Volume vs. pay

A place where authors can exchange ideas or thoughts. Talk about what categories are hot and which ones are not.

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Lizaj
Posts: 101
Joined: Sat Nov 12, 2005 5:01 pm

Post by Lizaj »

Hahahahhahha Brilliant!
Tunhigtid
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Joined: Thu Aug 03, 2006 2:12 am
Location: USA
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Post by Tunhigtid »

Great information
libertate
Posts: 24
Joined: Wed Apr 20, 2005 7:15 am

Post by libertate »

Why should I pay you $30+ per 500-word "article" when I can get the same quality and research for $10?

Let me give you some buyer perspective. I have paid $30 for "owned" license "articles", and spent hours not just correcting and adding references and fixing incorrect information but correcting the basic English and sentence structures. Time and time and time again.

So, what is out there that entices me to pay $30 or more, when I can have someone write the same thing, give me full rights, and spend only $5 to $10?
LJade wrote:I bought some of those 500 word articles for $2, I touched them up and sold them for a lot more (not on C-C either), then I wrote the writer back and told them about the success ... they were ticked.
In my eyes, you miss/sir are about as unethical as it comes to a writer. I would not say you are illegal - because you might have purchased full rights, but as a writer, this is one step away from being the lowest of the lows. Unless you informed the author of re-distribution prior to getting that article of your plans of distribution (which you demand to know here on CC), you in my eyes are the worst kind of a thief. May your pen be dry, and paper rip.
J. A. Young
Posts: 249
Joined: Wed Sep 14, 2005 1:27 pm
Location: U.S.A.

Post by J. A. Young »

I find it disappointing that you are buying articles you need to correct no matter what the cost. I can only suggest you look for a few writers to work with that display quality you can trust--there are many talented writers here. That said, there are also many immature writers here that I suspect are honing their craft and will get better. Perhaps you can decide on a couple writers to work with and privately request the material you require.

On the other hand--if your budget is limited (and whose isn't) than the $5. knock-offs may be just your ticket and many good writers turn these pieces out with the same quality--but with far less research than more expensive pieces.

Finally, as a writer here, I like having a backlog that runs the gamut in price range. My low-priced (and gramatically correct work I might add) may attract other customers for me. Material that is more expensive always involves more time, more research, and more words--it won't be going for any bargain rates at this point.

As for writers buying the work of other writers with full rights--well, I can't help but chuckle. Maybe it's the inspiration they need. I'm too much of an egotist to consider a step like that and well, at base, I don't care for it, but I also don't care who is doing it. I'm too busy working on my own material.

Enough said for now on this topic. I am working on an in-depth article today--don't imagine it will be anywhere near that five dollar mark--my charming little elf of a son needs some fall clothes--so Mama's working hard. Here's hoping that the quality of work goes up, prices stay fair and enthusiastic customers flock to us in droves! :D
lorien1973
Posts: 6
Joined: Wed Jul 06, 2005 12:07 pm
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Post by lorien1973 »

I buy JA Young's articles all the time. They are nice 1000+ word pieces. The price is a little higher than I could probably get elsewhere, but for the quality of work, I more than think its worth it.

If you are looking to buy an article for $2 or $3, you are probably doing it for the wrong reasons :P Mass produced crappy content is still crappy content.
J. A. Young
Posts: 249
Joined: Wed Sep 14, 2005 1:27 pm
Location: U.S.A.

Post by J. A. Young »

Thanks for the compliment and for buying my work. I tend to write longer pieces because I have room to explore a given topic and I feel like I can turn out a more well-rounded piece. I'm just thrilled there is an audience for it.

Thanks again, J.
cbhrbooth
Posts: 107
Joined: Wed Aug 09, 2006 12:55 pm

Post by cbhrbooth »

When I first started in freelance writing, a buddy told me to see the market (hard copy magazines primarily) in four tiers: Tier 4 - freebies, Tier 3 - low pay, Tier 2 - mid pay, and Tier 1 - high pay. She advised me to skip tier 4 (unless I was donating my time & energy for a good cause), only briefly hang out in tier 3, and spend my time making good business relationships with the editors of tier 2 & 1. She said these people would be in the business for the long run and usually would treat me as an business equal earning my fair share and not as a leech trying to take money out of their pockets.

For me, her advice worked. It seems the online market is shaping up in a similar fashion. The Tier 3 & 4 sites read like freebie and low paying sites. As a consumer (or advertiser) my level of expectations are lower when I read those sites. It's easier to trust the sites (and the ads placed on them) that have the higher quality writing.

Just my .03 cents.
Bridgette
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