Comments on: Rate Debate: Do Real Writers Actually Buy Into Low Rates?

By: Lori

Lori — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 12:33:15 +0000

Wendy, you rock. That's so true! Working from home means actual payment, not just work. Those who take these "jobs" are working for free. Oh sure, there's $3 involved, but that's less than your Aunt Edna would give you for your birthday.

By: Wendy

Wendy — Sat, 10 Oct 2009 12:36:26 +0000

I posted this on Michelle's blog, but I do want to mention it here.

I agree with what you said about taking the minimum-wage job if it's more than the project pays. But, I know some people that will choose to work for less than minimum wage just for one reason- to work from home.

It's great to work from home, but it shouldn't be used to justify taking the lower paying positions.

By: Lori

Lori — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 19:12:38 +0000

Give 'em hell, Michelle! (rhyme not intended, but kinda cool anyway) Good on you for educating folks via WD. The more we shout this from the rooftops, the more likely we won't suffer at the hands of the uninformed masses.

Devon, you could't be more right. My only hope is the content mill crowd doesn't denegrate our profession to the point where no one will offer us acceptable rates.

Jill, it's a very good question. Some people see these content mill jobs as a career move (huh? Are they kidding?). Some see them as supplemental income (I'd rather not supplement at that rate). Some are launching careers and when they search for jobs, guess what pops up?

It's a combination of people. Then there are those who think "Wow! I'm working as a writer!" Uh, no. You're being exploited by thieves.

By: Michelle Rafter

Michelle Rafter — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 17:23:06 +0000

Thanks Lori! If you liked the debate and want to know more about what content aggregators pay, check out my story in the Nov/Dec issue of Writer's Digest, which goes into more depth about who's out there and what they're paying.

Michelle Rafter

By: Jill

Jill — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:29:04 +0000

I just have a practical question: How does anyone make any kind of living doing these $3 or $20 jobs? You'd have to do 1,000(!) of the $20 jobs--three almost every day!--just to make $20,000 (pre-tax).

Or are these jobs being taken by people who are otherwise employed but are trying to launch freelance writing careers?

I just had to ask... I've seen a lot of discussion about this, but it hasn't yet affected me (I am an editor).

By: Devon Ellington

Devon Ellington — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 14:23:42 +0000

I've said it before and I'll say it again -- if you're good enough to earn a decent living writing, you do so. If you're not, you work for a mill content site.

The clients get what they pay for. Period.