My Response to a Rude Job Ad
Read more articles on Let Me Share With You and Writers.March 31, 2008
Posted by Karen Amato Schwartz
March 31, 2008
Posted by Karen Amato Schwartz
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Hello everyone,
As I mentioned last week, I’ve been sort of busy lately with my own work, a good part of which is what the industry may term “Private Label Rights”-those articles you see when you google or search for a topic and there is no byline. However, folks who write for print may be guilty of looking down their noses at those who write for the web. It could be because some online content is really poor, or it could be that it’s viewed as non-professional because sometimes content is simply churned out, becoming nothing more than re-hashed and outdated old data.
Anyway, I saw a job ad a few weeks ago from a customer who said not to apply if the only experience a writer had was PLR work; they considered themselves “content snobs” and as such, were not interested in anyone writing for Joe Schmo’s local business.
There are many writers who produce as much top quality content for our organization, Article Authors, as any “elite” publishing firm, and, chances are, have also branched out into other areas. Holding PLR against us is as prejudicial as judging someone on their last name or skin color.
Anyway, since they requested a sample, I thought I’d try to change their mind about those of us who write PLR, which I’ll also share with you.
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Prejudice against Private Label Rights Producers
Quite often, today’s sophisticated writing industry considers those who create Private Label Right content far down the totem pole of professional communicators. Perhaps they have seen the glut of poorly written web sites and assume that all content creators are uneducated. Maybe they think that anyone who writes for less than 10 cents a word must not be able to get a “real” writing job. Or, the image of the stay-at-home-mom in her pajamas, cranking out 700 word blogs at $5 each, lends itself to a “better than thou” attitude. Thinking that web content writers are unskilled makes as much sense as believing that all other writers are great. Pre-judgment is often detrimental when it comes to choosing employees; blindness superimposed by an individual’s current position does not accurately reflect their overall abilities and potential.
There is nothing wrong in wishing to differentiate one’s self from the competition by exuding quality in every facet of planning, presentation, measurement and results. In fact, that’s the cornerstone of success, and widely accepted around the world. However, it’s easy to forget that nothing happens overnight, and that most success is achieved by taking baby steps, testing the waters, revising, and then repeating the process over and over. It happens in industries and it happens along career paths. Some PLR writers are just starting out, but others are seasoned pro’s who happen to enjoy its flexibility and diversity.
Many PLR writers have high standards, and there are reputable companies who intercede with clients who don’t have time to create their own content. For a reasonable price of around $20 for 800 words, a customer can receive top-notch content to their specifications (even keyword saturation percents) within two or three days, edited, formatted and complete with verifiable sources. But the operative word here is “reputable”, which means investigation is necessary. Bidding sights often offer prices at a fraction of the going rate, which does a disservice to both other writers as well as clients. Buyers often find they don’t get what they don’t pay for when it comes to writing.
On the other hand, good content writers develop a work ethnic that surpasses that of writers in other venues. Writing 10 different versions of the same topic takes supreme creativity. Meeting deadlines for multiple clients who have not provided detailed instructions takes organization, logic and empowerment. Not knowing how many jobs will be available in the next week takes confidence and perseverance in pursuing job ads. This is not for the faint of heart.
There are some writers who refuse to admit they write content because they’re embarrassed by what’s considered low-paying ghostwriting. But when one considers the future of the Internet, it’s easy to see how it will continue to expand. In a few decades, magazines and newspapers may be practically extinct, and folks will obtain information online. Thank goodness PLR writers exist, because who else would do it?
But employers shouldn’t assume such individuals have nothing to offer the “legit” world of writing; those very PLR writers may be editors of popular sites next month. When it comes right down to it, talented writers fill many niches, so there’s no need to look down on any one group. Many PLR writers are professional and continue to prove it each and every day.
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