I just went against everything I stand for.
Good morning peeps...!
I took the plunge and hired a content writer at Fiverr -- after researching a bunch of them, and finally selected one who's background resonated with the experience and style I was looking for. I am getting a 750-word article for $15.00, and I will be able to edit the article and use my own "voice" so that it will fit in well with my site. Great, right?
Through the years as a graphic design and marketing pro, I have vehemently spoken out against Fiverr, have joined FB groups denouncing them, and signed protests generated by the Freelancers Union. Why? Because this kind of forum totally denigrates and diminishes the value of what creative artists, writers, designers provide -- high quality creative worthy of decent compensation.
You'll never see an attorney on Fiverr, or a financial consultant, giving away valuable information for $15.00. So why is it acceptable for creatives to sell their talent and expertise at what amounts to a little more than ONE hour of a minimum wage gig...?
But I did it anyway -- because I don't have the resources to pay someone $1000 for writing an article, and I need help churning out content as often as I need to be doing. So I did it.
Maybe this is how the world -- and my industry -- are changing. It is a shame that the bar has been lowered to such a degree that this kind of thing has become acceptable, and even more of a shame that someone like me, with over 30 years in the creative field, has bought into this.
On the other hand, I am excited to see my article and feel good that this writer is relieving some stress by providing something I need, for very little $$.
Thoughts? Thanks...!
/a.
Recent Comments
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As a writer who has sold gigs on Fiverr, I obviously do not have a problem with you outsourcing some of your article content; I also agree that writing should not be on an hourly pay deal. (I do not accept ANY hourly projects, regardless of which article broker I work through!)
There are many writers who work this way and are not really up to speed, however, there is no reason you have to accept anything that is not what you want.
Just be specific about what you do need and answer any of the questions the writer asks.
Good luck and, for anyone that needs articles, PM me and I will help you locate just the right platform for you!
Thanks, Mickey -- and what sources do you use to outsource? What platforms do you use? Thanks.
I don't outsource anything, except autoresponder. I use a company called A-List (it came free with a membership I bought into several years ago!)
All articles, since that is what I do for others, is done by me.
It's an ever changing world. We do what we have to do and you didn't do anything wrong. Keep up the good work
I have a few paid for articles on my website too. Why not hire someone for content, especially when you need content where you do not have enough knowledge of, and there are many specialists around us who have the knowledge.
I will probably never do that Loes. I love researching content. Why pay someone for something you love to do!?
Yes it is great if you have the time -- but with so many pressures on me, with multiple obligations, I am up against it, and trying to relieve some of the pressure.
There are instances where expediency is necessary. I hope you're satisfied with the results Amy!
Don't beat yourself up. You're just starting out and if you don't have the resources, do what you have to, with the intent of using local talent later, when you can. My issue is with millionaires and billionaires that outsource to Fverr,
Also, keep in mind that the FIverr paradigm is set up so that they can charge extra for addons. Their $5 offer is often just to get you interested. Many of them have upsells that allow them to maintain the 5 dollar front end offer.
One last thing - many of them charge 5 dollars because they suck. You may have to try a few before you find one who is a good fit for you.
All great points and thank you -- didn't know that millionaires are outsourcing to Fiverr -- why am I not surprised? Good points - all of them, and thank you.
Some places have lower codts of living than where you might live, so what might be an unacceptable wage to you might be alright for someone else.
It will be interesting to see how it turns out.
I have no issues with someone paying someone else to write their content, I'm actually looking into writing for others. But considering the lengthy process of coming up with writing something of quality, $15 an hoir seems a bit low. In my opinion, there are some jobs that really shouldn't be paid on an hourly basis, I would put writing in that category.
Hope all goes well for you and your writer, Amy.
I agree with you -- we all hire people to write, design, build sites, etc -- but these should be project-based fees, not hourly. Thanks.
I'm curious to see if it will be up to your standard or if you'll have to edit most of it. I hope you will us know. :)
If it's worth it, maybe I will take that route to get content more frequently on my site.
Yes, please post something to let us know, as I am also most interested in hearing your view of the quality of work.
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I don't think it's wrong. I see it as hiring an assistant to help relieve some of the pressure.