What’s on the iPod: Yes, I Would by Frightened Rabbit
Got a good deal of work out off the desk yesterday, which feels good. I can actually invoice a respectable amount this month. I did have a wrangling with PayPal. Just try holding a joint account with someone while you have another account, and then try transferring your money into that other account. Not without six forms of ID, none of which appear to be acceptable to PayPal. The messages kept flashing: “This information is already being used in another account.” Much of those messages were hogwash – I have one PayPal account with one bank account and no credit cards attached.
Still not loving how much technology improves my life, I called my bank. I still don’t have my money, but I’m promised a password from my bank. Lucky me. That gets me into an account that I may not be able to link to PayPal. And thank you, PayPal, for charging me for everything imaginable. A charge to verify my credit card account? Seriously? They must not have enough money.
Yesterday’s post drew a comment from Samantha, who asked my take on a content farmer (or lackey, as I put it), especially one with such a strong research background as she had. My take – you’re underemployed. Even with a lower cost of living in Peru (it must be awfully low!), you can and should do better.
Here’s how. Start looking at each gig you have with a more objective eye.
So in the spirit of helping a sister out, I’m bringing back the This Job Not That Job worthy tip of the week. Samantha, this one’s for you.
Let’s look at an ad I found:
“volunteer writings needed to help empower women (world wide)
My organization will be starting a free online magazine this year in June. The magazine will encourage and empower females in all areas
such as
inspirational writings
health
fashion
physical
finacial
The purpose of this magazine is to empower females with confidence in themselves. If you are able to volunteer in writing an article in any of theses areas please contact me with your name what areas you are interested in and a breif description of your self.
This is not a paid position it is volunteer worked. The magazine will be available for free online worldwide to all females
•Compensation: no pay”
It must be tough work to empower women. So tough, in fact, this person can’t pay. While charity is a lovely thing, it does not translate into a writing gig. And that’s precisely where this ad was posted – in the Writing Gigs section of Craig’s List.
And either this person is an ee cummings wanna-be or has no concept of sentence structure. I’m betting the latter. It’s pretty tough work, as I said before. There’s no time to put the periods on the ends of the sentences, even. Or Spell Check. That’s a tough icon to find these days.
Instead, try this:
“SELF Magazine
Self-confidence, self-assurance, and a healthy, happy lifestyle are pivotal to Self readers. This healthy lifestyle magazine delivers by addressing real-life issues from the inside out, with unparalleled energy and authority. From beauty, fitness, health and nutrition to personal style, finance, and happiness, the path to total well-being begins with Self. Monthly magazine for women ages 20-45.
1,500-5,000 words – Pays $1-2/word”
You’re getting paid a fabulous rate. And yet you’re empowering women. Wow, maybe it’s not so tough after all?
What’s the worst you’ve seen lately?
11 responses to “Worthy Tip: This Job, Not That Job”
Lori, with your response from the last post and this new post directed to me, I just can't thank you enough for your encouragement. I know I'm worth more, but the transition from content farms to clients is intimidating. Thanks for giving me a push in the right direction and for these great tips, so I can be a discerning job hunter! =)
Samantha, it's obvious to me that you're ready. You're well above your current situation. 🙂
Give a look through the past blog posts on this topic. It may help you find alternatives. And make sure you read the post titled Confessions of an Ex-Mill Writer. Wendy tells how she got out. You can do it! 🙂
Go Samantha!
Anybody who has your research skills and determination should be making MUCH more than content mills offer. Believe in yourself, and don't quit pitching ideas. You'll fine someone who'll let you in the door, and then you'll be off!
Lori, as for the worst I've seen, I think I explained that recently I had to turn down a book project because the editor offered $.10 a word. She said, "Yeah, people complain, but it's just what writers are paid these days."
Sorry, but if you don't value your writers, that says a lot. I'll pass!
sometimes it's nice to remind those cheapskates that in the end they really do get what they [don't] pay for.
[it might look like i, too, am e.e. cummings, but i'm using punctuation. and it's because my shift key isn't working.]
I'm pretty confident the author of that ad meant to use "impoverish," not "empower."
Ah, Jake! That explains it. Typo! LOL
Paula, you may refer to yourself in the lower case, but you are a capital person (stolen from Russell Hoban).
Gabriella, you did mention that. Just nuts, isn't it?
Samantha, it is intimidating. I hear you there. But, ads like the first one, can "empower" us to keep on walking-straight to ads like the 2nd one.
Lori, I don't think this example is the worst, but it annoyed me. Recently, I saw an ad for Professional Resume Writers. They were looking to hire for "all shifts". Shifts? Really? Makes me think of the factory plant I used to work some overnight shifts on. It might be just me, but I don't think Professional Resume Writers and shifts should be associated together.
Quick note (and sorry if someone else already mentioned it): Paypal doesn't charge you for verification. They just do what a lot of companies do — they issue a small charge to prove the card is valid and then they refund the amount back to your account (either your Paypal account or CC — not sure which in their case). Pretty common practice.
Thanks, Jenn. I totally misunderstood the charge. 🙂
Oh you're right, Wendy. It's not the worst. It may qualify for the worst spelled, but it doesn't expect writers to be on call 24/7 or work midnight to seven am.
Amazing how some people don't understand that "free" in "freelance" means free from restrictive hours.
A note on SELF magazine — their tone is very specific, so if you pitch to them, make sure you read a few of the articles. I have not written for them, but the people I know who have had a good experience there, especially under the current editor.
Wow!! Thank you everyone, especially Gabriella and Wendy, for your encouragement! I applied to 5 clients yesterday and will try magazines today. Lori, I found your guest posts on query letters and I'll review Wendy's post on being an ex-mill writer! Thank you so much for the resources and energy!! =)
Sam