Writing content for websites is more than just assembling some keywords and sticking them together with articles, infinitives and chewing gum. Writing is a craft that is usually learned. Some folks have a knack for writing, some learn it through sheer agonizing effort. Writing, among other things, is one of many means of non-verbal and non-animated communications. In other words, it ain't cartoons. Writing effectively requires knowledge of the rules, understanding how people process the information they read, and a good plan. And a whole lots more. Writing content for third party websites requires extras. Let’s call one of those extras "standard business courtesy". These are just a few of the basics. When someone makes a serious inquiry, you respond. If you conclude an agreement, you don't suddenly and unilaterally decide to alter the terms. When you have agreed to provide certain content, you either deliver or you tell the customer you can't deliver. When you agree to complete an assignment within a certain timeframe, and you know you will be late, you let the customer know. And preferably in advance. I have had four experience here on DigitalPoint and in each of those experiences, the writer violated at least one of the above courtesies. "I will have those two articles for you tomorrow evening. "Never delivered, never answered multiple PMs. After the agreement had been struck, the writer suddenly decided s/he required new payment terms. The writer stopped communicating after stating that they were interested in the project and having been sent a series of suggested article titles. Not even a, "Sorry, I have decided that this is not a project I can do well." I got the content and it was pretty good, but it ended up being almost 2 weeks late. Things happen, but I had to do the communicating, "Hey, where's my content?" One of the above advertises themselves as a content provider/company here on DigitalPoint. Whether you like it or not, writing content for hire involves being a businessperson. Part of dealing responsibly in business means extending normal courtesy to those with whom you are considering doing business. So besides learning to write, you need to learn and adopt good business practices. Otherwise, you are an amateur. And you will probably not appeal to a potential client who is looking for real content.
I entirely agree with all of your points. Here, have a rep boost. I got the business I have today by treating my job as a business. I'm a professional providing a service. If I can't provide that service I'm not a professional, and don't deserve to describe myself that way or demand the rates that go with it. If it's any consolation, those who provide a poor service won't last long in the business. I'm all for naming names in this case - after, of course, all efforts at resolving the issue in private have been exhausted.
It's not just content writers. I have had situations like that with designers, programmers and so forth. Most of those complaints you have typically come from certain types of writers. Many get in over their head and realize that trying to write 20 500 word articles @ $4 each daily is not a great life.
Thanks, Keith. The one that bothers me most is the first scenario. I spent quite a lot of time explaining what direction I wanted one of the articles to take. We agreed on a modest price ($30 for each article) and he said I could pay when the articles had been completed. They were to be finished the following evening. Two days later, he PMed me asking how I would like the articles delivered. I gave him my email and suggested he attach *.txt files. More than a week later, I sent a PM inquiring. Nothing. Two days later a followup PM. Nothing. I *think* I know what happened, but since that is sheer speculation, I won't go into it. Anyone wanting to know who was involved can PM me.
Yes, I agree. I attribute part of the problem to that ubiquitous motivational saying, "You can do anything you set your mind to." Not so. I learned early in my brick-and-mortar business, a small metal job-shop, that knowing what I could not do well was much more important than knowing what I could do well. Delivering on a contract is a business reality.
I had planned on letting this issue stay PM until someone pointed this out to me" "Monkeyads" never did deliver, nor did s/he do the courtesy of replying to 2 PMs more than a week after asking how to deliver the content. I will look forward to monkeyads reply.
There are places that will let you read the article before buying, maybe this is the route you should go in the future. I know some people are against “Content Companies†but they do provide the middle man that controls quality, plagiarism, disputes, etc.
old_expat I fully agree with your OP as well. I also admire that you were not so quick to report on those people prior to trying to resolve the conflict. Business often requires tact - seems you've got it and they don't. I've also added to your rep on this account.