Kiss My Ass if You Think I’m that Dumb.
The idea behind this post has been kicking around in my head for some weeks now. It’s just taken me awhile to get those ideas to gel into a coherent, non-ranting form. I only have a few soapbox issues, but the few I do, well, I could go on for days ranting about them. So naturally, I needed some time to distill my thoughts before launching them into the blogosphere unchecked.
I’ve read a lot of posts and articles recently involving discussions of what some in the freelance writing world have dubbed “content mills.” You see, I do quite a bit of web writing. If fact, 85% of the paid writing I do is for online content. Client blogs, web copy, ezines, newsletters, my own blogs…this is web content. Writing written specifically as content for various web pages. Granted, there’s a little bit of difference between the content creation I do and what is generally refered to as “content mill” work.
What the Heck is a Content Mill?
You see, “content mills” are companies who hire writers on the cheap to create content for them. They have either been contracted directly by a client or website, they amass pieces to sell a la carte, or they just hire writers to crank out content for their own web properties. Generally, these companies hire writers willing to work for pennies compared to the going rate for freelance writing. The low rate isn’t a great thing, but the benefit is that the writers always have work coming in.
I can understand viewing that kind of arrangement as something of a sweat shop arrangement. Big Content company hires 30 writers to write 500 word articles for $5-15 each & those writers have to work 8 hours a day to make ends meet. I can understand why many professional freelancers look down on these companies & bad mouth them for taking advantage of inexperienced writers. I get that. I really do.
WARNING!! Hoppin’ Up on My SoapBox
But see, here’s where I get on my soapbox. I won’t name names, as I have no plans to get into a public pissing contest with anyone. But there are some writers out there who have made a big hub-bub on their blogs cursing these companies for their pay rates and practices. Their favorite mantra is to scream how these companies take advantage of people and how no self-respecting writer would stoop to working for such a company.
The portrayal of these writers as somehow being victims and the underlying tone that they’re too stupid to know better just irritates the snot out of me. It really does. Because while I don’t agree that a company should rake in profits off the back of writers working on 500 word pieces for $2 or 3, I hate listening to this crap. Every one of these “I’m so much better than that” writers gives the impression that writers who work for content mills are some brainless, inept morons who don’t know any better.
This isn’t a New Issue
I had a very similar issue when I was working as a Virtual Assistant. Veteran VAs would often talk down to new VAs who were willing to work for lower rates, who took independent contract jobs that paid peanuts, or who worked for free in exchange for access to additional contacts or joint venture partnerships. They had the same “oh those people are taking advantage of new VAs who are too dumb to know better yet” attitude.
To publicly admit that you worked an independent contract job, and likewise admitting you work for one of these “content mills” is like admitting you’re 35 years old, still working at McDonald’s flippin’ burgers, and living at home with Mom.
What a shame. Whatever happened to being proud of an honest day’s pay for an honest day’s work? Some of these content mill writers are desperately trying to keep their rent or mortgage paid after a layoff. Some of them are trying to find a way to stay home with their children, rather than letting them be raised by daycare workers. Some of them are trying to get a handle on writing for an audience. Some of them just enjoy the work. Geez, it’s not like they’re working the red light district downtown. Come on now, people! Seriously.
You’re Knottin’ Up My Knickers!
To insinuate that someone is somehow beneath you, or that someone is too inept to do anything else, or to in anyway insult someone, or insinuate they’re stupid for trying to make an honest living just gets my knickers in a knot.
I’ve worked with several (and still maintain contracts with a few) content creation companies. Does that mean I’m too dumb to write for print? Does that mean I am less than another professional freelance writer? Um, no. It means I have a steady stream of income between print projects (that can take up to 6 months to pay) and I’m getting to stretch my writing muscles on topics I might shy away from otherwise. I am much more confident in my writing skills in terms of pitching an idea I haven’t written yet because I know exactly what I can and can’t do in terms of writing on demand.
Is this high-brow writing? Certainly not. However, it is funding the farm rennovations so that I don’t have to pull more money out of the kids’ trusts, or use my regular income to fund the farm.
And guess what? It’s a good opportunity for you chicken shits who are scared to death of sending out that query letter. Writing for content companies won’t make you rich. You’ll have to work harder than the money’s probably worth, but in terms of boosting your confidence, it’s a pretty good place to start.
Kiss. My. Ass.
And for those of you who want to look down your nose at someone who makes the choice to write for a content mill, who thinks content mill writers are too dumb or lack enough talent for “real” writing? I have three words for you…KISS. MY. ASS. I’ve talked with dozens of Moms working from home writing for these companies.
Some are truly talentless and should be banned from picking up a writing implement for anything more than writing a check to the mortgage company.
But more often than not, I’ve met wonderful women who do have real talent, who do want to break into legitimate writing venues, who do want to eventually make more money. But the reality is…we all have to do whatever we have to do to keep the lights on and shoes on the children’s feet.
Now, for those of you who want to try this option to get your feet wet as a writer? Here are some companies you might want to look into:
Like I said, you won’t get rich, and you’ll work hard for low pay (depending on your writing ability, you can expect somewhere between barely minimum wage upwards to $20 an hour)…but it’s a place to start.
It’s a place to build your confidence.
It’s a place to gain experience writing for a real audience.
I wouldn’t put in on my resume for writing credits, but if given the choice between $400 for a writer’s workshop and getting paid $15 for 500 words? Hmmm….I’ll take the $15 for 500 words and use that to save up for the $400 workshop.
And if anyone has anything ugly to say to you about it? Tell them I said KISS. MY. ASS. 
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18 Responses to “Kiss My Ass if You Think I’m that Dumb.”
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Allow me to be your first comment. I could sooooo not have said this better myself! The only thing that REALLY annoys me other than the writers who are “too good” to write web content are those who will write 500 word articles for $1.I see that all the time on forums where both writers and clients frequent. I used to truly believe that those people were putting the rest of us out of business, but the truth of the matter is that once the quality of these “bargains” is viewed, the clients are a bit more open to paying better rates. Having said that, the writers who look down on us lowly web content writers must really have some decent gigs going on. Honestly, I will choose actually WORKING and having an income over sitting on my pride every day!
Twitter: derosajohanna
says:
Bahahahahah!! This is the first time I’ve read your work Sandi, and I like it. Makes me wanna put on the studded black leather-look accessories I wore a lot of when I was 20, and listen to some self-affirming yet angry music. Teeheehee.
I haven’t read these snooty blog posts you speak of, but I don’t think I have much interest in doing so either.
It’s true… some of us just want to write, and love to write, even for disgracefully low pay, simply because that’s where we’re at right now. I do of course think that some of the options and pay levels out there are ridiculously terrible, but I agree with you – I don’t think many people are accepting these out of sheer stupidity. 
And yes! Insulting others out of the blue, who are just trying to pay off a bill a little quicker, or perhaps dip their toes into something they enjoy but don’t feel they have the qualifications to succeed in at a “professional, properly paid” level… just isn’t nice. 
I acknowledge the right of people to be insulting and rude where the law allows, but I don’t like it.
Heh heh heh.
I enjoyed reading your thoughts Sandi, and your inspiring “about” story as well… Wow. What a tough ride you’ve had. Amazing to see what you have made out of your situation…not sure if I’d be so resilient in your shoes, or if I’d be writing such a fun-to-read blog about getting on with things.
Good onya, as we say in Australia.
I LOVE this post! I am a fairly new *online* writer. However, I have a lot of experience in other forms of writing. When a new writer comes to the internet, the “content mills” are all they see. Plus, the sites are the first batch of money they come across. Of course, they are going to write for them. Who am I to tell them they need to start out big?! I am no better than anyone else. And nor are those people that think they know what is best. What works for your life ma not work for someone else.
Thank you for this post. I enjoyed every part of it. I agree with you 100% and hope to see more of these posts from you again!
Nichole
Twitter: sandijohnson1
says:
You guys are just wonderful! Thank you Lynn, Johanna, and Nicole. It’s nice to be appreciated.
And Johanna, yes, it’s been quite a ride – this thing they call my life. Not for the faint of heart, that’s for sure. But it hasn’t killed me yet, so that’s a good thing. And just think…you only read the G version that’s fit to print in public. Imagine if you knew “the rest of the story…”
Who knows, someday I might tell the 3/4 of the way to 10ft tall and bullet proof story. (At barely a couple inches over 5 feet tall, I only got half credit on the 10ft tall part.)
Thank you again, Ladies, for havin’ my back. It’s good to know I’m in such good company. We’ll all do well at The Home – they have cookies there.
Excellent post. You know, it takes a lot of energy not to let people make you feel like crap about what you do. I have to admit sometimes I have to slap myself around to remind myself to just keep plugging away at what is making me a few dollars rather than listen to those people who down us “content writers.” There are a hell of a lot of good writers in the world (and maybe even more bad ones). Not all of us can be hugely successful in cushy print jobs, even when we get the occasional one. We do what we can to make ends meet and make honest money. Kudos.
Twitter: sandijohnson1
says:
Josie – you got it girl! There is absolutely nothing to knock yourself for when you’re just trying to make an honest living. There is nothing wrong with that, especially when you consider all those people out there content to let someone else do for them.
Don’t beat yourself up over what you haven’t done or could be doing. Life is too short. You have to just embrace what’s in front of you, love it warts and all, and keep taking baby steps towards something better. That’s all anyone can ask of you. So long as you can look you in the mirror every morning, everyone else can just kiss what’s not facing the mirror!
Twitter: DanielleMcGaw
says:
Sandi, I completely agree. No one should ever look down their noses at people for the work they choose to do. I know one lady who used to be a lawyer and quit her job to build websites – adult websites. And you know what? She’s doing something she enjoys and she’s making more money now than she did as a lawyer and completely supports her 10 (yes, I said 10) kids and her husband who is ill. There are many women out there that are doing the same thing because they have content mills to fall back on. They are supporting families, they are supporting themselves, and they are doing something they love (now if they don’t love it that is another matter completely). It gives men and women who don’t have specialties, who don’t have a lot of experience, and don’t have a lot of other choices a chance to make a living.
Do what you want to do – write for content mills or write for newspapers or write resumes or write corporate advertising or…you get the idea. It’s your choice. Don’t let anyone else tell you what you should or shouldn’t do.
.-= Danielle McGaw´s last blog ..What Does the “Free” in “Freelance” Mean to You? =-.
Twitter: sandijohnson1
says:
Adult sites? Wow. Now there’s something you don’t hear everyday, but hey – if she enjoys it and it lets her take care of her family? Then that’s wonderful.
I love reading about Moms who do this kind of work from home so they can be there with their families. I have the utmost respect for their choice.
Having been the Corporate America Mom and only getting to see my kids on the weekends or at dinner? And now having moved to working from home 7 or so years ago? I can see a HUGE difference in my family life. I can’t imagine having a house full of teenagers left to their own devices all day. Yikes! I’ll take being home with my kids over a six figure salary any day of the week.
I really think we missed the mark when we started the whole 2 income household as a necessity thing. Being home for your kids makes such a difference. But that’s a whole ‘nother discussion for a whole ‘nother blog. lol.
Twitter: RoxannConger
says:
WOOHOO GO MOM! Some people are just so, ignorant. I see nothing wrong with it, hell I would do it myself if I could just get myself on a schedule lol. Why not?, make a little extra money, some practice and experience AND still get to stay home with munchkin, sounds like a pretty sweet deal to me.
Twitter: thewahwife
says:
*getting on MY soapbox*
As a virtual assistant and someone who has recently started delving into the freelance writer world, I know exactly the attitude you speak of. Interestingly I have found over time those that tell you something is sooo entirely below them, have done it themselves at some point in time. How soon we forget where we came from.
(I have found some very interesting profiles on AC lately.)
There are some people I personally push to get outside their comfort zone and make more money. They deserve it. But, they may not be ready yet. Writing for content mills, working for lower wages or barter exchange is just as you said, a way to get experience, improve skills and gain self-confidence. Some freelancers will move beyond that, and some are content staying there.
I would personally rather see these high horse riders actually motivate someone as opposed to putting them down. Or worse, put them down in effort to get that $400 you speak of. We are not all so lucky to start at the top as those people (*cough* hypocrites).
.-= Angie – The Work at Home Wife´s last blog ..Article Marketing Check-In =-.
Well said, Sandi! I have been writing for content mills and guess I never realized how “stupid” I was for doing so. I suppose this goes to show the saying is true: Ignorance is bliss.
Keep telling the truth!!
.-= marlaahansen´s last blog ..Girls Just Want To Have Fun =-.
Twitter: hhdavid65
says:
Wonderful article! I am a beginning freelancer. I would just love to line up beside you and do the same when you drop your knickers. They can kiss mine, too.
I had a “real” job, if that’s what you want to call it. It led to many problems with one of my children. Now I’m home to constantly keep an eye on him, and I wouldn’t change it for anything. They only grow up once.
And furthermore, I have enough criticism from my own family for being a freelance writer. I sure as hell don’t need it from other writers. I’m a beginner, and still struggling. I need encouragement, and you’ve given it to me.
Bravo!
I’ve hesitated for quite a while before posting this. The hordes are throwing roses at your feet, and I’m about to get the rotten tomatoes, I fear.
For the most part, I agree with you. There’s nothing wrong with ANY writing that pays the bills.
BUT. There’s a reason content mills and those who write for them have developed a bad reputation in some circles. That reason is… a lot of the writing STINKS!! Yet it is considered acceptable. The sites approve absolutely horrendous articles filled with grammatical and factual errors, and buyers are being taught by experience that this level of (in)competence is what they can expect.
The proliferation of substandard writing on article sites and by “writers” who claim to be professional has a deleterious effect on the industry, in my opinion. If bad writing is the standard, then OF COURSE writers are worth no more than a few dollars an article.
Of course writers shouldn’t be looked down upon for taking work. But what IS a writer? Is a writer anyone who has access to a computer? Silly me for thinking it involves a little more than that.
I always thought professional writing involved a minimal skill set and at least a basic grasp of the English language (or whatever language you’re using). I was frankly astonished to discover that Textbroker accepts and pays for articles with grammatical and syntax errors through level 4. Even homonym errors are considered acceptable. Just recently, I saw “complimentary” used in place of “complementary” on a highly-rated writer’s blog.
I certainly don’t believe “I’m so much better than that.” I consider myself a competent writer (on my good days) and am constantly blown away by the level of writing talent I see in blogs and forums. Although I’ve written books and been a published author in the past, I’m currently in a position where I’m battling for anything I can get, and the proliferation of substandard writing makes it more difficult for writers to get paid what we’re worth.
OK, y’all can start tearing into me now.
Twitter: sandijohnson1
says:
Jan,
Don’t worry – no one is going to tear you down. In fact, I agree with you. There are, unfortunately a great number of less than stellar “writers” working for content companies. I have to admit, I cringe at some of the things I’ve seen published.
It’s the same with any other industry though – you have professionals with real talent, you have amateurs growing their talent, and you have pretenders. The writing world is no different.
The way I see it, if someone is willing to pay someone else to write for them and they’re willing to accept sub-standard prose, that’s on them. I cringe, I chuckle to myself when I see the pretenders, and then I go back to working on client projects. I can’t change what other people do or what they buy – be it writing, their car, or the attorney they hire.
All I can do is make sure that my writing projects are the best I am able to create. I really don’t see poor quality writing as affecting the industry really – not in a bad sense. In fact, it’s been my experience that once a client sees what poor writing is like, they’re more inclined to value good writing. At least the clients I want to work with do. The others, well…there are writers available to serve that market as well.
Twitter: internetemploy
says:
Hi Sandi, awesome post. The “high and mighty” people who belittle you for picking up up a bit of extra work at content mills are not paying your bills. They are an excellent place to start working online, and to return to if there is an unexpected bill or you simply want a bit more cash that week. Content work certainly beats picking up a second or third job outside of the home.
.-= magenta´s last blog ..Top 6 Internet Job Interview Tips =-.
[...] Personally? Those folks can kiss my ass (you can read my public invitation for those folks to kiss my ass, by the way) but that thinking is something you’re liable to come across more than once as [...]
[...] never have known about any of these content companies if I would not have read Sandi’s article Kiss My Ass If You Think I’m That Dumb. This is the very first post I read before I contacted Sandi for the first time. I absolutely loved [...]
Twitter: ChrystalMahan
says:
If not for Angie up there I would not have found my way here today. Another thing happened today. I found myself in the middle of yet another writers war. This time I politely hit my back button and found something else to do. I will never understand it and I am to the point now where I just don’t care. I love writing, and I love money. Works.
Chrystal´s last [type] ..Personal Time Management & Its Importance
Twitter: sandijohnson1
says:
Exactly! You do what makes you happy…and anyone that has issue can just stick it. There’s nothing…absolutely NOTHING wrong with an honest day’s pay for an honest day’s work. Nowadays, just having the ability to earn an income and keep the bills paid is a blessing not to be taken for granted when so many others would love to have ANY kind of work. Why people spend time with in-fighting is completely beyond me. It really is.
Sure, people within an industry do things that tick each other off and sometimes you need to vent. It happens everywhere, in every industry. We all make choices and have opinions that someone else doesn’t agree with. But while others are in-fighting, I’m in my office, earning a living. My name’s Bennett and I ain’t in it ’cause I got too much work to do.
Thank you for the post, Sandi. It made me chuckle and I appreciate you finally saying something about it when most people wouldn’t. Unfortunately, these content mill sites are the easiest entry point for budding freelance writers. It’s where I’m starting just so I can hone my writing skills and pick up some money while I research other options.
I quit my cubicle corporate job a few weeks ago with no real plan (but with a bunch of money saved) because I grew tired of living that way. It’s unhealthy for myself and my family. I’ve loved to write my whole life and I hope that some day, I can make a living do what I love.
I don’t think there is any shame in that and I wish more people considered it. But seeing as how many people look down on folks who do what they can to get there, I don’t see that happening anytime soon.
[...] you really should know more before passing judgement. In short, like I said last year…Kiss my ass if you think I’m that dumb. This sector of writing for a living is not for everyone – you have to find what works for [...]