Comments on: Fighting Words

By: Lori

Lori — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 15:40:00 +0000

Kirk, it’s just brutal out there.

I love the use of “deep embellishes” and “something fairly unique” to try masking the fact that this is theft. I don’t care how “extensive” your work is, you’re still starting with a piece that ISN’T YOURS.

By: Kirk Petersen

Kirk Petersen — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 02:55:00 +0000

So maybe I shouldn’t feel left out by all the jobs I’ve bid on and haven’t heard anything back? Sheesh.

By: Katharine Swan

Katharine Swan — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 19:30:00 +0000

Gabriella - hear, hear!!!

This kind of thing makes me so angry. Especially his response. As if another round of edits significantly changes the article. Whatever. And besides, if he's so interested on putting his own spin on it, why is he hiring writers? I know a lie when I smell one.

By: Lori

Lori — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 17:53:00 +0000

I can't tell from the name what gender, Anne.

Good point, Gabriella. Payment collection would be a problem!

Kathy, glad to see you around, hon. :)

By: Anne Wayman

Anne Wayman — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 15:18:00 +0000

yep, another scammer out there... sigh

glad you tried to educate him... it was a him, right? ;)

Anne Wayman

By: Gabriella F.

Gabriella F. — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:06:00 +0000

Note to all the doofuses who'd consider taking this kind of work:

If this person is this openly unethical at this stage of the game, do you think his ethics will improve when it comes to paying you?

This is just plain wrong, so let's get that out of the way first. But even if you're desparate and rationalizing taking on this kind of assignment for whatever silly reason, it's a bad business investment for writers! You will be left holding the bag legally and financially.

Oh, why do we have to keep explaining this to people?

By: Irreverent Freelancer

Irreverent Freelancer — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 13:41:00 +0000

I see ads like this all the time too. I'm a writer, not a plagiarizer, dang it!

Oh, and I've been kind of busy, what with work picking up and a weekend that was finally nice. However, I will be giving your Writers' Worth Day a shout-out as soon as I get a chance. I'm ALL over its intentions.

By: Lori

Lori — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 12:03:00 +0000

Eileen, look at the comment I added (just heard back from them). It’s an attempt to justify regurgitating someone else’s work. It’s still unethical and damn if it’s not illegal on some level.

By: Eileen Coale

Eileen Coale — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 12:01:00 +0000

Thanks for the link love, Lori. It boggles my mind that so many people think that changing a percentage of the words in an article makes it okay. How do they not get that it’s stealing? As for answering ads in general, even the honest ones, they’re such a cattle call. Usually you’re competing with dozens, if not hundreds, of other responders, most of whom are willing to work for peanuts.