Some days I think I’ve seen it all. I’ve seen the shittiest job postings, worked with some of the more “out there” people, watched writers help their own careers implode ….
But this? This job posting is one of those “Did that just happen?” moments.
Thanks to Devon Ellington, who was insulted enough to send this over. She’s right to be insulted — this job poster sets the bar low right at the start.
That’s right — it’s time for yet another installment of This Job, Not That Job.
I run multiple blogs and I’m looking for cheap writers for one of them.
This particular blog will need a lot of content and at the moment we need someone to write 5-10 articles a week and articles will range from 500 – 1500 words. So, this is full time.
We already have writers on our team who do all the authority articles so this will be supporting content.
You would write the articles, optimize them and publish them on the blog once I approve them
You would be required to…
- Have experience in on page SEO.
- Have the ability to write amazing natural authentic content.
- You would need to be in full control and have an understanding of content creation.
- Be able to do articles including optimized images where needed.
- Be able to create english content
- be able to research and fine topics to write about
- You MUST be a professional blogger
- You MUST stick to editorial rules
- You MUST have an understanding of SEO
Please send your information, examples and price when applying.
If you don’t add a price we wont reply sorry.
Thanks
Here’s the thing — the job poster may in fact pay a fairly decent rate. However, I’m not inclined to care. The first line — the freaking first line — says all anyone needs to know about who this person is. “….I’m looking for cheap writers….”
You’re never getting what you’re worth here.
You’re never getting respect here.
You’re never getting anywhere above the bottom rung.
Welcome to the Basement. Hope you weren’t expecting much.
Moreover, let’s look at a few of these requirements, shall we?
This particular blog will need a lot of content and at the moment we need someone to write 5-10 articles a week and articles will range from 500 – 1500 words.
That’s a lot of content. So you’re now working, content-mill style, for someone who has already set the pay rate at “cheap.”
So, this is full time.
But don’t you think for one second you’re getting any benefits out of this. Instead, you’re being sold a job where you’re probably not getting minimum wage, not getting benefits, are getting the same working conditions as an indentured servant.
You would write the articles, optimize them and publish them on the blog once I approve them
Meaning you’re now this guy’s social media support staff.
And you’re not getting extra for it.
And just look at those requirements — you MUST MUST MUST be an absolute expert in all things that he’s not going to compensate you fairly for.
I can’t even go on. Each bullet point pisses me off even more.
Try something like this instead:
Buzzfeed
Looking for longform pieces about out-of-the ordinary topics.
Pays: Rumored at $1,500 per piece
You get to work with a professional editorial team that encourages your creativity. What you don’t get — insulted.
Writers, what’s the worst you’ve seen lately?
Would you have responded to the first ad without knowing the pay rate?
How would you advise other writers who come across these kinds of postings?
9 responses to “This Job, Not That Job”
If. If I were sticking my toe in the freelance-writing water and I read that posting without your commentary and context, Lori, I would be done. And applying for the next traditional-employment job I could find. Thank you for helping us avoid the If.
Oh, thank all the diligent freelancers who alert me to these, Ranee!
You’re right — job “offers” like these are demoralizing. They also set a dangerous tone in a new freelancer’s mind. What if that message — the one that said “You need to be cheap” — is what a new writer takes away from these ads? What if these things instills the feeling that a writer can’t be picky or expect to call the shots in their own business?
That’s why I present these. I can’t stand the thought that any writer would think these ads represent the best there is to freelancing.
What if, indeed? Thanks again for presenting the, ahem, gems other freelance writers bring to you. It really is a great service.
Given the glaring typos, I doubt the person who posted this has half the skill he (yep, I’m assuming it’s a guy) demands of his “cheap writers,” yet they need his approval.
Hard pass.
Paula, there’s the underlying problem most of these ads have. The people doing the vetting, demanding, and editing are nowhere near skilled enough to be overseeing such things.
The difference between that and any normal client/writer relationship, from my perspective, is that normal clients wouldn’t insult a writer by expecting them to act like employees.
That’s almost too ridiculous to be insulting. Almost.
Almost. Exactly!
I keep sending you the crap that’s the worst + I keep finding more.
It’s maddening, isn’t it?