These are the experiences from a client's aspect. Hope they can be useful for you - writers and clients. 1) Reliable and good writers won't frequently create threads looking for jobs. They generally have regular clients and come here just to check offers to find prospective clients to diversify their client base. While those who frequently post for jobs, in most cases, don't have (enough) long term clients mainly because their services are not so satisfying and their clients come and go. 2) Good writers won't offer dirt cheap prices because they're confident in their job quality. Those who offer cheap rates care more about the quantity of orders and clients, and less on the job quality. 3) Good writers can be identified during the communications. I'm not a native English speaker, but I can tell clearly if her/his English is native or not from her/his messages. 4) I seldom check the writers' samples that are published on article directories. Most experienced clients know articles on these directories are not representatives of quality content. 5) Check the writer's itraders, if she/he has been buying articles from other writers. Then you need to be careful because she/he might outsource your jobs. 6) I have never considered an agent or a broker. Working with the writers directly will help establish a solid partnership and yield the maximum mutual benefits. 7) In my experience, freelance writers over 30 are more likely to provide steady and reliable services. If you have something to share, please feel free to post here.
Thanks for your detailed assessment. Here is what I think - 1) Reliable and good writers won't frequently create threads looking for jobs. They generally have regular clients and come here just to check offers to find prospective clients to diversify their client base. While those who frequently post for jobs, in most cases, don't have (enough) long term clients mainly because their services are not so satisfying and their clients come and go. True that good writers don;t have to advertise frequently here. But there are a lot of scenarios when there is a need to advertise, e.g. new writers, occasional freelancers, agencies always looking for more work etc. Again, there is no such thing as 'long-term' clients in internet marketing. People try a lot of stuff. Still, I agree with most of what you said. 2) Good writers won't offer dirt cheap prices because they're confident in their job quality. Those who offer cheap rates care more about the quantity of orders and clients, and less on the job quality. What's 'dirt cheap' for you might be a fair pay to an Indian or Indonesian writer. You are again making presumptuous statements without taking into account the whole picture. I don;t have the facts but a majority of writers here at DP fall under that 'dirt cheap' category.Not because they are not confident of their quality ( at times thats also a valid reason) but simply because they can afford to work at cheaper rates. Needless to say they survive, thrive and are very much alive to keep working on those rates and keep DP going. 3) Good writers can be identified during the communications. I'm not a native English speaker, but I can tell clearly if her/his English is native or not from her/his messages. You are trying to say that Good Writers = Native Speakers. Please re-tune your subconscious, man! 4) I seldom check the writers' samples that are published on article directories. Most experienced clients know articles on these directories are not representatives of quality content. True, and I would go as far as saying that a client should always ask for a paid sample on a custom topic to test writing abilities.. 5) Check the writer's itraders, if she/he has been buying articles from other writers. Then you need to be careful because she/he might outsource your jobs. Good point. People do this kind of trading a lot. Lot of guys sell client's articles back as bundles. Just need to be vigilant