$2 articles? I don't get it.

15 years ago

Cost of living from country to country varies.

$5 here in Canada does a lot less further then the Philippines or other countries.

Example food for 21 people costed me $17.00 in the Philipine, it would have been $150 here in Canada.

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CurtisN

15 years ago

Well, if you can write 2-3 articles per hour, that's probably more than minimum wage.

Also, many writers come from countries where it is cheaper to live. For instance, the $500/month you pay to your VA might seem ridiculous to you, but it might represent a decent income for them.

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howinfo

15 years ago

It could be a promotional offer at some sort and it is probably not sustainable in long term.

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David Jackson

15 years ago

Originally Posted by howinfo

It could be a promotional offer at some sort and it is probably not sustainable in long term.

The problem with that is when you start out with such low pricing standards, you're putting yourself in a proverbial box. Customers are going to expect those kinds of prices all the time. It makes it virtually impossible to raise your prices.

And if you don't meet their pricing expectations, they'll find another bargain-basement writer who will.

David Jackson

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Adam Nolan

15 years ago

Originally Posted by David Jackson

The problem with that is when you start out with such low pricing standards, you're putting yourself in a proverbial box. Customers are going to expect those kinds of prices all the time. It makes it virtually impossible to raise your prices.

And if you don't meet their pricing expectations, they'll find another bargain-basement writer who will.

David Jackson

Nah it doesn't... I started out my companies services rates at $400 a month... we're now up to $2500 a month.

Nobody has had any problems with it. Old customers are grandfathered, new customers still see a ton of value.

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Alexa Smith

Banned 15 years ago

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JackPowers

15 years ago

Originally Posted by Alexa Smith

Oooh, someone else who understands!!

As a writer, one competes in the markets in which one chooses to compete.

The idea some writers have of "starting off with low prices to get some work by being competitive on price, and then increasing prices later" is just a fundamentally flawed and inappropriate business model. Their writing skills may be excellent ("she said tactfully") but their marketing skills are close to zero, and if you want to make a living by writing for people, it's not enough to have writing skills: you need to be able to market them, too.

Maybe 1 one 100 of those people who call themselves writers actually like to write.

If I am going to hire a 'writer' then I want someone who genuinly loves to write, not just someone who does it for a quick buck.

Then again, it's not easy to find real writers who work for IM pay.

Most of the time, if I need something written I will specifically look for someone who has a personal interest in the topic, even if their experience is lesser.

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David Jackson

15 years ago

Originally Posted by Alexa Smith

The idea some writers have of "starting off with low prices to get some work by being competitive on price, and then increasing prices later" is just a fundamentally flawed and inappropriate business model. Their writing skills may be excellent ("she said tactfully") but their marketing skills are close to zero, and if you want to make a living by writing for people, it's not enough to have writing skills: you need to be able to market them, too.

Alexa, you make an excellent point, in regards to the marketing aspect. These people are unwittingly branding themselves as the "$2 article guy or gal."

Once you brand yourself a certain way, in people's minds, you become that brand, be it positive or negative.

David Jackson

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helicopterplt 14 years ago

From what I have seen on freelancing sites there seems to be alot of writers who are from countries where 2 dollars is alot of money ...for example the average wage in Costa Rica is 1.50 an hour.
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Mukul Verma

15 years ago

I got a full time, it works to over a buck each. It is very normal.

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mukul

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WritingMadwoman

15 years ago

I agree it's usually a regional thing, but not always. Sometimes new writers don't believe they can command higher rates so they'll start off with a crazy low price and then raise their prices later.

And finally, some "writers" really shouldn't charge more than that for the nonsense they spew.

Wendy

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Craig McPherson

15 years ago

Originally Posted by WritingMadwoman

And finally, some "writers" really shouldn't charge more than that for the nonsense they spew.

Wendy,

Usually I would agree with you but this past month I have used 2 guys from here that charge $3 an article and I am super impressed with the end results. Both fellas reside in the States, both gave me quality articles.

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David Jackson

15 years ago

Originally Posted by Craig McPherson

This past month I have used 2 guys from here that charge $3 an article and I am super impressed with the end results. Both fellas reside in the States, both gave me quality articles.

"Quality" is a matter of opinion. That being said, if you're happy with the articles...

David Jackson

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Craig McPherson 15 years ago

Originally Posted by David Jackson

"Quality" is a matter of opinion.

Then you wrote

Originally Posted by David Jackson

So apparently, some people are fine with the quality of the articles...or lack of quality.

Luckily, opinions mean diddlysquat as opposed to fact and the facts say that my $3 articles are ranking beautifully and pulling in visitors.

Me, I tend to concern myself with issues that I can control. The rest is just fluff
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WritingMadwoman

15 years ago

Craig, absolutely there are exceptions. I wasn't referring to people who actually have writing skills but charge lower rates, just those people who think they have writing skills but don't do much more than string words together to form sentences...if you could even call them that.

Wendy

Originally Posted by Craig McPherson

Wendy,

Usually I would agree with you but this past month I have used 2 guys from here that charge $3 an article and I am super impressed with the end results. Both fellas reside in the States, both gave me quality articles.

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batchos

15 years ago

Originally Posted by WritingMadwoman

I agree it's usually a regional thing, but not always. Sometimes new writers don't believe they can command higher rates so they'll start off with a crazy low price and then raise their prices later.

And finally, some "writers" really shouldn't charge more than that for the nonsense they spew.

Wendy

Lol, so true. It even applies to some who charge higher rates.

@OP
The shirt on your back probably costs $2 to make but you prefer to pay $125 for it. Do you see a difference?

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Bryan Zimmerman

15 years ago

Originally Posted by David Jackson

I'm a member of several small business forums, and I constantly see writers offering to write articles for as little as $2 or $5. I was recently visiting another forum, and a woman was offering to write press releases for only $5. That's not even minimum wage. Are you kidding me?
David Jackson

What if she can do 3 or 4 in an hour? Or, what if she has a whole team of people that she has trained from countries like the Philippines and is just playing middle man? That can be quite a bit more than minimum wage. Hell, the guy that runs 99cent articles makes a ton of money from doing just that.

Some people do it to get their name out there and their service rolling. Once they get a good set of clients that are happy with their work, they raise their prices. For someone who needs money quickly, writing content for others may just be the fastest way to get it.

There's a million different reasons why someone may do it, but if it works for them then who cares?

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BrandonMay

15 years ago

I think there are many reasons why writers put such a low price on an article. Here are my thoughts:

1. They are just starting out with article writing. So, they can gain experience and get a little money for their work.

2. They don't have a sense of what good writing is. I think one reply hit it on the head with this one. Some "writers" just put together words and will charge $2-5 for that article, which is way more than it deserves.

3. They don't place value or importance on their work. Some feel that many people won't go to them for service if they put a proper price on their articles. So, they undervalue themselves and their writing abilities or capabilities.

4. They are writing more articles every hour, thus making minimal wage. I got this idea from another reply here. Perhaps they are writing more than one article a day. Perhaps even 2 every hour. At $5 an article, they could be making minimum wage, or just about.

Those are my suspicions.

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David Jackson

15 years ago

Originally Posted by BrandonMay

They don't have a sense of what good writing is. Some "writers" just put together words and will charge $2-5 for that article, which is way more than it deserves.

And therein lies the problem. If someone buys an article for $2, they can't seriously be expecting quality work.

David Jackson

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David Jackson

15 years ago

Originally Posted by Bryan Zimmerman

The guy that runs 99cent articles makes a ton of money from doing just that.

Have you ever ordered a 99 cents article?

David Jackson

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Bryan Zimmerman

15 years ago

Originally Posted by David Jackson

Have you ever ordered a 99 cents article?

David Jackson

Yea, I've actually ordered quite a few. They were a lot better than I was expecting to be honest. They did what I needed them to do.

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David Jackson 15 years ago

Originally Posted by Bryan Zimmerman

Yea, I've actually ordered quite a few. They did what I needed them to do.

If they served their purpose in your eyes, I can respect that.

David Jackson
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JackPowers

15 years ago

Originally Posted by Bryan Zimmerman

Yea, I've actually ordered quite a few. They were a lot better than I was expecting to be honest. They did what I needed them to do.

They are decent, but quite frankly too expensive even at $7 or so. I don't think the quality is good enough to command that price.

It's clearly just Ezinearticles rewrites.

These kind of articles can only be used for SEO purposes, so I would rather just buy some PLR's and either rewrite myself or pay someone to do it.

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David Jackson

15 years ago

Originally Posted by JackPowers

They are decent, but quite frankly too expensive even at $7 or so. I don't think the quality is good enough to command that price.

It's clearly just Ezinearticles rewrites.

These kind of articles can only be used for SEO purposes, so I would rather just buy some PLR's and either rewrite myself or pay someone to do it.

That's a very valid point, Jack.

David Jackson

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Bryan Zimmerman

15 years ago

Originally Posted by JackPowers

They are decent, but quite frankly too expensive even at $7 or so. I don't think the quality is good enough to command that price.

It's clearly just Ezinearticles rewrites.

These kind of articles can only be used for SEO purposes, so I would rather just buy some PLR's and either rewrite myself or pay someone to do it.

I agree the $7 price tag would be way to much, but trust me, I've never paid that much for one of them

Never paid more than the 2.50.

And your right with what the purpose of them are. Didn't think it was too hard to figure out

I'd just rather spend the 2.50 for someone else to write it or rewrite it for me so I can spend time on other things.

I learned a good while ago to spend your time on the things that bring you the most money and outsource everything else.

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David Jackson 15 years ago

Originally Posted by Bryan Zimmerman

I learned a good while ago to spend your time on the things that bring you the most money and outsource everything else.

If you're satisfied with $2 articles and you're happy with the amount of money you're making, more power to you!

David Jackson
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stephfoster

15 years ago

I know a lot of work at home moms don't realize how valuable their skills are. It's easy to underprice yourself when so many people say that you aren't running a real business or that you'll never make it. Becomes rather a self fulfilling prophecy when they realize it's not worth the trouble for the money they're earning. Or they think it's a way to get started building a portfolio.

Others are certainly in countries where that's not a bad pay rate.

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David Jackson 15 years ago

Originally Posted by stephfoster

It's not worth the trouble for the money they're earning.

No, it's not worth the trouble. That's the main reason I started this thread. If I can get one person to say to herself, "Hey, my time and talent is worth a heluva lot more than $2." This thread will have served its purpose.

David Jackson
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sqnwk

15 years ago

Its basically a race to zero, I wonder how the quality is though?

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petr_ind

15 years ago

Because the competition is too fierce.
If you set up too expensive, nobody will hire him/her.
For that 2 -5$ for article, in my country can for eat for 2-3 times.
So the people who need money will prefer to offer cheap works to get it, rights?
Beside that, sometime the buyer also from low GDP country too, so they bargain cheap too

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David Jackson

15 years ago

Originally Posted by petr_ind

Because the competition is too fierce.
If you set up too expensive, nobody will hire him/her.

That's just a convenient excuse. I no longer accept writing projects because I'm so busy. But when I was accepting writing projects, my minimum fee for writing a single article was $125. And my clients paid my fee without hesitation.

If you place a premium on your time and talent, then others will as well. And if you don't...well, others won't either.

David Jackson

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cindybidar 15 years ago

Originally Posted by David Jackson

If you place a premium on your time and talent, then others will as well. And if you don't...well, others won't either.

David Jackson

Well said.

Too many people feel they have to keep lowering their rates to compete with the $5 and under crowd, when in reality they're sending the message that they're not worth a decent price.

And as for "writing" three or four articles per hour? As I've said before, typing is not writing.
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Tinkerbell

15 years ago

Originally Posted by David Jackson

... I no longer accept writing projects because I'm so busy. But when I was accepting writing projects, my minimum fee for writing a single article was $125. And my clients paid my fee without hesitation.

If you place a premium on your time and talent, then others will as well. And if you don't...well, others won't either.

David Jackson

Hey David, since you're too busy now to accept writing projects, go ahead and send your $125 per article clients over to me. I won't mind.

Tina

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David Jackson 15 years ago

Originally Posted by Tinkerbell

Hey David, since you're too busy now to accept writing projects, go ahead and send your $125 per article clients over to me. I won't mind.

Sorry, Tina. I promised the overflow to my sister, who's a very talented writer in her own right. You know how it is...blood being thicker than water and all.

David Jackson
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ARVolund

15 years ago

Honestly a lot of people do not need $125 articles. If I am putting up a little niche site with 2k words worth of content that is going to make $75-$100 a month I am not going to spend $500 to get somebody to write it for me. The ROI is just not there.

Now if I was getting content for a bigger project then spending the extra money for the better quality may well be worth it. That extra quality will probably make a large enough difference in how money is made to make it worthwhile.

I doubt most people spending $5-$10 on getting articles written for them know exactly what they are getting, I know I do.

Richard

Originally Posted by David Jackson

That's just a convenient excuse. I no longer accept writing projects because I'm so busy. But when I was accepting writing projects, my minimum fee for writing a single article was $125. And my clients paid my fee without hesitation.

If you place a premium on your time and talent, then others will as well. And if you don't...well, others won't either.

David Jackson

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David Jackson

15 years ago

Originally Posted by Authem

Well personally think they've been written previously & they wanna get more costumers when they write they spin them also sell to others.

I've also heard complaints that the articles are often reconstituted, and in some cases stolen from other people's websites. I'm not making accusations against anyone here, but that's what I've heard.

David Jackson

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Bryan Zimmerman

15 years ago

Originally Posted by Authem

Well personally think they've been written previously & they wanna get more costumers when they write they spin them also sell to others.

I've also heard complaints that the articles are often reconstituted, and in some cases stolen from other people's websites. I'm not making accusations against anyone here, but that's what I've heard.

David Jackson

Where did that post you just quoted come from? I didn't see it in the thread anywhere

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Authem Banned 15 years ago

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- FredJones 15 years ago
  
  Personally, when I used to write articles earlier in my IM career (not much long back - I have been in IM for around 16 months now in all, so imagine how much in history can I go back anyway !!), I would write around 500 words per 20 minutes. At $1 per 50 words, I would make $30 per hour. So it was still a good income in India if I worked 2 hours a day on article writing.
  
  I am from urban India. Now, if you go to rural India, living is less than half expensive as in my current city. So I could imagine how happy many people would be by $30 a day in such places - they would be semi-rich !! How? By charging $5 per article, 6 articles (2 hours a day) - with 22 free hours every day. Gosh !!
  
  So all I am trying to say is that, the same monetary numbers have different impacts in different parts of the world - andd different impacts in different parts of even the same country.
  
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CDarklock

15 years ago

Originally Posted by David Jackson

The question is why? Why do some marketers place so little value on their time and talent?

Because they have much of the first and little of the second.

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dougp 15 years ago

Originally Posted by CDarklock

Because they have much of the first and little of the second.

I'm pretty sure its because they are hurting for money themselves. The first thing that I hear out of many beginning outsourcers is that they are "on a tight budget." I think before outsourcing, people should learn how to fuel their business better through sublime marketing.
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batchos 15 years ago

Originally Posted by CDarklock

Because they have much of the first and little of the second.

You have made a good point CD.
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Eric Lorence

15 years ago

Because the articles are garbage ... that's all to know.

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David Jackson 15 years ago

Originally Posted by Eric Lorence

Because the articles are garbage ... that's all to know.

Eric, it sounds like you have first-hand experience with $2 articles.

David Jackson
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- Shaunman 15 years ago
  
  Why do you think places like India are taking away jobs in the U.S.? Because if you pay a worker in the U.S. $3/hour they will quit. You pay a worker $3/hour in the Phillipines they can lead a very comfortable lifestyle and still have a ton of extra spending money.
  
  Sorry but freelancers in the U.S. will eventually have to find a way to compete or somehow make their articles worth paying $20 for.
  
  It could also be low self esteem. People writing for pennies just because they don't believe anyone will pay them any more.
  
  As for people like me who own websites being able to buy content for pennies is very nice.
  
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  David Jackson 15 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by Shaunman
  
  It could also be low self esteem. People writing for pennies just because they don't believe anyone will pay them any more.
  
  Like I said, If you place a premium on your time and talent, then others will as well. And if you don't...well, others won't either.
  
  David Jackson
  
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- Eric Lorence 15 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by David Jackson
  
  Eric, it sounds like you have first-hand experience with $2 articles.
  
  David Jackson
  
  Doesn't "sound" like anything, just your uninformed assumption.
  
  While I don't usually respond to multi-year accounts with half their posts in one thread - I will still ask ... what exactly is it your discussing?
  
  I see about 20 1 line posts either defending $2 dollar articles, and then advocating against them ... what is it?
  
  Anyway, the main problem I have with $2 articles is not some poor shmo working in a third world tech sweatshop to make a living.
  
  I have yet to see any decent $2-3 dollar article that wasn't stolen from somewhere else, sold from a PLR pack, and saturating the SERP's already.
  
  As I said - just garbage.
  
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  David Jackson 15 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by Eric Lorence
  
  While I don't usually respond to multi-year accounts with half their posts in one thread...
  
  Well, then, don't start now. Move on...
  
  David Jackson
  
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affilorama-portal

15 years ago

In most cases, though, you get exactly what you pay for when you opt for low-priced articles. Even the "good" ones are not really worth reading, if you bother going through them. Quality articles take time and effort, there's the brainstorming and the research and the actual writing, and TALENT.

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David Jackson

15 years ago

Originally Posted by affilorama-portal

In most cases, though, you get exactly what you pay for when you opt for low-priced articles. Even the "good" ones are not really worth reading, if you bother going through them. Quality articles take time and effort, there's the brainstorming and the research and the actual writing, and TALENT.

Fara, I couldn't agree more.

David Jackson

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dougp

15 years ago

Originally Posted by ArizonaLandForSale

Possibly for a link?

Why wasn't I surprised to see someone asking this...

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Yoseph101

15 years ago

Personally, I'm going to write articles at a fairly low price so I can gain some experience and testimonials. Hopefully people will be enticed by my price and then they'll be pleased with my writing. Then I can use their feedback to convince other warriors and marketers to pay me more.

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David Jackson

15 years ago

Originally Posted by Yoseph101

Personally, I'm going to write articles at a fairly low price so I can gain some experience and testimonials. Hopefully people will be enticed by my price and then they'll be pleased with my writing. Then I can use their feedback to convince other warriors and marketers to pay me more.

Ain't gonna happen. People who buy cheap articles are always going to seek out the lowest price. And if you raise your prices, they'll just buy their articles from another bargain-basement service.

David Jackson

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nebraska

15 years ago

Originally Posted by Yoseph101

Personally, I'm going to write articles at a fairly low price so I can gain some experience and testimonials. Hopefully people will be enticed by my price and then they'll be pleased with my writing. Then I can use their feedback to convince other warriors and marketers to pay me more.

They won't. They'll expect it for the same price and fight you tooth and nail to keep from paying even a nickel higher.

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jennypitts

15 years ago

Originally Posted by David Jackson

I'm a member of several small business forums, and I constantly see writers offering to write articles for as little as $2 or $5. I was recently visiting another forum, and a woman was offering to write press releases for only $5. That's not even minimum wage. Are you kidding me?

The question is why? Why do some marketers place so little value on their time and talent? When you undervalue your services that way, it gives the impression that you're desperate.

If you're one of those people who writes articles for $2 or $5, can you please explain to me why you do it? Because quite frankly, I just don't get it.

Or, anyone else who has an opinion on this topic, I'd love to get your feedback as well.

David Jackson

Well it is simple... There are MANY freelancers from third world countries where $1 goes a long way. In fact, in India a beer goes for about a buck.

What really IRKS me though is seeing how American employers take advantage of that and start offering scraps for quality work. I try to value my employees and pay them for what their work is worth. I also have to say that when it comes to writers I learned my lesson and now have an AMERICAN writer, who I pay WELL above the five dollar price. I think more webmasters and employers need to start RESPECTING the work of their freelancers and paying what the work is worth.

Freelancers, NEVER short sell yourselves. Even if the competition is fierce, if you value your work others will begin to do as well.

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David Jackson 15 years ago

Originally Posted by jennypitts

Well it is simple... There are MANY freelancers from third world countries where $1 goes a long way. In fact, in India a beer goes for about a buck.

I'm well aware of that fact, and I don't begrudge someone in a third world country trying to feed his or her family. However, that doesn't explain why someone in this country would be willing to work for pennies.

David Jackson
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LocoDice

15 years ago

David,

Behold the magic of free markets where people set the price to where you want.

This whole system is based on buyer beware, but overtime has a way of correcting itself.

It's basic economics.... the only reason you hear about these 99c article guys and what not is because there is demand for what they are doing and to at least this point things have not changed that demand.

But what if word got around that 99c articles are a complete waste of time? I'm sure some people share that view, but simply not enough people do at this point in time.

Some people view articles as just a way to get links, and could not care less what is written in them as long as they are getting a link from a somewhat reputable article directory. So for their particular circumstances, that might work.

But what if Google was to install some magic 'readability' filter on how it indexed content, we might then see the death of these services at such low rates.

But you'll always folks undercutting others just to get the business. It's just the way our system works.

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David Jackson

15 years ago

Originally Posted by mkterbynite

What if word got around that 99c articles are a complete waste of time?

One of the people who buys 99 cents articles responded to this thread. He said those cheap articles serve their purpose. So apparently, some people are fine with the quality of the articles...or lack of quality.

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Bryan Zimmerman

15 years ago

Originally Posted by David Jackson

One of the people who buys 99 cents articles responded to this thread. He said those cheap articles serve their purpose. So apparently, some people are fine with the quality of the articles...or lack of quality.

David Jackson

Lmao. Where are you getting the fact that all articles that are cheap are of poor quality? You are just making an assumption.

As Craig just said, that article I paid the cheap price that you assume is poor quality, sits at the top of google and makes me 100Xs the price I paid for it every 2 weeks.

Not a bad return on the investment.........you know, since it's poor quality and all.

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aduttonater

15 years ago

People are acceptable to almost any amount of cash as long as they are making progress of saving. Yes indeed cost of living in other countries is lower then Canada or the U.S. but still Internet Marketing is the easiest work a person could ever get involved with. So to type up an article or press release (if you know what your doing) is nothing for the allowance of $2-$5.

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David Jackson 15 years ago

Originally Posted by aduttonater

To type up an article or press release (if you know what your doing) is nothing for the allowance of $2-$5.

No competent writer worth his or her salt will work for pennies. I don't care where they live.

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mattlaclear

15 years ago

Retail stores do it all the time on Black Friday. Sell an item or service at below cost and then build a relationship with that client that maybe lasts for a life time. The best way to fill your funnel is to fill it with customers who have paid you money and who are happy with their purchase.

So if someone can rewrite an article in 30 minutes and they charge $5 that still equates to $10 an hour which is better than working for Burger King. But if the vendor is smart he or she will be able to upsell several products and services when the time comes for it.

Vendors trying to earn all their money on the initial sale just have a much tougher time getting anywhere online.

Save those hefty high ticket items for later after you have built up a solid funnel of customers who think the world of you.

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shaggard

15 years ago

As a writer, I can not imagine charging $2. I put time, effort and research into each of my articles. My PLRs are only a dollar a piece but that is a whole other story. More people buy, so I can charge less.

I think it is either lack of confidence or different country. If you want an article from me expect to pay 2 cents a word. That means $20 for 1,000 words.

Are the $2 articles original articles or are the spun articles?

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rodmac87

15 years ago

I hate writing articles.

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glassextreme

15 years ago

Well, you simply have to learn to write faster, and write as many articles as you can in an hour. That $2 to $5 a piece would have easily been made up for through volume.

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MassiveMarketer

15 years ago

It depends where they're located. To some $5 can be a lot. I've even seen some providers in oDesk to work for $0.50/hr as a virtual assistant but there are also some job postings that specifically say that's the rate their offering. Just hope that the quality of their work doesn't suffer because of a low rate.

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ewenmack

15 years ago

One lady in the U.S. is a retired managing editor for a newspaper that had a circulation of 50,000 people.

I can't speak for her, but she will write a newspaper ready news release for $5.

Everybody loves her work and wants to keep her a secret...including me!

Some retired people want to keep their mind active without the time and commitment a fulltime job gives.

Also they want to still feel valued in the community.

Money isn't their main reason, just a little pocket money is nice to have.

As far as quality of work goes, do you think a managing editor of a newspaper would turn out crap work...I think not!

All the best,

Ewen

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David Jackson

15 years ago

Originally Posted by ewenmack

One lady in the U.S. is a retired managing editor for a newspaper that had a circulation of 50,000 people.

I can't speak for her, but she will write a newspaper ready news release for $5.

Money isn't their main reason, just a little pocket money is nice to have.

Obviously, this thread wasn't directed at qualified individuals like her, who sadly are the exception rather than the rule.

David Jackson

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Joseph Then

15 years ago

This is a free market. If there are excellent writers wants to write for just $2 per article, that's their choice.

No doubt, they can value themselves more than just $2, but as Ewen as mentioned, this lady just wanted to 'pass time' by writing press releases for just $5.

For some, money is not the issue, so they write. (The lady who writes press releases)

For others, their writing skill is indeed worth only $2-$3. But there is a market where people want lower quality articles for some reasons.

For people in 3rd world country, $5 can feed their family of 10 for one day! (And they have English MAJOR and good writing skills). You are right to say that they can price more and I know of some 3rd world guys living in big houses by charging $50 per article.

But then, this is the free market...

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David Jackson 15 years ago

Originally Posted by Joseph Then

This is a free market. If there are excellent writers wants to write for just $2 per article, that's their choice.

The words "excellent writers" and "$2 articles" are oxymorons. But as you said, it is indeed a free market and it is their choice.

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rparikh

15 years ago

It is just the need .In their mind 2 $ is still much more value for their time and effort .This is motivating them to work .

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cpa-money

15 years ago

maybe they have a bank of pre-written articles and they just change it abit?

for example i offer to submit articles to 150+ directories with one click and still people pay for this!

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CDawson

Banned 15 years ago

I have a few writers located in India that will write a 500 word article for 2$ each, to them it is like 10$.

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Ronak Shah

14 years ago

Originally Posted by CDawson

I have a few writers located in India that will write a 500 word article for 2$ each, to them it is like 10$.

Not really. It is less than Indian Rupees 100 only which isn't much money.

I am Indian. There are writers here who charge $25 for 500 words as well. Even I charged 5c per word before the whole article writing market came crashing down with these $2 prices. And let me tell you, many Indian article writers are excellent at writing articles.

Honestly, $2 is a measly price for an article. However, it is a free market.

I won't mind if someone is getting what they want for $2 an article.

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bryce

14 years ago

Originally Posted by ronakshah

Not really. It is less than Indian Rupees 100 only which isn't much money.

I am Indian. There are writers here who charge $25 for 500 words as well. Even I charged 5c per word before the whole article writing market came crashing down with these $2 prices. And let me tell you, many Indian article writers are excellent at writing articles.

Honestly, $2 is a measly price for an article. However, it is a free market.

I won't mind if someone is getting what they want for $2 an article.

You might be Indian, but I don't agree with your post here. I have connected with more than 70 writers from India over the past 18 months, and not one of them are charging anywhere near $25 per article, so although there may in fact be writers in India asking these prices, they are few and far between.

I agree that there are definitely some good writers coming out of India. The major problem, for me at least, has been that the articles usually need to be partially rewritten to sound as if they were written by someone with English as a first language.

You are right also when you say that it is a free market.

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pheonix44

15 years ago

What people don't understand is alot goes into who you are marketing to and what value it will return to them. A good example would be a women I work for now who I write 100 articles for a week. I live in Milwaukee Wisconsin so I do not live in a third world country. This women uses my articles to build backlinks to her clients websites to generate them leads. The more money my articles make her the more she is willing to pay me.

If I could write you an article that made you a hundred dollars, then I would be worth at least 20.00$ an article. It all comes down to what the client expects from the article. What they plan on using it for and the like is important. If my goal is to slap it up on EZA and get a few leads that will result in a sale then 5-10$ an article is reasonable. Because I know EZA is getting tougher and it is much harder to get an article through.

So if I could write articles that would get through or correct them until they did that would give me more value. If you were going to put your name on the articles I wrote to represent you then you would want the best. The women that said she got 125.00$ per article would not need to write so many articles a day.

She could ration her time and focus all her creative energy into that one article for the day. But what is the client expecting to get out of that article where they would pay that much? This is what it all comes down to. If someone is making money hand over fist from your work, then they are going to pay you a fair amount.

If you are making them alot of money then they will do anything to keep you from realizing you could be using your own work to make money.

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David Jackson 15 years ago

Originally Posted by pheonix44

What people don't understand is alot goes into who you are marketing to and what value it will return to them.

I'm a marketing consultant, so I understand marketing completely. I fully understand my target audience, and what they will pay. That's why I charge a premium for my time and talent, and never undervalue my services.

Sadly, it's the people who sell their services for $2 who don't understand marketing.

David Jackson
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NicoleBeckett

15 years ago

I am so glad someone started this discussion! You see so many threads about finding articles for $2 or $3, like it's some kind of great bargain. I've seen many of those articles. In fact, people pay me to edit those articles because they're such garbage. Why not just pay a little more in the beginning and get quality work that you don't have to pay someone to edit or rewrite yourself?

For me, I charge $19 for a 500 word article (but I give discounts for people who buy more than 1). Yes, it's alot more than the dollar writing services, but still a competitive price - and people are very willing to pay it. I spent 10 years working in newsrooms, so I know (and my customers know) that my articles are going to blow the $2 articles out of the water.

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David Jackson

15 years ago

Originally Posted by NicoleBeckett

I charge $19 for a 500 word article (but I give discounts for people who buy more than 1). I spent 10 years working in newsrooms, so I know (and my customers know) that my articles are going to blow the $2 articles out of the water.

Hi Nicole:

I know you didn't ask for it, but I'm going to give you some free marketing advice. If you choose to follow it, you'll immediately double your income. If you don't, well, that's your choice.

With your talent, experience and background, you should be charging a lot more than $19 to write articles. You're severely undervaluing your services.

On your homepage, you should have a targeted, compelling headline that plays up the fact that you have more than a decade of experience writing and reporting news for tv and major newspapers. That's one heckuva irresistable "hook." For example:

Need Articles? Former TV News Reporter Writes "News Quality" Articles That Get Results!

That was off the top of my head, but you get the idea, right? Then you should plaster your site with testimonials from satisfied clients. Because you're only charging $19 to write articles, raising your prices too drastically will upset your customer base. That's the problem with pricing your services too low, in the beginning.

However, you should easily be able to double your prices without too much of a problem. $39 is not unreasonable for "news quality" content. If you double your prices, you will double your income, as I stated earlier.

David Jackson

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ConnorMcCreesh

15 years ago

It depends how quick you write articles really, some people enjoy writing. So perhaps if they are earning a little less but it being more of spare time fun then work it just adds to a little extra income.

Though some of these article writers have banks of highly spun articles so they can get unique articles on a range of subjects and it takes 10 seconds to find the article wanted.

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Orator

15 years ago

As someone whose worked at as a cheap article writer, I think I can understand the appeal. Yeah it doesn't seem like much, but a lot of people have bills and other assorted things they need to pay off.

Despite the constant touting of free stuff here, for someone to make a serious income in IM. Then your going to need a bit of money to start up your business, there is just no way around it.

Besides article writing gets a lot easier with practice, I can also now generate my own content in a few minutes and save myself the cost of hiring a writer.

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matty-81

15 years ago

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David Jackson

15 years ago

Originally Posted by matty-81

Not only does it give the impression that you're depserate, it drives down wages for everyone else. In effect, it lowers the amount of money one could potentially make. If writing articles is a primary business for someone, this type of thing could destroy their business. It's not cool.

Not necessarily. There will always be plenty of consumers who don't mind paying extra for superior talent, and quality content. Those people are my target audience, and the $2 articles haven't impacted my business in the slightest.

The trick to commanding higher fees is proving beyond any doubt that your talent and product is worth the additional cost. That's where marketing expertise comes into play.

David Jackson

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Marc_L

15 years ago

Originally Posted by matty-81

Not only does it give the impression that you're depserate, it drives down wages for everyone else. In effect, it lowers the amount of money one could potentially make. If writing articles is a primary business for someone, this type of thing could destroy their business. It's not cool.

That's capitalism. I'm sure old aluminum vendors weren't happy when it was discovered how to extract it economically.

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Tsnyder

15 years ago

I wouldn't open my word processing program for $2 let
alone write an article for that amount.

Comments about fierce competition miss the mark. There
is really very little competition for high quality work.

I would be embarrassed to use most of the crap I see
that passes for writing.

Tsnyder

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grayambition

15 years ago

I completely agree with Alexa and David, Nicole. You need to CHARGE WAY MORE!

One of the problems with the proliferation of $2 articles in IM is that clients and good writers like you actually think $20 is a lot to pay for an article.

Robin said, "If I could write you an article that made you a hundred dollars, then I would be worth at least 20.00$ an article."

That's closer to the point, but that's not it either. I'm currently getting $70 per post for website content (and I don't consider that particularly high). I don't know, nor does the client care, what each individual article will earn, but the client is building a community around quality content, and the result of having tons of nothing but high quality articles is what makes her site valuable.

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David Jackson 15 years ago

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domainarama

15 years ago

Here's a different perspective: If all you are doing is making $125 an article you're probably frittering away your talent. If you can really write, write a book or write for outlets that pay real money. You can get a few thousand dollars for a book proposal, then a few thou more for royalties. Or you can get at least a couple thousand dollars for a single article in a major newspaper/magazine/publication.

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David Jackson 15 years ago

Originally Posted by domainarama

Here's a different perspective: If all you are doing is making $125 an article you're probably frittering away your talent.

You would be exactly right, if writing articles was my primary source of income, but it's not. In fact, I write very few articles nowadays, except for myself.

The bulk of my income comes from my consulting fees ($200 per hour), and my copywriting fees. I've earned as much as $7500, for writing a single sales letter for a Soduku e-book, that took me only 4 hours to write.

I work strictly by referral, and I'm so busy right now, I'm not accepting any new clients. It's amazing what consistently being featured on the front page of SiteProNews can do for your business.

David Jackson
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NicholasCarter

15 years ago

I'll be completely honest I'm a victim of doing that I am going to change how much I charge for my articles right now. If i don't hold value for my services no one will. I sincerely appreciate your post david. This is the kick in the ass I needed lol.

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grayambition

15 years ago

Originally Posted by NicholasCarter

I'll be completely honest I'm a victim of doing that I am going to change how much I charge for my articles right now. If i don't hold value for my services no one will. I sincerely appreciate your post david. This is the kick in the ass I needed lol.

Good for you, Nicholas! I noticed you already changed you sig, even as I was in the process of asking you about that.

So... no more "cheapcopywriting," huh?

I don't know if you can do it, but you might want to change the title of your post. It still says "High quality article writer for $6."

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NicholasCarter

15 years ago

I'll do that now gray

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NicholasCarter

15 years ago

I never questioned my ability to write or the ability to connect with people's emotions through words but I did not hold value for myself. Thats what is ultimately comes down to. I think many individuals just don't value themselves like they should. (this post has me really heated up

) I deserve to be paid well and I deserve to make a great income for myself as do all people. I can speak from personal experience. If I know the quality is great I will spend the money. If the quality is poor its probably cheaper. Think about people that work for 40 years at a job they hate; they are afraid of change but more importantly they don't see themselves in a positive light. The most successful entrepreneurs hold incredible value for their time thats why they charge "high" amounts

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David Jackson

15 years ago

Originally Posted by NicholasCarter

I deserve to be paid well and I deserve to make a great income for myself.

And that, my friend is exactly the reason I started this thread. I figured if I could get just one person to stop undervaluing his or her time and talent, this thread would have served its purpose.

It appears that I've done that.

David Jackson

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NicholasCarter

15 years ago

Originally Posted by David Jackson

And that, my friend is exactly the reason I started this thread. I figured if I could get just one person to stop undervaluing their time and talent, this thread would have served its purpose.

It appears that I've done that.

David Jackson

You did do that

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Aristodemos

15 years ago

David, thanks for your post. It's a great question, because you're right, many authors cut themselves short (or appear to). The simple fact is, you get what you pay for. Most authors who are charging $2-5 an article are foreigners who have a marginal grasp of the English language. You or I could write a better article drunk.

With that said, I can't imagine any marketer who would want to put their name on a sub-par article. Sure, they'll get backlinks, but I've found building a good reputation with your clientel is far more important. Personally, I would never put my name on shoddy content- no matter how insignificant I may perceive it to be.

Also, it's my opinion that google's on the verge of creating robots that can weigh relevance for readability. I believe it's only a matter of time (months not years) before google figures this thing out and well written articles will fare better for SEO.

I think it's worth the few extra dollars to get an article you'll be proud to put your name on. You're readers will respect you more, and once google starts weighing quality over quantity, that same article will rise through the cesspool and hit their front pages.

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David Jackson

15 years ago

Originally Posted by Aristodemos

I think it's worth the few extra dollars to get an article you'll be proud to put your name on. You're readers will respect you more, and once google starts weighing quality over quantity, that same article will rise through the cesspool and hit their front pages.

Thank you for that, Mark. Well said.

David Jackson

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nevergiveup1 15 years ago

it appears to me that the reason why articles are only $5 is because that is the going market rate..... fellow warrior owns ccarticles

if making a lot of money is a goal of yours, you might think about pursuing a different profession, or at least a different segment of the market.. maybe specialize in a high-demand area.
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- David Jackson 15 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by nevergiveup1
  
  it appears to me that the reason why articles are only $5 is because that is the going market rate.
  
  Are you freakin' kidding me?
  
  David Jackson
  
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x3xsolxdierx3x

15 years ago

Does anyone here feel like they are receiving QUALITY for $2 or $5? ....I do all my article writing 'in-house' (I do it myself...)...but, perhaps its something to look into if people are REALLY receiving quality work for that 'low' of a price....

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txconx

15 years ago

This is why I only write for my own websites. I consider my writing of sufficient quality that I could sell it, but with all the low expectations out there, why would I do that?

The whole scenario is very reminiscent of a business I just left after 20+ years. As soon as the business went digital, overseas competition brought down the rates as well as the quality - and the quality expectations. I can't tell you how many times I had potential clients tell me they weren't happy with the quality of the work they were getting - but they wanted to know if I'd give them better for the same price they were paying. My response was always to ask them if they thought they could buy an airline ticket at coach rates and still be given a first-class seat.

I see the same thing happen when it comes to people wanting to buy content. They bitch and complain about the cheap crap they get - then turn around and bitch when someone better asks them to pay more for a better product.

If people who write really well want to give it away for next to nothing, that's their choice. My choice is to not participate in that marketplace. I'm way too old these days to spend my time trying to convince idiots that I'm worth more than they're willing to pay.

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David Jackson

15 years ago

Originally Posted by txconx

I consider my writing of sufficient quality that I could sell it, but with all the low expectations out there, why would I do that?

Other people's expectations shouldn't have any affect on the expectations you have for yourself.

David Jackson

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txconx

15 years ago

Originally Posted by David Jackson

Other people's expectations shouldn't have any affect on the expectations you have for yourself.

David Jackson

Like I said - I'm just not in the mood any longer to try and adjust other people's expectations of what they should pay for a service or a product. I spent the last 10 years doing it and didn't move to IM to do more of the same. I no longer want clients or customers or phone calls and e-mails or deadlines. I am, for the first time in 20 years, truly working only for myself. (Yes, I could write a book on the myth of "working for yourself!")

What I've never figured out is why someone who charges less based solely on the cost of living/rate of exchange for the country where they live would do so if all other factors are equal. I mean, if I retired to Belize - where I can live a lot cheaper - I'd still charge US rates for work. Why undercut if your work product is comparable?

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David Jackson

15 years ago

Originally Posted by txconx

Like I said - I'm just not in the mood any longer to try and adjust other people's expectations of what they should pay for a service or a product.

Your comments suggest that you ARE indeed still influenced by other people's expectations, even though you deny that you are. That's really a shame.

David Jackson

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bryce

15 years ago

Interesting thread and so many reasons have been thrown into the ring. I am a writer and have been since October of last year. My writing styles change based on what I am writing about, how passionate I am about the subject and who I am writing for. I am in New Zealand now and was in Australia when I started writing for other people, and I was charging $5 an article of 500 words.

I can only gauge my finished product by my client's reviews and so far all have been extremely good. I have a few articles up on EZA and the last group of posted content is averaging a 20-50% CTR, so I guess the "call to action" or "intrigue" factor is present.

All in all, I am now charging a standard rate of $7.50 to $10.00 for a completed 500 word article, completely unique and written with LSI in mind. This is for articles only. I also write sales material and other things, at a one on one negotiated rate.

I am now putting a membership site together for my clients, where they can join up and as a part of their membership they can opt for a 20, 50 or 100 article package, spread over 6 months, and on any subjects they want, and prices for these packages will be between $120.00 and $500.00.

For me it takes around 22 minutes to research, write and proofread an article of 500 words, so I can get 3 completed (roughly) in an hour. I use no tricky software, just the internet search engines, trusted sites, and a word processor.

We are in the throws of a global decline so I appreciate that people can't always afford the higher rates, and if I can secure 6 months of work (with up front payment) at lower prices for my clients, this is far better for me, than continuously looking for work in the higher brackets. In the first two months of me becoming a writer online, I had moved from virtually zero income per month from writing to over $3,000 per month.

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David Jackson

15 years ago

Originally Posted by bryce

I can only gauge my finished product by my client's reviews and so far all have been extremely good.

That proves absolutely nothing. People who buy cheap articles don't have very high standards to begin with.

David Jackson

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Bryan Zimmerman

15 years ago

Originally Posted by David Jackson

That proves absolutely nothing. People who buy cheap articles don't have very high standards to begin with.

David Jackson

lmao, you have done nothing but state your opinions and your starting to be pretty rude to a few people to be honest. You can't begin to decide what anyone standards are other than yourself no matter what they pay.

What it proves is that his clients were happy with what he provided. Isn't that the goal of ANY business? If your clients are happy, you continue to work and be paid.

Doesn't matter if you charge 5.00 or you get $125.00 which you claim to be paid.

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David Jackson 15 years ago

Originally Posted by Bryan Zimmerman

lmao, you have done nothing but state your opinions and your starting to be pretty rude to a few people to be honest.

Ummmmm...yeah...that's what people do on forums, they state their opinions. As for being rude...well, that's your opinion.

David Jackson
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- Bryan Zimmerman 15 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by David Jackson
  
  Ummmmm...yeah...that's what people do on forums, they state their opinions. As for being rude...well, that's your opinion.
  
  David Jackson
  
  Ummm..... yea.....and that's also what got you kicked off the last forum I saw you on.
  
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  bryce 15 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by Bryan Zimmerman
  
  Ummm..... yea.....and that's also what got you kicked off the last forum I saw you on.
  
  lol, interesting
  
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bryce

15 years ago

Originally Posted by Bryan Zimmerman

lmao, you have done nothing but state your opinions and your starting to be pretty rude to a few people to be honest. You can't begin to decide what anyone standards are other than yourself no matter what they pay.

What it proves is that his clients were happy with what he provided. Isn't that the goal of ANY business? If your clients are happy, you continue to work and be paid.

Doesn't matter if you charge 5.00 or you get $125.00 which you claim to be paid.

You are totally correct! The only thing that matters in business, is the client's opinion. If they are not happy, there is no business.

As for the rude part, well it is one of the tactics of arrogant people, to get rude when others don't agree with them. I didn't find it rude though, I found it to be out of touch.

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CDarklock 15 years ago

Originally Posted by David Jackson

That proves absolutely nothing.

It proves his clients are happy to have paid $7.50 to $10 for the article, which - for a freelancer - is the measure of success.

Does it prove anything? No. Some people are stupid. They read Shakespeare and say "why do people read this crap?" because they just don't understand it.

The question is whether his clients are in that camp... or you are.
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bryce 15 years ago

Originally Posted by David Jackson

That proves absolutely nothing. People who buy cheap articles don't have very high standards to begin with.

David Jackson

In your mind it proves nothing! But see that's only important if your opinion means anything I guess.
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Mike Grant 15 years ago

Originally Posted by David Jackson

That proves absolutely nothing. People who buy cheap articles don't have very high standards to begin with.

David Jackson

Strongly disagree.

I've an article writer who is an English teacher in the Philippines. $1 per 100 words. She has better grammar than all the posts I've seen here on WF in the hire section.
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grayambition

15 years ago

Originally Posted by bryce

I am a writer and have been since October of last year. My writing styles change based on what I am writing about, how passionate I am about the subject and who I am writing for. I am in New Zealand now and was in Australia when I started writing for other people, and I was charging $5 an article of 500 words. ...

Nice ad.

You covered it all, from your reviews, to your CTR, to your bulk rates. Followed by your "call to action" in your sig.

Way to get around posting in the Warrior for Hire section.

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David Jackson

15 years ago

Originally Posted by grayambition

Nice ad.

You covered it all, from your reviews, to your CTR, to your bulk rates. Followed by your "call to action" in your sig.

Way to get around posting in the Warrior for Hire section.

Yeah, I reported it as an ad, when he first posted it. But I guess the mods didn't agree with me.

David Jackson

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bryce 15 years ago

Originally Posted by David Jackson

Yeah, I reported it as an ad, when he first posted it. But I guess the mods didn't agree with me.

David Jackson

Oh dear, you reported my post as soon as I made it!? Shows that you really have no clue. In the original post I provided what I considered to be qualifying background to substantiate my position in the argument for people charging the rates that you call "low", "stupid" and other such expletives.

Nothing more nothing less!

The bulk of my work comes from long standing regular clients outside of the WF, and as I mentioned earlier, I have an ad running here if people want to hire my services. I don't need to infiltrate people's threads to do that.
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bryce

15 years ago

Originally Posted by grayambition

Nice ad.

You covered it all, from your reviews, to your CTR, to your bulk rates. Followed by your "call to action" in your sig.

Way to get around posting in the Warrior for Hire section.

Well I am sorry, but I can't help the way you interpret something. I wasn't advertising, I was simply giving my background, which I felt would support my viewpoint on the OP's topic of conversation.

In simple terms, I am able to achieve the CTR and secure clients at the the rates the OP suggested were for people who were looking for sub-standard work. I came out in support of these people/writers who do provide great work for the rates that people find reasonable.

Oh and one final point: If you do your homework before judging people as you did here, you would see that I do have an ad running in the "Warriors For Hire" section, one which I paid for, and I also paid for the War Room, so nothing here is meant to replace any of those things.

Gee I must be better than I thought, if you think my original post was a sales ad, and well done! Maybe I should be charging $125 for an article, like some people allegedly do.

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txconx

15 years ago

Originally Posted by bryce

We are in the throws of a global decline ....

And I would expect a professional writer to know the difference between throws and throes.

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bryce

15 years ago

Originally Posted by txconx

And I would expect a professional writer to know the difference between throws and throes.

Wow you found an error! I guess that's not too bad considering the amount I wrote and the fact I don't proof read every post. I said I was a writer, not perfect. Well done, keeping it on topic!

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txconx

15 years ago

Originally Posted by bryce

Wow you found an error! I guess that's not too bad considering the amount I wrote and the fact I don't proof read every post. I said I was a writer, not perfect. Well done, keeping it on topic!

I've worked for 20+ years in a business that's all about grammar, punctuation, spelling and accuracy. I also run a forum for people working in that industry. It's been my experience that people whose grammar and spelling is inaccurate in the forums will always say "I don't proofread my posts here" - but their work product reflects the errors made in the forum.

I proofread my posts because I'm ALWAYS meticulous. I don't "let down my hair" just because I'm posting in a forum. What if a potential client or employer is reading the forum? It would be especially true if you're running a WSO and people who might potentially pay for your service read your posts in other forums. If I saw your WSO offering writing services right now, I'd think to myself - hey, isn't that the same guy who didn't know the difference between throes and throws? How good could he be?

The American education system has deteriorated to the point that I'm not sure half the people hiring a writer would recognize an error if they saw it. That doesn't mean the writer they use is a good writer - it means the writer's grammar and spelling aren't worse than the client's.

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Tina Golden

15 years ago

The American education system has deteriorated to the point that I'm not sure half the people hiring a writer would recognize an error if they saw it. That doesn't mean the writer they use is a good writer - it means the writer's grammar and spelling isn't worse than the client's.

And it doesn't matter. Writing isn't the art of perfect grammar and spelling. Writing is the art of painting pictures with words and capturing a reader's imagination.

Editors get paid to make sure the grammar, punctuation and spelling are in order.

Tina

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txconx

15 years ago

Originally Posted by TMG Enterprises

And it doesn't matter. Writing isn't the art of perfect grammar and spelling. Writing is the art of painting pictures with words and capturing a reader's imagination.

Editors get paid to make sure the grammar, punctuation and spelling are in order.

Tina

So if IM Joe hires a writer to write articles for him, he needs to hire an editor as well?

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bryce

14 years ago

Originally Posted by txconx

I proofread my posts because I'm ALWAYS meticulous. I don't "let down my hair" just because I'm posting in a forum. What if a potential client or employer is reading the forum? It would be especially true if you're running a WSO and people who might potentially pay for your service read your posts in other forums. If I saw your WSO offering writing services right now, I'd think to myself - hey, isn't that the same guy who didn't know the difference between throes and throws? How good could he be?

One of your points here is valid to me and that is that someone may have read my post with the one error and determined from that not to contract my services. However for every one of those people (looking to pay $7.50 for 500 words of perfect grammar) there are 100 that would overlook the error. This is of course particularly true of any people who are diligent enough to check credentials outside of the Warrior Forum. In saying this, point taken!

I do not proof read every post I make! I am on many forums, and the amount of posts I make is quite extensive. If I am in a hurry because I am busy with something else, why would I bother proof reading my post? I am not getting paid for it, it is not a service I am providing a client. If I clean cars every day for a living, do you expect that I would ensure my own car was cleaned every day? If I am building luxury homes for clients, would I be expected to have my own home to the same standard? Are these things not the same? I am not posting here to gain business. I am posting here to express myself and my feelings and that doesn't need a script, speech writer and editor. I expect the people I am posting to, have the intelligence to grasp the meaning of the post and agree or disagree with it.

The American education system has deteriorated to the point that I'm not sure half the people hiring a writer would recognize an error if they saw it. That doesn't mean the writer they use is a good writer - it means the writer's grammar and spelling aren't worse than the client's.

I am not American, so I certainly do not base, nor build my business around what the American system produces or expects. One thing I don't do is place myself on some form of pedestal to judge others. I mind my own business, comment when invited to do so on others, and get on with my work. More people should do the same.

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swopnet

15 years ago

According to Wikipedia, in India "85.7% of the population lives on less than $2.50 (PPP) a day." That suggests a reason why someone might write an article for $2 USD.

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David Jackson

15 years ago

Originally Posted by swopnet

According to Wikipedia, in India "85.7% of the population lives on less than $2.50 (PPP) a day." That suggests a reason why someone might write an article for $2 USD.

We've pretty much exempted third world countries from this discussion. We're all aware of the poverty levels in certain countries.

David Jackson

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NerdGary

15 years ago

They've been sold 100's of times.. i would be cautious using them.

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Fweez

15 years ago

It's hard to start with standard prices if you're just starting in this niche.

Everyone knows this.

(Except for those who are really good in finding clients)

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ewenmack

15 years ago

Originally Posted by David Jackson

The question is why? Why do some marketers place so little value on their time and talent?

Or, anyone else who has an opinion on this topic, I'd love to get your feedback as well.

David Jackson

David, Your replies are not coming across as genuine in your desire to learn.

They are coming across as spoken from a person who is closed minded and
his only intention is to strengthen his already held beliefs.

Thanks for the read,

Ewen

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simba

15 years ago

Its a business model, but not a very sustainable one for both buyer and seller: get a bunch of 16 year olds with zero expenses and minimum English or writing qualifications and you can pay them $1 per article. They generate complete crap, and eventually some people will leave and get real writers who put thought and value into their writing. The 16 year olds also grow and develop expenses and leave, but your IM business is already on its knees because of penny pinching.

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Kierkegaard

15 years ago

Articles for Ezine, etc. are never 'quality' articles or 'good writing'. And it is simply pretentious nonsense to say that they are. These articles are designed purely to get backlinks and traffic.

When are you ever going to hear this conversation:

- Who is your favourite writer at the moment?

- Oh it has to be John Doe, did you read his latest article on Sony Ericsson HPM-70 Stereo Headphones, you have to visit ezinearticles.com and read it. The way he integrates the customer reviews to the overall narrative is truly masterful.

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bryce

15 years ago

Originally Posted by Kierkegaard

Articles for Ezine, etc. are never 'quality' articles or 'good writing'. And it is simply pretentious nonsense to say that they are.

Do you honestly expect people to believe that there are NO "good writers" or "quality" articles on EZA? (or in other directories)

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Kierkegaard

15 years ago

Originally Posted by bryce

Do you honestly expect people to believe that there are NO "good writers" or "quality" articles on EZA? (or in other directories)

They can find out for themselves by going to EZA.

What do you consider a good writer to be? Or a quality article?

Post some and we'll see.

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bryce

15 years ago

Originally Posted by Kierkegaard

They can find out for themselves by going to EZA.

What do you consider a good writer to be? Or a quality article?

Post some and we'll see.

I wasn't asking for other people's views, I was asking for your justification of a comment you made, which inferred that there were NO "good writers" nor any "quality articles" on EZA.

We are not talking about "literary professors" or such here are we? If so, that is not what the core of this topic is about. It is about "article" production.

For me a good writer is someone who can easily captivate the attention of his or her reading audience, with informative content completely written on topic, in an interesting and entertaining manner, with the intent and result of having that audience come back for more. That is a good writer.

Now, if I posted articles here for your critique, that would be silly. How about you pay me $125 and I will write one for you! I tell you what, I will complete one for $5.00 and you can be the judge.

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Kierkegaard

15 years ago

Originally Posted by bryce

I wasn't asking for other people's views, I was asking for your justification of a comment you made, which inferred that there were NO "good writers" nor any "quality articles" on EZA.

We are not talking about "literary professors" or such here are we? If so, that is not what the core of this topic is about. It is about "article" production.

For me a good writer is someone who can easily captivate the attention of his or her reading audience, with informative content completely written on topic, in an interesting and entertaining manner, with the intent and result of having that audience come back for more. That is a good writer.

Your correct, we are not talking about literary professors. We are not talking about good writing. We are talking about article production.

These articles are not examples of quality writing. They are essentially hack work. I asked you to post links to any articles on any article directory that were standalone quality articles. Worth reading in their own right. Properly researched with all sources properly referenced. You won't find any because they are not in demand.

Someone with good writing and research skills can put together a 500 word article designed for somewhere like EZA in about 20mins. Three articles at $5 a pieces is $15 an hour. Which is all these articles are worth.

If someone wants more than a 500 word article, written around some given keywords, the purpose of which is more than to simply get traffic and backlinks, then they'll have to pay more than $5.

In addition to this...

Everyone seems to have missed the point that the article writer gets more than just $5 an article when someone orders articles.

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grayambition

15 years ago

Originally Posted by Kierkegaard

Your correct, we are not talking about literary professors. We are not talking about good writing. We are talking about article production.

Everyone seems to have missed the point that the article writer gets more than just $5 an article when someone orders articles.

Huh? Who are you talking about?

I sure missed something here.

If someone's charging $5 an article, how do they get more than $5 an article (unless they're selling it as PLR)?

btw, "your correct" is not correct.

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writeandreview 14 years ago

Originally Posted by grayambition

btw, "your correct" is not correct.

I love haughty grammarians. However, to completely fit the bill, you must work on the haughty and ease up on the wit and charm.

David, thanks for the thread. I've wondered about the advertisements for cheap writing services in the For Hire section. I know it wasn't your primary goal but, this thread gives us insight into the minds of successful IMers and writers across the spectrum.

I agree with those who've posted about the increasing savvy of search engines and human readers. What a day that will be when the search engine "relevance algorithms" critique content with a level of understanding equal to a fourth or fifth grade education.

I also agree with those that posted about their success with cheap articles and cheap article services. (I mean, how can you argue with actual experience?)

Like a circuit preacher holding tent-meeting revivals, David attempts to convert talented article writers from living on Top Ramen to walking streets of gold by reminding us that we must respect ourselves if we wish others to do the same. I think he succeeds.

(Yeah, you're right. That is a pretty lame simile.)

(After reading the posts about the way a dollar stretches in the third world, it struck me that writers in those regions are walking "streets of gold".)

- Matt Lashley
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- David Jackson 14 years ago
  
  Originally Posted by writeandreview
  
  David, thanks for the thread.
  
  You're quite welcome, Matt. Thank you for taking the time to read it.
  
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bryce

14 years ago

Originally Posted by grayambition

Huh? Who are you talking about?

I sure missed something here.

If someone's charging $5 an article, how do they get more than $5 an article (unless they're selling it as PLR)?

btw, "your correct" is not correct.

This post of yours raises another point about your take on grammar. In Britain and other European countries, "I sure missed something here" would not be considered good grammar. The word "sure" would actually be "surely" or omitted from your statement.

Different cultures speak differently and as a writer you should know that. We don't all base our political (or other) correctness on an American standard. In fact I for one believe that the American slant on English is lazy.

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Amanda Craven

15 years ago

Fascinating thread and I think the points it has thrown up are well worth the debate.

I've been a professional writer for over ten years. In that time I've written for the BBC and the independents, published 8 critically acclaimed books and numerous articles for international newspapers and magazines. I started off by working in-house for a major ad agency and was very well paid for the copy I produced. In all that time, I have worked for the absolute maximum I could obtain and the market would stand. Why? Because I'm worth it.

Yep, it's a line that works well for l'Oreal and even better for every freelancer out there. I'm lucky in that I have an agent who does the hard negotiating for me but when I started I had to do it for myself. Back then I decided that if my words were going to make a lot of money for other people then I wanted a reasonable slice of the gilded pie.

That is not to put down the people who write for what is undeniably a pittance. I have lived and travelled in third world countries and understand how one person's pittance is another's comfortable income. Globalisation has taught us that there is not just one market but several and you choose the one in which you wish to conduct business. If you want to position yourself as a premium product or service so be it. If you want to provide fodder for search engines then that is something else altogether but equally as valid.

David, thanks for starting this thread. Some of it may be controversial but that's what we're here for...to engage and exchange ideas so that we all benefit...

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tess47

15 years ago

People are funny. I write 500 word articles for $15.00, which I feel is very reasonable since I do the research and the client can use the work on their blog, site, to submit to article directories, spin, or whatever else they choose to do with it.

Some new contacts will email asking if I can reduce my rates for them, because they feel I am too expensive. Others send me dozens of articles to write and never bat an eye. You just never know . . .

Anyway, the clients I have continue to keep me covered up, because they know the quality of work I provide - and I am NOT going to write for $2 an article, I value my work much more than that

To each their own!

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x3xsolxdierx3x

15 years ago

Originally Posted by tess47

People are funny. I write 500 word articles for $15.00, which I feel is very reasonable since I do the research and the client can use the work on their blog, site, to submit to article directories, spin, or whatever else they choose to do with it.

Some new contacts will email asking if I can reduce my rates for them, because they feel I am too expensive. Others send me dozens of articles to write and never bat an eye. You just never know . . .

Anyway, the clients I have continue to keep me covered up, because they know the quality of work I provide - and I am NOT going to write for $2 an article, I value my work much more than that

To each their own!

Do you ever reduce rates for those people who email you, Tess? Case-by-case basis?

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tess47 15 years ago

Originally Posted by x3xsolxdierx3x

Do you ever reduce rates for those people who email you, Tess? Case-by-case basis?

In fact, I do have a single client that I reduced my rate for slightly, because he gave me a list of 1000 career and insurance related articles he needed and I love writing on those topics (and, of course, it's a great deal of money.) I write about 20 to 25 per week for him, which is what I can comfortably fit in my schedule with my other regular clients.

Other than that, I pretty much stick to my guns when people want 5 or 10 articles.
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Kenwrites

15 years ago

Originally Posted by David Jackson

I'm a member of several small business forums, and I constantly see writers offering to write articles for as little as $2 or $5. I was recently visiting another forum, and a woman was offering to write press releases for only $5. That's not even minimum wage. Are you kidding me?

The question is why? Why do some marketers place so little value on their time and talent? When you undervalue your services that way, it gives the impression that you're desperate.

If you're one of those people who writes articles for $2 or $5, can you please explain to me why you do it? Because quite frankly, I just don't get it.

Or, anyone else who has an opinion on this topic, I'd love to get your feedback as well.

David Jackson

First, some people breaking into online writing probably see all the requests for $2 and $5 articles and really do not know any better at that point in their new career path. The question shouldn't be such a judgmental question as "why do they place such little value on their time and talent" Honestly that seems like quite a pompous request.

The fact is as long as there are people willing to pay such low prices for articles, there will be a constant flow of new writers filling that gap. Is it right? No, but that is where "seasoned" professional writers come in and help to guide these writers, not judge them.

The articles and other writing that is produced for these low wages, do not benefit anybody in the long term. The person purchasing the articles may get some profit initially and maybe some marginal profit for some time to come. But, if the same effort was put forth on purchasing a well-written, well-researched piece from a freelance writer at a fair market price, the profit would be substantially more.

It is sad that a market is there that demands such prices for writing. It is even sadder when people who pay those kinds of prices want articles that are worth much more. Bottom line is you get what you pay for.

Now there are some people who are quite happy writing for such a low rate, as was mentioned earlier in another post. But I want to pose a question to you...... What are YOU doing to help new writers or even established writers realize their true potential and the value of their writing? I notice that people in our business have a lot of judgment about the people attempting to earn a living at such low wages. Yet there seem to be very few of those same people who want to offer guidance and mentoring to up and coming writers without a price tag attached to it.

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David Jackson

15 years ago

Originally Posted by Kenwrites

What are YOU doing to help new writers or even established writers realize their true potential and the value of their writing? I notice that people in our business have a lot of judgment about the people attempting to earn a living at such low wages. Yet there seem to be very few of those same people who want to offer guidance and mentoring to up and coming writers without a price tag attached to it.

Fair question. Even though I'm extremely busy these days with my consulting business, I always try to make time to offer free guidance and advice to as many people as possible. Be it in forums like this one, my blog or through my many articles.

In fact, even though it may have gotten lost in all the noise, I took time in this thread to give someone a free marketing lesson on how she could actually double her writing income, simply by repositioning herself in the marketplace. But like I said, it got lost in all the noise.

In addition, I get p.m.'s and e-mails from people all the time requesting free advice. Obviously, I can't help everyone, but I help as many people as I can....free of charge.

David Jackson

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Phil Miller

15 years ago

When so many others are offering their services for that price you have to lower your to compete in order to get any customers.

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David Jackson 15 years ago

Originally Posted by Phil Miller

When so many others are offering their services for that price you have to lower your to compete in order to get any customers.

No, you don't. You simply need to learn how to properly market yourself, and increase the value of your product in the eyes of the customer to the point that they will be willing to pay more for your service.

David Jackson
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Kenwrites 15 years ago

Originally Posted by Phil Miller

When so many others are offering their services for that price you have to lower your to compete in order to get any customers.

Although that may appear to be the case on the surface, you would be surprised at how untrue that is.

Look, I started my career writing those $2 dollar article gigs out of Craigslist. I did it out of necessity, and quite frankly you do what must be done to put food on the table. But, you also have to scratch, dig and build your business and your rates. As a freelance writer, a business person, you must decide what the value is of your time and effort. It does mean rejecting quite a few opportunities along the way. But this is a time for you to decide what your skill and time is worth as well as what your standard will be going forward. Do not look at rejected low paying opportunities as loss, rather view them as opportunities to establish the standards of your writing and your business.

Well researched and well written articles are valuable. The ability to create a picture in a readers mind and encourage them to find out more, is a craft and skill that develops and improves everyday for a serious freelance writer. That kind of writing is very valuable to a site owner, marketer or blogger. You are in effect bringing people to their virtual front door.

Yes, sometimes there is a need to do what is necessary to pay a bill and accept that $2 and $5 gig. But it should not be what you settle for. There are plenty of places on the Internet that pay well above $5 for a 500 word article. These are places you should seek out while building your career. These content mill sites get what they pay for as well, but you get an opportunity to continually hone your skill and craft, while earning more than $2 per article.

Ultimately, you as a writer have something that most website owners do not possess. A love of the written word. If you have that desire, do not sale yourself short even if you do have to take that occasional $2 gig. Your skill and craft is valuable.

In my opinion, Google and others will be rewarding good quality content and articles much more than spun articles and PLR. People doing searches in their web browsers are not dumb. They can recognize the same regurgitated information.

The future of web marketing and copywriting is not going to be flashy, keyword stuffed and overly exaggerated promises. The future of marketing is in well written, informative and useful copy. That is where you and I, and every other aspiring freelancer, come into play. Currently there is a demand for cheap writing but that demand will soon wane when that cheap copy is no longer generating quality leads and sales.

Bottom line is we all do what is necessary to put food on the table and pay the bills. But realize that your writing is worth so much more than that. Don't just settle for that $2 though. Dig your heels in and start asking for more. Yes, sacrifices will be made, I won't lie to you. However, surprisingly you are going to find that many people will pay you what you ask if you provide them with the writing they deserve. Remember, YOU are your freelance business.
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x3xsolxdierx3x

15 years ago

Originally Posted by Phil Miller

When so many others are offering their services for that price you have to lower your to compete in order to get any customers.

Not if you are GOOD.

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x3xsolxdierx3x

15 years ago

Kenwrites,

You seem very knowledgable when it comes to this, and I, for one, really appreciate the effort you've been putting out to write your posts. If you don't mind me asking, do you use flat-fee payment sites or lifetime residual sites in your article writing endeavors, or a combination of both in a strategic online marketing plan? Would you consider yourself doing "fairly well" ($$$) in terms of writing online?

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Kenwrites

15 years ago

Originally Posted by x3xsolxdierx3x

Kenwrites,

You seem very knowledgable when it comes to this, and I, for one, really appreciate the effort you've been putting out to write your posts. If you don't mind me asking, do you use flat-fee payment sites or lifetime residual sites in your article writing endeavors, or a combination of both in a strategic online marketing plan? Would you consider yourself doing "fairly well" ($$$) in terms of writing online?

Thank you.

I use both flat fee and revenue share for the content writing and now marketing. Why reside to just one? lol

The revenue share takes time to build and you still wait minimum two weeks out for payment. The flat-fee on the other hand pays as soon as the writing is accepted. But it is what it is, content writing. Honestly I believe in the "they get what they pay for" mentality to a degree. The flat fee content sites are going to get a nice article with research, however it is not going to be the same quality and research that I would give to a private client.

To answer your question about the $$$ writing online for the content sites, I just looked at the figures on just one of the up-front sites: $2010 so far this month with 24 articles yet to be reviewed. Plus I am writing more today.

For the year, $14677. That is just one content site client.

The residual sites do ok depending upon the season. Adsense right now is around $150-$200 a month. Amazon sales fluctuate.

From a writing standpoint, private clients are where you will build your business long term. Online content writing though is the bread and butter, much like magazine writing used to be before print subscriptions went down the tubes.

I am currently employing many residual sites for my marketing, but too early to tell yet what the numbers are going to be.

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x3xsolxdierx3x

15 years ago

It's clear that you are very diverse in your online endeavors, Ken....a lesson and approach we could all benefit from.

....I know that some may require the immediacy of the payment (whether $2 or $50 for an article), but, I personally, for my situation in life, would never sell my writing for that 'low'....of course, I know that 'low' is relative compared to country and general income levels of what's expected....

I do believe very highly in my work, though, and would never ever consider settling for $2. Of course, there are many other attributes, to articles, that I believe can be injected in order to escalate the true value of an article online. With real consideration to SEO/LSI/etc, I'd demand even more for an article, than had I just writte one off the top of my head.....if I am striving to hit a certain keyword %, and make someone's articles really gain tremendous amounts of traffic, I would charge more than had the article been just structured to be filler content for a blog.

Originally Posted by Kenwrites

Thank you.

I use both flat fee and revenue share for the content writing and now marketing. Why reside to just one? lol

The revenue share takes time to build and you still wait minimum two weeks out for payment. The flat-fee on the other hand pays as soon as the writing is accepted. But it is what it is, content writing. Honestly I believe in the "they get what they pay for" mentality to a degree. The flat fee content sites are going to get a nice article with research, however it is not going to be the same quality and research that I would give to a private client.

To answer your question about the $$$ writing online for the content sites, I just looked at the figures on just one of the up-front sites: $2010 so far this month with 24 articles yet to be reviewed. Plus I am writing more today.

For the year, $14677. That is just one content site client.

The residual sites do ok depending upon the season. Adsense right now is around $150-$200 a month. Amazon sales fluctuate.

From a writing standpoint, private clients are where you will build your business long term. Online content writing though is the bread and butter, much like magazine writing used to be before print subscriptions went down the tubes.

I am currently employing many residual sites for my marketing, but too early to tell yet what the numbers are going to be.

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Kenwrites

15 years ago

Originally Posted by x3xsolxdierx3x

I do believe very highly in my work, though, and would never ever consider settling for $2. Of course, there are many other attributes, to articles, that I believe can be injected in order to escalate the true value of an article online. With real consideration to SEO/LSI/etc, I'd demand even more for an article, than had I just writte one off the top of my head.....if I am striving to hit a certain keyword %, and make someone's articles really gain tremendous amounts of traffic, I would charge more than had the article been just structured to be filler content for a blog.

Exactly. It goes back to "you get what you pay for". But I believe also that the "filler" content is going to have to be as well written, as your SEO articles are now. I see a future where online businesses offering real value in their content to their readers and prospective buyers, will be rewarded by the likes of Google. A shift is taking place.

The old ways of doing business online do still work for the time being. But my gut instinct tells me that for a person to effectively build a long term business, be it IM or freelance, the focus must be on quality. Quality, not quantity, is what will bring future financial independence to online marketers and business owners.

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Tina Golden

15 years ago

So if IM Joe hires a writer to write articles for him, he needs to hire an editor as well?

No, of course not. As I'm quite sure you realize, I was trying to make a point to those who can ridicule or belittle a writer on the basis of one word being misspelled.

And I would expect a professional writer to know the difference between throws and throes.

I would expect those who believe they can recognize a professional writer to be willing to pay professional rates.

Just a hint to anyone who is unsure, it is extremely rare, if not impossible, to find true professional rates online. Take a look at the rates for some of your favorite magazines.

Tina

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grayambition

15 years ago

Originally Posted by TMG Enterprises

No, of course not. As I'm quite sure you realize, I was trying to make a point to those who can ridicule or belittle a writer on the basis of one word being misspelled.

Yep, I understood that. And I agree with you that playing grammar cop online is a nasty business. But I do differentiate between typing/spelling errors and usage errors. Typos happen just because; spelling errors happen when you don't spell check

; homonym errors happen when you don't know the difference and do suggest (to me, anyway) that that person's writing may not meet my standards.

I would also suggest that those who profess to be writers, especially those who pimp their writing in the forums they frequent, would be well-served to take a second to spell-check and do a cursory proof. Mistakes will still happen, but fewer of the kind that make you look less "writerly."

When I worked regularly with publishers, agents and editors, my emails and IMs were extremely casual and irreverent, but I still spell-checked and glanced them over before sending to make sure I wasn't making really stooooopid mistakes.

Having said all that, I'm sure there's at least one glaring error in this post. Go for it. Have fun pointing it out and telling me how unprofessional it makes me.

I would expect those who believe they can recognize a professional writer to be willing to pay professional rates.

Yes, but... I do think you should be able to find a writer who will work for less than "professional" rates who can at least avoid homonym errors.

Just a hint to anyone who is unsure, it is extremely rare, if not impossible, to find true professional rates online. Take a look at the rates for some of your favorite magazines.
Tina

Absolutely correct. Another hint: $1 per WORD is considered MINIMUM in those markets.

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brettb

14 years ago

My Chinese friend earns $8 a day and that's 9-5 6 days a week, plus boring office events after work.

I'd much rather write 4 articles a day!

These people are missing a trick - they could just put their content on Hubpages or Squidoo and earn $1 a month for year after year. But getting AdSense accounts in China or elsewhere is very difficult.

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madison_avenue

14 years ago

The $2 articles have two objectives:

1. Do they contain have the appropriate keywords?

2. Do they pass copyscape?

As long as they do these two things, then $2 articles will continue to have a demand, and will continue to be sold.

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David Jackson 14 years ago

"If you place a premium on your time and talent, then, others will as well. And if you don't...well, others won't either!" - David Jackson
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theperfectstrategy

14 years ago

Originally Posted by David Jackson

I'm a member of several small business forums, and I constantly see writers offering to write articles for as little as $2 or $5. I was recently visiting another forum, and a woman was offering to write press releases for only $5. That's not even minimum wage. Are you kidding me?

The question is why? Why do some marketers place so little value on their time and talent? When you undervalue your services that way, it gives the impression that you're desperate.

If you're one of those people who writes articles for $2 or $5, can you please explain to me why you do it? Because quite frankly, I just don't get it.

Or, anyone else who has an opinion on this topic, I'd love to get your feedback as well.

David Jackson

Well David.. if you say you are surprised to see such prices, you probably have not seen enough the market. You can find hell lot of writers who write for even less than what you mentioned here. Most of these writers come from south Asian countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Philippine etc. If a writer can finish 2 articles an hour, he can earn hell lot of income in these countries' currency.

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David Jackson 14 years ago

Originally Posted by theperfectstrategy

Well David.. if you say you are surprised to see such prices, you probably have not seen enough the market.

Actually, nowhere in my original post did I say I was "surprised." Those are your words, not mine. I was merely asking, why people place such little value on their time and talent? So, why do you?

David Jackson
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IMChick

14 years ago

I'm having difficulty getting to the "average" price for an article.

We all know about 3rd world outsources, but let's talk about the US market with native born English speakers. It's all so hit and miss to find and hook up with a writer. Prices are all over the place.

Let's say that my time spent (not writing ) is worth X dollars in revenue per hour. That means that I divide # of articles written in one hour by regular hourly rate and that equals the cost per article.

for example, your time is worth $100/hour when you're not hanging out on the WF...
you can complete 4 or 5 articles per hour, research included. That means your cost per article is $25 or $20 each. For me, if I do not hire articles out for less than this amount, (whatever the numbers say, I just made up all the figures for the sake of the example), then this is a real 'opportunity' cost, as I am not available to make that money elsewhere at the same time.

But, in my case, I can hire an article at a higher rate for a content-based site, but can not get the proper rate of return out of an article hired at this rate for a minisite. So there's part of the problem.

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Tina Golden

14 years ago

Originally Posted by writeandreview

David, thanks for the thread. I've wondered about the advertisements for cheap writing services in the For Hire section. I know it wasn't your primary goal but, this thread gives us insight into the minds of successful IMers and writers across the spectrum.
- Matt Lashley

There are a number of speculations as to his primary goal.

Originally Posted by David Jackson

"If you place a premium on your time and talent, then, others will as well. And if you don't...well, others won't either!" - David Jackson

David, I agree with this statement. However, it has little to do with why people charge the prices they do in most cases. You are assuming that because people write that they have talent. There are many that write simply because it is one of the the fastest ways to make a buck in this industry.

Some charge $2 and could charge much, much more. Some charge $2 and are ripping off the buyer.

I don't think it's anyone's business to worry about what someone else charges. There is no one-size-fits-all solution.

Maybe everyone should worry about their own business more and other people's less.

Tina

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$2 articles? I don't get it.

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