I must say that it is not common on this forum; I am a member of another forum where this practice is very common indeed. I was contacted by a member and asked to write a sample for a travel site. I had already sent them my details stating that I specialised in travel items and included a link to over 200 travel items I have written. The response was would I write a ‘sample’. It may well be that they wanted something different than what I have already written but I found that hard to believe. On the other site it is common practice to advertise that you need 20 articles, get 20 bids, then ask each one to write a ‘sample’ then cancel the job. Because of course, you do not need the work performing as you already have it completed. I am not saying that was the case this time, but with 200 examples all on travel in locations around the world, what more could be needed to make a decision?
I do not write sample articles for free, and I suggest others do the same. Your travel samples should be more than enough, so you're write to balk at this potential client. Will above has the right idea, sample articles should be paid for Thankfully, all of my clients have understood this, otherwise I would respectfully decline.
I would never, under any circumstances, write a sample article for free. Obviously someone trying to rip you off for content.
"You should use freelance sites instead of open forums." on that sites there are also buyers who wants to see some samples, even if you have outstanding rankings and portfolio. They mention it will be a great thing to compare everyone and choose the best. Maybe good from some point of view, but I participated in some such bids and they never choose anyone and projects still open, so I assume they just get big part of work for free (a little from everyone). Since then I NEVER do any samples.
The site I am referring to is probably the biggest freelance site out there. Also the worst rates for writers and the most scams committed by, so-called buyers. I don’t believe it’s a better option than forums like this one.
Hehe, I understand you. I've just got someone who want some samples of research projects. He get 30 bids. Need to collect 500 items. So 15-20 samples from everyone and he is done, lol. NOOO WAAAYYY!
Build a portfolio on your best subjects and just direct them to that. That has always worked for me, I also include a few short samples in my thread here so people can make a decision if they like my style etc. I wouldn't write samples for free as I'm busy most of the time so taking time away from paid work to possibly get a new client wouldn't be worth risking.
This scam happens because there are others who fall victim to it; especially those who don't really know how to write. Coming up with a 300 word sample in less than 15 minutes is no big deal for them since they'll most likely be rewriting an article. No offense meant, but this happens and I've seen it done by many so-called writers.
I don't do spec work. I think 200 samples should be plenty. I'd work with someone willing to pay for the pilot project.
I've written samples occasionally - if I'm going for a job related to a subject I've never written about before - but if I already have several portfolio pieces on that subject then I would not be willing to write samples. Thinking back, I think most of the jobs where people have asked for samples have turned out to be a waste of time - either because they tried to ask for really low rates, or because they kept changing their demands every day, and getting hostile if I refused to do more and more extra work. In the case mentioned here, it definitely sounds like they were just after free content.
Never ever, ever work for free! Writing a sample article for free is doing just that. If they want a sample article, make them pay for it. Honestly, a client shouldn't need a sample article. You can show them your portfolio. A portfolio is used to gauge the level of your writing. From there, a client should decide whether or not you are right for the project. Justin Dupre
I always pay for sample articles as a buyer and as a seller I'd never give samples away for free. On the flip side there are the reverse scammers as well who ask for a review copy - here on DP, they are very frequent in the BST section (not referring to articles though).
Hmm...I've never purchased unique content so really I don't have a say in this (as I've not experienced it) but imo I think samples should be for free so the customer can see if you're getting it spot on or whatever. Though I understand that there are many scammers and people who want things for free so you don't want to risk your work being stolen
If you give them 5 samples no matter what it is written on they should be able to get a sense for your writing and know if you are good or not. Just dont deal with people who ask for a sample on a specific topic.
I would give them a sample article for free. It increases your odds in getting many of them to buy. I just wouldn't give them the completed article.