I'm looking for a writer to write a few articles for me, based on what I have been reading... would a 'semi-decent' writer accept $7 per 400-500 word article? If that's fine can some-one recommend me a writer here? I'm not looking for a super professional novelist (at the moment) just someone who can spell and is descriptive. It will also be on going work with between 5-10 articles per month, should I give the writer credit on the article?
At that price I'd say you're better off checking the content creation forum where I'm sure dozens of semi-decent writers will respond. Your issue longer term may come down to commitment on the part of the writer, especially if the work involved also requires them come up with the idea, the title, and research the keywords. On the other hand if you give the writer a list of subjects, titles you want them to write about, and a series of keyword phrases to include in their article then you reduce their workload (making it more profitable for them), and are also more likely to get articles that suit your needs without too much rewriting on your part. Personally, I don't employ writers at that price level where I need quality articles for authority sites I own, or when dealing with my own clients. At that price point I usually accept that the article can only be used on a site that earns an income from AdSense or Affiliate links.
I think Tajo summed it up pretty well. There are some decent writers who, out of fear or laziness, will write for that amount but picking them out of the crowd can be difficult. As for recommending, I think it's been said in other threads- read posts, PM writers and see what you get. Expect to get turned down quite a bit though.
Finding a "good" writer to put something together at that price will be akin to finding a needle in a haystack. There are some people out there who are willing to write at that price. You will have to sift through a whole bunch of nonsense to find someone who is capable, though.
My view is that the price set by the writer doesn't always reflect the quality of their articles. Some writers, may be charging $0.01 or $0.02 per word, and may actually be as good as those charging much more, but they're just not good on the marketing themselves into a market where they can get much more for their work. Then of course, there's the typical $0.01 writer, offering poor quality articles. So it's all about the article writer you select, and in my view you can pick up an excellent article writer for $0.01 or the rate your setting per word, but you have just as much chance, if not more, of selecting a poor one.
I believe you should try and get samples of thier work and their email address, but never pay in credit for articles.
I would work for that in a second, but I am new to the trade, which is why I offer such low rates. I know that as I grow and create a larger resume I will begin to charge more per article. So I guess as long as you pay attention to the quality of the people who are offering their services for those rates, you should be fine, and it will be more then fair is some circumstances. Just don't expect an experienced freelance to work for that low, especially if they have a degree or business.
I agree; sifting through the writers may take too much of your time and cost you more in the long run. However, it is possible. If I were pinching pennies, I would try to get a cheap writer, too.
For that price you can definitely get a good writer, but you will also have to sort through a lot of crap. Be specific on who you contact with that price or you will have bad writers galore hounding you for the deal.