by Writers With Cats
Thursday, January 6, 2011
So we were reading about this company, Freelance Home Writers (I know, what a delicious company name, right? Every word is a key word that points you from "work at home" to "freelance" to "writing" in one feel swoop. Genius.) and asked them a couple of questions.
See, we've been freelance writers both for a VERY long time, since BEFORE the internet became such a world. We watched freelance writing farms by the THOUSANDS teem with projects and opportunities, grabbing juicy commissions, and hurting millions of writers worldwide by not paying them as much as they should. It is these kind of farms that are hurting the entire freelance industry on a whole.
So, when we caught wind of this Freelance Home Writers company, we checked them out. You'll pay about $50 a month to look over their contingent of jobs, and they respectfully call the job-holders they advertise as "employers". I thought...well, that doesn't seem right, so I helpfully contacted customer support, happy to get a chat line:
-----------------------
Thanks for contacting us. Please hold a moment while we route your chat to a specialist who will help you with your question: 'We're interested, but have no idea how this works....'
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laura says: 04:27:56 PM
Hello, my name is Laura. Give me a moment while I access your account.
Paul says: 04:28:08 PM
I don't have an account.
laura says: 04:28:31 PM
One moment please Paul
Paul says: 04:32:54 PM
?
laura says: 04:33:41 PM
sorry Paul, its very busy today. Our site lists over 300 opportunities per day to do freelance writing jobs on your own time on your own computer, at home
laura says: 04:33:55 PM
Sorry over 3000 not 300
Paul says: 04:34:33 PM
We're both freelance writers so we know the drill. What our concern is...how are you finding these opportunities? Is this through a broker, a farm, etc?
Paul says: 04:35:07 PM
So we're paying you a fee, plus a monthly charge...not to actually get jobs, but to get wind of jobs, correct?
laura says: 04:35:18 PM
I have no idea Paul.
Paul says: 04:35:44 PM
Look, Laura, let's start the new year right. Be honest with us, okay?
laura says: 04:35:58 PM
I am Paul
Paul says: 04:36:06 PM
So the idea is, we're paying a fee...to view jobs available. We're not given jobs. Right?
laura says: 04:36:46 PM
Correct
Paul says: 04:37:18 PM
I don't understand. Why are we paying a monthly recurring charge if we still have to apply and fight over projects?
laura says: 04:38:40 PM
so you do not have to take YOUR time look for them. They are all in one place so you can use your time to apply and work
laura says: 04:39:02 PM
and make $
Paul says: 04:39:06 PM
Ma'am, we're freelance writers. Most of us have the extra time to look. =)
Paul says: 04:39:39 PM
I'd venture about 95% of the people signing up have the extra time. They don't want to sit in a queue and wait to be called.
Paul says: 04:39:59 PM
What can you offer that others can't?
laura says: 04:40:00 PM
That is why we offer the 7 day trial .. so you can see if this is right for you or not.
Paul says: 04:40:26 PM
Why not just arrange to pay you people a commission fee for jobs you match us up with?
laura says: 04:41:07 PM
We are not the employers, we only list the jobs daily for you
Paul says: 04:41:40 PM
I know that, but as the listers, isn't the site responsible to the employer at that point?
laura says: 04:42:19 PM
not that I am aware of. I do not know how they obtain the projects, therefore can not honestly answer that question
Paul says: 04:43:26 PM
See, this is my concern, and please let me explain. We have been freelance writers for about 15 years, okay? And we KNOW what goes on. Most of the freelance writing jobs now listed, do not come from employers, but from OTHER farms, such as Elance, and others, ok?
Paul says: 04:43:37 PM
So...we'd never see full payment for our work. =(
laura says: 04:43:56 PM
So how may I help you here Paul?
Paul says: 04:45:02 PM
You can help me by telling us why your company isn't checking out and screening their employers. If we're going to pay for your services, isn't it in your best interest to make sure the projects listed our legit, and not "farmed out"?
Paul says: 04:45:12 PM
our=are, sorry.
laura says: 04:45:13 PM
We offer the 7 day trial for you to see how the jobs are set up and offered. It would be my suggestion for you tosee if this a good fit for you
Paul says: 04:46:30 PM
But what about the projects and the employers represented?
laura says: 04:46:37 PM
I am here to help you with your account. I have no idea if managment is or is not screening the employers Paul
Paul says: 04:46:39 PM
How are we to know these have been screened?
Paul says: 04:46:52 PM
Well, shouldn't someone know for sure?! =(
Paul says: 04:47:27 PM
You understand my concern, right, Laura? I hope?
Paul says: 04:47:56 PM
I'm paying a monthly fee - and it's possible the job I want...isn't an actual employer?
laura says: 04:48:10 PM
again Paul, I would suggest trying the 7 day trial to see if this is what you desire or not. I do not know what type of screening is done.
Paul says: 04:48:27 PM
Is there someone in management I can speak to by phone?
laura says: 04:48:47 PM
I would suggest reading the terms and conditions then as that is your agreement if you become a member
Paul says: 04:48:56 PM
Because, if you're charging people nearly 600 a year...I think they should know why. =(
laura says: 04:49:05 PM
you can call 800-750-7660
Paul says: 04:49:16 PM
May I ask again, is there someone in management I can speak to by phone please?
laura says: 04:49:20 PM
you will need to speak to a manager
Paul says: 04:49:23 PM
and whom do I ask for?
laura says: 04:49:34 PM
a manager Paul
Paul says: 04:49:45 PM
I would like a name please.
laura says: 04:49:50 PM
Sorry I was unable to answer you more
Paul says: 04:50:09 PM
Surely you know whom your manager is, right?
laura says: 04:50:39 PM
unfortunately I do not have that for you Paul. I do not know who would be the appropriate reference for your questions
laura says: 04:50:57 PM
Again, I am sorry I am unable to help you more.
Paul says: 04:51:01 PM
I don't understand. Don't you have a supervisor?
laura says: 04:51:22 PM
Again, I am sorry I am unable to help you more.
Paul says: 04:51:36 PM
Laura, please be reasonable with me.
Paul says: 04:51:42 PM
I'm asking a very simple request.
Paul says: 04:51:53 PM
I'm also logging this entire conversation.
laura says: 04:52:15 PM
I have answered your questions to the best of my ability. I am sorry I can not help you more Paul
Paul says: 04:52:26 PM
Please tell me whom I speak to in management.
laura says: 04:52:41 PM
May I suggest you call the number I gave you and request a manager as I suggested before.
Paul says: 04:53:00 PM
No, I'm not going to call without a name. it's not courteous.
laura says: 04:53:06 PM
Again, unfortunately I do not have that for you Paul. I do not know who would be the appropriate reference for your questions
Paul says: 04:53:18 PM
The proper way is to address by name in the U.S.
laura says: 04:54:14 PM
I will be terminating this conversation as I have answered your questions to the best of my ability and you keep asking the same questions I am unable to answer. I am sorry Paul, you will need to call and ask for a manager please.
laura says: 04:54:36 PM
Good day
Paul says: 04:54:41 PM
So...when I write my review for Freelance Home Writers, I should write that Freelance Home Writers has zero control over who lists projects?
laura left this room.
Paul says: 04:54:51 PM
I wouldn't suggest you hang up just yet.
So Laura hung up and closed the chat at this point. Needless to say, I was not happy with what I was learning. People pay this company about 600 a year - and they have no idea if the jobs placed are even legit?! What's to stop these people from simply "creating" leads by themselves? Say, a Texas company needs someone to write video games. 100 people on Freelance Home Writers could apply for it - but who knows who got it? They could easily just create a fictional listing, a fictional gmail account to send to, and viola - you apply, get a happy "Thanks for applying" email back - and then nothing else.
I thought, "Well, perhaps I should call them." but then I thought, if Laura won't tell me, maybe someone else will. I placed my same contact information, and tried another chat. This time, I seemed to get a "manager". Not that I believe that. =)
----------------------------------
Thanks for contacting us. Please hold a moment while we route your chat to a specialist who will help you with your question: 'I was hung up on without getting an answer to a qu...'
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brittney says: 04:56:56 PM
Hi my name is Brittney, I am the Manager
Paul says: 04:57:18 PM
Wonderful. Could you please address my earlier concerns?
brittney says: 04:57:39 PM
We affiliate with Other companies
Paul says: 04:58:05 PM
But they're not the direct employers, are they?
brittney says: 04:58:18 PM
Yes they are
Paul says: 04:58:33 PM
No, they're not. If you pull someone out of Elance, no.
Paul says: 04:58:42 PM
or whatever other farm is out there.
Paul says: 04:59:00 PM
Trust me, I'm a freelance writer of about 15 years. I know how the system works.
Paul says: 04:59:28 PM
So, if people are paying a monthly fee, to work for employers... this is wrong then.
brittney says: 04:59:32 PM
So what would you like me to tell you
Paul says: 04:59:38 PM
you should not call them employers. =(
Paul says: 04:59:57 PM
I want you to change the scope of your business, because you're lying to people paying you money. =(
Paul says: 05:00:32 PM
I believe "employers" should not be listed anywhere on your site, because that is inaccurate.
brittney says: 05:00:50 PM
Well i will send the information to the correct people
Paul says: 05:01:13 PM
I really would appreciate that. If they have more to explain, they are free to email us.
brittney says: 05:01:28 PM
Okay no problem
Paul says: 05:01:29 PM
But I believe this is wrong.
Paul says: 05:01:35 PM
That's just my opinion.
Paul says: 05:01:49 PM
And I think you need a new screening process. =(
Paul says: 05:02:01 PM
If we're going to work with employers, they should be direct.
Paul says: 05:02:06 PM
Not commissioned brokers. =(
brittney says: 05:02:24 PM
Okay well is there anything else that i can assist you with today?
Paul says: 05:02:34 PM
Although...well, let's be honest. The chances of you finding any direct writing jobs are a million to one.
Paul says: 05:02:40 PM
Right?
Paul says: 05:03:00 PM
No, I'm done. Thank you.
I didn't stay for the fireworks after that. She knows EXACTLY what I'm talking about.
Lesson learned, dear readers and freelancers out there. The odds of you getting a DIRECT job and an employer are slim to none. =( It is IMPORTANT that you contact businesses DIRECTLY to get the jobs you're looking for. Don't count on some farm to do it for you.
And as far as Freelance Home Writers goes? Well, let's just say, I hope I've opened a few eyes on that front too. =)
Peace!
Paul
(with cats looking over shoulder) >^^<
See, we've been freelance writers both for a VERY long time, since BEFORE the internet became such a world. We watched freelance writing farms by the THOUSANDS teem with projects and opportunities, grabbing juicy commissions, and hurting millions of writers worldwide by not paying them as much as they should. It is these kind of farms that are hurting the entire freelance industry on a whole.
So, when we caught wind of this Freelance Home Writers company, we checked them out. You'll pay about $50 a month to look over their contingent of jobs, and they respectfully call the job-holders they advertise as "employers". I thought...well, that doesn't seem right, so I helpfully contacted customer support, happy to get a chat line:
-----------------------
Thanks for contacting us. Please hold a moment while we route your chat to a specialist who will help you with your question: 'We're interested, but have no idea how this works....'
laura has received your message and will be right with you.
Please wait, connecting to server...
Connected!
laura says: 04:27:56 PM
Hello, my name is Laura. Give me a moment while I access your account.
Paul says: 04:28:08 PM
I don't have an account.
laura says: 04:28:31 PM
One moment please Paul
Paul says: 04:32:54 PM
?
laura says: 04:33:41 PM
sorry Paul, its very busy today. Our site lists over 300 opportunities per day to do freelance writing jobs on your own time on your own computer, at home
laura says: 04:33:55 PM
Sorry over 3000 not 300
Paul says: 04:34:33 PM
We're both freelance writers so we know the drill. What our concern is...how are you finding these opportunities? Is this through a broker, a farm, etc?
Paul says: 04:35:07 PM
So we're paying you a fee, plus a monthly charge...not to actually get jobs, but to get wind of jobs, correct?
laura says: 04:35:18 PM
I have no idea Paul.
Paul says: 04:35:44 PM
Look, Laura, let's start the new year right. Be honest with us, okay?
laura says: 04:35:58 PM
I am Paul
Paul says: 04:36:06 PM
So the idea is, we're paying a fee...to view jobs available. We're not given jobs. Right?
laura says: 04:36:46 PM
Correct
Paul says: 04:37:18 PM
I don't understand. Why are we paying a monthly recurring charge if we still have to apply and fight over projects?
laura says: 04:38:40 PM
so you do not have to take YOUR time look for them. They are all in one place so you can use your time to apply and work
laura says: 04:39:02 PM
and make $
Paul says: 04:39:06 PM
Ma'am, we're freelance writers. Most of us have the extra time to look. =)
Paul says: 04:39:39 PM
I'd venture about 95% of the people signing up have the extra time. They don't want to sit in a queue and wait to be called.
Paul says: 04:39:59 PM
What can you offer that others can't?
laura says: 04:40:00 PM
That is why we offer the 7 day trial .. so you can see if this is right for you or not.
Paul says: 04:40:26 PM
Why not just arrange to pay you people a commission fee for jobs you match us up with?
laura says: 04:41:07 PM
We are not the employers, we only list the jobs daily for you
Paul says: 04:41:40 PM
I know that, but as the listers, isn't the site responsible to the employer at that point?
laura says: 04:42:19 PM
not that I am aware of. I do not know how they obtain the projects, therefore can not honestly answer that question
Paul says: 04:43:26 PM
See, this is my concern, and please let me explain. We have been freelance writers for about 15 years, okay? And we KNOW what goes on. Most of the freelance writing jobs now listed, do not come from employers, but from OTHER farms, such as Elance, and others, ok?
Paul says: 04:43:37 PM
So...we'd never see full payment for our work. =(
laura says: 04:43:56 PM
So how may I help you here Paul?
Paul says: 04:45:02 PM
You can help me by telling us why your company isn't checking out and screening their employers. If we're going to pay for your services, isn't it in your best interest to make sure the projects listed our legit, and not "farmed out"?
Paul says: 04:45:12 PM
our=are, sorry.
laura says: 04:45:13 PM
We offer the 7 day trial for you to see how the jobs are set up and offered. It would be my suggestion for you tosee if this a good fit for you
Paul says: 04:46:30 PM
But what about the projects and the employers represented?
laura says: 04:46:37 PM
I am here to help you with your account. I have no idea if managment is or is not screening the employers Paul
Paul says: 04:46:39 PM
How are we to know these have been screened?
Paul says: 04:46:52 PM
Well, shouldn't someone know for sure?! =(
Paul says: 04:47:27 PM
You understand my concern, right, Laura? I hope?
Paul says: 04:47:56 PM
I'm paying a monthly fee - and it's possible the job I want...isn't an actual employer?
laura says: 04:48:10 PM
again Paul, I would suggest trying the 7 day trial to see if this is what you desire or not. I do not know what type of screening is done.
Paul says: 04:48:27 PM
Is there someone in management I can speak to by phone?
laura says: 04:48:47 PM
I would suggest reading the terms and conditions then as that is your agreement if you become a member
Paul says: 04:48:56 PM
Because, if you're charging people nearly 600 a year...I think they should know why. =(
laura says: 04:49:05 PM
you can call 800-750-7660
Paul says: 04:49:16 PM
May I ask again, is there someone in management I can speak to by phone please?
laura says: 04:49:20 PM
you will need to speak to a manager
Paul says: 04:49:23 PM
and whom do I ask for?
laura says: 04:49:34 PM
a manager Paul
Paul says: 04:49:45 PM
I would like a name please.
laura says: 04:49:50 PM
Sorry I was unable to answer you more
Paul says: 04:50:09 PM
Surely you know whom your manager is, right?
laura says: 04:50:39 PM
unfortunately I do not have that for you Paul. I do not know who would be the appropriate reference for your questions
laura says: 04:50:57 PM
Again, I am sorry I am unable to help you more.
Paul says: 04:51:01 PM
I don't understand. Don't you have a supervisor?
laura says: 04:51:22 PM
Again, I am sorry I am unable to help you more.
Paul says: 04:51:36 PM
Laura, please be reasonable with me.
Paul says: 04:51:42 PM
I'm asking a very simple request.
Paul says: 04:51:53 PM
I'm also logging this entire conversation.
laura says: 04:52:15 PM
I have answered your questions to the best of my ability. I am sorry I can not help you more Paul
Paul says: 04:52:26 PM
Please tell me whom I speak to in management.
laura says: 04:52:41 PM
May I suggest you call the number I gave you and request a manager as I suggested before.
Paul says: 04:53:00 PM
No, I'm not going to call without a name. it's not courteous.
laura says: 04:53:06 PM
Again, unfortunately I do not have that for you Paul. I do not know who would be the appropriate reference for your questions
Paul says: 04:53:18 PM
The proper way is to address by name in the U.S.
laura says: 04:54:14 PM
I will be terminating this conversation as I have answered your questions to the best of my ability and you keep asking the same questions I am unable to answer. I am sorry Paul, you will need to call and ask for a manager please.
laura says: 04:54:36 PM
Good day
Paul says: 04:54:41 PM
So...when I write my review for Freelance Home Writers, I should write that Freelance Home Writers has zero control over who lists projects?
laura left this room.
Paul says: 04:54:51 PM
I wouldn't suggest you hang up just yet.
So Laura hung up and closed the chat at this point. Needless to say, I was not happy with what I was learning. People pay this company about 600 a year - and they have no idea if the jobs placed are even legit?! What's to stop these people from simply "creating" leads by themselves? Say, a Texas company needs someone to write video games. 100 people on Freelance Home Writers could apply for it - but who knows who got it? They could easily just create a fictional listing, a fictional gmail account to send to, and viola - you apply, get a happy "Thanks for applying" email back - and then nothing else.
I thought, "Well, perhaps I should call them." but then I thought, if Laura won't tell me, maybe someone else will. I placed my same contact information, and tried another chat. This time, I seemed to get a "manager". Not that I believe that. =)
----------------------------------
Thanks for contacting us. Please hold a moment while we route your chat to a specialist who will help you with your question: 'I was hung up on without getting an answer to a qu...'
brittney has received your message and will be right with you.
Please wait, connecting to server...
Connected!
brittney says: 04:56:56 PM
Hi my name is Brittney, I am the Manager
Paul says: 04:57:18 PM
Wonderful. Could you please address my earlier concerns?
brittney says: 04:57:39 PM
We affiliate with Other companies
Paul says: 04:58:05 PM
But they're not the direct employers, are they?
brittney says: 04:58:18 PM
Yes they are
Paul says: 04:58:33 PM
No, they're not. If you pull someone out of Elance, no.
Paul says: 04:58:42 PM
or whatever other farm is out there.
Paul says: 04:59:00 PM
Trust me, I'm a freelance writer of about 15 years. I know how the system works.
Paul says: 04:59:28 PM
So, if people are paying a monthly fee, to work for employers... this is wrong then.
brittney says: 04:59:32 PM
So what would you like me to tell you
Paul says: 04:59:38 PM
you should not call them employers. =(
Paul says: 04:59:57 PM
I want you to change the scope of your business, because you're lying to people paying you money. =(
Paul says: 05:00:32 PM
I believe "employers" should not be listed anywhere on your site, because that is inaccurate.
brittney says: 05:00:50 PM
Well i will send the information to the correct people
Paul says: 05:01:13 PM
I really would appreciate that. If they have more to explain, they are free to email us.
brittney says: 05:01:28 PM
Okay no problem
Paul says: 05:01:29 PM
But I believe this is wrong.
Paul says: 05:01:35 PM
That's just my opinion.
Paul says: 05:01:49 PM
And I think you need a new screening process. =(
Paul says: 05:02:01 PM
If we're going to work with employers, they should be direct.
Paul says: 05:02:06 PM
Not commissioned brokers. =(
brittney says: 05:02:24 PM
Okay well is there anything else that i can assist you with today?
Paul says: 05:02:34 PM
Although...well, let's be honest. The chances of you finding any direct writing jobs are a million to one.
Paul says: 05:02:40 PM
Right?
Paul says: 05:03:00 PM
No, I'm done. Thank you.
I didn't stay for the fireworks after that. She knows EXACTLY what I'm talking about.
Lesson learned, dear readers and freelancers out there. The odds of you getting a DIRECT job and an employer are slim to none. =( It is IMPORTANT that you contact businesses DIRECTLY to get the jobs you're looking for. Don't count on some farm to do it for you.
And as far as Freelance Home Writers goes? Well, let's just say, I hope I've opened a few eyes on that front too. =)
Peace!
Paul
(with cats looking over shoulder) >^^<