint because they know they’re investing in quality writing. I won’t apologize for my fee nor will I apologize for expecting to earn a living at a craft in which I have experience and skill. I will charge what’s fair–no more, no less. And I will continue to be bugged by others who think they need to sell themselves short in order to get their big break. I pray someday they realize the only way they’re breaking in is if they value themselves much more than they do now.
You’re absolutely right. It’s one thing to agree to do a pro bono for something or someone in whom you believe; it’s quite another to make a mockery of a profession by doing 5 articles for $4.
These people are paraphrasing the work of real writers. Oh, well, I will be standing when these bottom-feeders are long gone and the pathetic types who think this is all the work they can get or deserve are back in “real” jobs.
You know, they say there are low-paying jobs “Americans” won’t take–this is arguable, but if it’s true, why doesn’t it apply in our profession?
I know, Star. It’s amazing that plagiarism goes for so little these days. I can’t stand it. If I’m working for you, you’re getting my best, not a rehashing of someone else’s best. That’s called theft.