The problem is that it's not easy for new writers to ignore ads like these. Unfortunately many don't realize that the best gigs are rarely advertised. They spend (if not waste) a lot of time responding to ads just like this one. So it's less an issue of it being generally offensive and more a matter of helping new writers understand that they don't have to put up with disrespect, whether that comes from a prospect's ignorance or arrogance. And even if we choose not to be personally offended by it, accusing someone of being a potential plagiarizer before you even speak to them is, at the very least, disrespectful.

That's why I'm so glad Lori does this series. Newer writers often have a tougher time finding examples of better markets than what they find on job boards. So I think it's helpful for them to see examples of worrying ads where prospects don't seem to respect them as professionals and have those alongside examples of better options they might have been unaware of. Unfortunately you can tell a lot about a potential client and what a working relationship might be like with them from the way they advertise their gigs. This is just an example that sounded a warning bell for me which is why I didn't promote it and instead forwarded it to Lori. 🙂

For me, it was the expectation that the writer would have specialized experience for just $50 that bothers me. Add in SEO "expectations" and the Copyscape mention and it's all rather insulting to me. If I were new to the biz, $50 a post wouldn't be bad. However, the idea that I have to have a specific kind of background AND not be trusted to bring them new stuff speaks to a larger problem.

Not saying some writers don't create that kind of problem. I know self-appointed professionals who actually promote rewriting/revising instead of what they should be doing, which is creating something new.

you know, I didn't find the ad offensive so much as ignorant… and I truly don't mind if someone wants to take the time to run whatever I write for them through copyscape… nor do I mind them telling me in advance… it's a total non issue for me.

And although I find the way they state their price surprising, at least it's clear – $50 per post period.

Gracious it's not, but it don't offend me the way it seems to offend you… it's so easy to ignore the ads I don't like.

Amen to that, Ashley!

Gabriella (Heather, ha!), glad you found it. I was going to mention it on Facebook, but I knew you'd be around. 🙂

I mentioned last time you did this–I love these "This Job, Not That Job" posts. They make the case so well.

In this case, anybody who tells me they're checking for plagiarism is, like Lori said, waving a red flag that their utter cheapness has led them exactly where we know it will lead them. And then they're surprised. We're not.

Keep these posts coming, Lori. Fantastic stuff.–Heather 🙂