Fab Freelance Writing Ezine Archives

5 Dangers of Writing for the Web: Issue 54 of Fab Freelance Writing Ezine

October 23rd, 2007 Subscribe To Our Feed

Writing for the Web is highly profitable. Some Web writers earn $150 an hour writing Web sales pages; others earn even more when they’re paid per project.

However, although writing for the Web is a great opportunity for writers, where there’s opportunity there’s also danger. I’ve covered five dangers in this issue.

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Includes:

* Editorial: Writing For The Web - dangers

* Article: 5 Dangers of Writing for the Web

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[Editorial] Writing For The Web - dangers

Hi fellow writer

This week’s article covers five dangers of Web writing. However, I don’t want to overstate the dangers.

Writing for the Web is fun, exciting and very profitable, but it’s wise to be alert. The dangers I cover in the article are common; you simply need to know that they exist.

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See you on the site.

Affectionately,

Angela

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* Article: 5 Dangers of Writing for the Web

by Angela Booth

It’s been said that online no one knows you’re a dog - and when you consider all the fraudulent sp*m emails you receive, you know it’s true.

When someone contacts you to write for them (or you respond to an ad or a Request For Proposals) you have no idea who they are. They may be legitimate - on the other hand, they may not.

The anonymity of the Web brings out the worst in some people, but as a writer, you’re not anonymous: you’re conducting your business, and your reputation is gold to you. Fraudsters and scammers trade on this: they know that you have your reputation to protect, and manipulate you using that knowledge.

Although there are dangers in Web writing, most of your potential clients are legitimate and totally honest. They pay well, and can become the basis of a great writing business. This article shows you how to recognize those who aren’t legitimate.

So here are five dangers of writing for the Web you need to be aware of. The first and fifth dangers are dangers which comes to you from con-artists. The other three dangers are self-sabotage, and they’re just as treacherous.

=> The Web is a Hunting Ground for Scammers

It’s wise to remember that you have no idea who a prospective client is. Anyone can put up a Web site; anyone can write an ad.

Many online “job ads” are thinly disguised cons so you’ll write for free. For example, it’s a common practice for fraudsters to ask you to write a test assignment, for nix, of course. This “e-testing” scam has been going on for 15 years that I’m aware of, and because it works, it’s a scammer’s favourite tool. Why bother to pay for writing when you can get a writer to write for free?

Other online “job ads” are merely touting for information. The advertiser needs to complete a project, but has no idea how to write the project. By placing an ad, he gets free information and templates and can pick the brains of unwary writers.

=> Web Writers Not Clear on their own Pricing

You must be clear on the prices you charge, and then stick to those prices. As a Web writer, you will negotiate with clients, but never negotiate on price. Once you do, you lose all power and credibility. Set your fees and stick to them. Don’t be too concerned about missing a sale. Clients are like buses: if you miss one, there’s another one right behind it, so be a strong negotiator.

That said, when you’re first starting out as freelance Web writer, and you have no publication credits, you need to be willing to take minor jobs, just for the credits. For example, you might write a couple of newspaper articles, or write an article for a Web site which pays you $5.

But once you have those credits, you can start charging appropriately.

=> Lack of Agreements - You Need a Terms Of Service And Invoice/ Payment Policy

A writing agreement (contract) is a must for every writing job. My motto has always been: “No agreement, no job”. Until the client agrees to my Terms of Service, and pays a retainer, there is zero chance that I’ll write a single word.

Always send your prospective client your agreement and an invoice for a retainer. Don’t start writing until you’re paid your retainer: this is a good faith gesture on the client’s part.

=> Willingness to Write On Spec

“Writing on spec” means writing on speculation of a sale. You’re not guaranteed anything. It’s a free way for a magazine or a Web site to build up an inventory of writing. It’s also a way to cheat writers.

In “The Dangers of Writing on Spec” at www.poewar.com/dangers-spec/

Deborah Shaw writes: “No other professional works on spec. No plumber, no electrician, no house painter, no church organ pipe repairer works this way. Most people get a freelance job based on references or on sample slides (or, in the case of writers, a proposal or clips), they do the job, and they are paid, even if sometimes grudgingly and sometimes late. Architects and designers do occasionally put together proposals on spec, but they do not perform entire jobs without a definite agreement from the client to pay.”

In the beginning, if you have no writing credits, and you’re eager to write for a publication, then by all means write on spec. You’ve nothing to lose. The writing practice will do you good. However, realize that you’re gambling, and it’s risky.

But once you have credits, never write on spec. There’s no need for it and it wastes time.

=> Willingness to Write for Equity/ Exposure

The “write for equity” thing is a scam. Here’s how it works. A start-up magazine or Web site says it has “no money for writers at the moment”.

They’re just a start-up, and you have no right to imagine that they can pay you; you’re just a writer, you should be glad to write for the opportunity and exposure. [The previous sentence is written in a tone of heavy sarcasm.] You will be paid - whenever. (Read never. You have more chance of growing wings and turning into the Sugarplum Fairy.)

If you fall for this total baloney (everyone else connected with the enterprise is getting paid, after all) you’ve just turned yourself into a slave.

“Write for equity/ write for exposure” is the same thing. It never turns out well, ever. So don’t be taken in. This particular scam was rampant during the Web bubble of the late 1990s, and it’s back.

So there you have it: five dangers you need to be aware of when you write for the Web. As the saying goes - be alert, but not afraid. Web writing is fun and profitable when you know what to watch out for.

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** ANGELA’S BLOGS AND ARCHIVES **

Fab Freelance Writing Blog: fabfreelancewriting.com/blog/

Fab Web Writer: www.fabwebwriter.com/

Top Ebook Writer: www.topebookwriter.com/

Archives: www.fabwritersezine.com/

Angela Booth’s Writing Blog: copywriter.typepad.com/

The Creativity Factory (copywriting and search marketing): www.angelabooth.com/wp/

Seven Days Copywriting: sevendayscopywriting.com/

Just Write A Book Blog: www.justwriteabook.com/blog/