This Job, Not That Job

What’s on the iPod: Nothing. I’m fishing.

As I spend this week tormenting Canadian fish, I wanted to leave behind a few things for you all to discuss. And anytime I want a good laugh, I just head to Craig’s List and look at the job ads.

That’s not to say all the ads suck, but let’s just say it’s become a breeding ground for the truly awful. This one stands out if only for the unique spin they’ve put on having you work for nothing:

Looking for Bloggers!

We are looking for bloggers to ad content to our website. We will get your work out there, and gain a dedicated group of followers for your blog in exchange for the right to post your content on our site.

Please don’t hesitate and contact me today!

I just bet you’re looking for bloggers. What’s offensive about this (besides every syllable) is its placement — in the jobs section. It’s not a job — it’s serfdom. 

So let’s go on to those syllables:

“We’re looking for bloggers to ad content to our website.”
First, it’s “add” so right away, we know the standards are pretty low. Also, any time the words “we” and “our” come into play, I think of a company. Companies hire employees. They pay those employees. So why isn’t this one paying?

This is why — they’ve found what they think is a great trade.

“We will get your work out there, and gain a dedicated group of followers for your blog in exchange for the right to post your content on our site.”

Alas, there’s plenty wrong with that sentence. Let’s break it down.

“We’ll get your work out there” — who are “we” exactly? Why your work and not theirs? And where is this mythical “out there”?

They go on: “…and gain a dedicated group of followers” — okay, since this is a relative unknown (it is, trust me), are they bringing in the followers or are you? And how can they promised “dedicated followers”? Are they counting themselves?

More: “…for your blog” — Okay, back the truck up. What does your blog have to do with this? At all? Are you expected to link to their blog? Are you expected to promote their blog on your blog? What gives?

And still more: “…..in exchange for the right to post your content on our site.” Soooo much wrong with this. First off, it’s not a “right” they’re entitled to. Also, posting your content should be done thoughtfully. Who are these people? Do you know? No? Then why agree to post on their site? What if they do something completely newsworthy (in a bad way) and bring you down with them?

“Please don’t hesitate to contact me today!” — Now it’s “me.” Clearly, someone is being shady about the person or people behind this endeavor. And I’m hesitating — big time.

Okay, now that we’ve seen just how bad bad can be, let’s look at a much better offer. This one comes via Jenn Mattern’s excellent list on her All Indie Writers site:

Guest Posts Wanted. $100 per article.