Yes, try Media Bistro. Don't expect huge amounts of job postings, and do expect to still see some pretty lousy jobs, but the caliber is a little better.

I'm going to suggest something completely different – you already write articles. Why not write for legitimate magazines? Yes, you'll have to put time into learning how to query and actually researching some publications (not that tough, really), but it pays off exponentially.

I have lots of posts here on how to both market yourself and write queries (use the search box at the top or the Labels to the left to find them). And ask questions! Happy to answer what I can.

I look at phrases like "easy money" and "getting by" as lazy statements. If you're into easy, get a 9-to-5 and let someone else sweat the marketing. If you're getting by, then you're not really doing your best or being very successful, are you?

Jake, we'll always be browbeating to get them to understand. 🙂 You said it best – the joy is indeed found in doing something you're good at and earning a respectable living at it.

I interviewed a very successful professional speaker for a magazine article last week, and we got on the topic of "selling out." I couldn't work his quote into the article, so I'll share it here: "When I was a comedian and talk show host, and went over to game shows, I had compatriots that said that was selling out. Well, then you won't be competing against me. I have a family to support, and I'll have more exposure, and I'll rise above the format. It worked out exactly that way. It wasn't selling out at all, it was staying employed. Why would you let your 'art' override reality?"

I write because it's what I'm good at, but to me the business part of it–including getting paid well–is where the joy is found. The browbeating will continue until business acumen improves!

Isn't it amazing how some people try to defend their support of these sites with the 'Easy way to make money' argument? That, coupled with the 'I don't have to do much work' statements only supports the fact that they just don't want to market themselves. I have a lot of respect for someone who can just be honest instead of trying some of the tired old arguments that we've heard time and time again. No job is that easy to do while you sit back and hardly lift a finger. At least no job that you make the money they state they make.

I could go on and on about this, but I'm just too tired. Kudos to Kathy for holding her own while being blessed with some of the most interesting comments on that post. Especially the ones that apparently didn't read the post through.

Valerie, exactly. Lack of empowerment. This person's comments scream of "I don't think I can do better, so I'll stay in this comfy place for a while and squeak by." The things we could do if we'd just try, right?

The whole thing with such adamant responses from content-mill writers is that I think they have the impression we who do this "the hard way" are looking down on them. And here's the thing – we're looking down on them STAYING in these awful situations. We wouldn't give one damn if they didn't have the talent and ability to do better. And hey, as Devon's said before, some of them don't.

My goal here has always been to cajole, beg, and browbeat people into understanding their value as skilled writers. Taking a job – and staying in a job – that devalues your talents is not a writing job. It's serfdom.