I´ve had a strange reaction from a client...

Not totally true. When people contract to have articles written, it is mainly to save them time. They obviously do not waste more time discussing a poorly written article (not referring necessarily to the one at the center of this controversy).

Overall, this article had obvious mistakes and weaknesses. The writer should have been able to pick on what was wrong with the article without outside intervention.

 

.... do not *want* to waste...

 

Yes, Eric there are many reasons a person will contract writers to create content for them. I am merely speculating on possible reasons the client did not want to pay Padme.

I know that as a professional, when I am hired to create content I know exactly what the client wants up front. If an article needs to be revised, I look the article over again, find out what I think needs to be fixed and then ask for specific client feedback. It's important to know what your client wants in a revision, because you cannot simply read their mind. What they think needs to be fixed may not be what you picked up on.

 

Personally, I'm not one to argue over such things. The times I've gotten poorly written/researched content, I've just paid for it and moved on, knowing I won't use that person again. Doesn't seem to be much to gain to go on a long discussion with them about it. Just more wasted time, as eric said.

I pay to have most of my content written just because it frees up time (and I'm a shitty writer LOL) to do more important things - like promoting the site I'm getting the content for. If I trust the writer (and I have one I do trust), I can give them any topic I want, knowing it'll come out just like I want.

 

I'm not talking about a long discussion, merely highlighting the parts of the article that didn't sit well with the client and asking the writer to revise those parts.

For people who care about the quality of their content, that isn't a large step to take when working with a writer.

 

Why do you assume that when the article in question is poor and obviously written by someone whose first language isn't English that the client simply didn't wish to pay for the articles?

A more accurate assumption would be the problem is it's poor quality due to the fact Padme isn't English therfore it cannot be corrected and the client didn't want to waste anymore of his time.

If the client uses them I will be proved wrong, but I wouldn't like to use that article on any of my sites at all.

Pete

 

Let's say you've hired someone to do writing for you. Their first article returned is some piece of crap that you hate. Are you going to spend time and highlight what you don't like? Probably not. I'd consider it a lesson learned, personally.

If its someone I've worked with in the past and it happened; that'd be a different matter entirely. But first time, I'd have paid and moved on *shrugs*

 

It is when working with a writer whose first language obviously isn't English. Why would the client want to waste his time when he knows full well getting an article to his standard out of Padme would be an impossible waste of time and money?

I think you're being far to bias being a writer yourself Denise.

We aren't talking about something that can be rectified or fixed here.

Pete

 

Gadood, I didn't try to assume anything. I'm simply going off personal experience. As I mentioned above, when I've had to revise an article I know what needs to be fixed because the clients tells me in no uncertain terms.

I'm not trying to badmouth a client I don't know, I'm simply saying it's possible that if he refuses to give specific examples or cannot give specific examples as to why her work wasn't up to standard, and her work turns up elsewhere, it's obvious he just didn't want to pay.

I can see problems with the article, yes. But unlike the client, I specifically told her what was wrong and possible reasons the client wouldn't have accepted it. I wouldn't want that article on my website either, but I create all of my own content so that will never be a problem.

 

Hmmm, perhaps not Gadood. But every client I've worked with has asked to see writing samples before. If you were going to hire someone, wouldn't you want to see specific examples of their work so you can get a feel for the quality of their writing? I wonder if Padme's client did this. If not, I can't sympathize with him or her, because they failed to know what they were getting beforehand.

Now, if people cared about their content, why would they choose a writer whose first language isn't English, ESPECIALLY if it's obvious? That's why I wonder if Padme's client happened to see examples of her work beforehand, and if yes, why all of a sudden it isn't what they expected.

 

This is true. Part of the onus is on the buyer for either expecting too much or not doing enough checking into who the writer is.

 

I'm seriously not trying to defend or support anyone, merely stating the facts. If Padme's client didn't know the type of writer she was beforehand, they need to bear part of the responsibility for not checking to see who the writer was before hiring her.

 

But lets be honest (and apologies if the buyer is in this discussion), if you need 10 articles on MLM for your MLM site, you already aren't at the top of the smarts tree

 

Agreed, Lorien.

 

Probably not would be my approach as well. If the person's first article is mediocre and has a number of spelling and grammar errors, I would be extremely disappointed.

Firstly, the writer should have been trying to make a good first impression on me. They failed.

Second, s/he probably should get a lot more practice writing before trying to work for hire. Or perhaps finding another line of work is a good idea. Not everyone has the talent to write well.

I also agree about the native english speaker issue. When I'm reading something and come across one of those odd phrases that has resulted from a clumsy dictionary translation, it makes me pause. It acts as sort of a "stop word" and breaks the flow of my reading. I certainly don't want someone reading my website to have the same experience.

I saw one good example of that in one of the writing threads here on DP. [Pharaphrased] " .. that comes into your palms." The context suggested that the writer meant, " .. that is sent to you."

 

Hello,

Really I must confess, I love your post for many reasons. One is the fact that you are honest and want others to help you out.

My name is Patrick Ubuane and I am an experience article writer, so listen to me on this issue. What happen to you may actually be your fault. That is, the problem may had originated from you. I mean is that you may had made few editing mistakes, grammatical errors and such like.

Truthfully, being a writer for 4-years doesn't preclude you from making mistakes.

Now, ask yourself these simple, but salient questions:

1. Did I ask someone else to read and spot mistakes (and offer suggestions) before I sent them to the clients?

2. Did I read and re-edit for at least 3 times before sending to the client?

3. Did I send the articles to the client almost immediately after writing or I did waited for few hours -- then read again and re-edit once more, before sending them to the client?

4. Was I in the right frame of mind, psychologically, emotional or otherwise either before or during the writing of the articles?

5. Does the articles (or some of them) contain less good number of points to make it thick?

On the other hands, the client may be at fault.

You see, we have lots of people looking for writers, but few really are looking for good quality writers to pay good price on. And of course, some people are out there, whose manners and etiquette are so poor, that you will think they come from the gutters!

If you fall into the hands of such fellows, especially if you make a little mistake, then be sure to be rubbed with ‘dirty trouble.'

Again, it could be that he later saw cheaper price somewhere else, and couldn’t know how to let you know.

KNOW THIS FACT:
Irrespective of your experience and exposure, you will NEVER be free from errors and meeting people who will act like mad at you. All businesses; big or small do face (and will continue to face) such incidents.

CERTAIN TRUTH:
Learn to bury any pride since you’re dealing with diverse people. Why? Because it will help you maintain inner strength and confidence and move along (without bruises) whenever you encounter 'abusers' like that fellow.

Again, let your past and today successes be in focus always and cheer up.

IF HE REFUSE TO PAY?
Simply and POLITELY ask him to return your articles. That is, he shouldn't use them anymore and if possible...you can apologize to him!

You see, I had a situation when someone love my articles and he told me so, promptly. But do you know that up till today, he hasn't pay me? Though I felt bad and disappointed after doing hard job on 10 articles, but I didn't allow it to affect me – instead went ahead to meet new clients, who appreciates my good work and paid well for my efforts.

My friend, I will personally like to view your articles. Send at least 3 to me, if you. I will carefully read through and give you my honest feedback. Send the articles with the clients instructions. I will like to see everything to aid my comments to you.

All in all -- cheer up. Also remember you have people like us here as friends.

Expecting your reply.

Patrick Ubaune

 

Patrick P.M. sent.

Thank you for the honest opinion. In reply to your questions:
Yes, the client saw samples of my work and, for the price he was willing to pay I believe the articles are good enough. Plus, I would edit the article if he would give me more instructions and did send him a couple of emails, which he hasn’t replied yet.

BYTW- I got your point; I am moving away from this thread since it is starting to sound a little like a battle. Let us move on, I appreciate all the help and my thanks to all who have sent me a P.M. with constructive advice.

 

Yes Padme,

I strongly understand your positions now. If you the client really saw your samples and could not even have the time to let you of any problem, then you have no case to answer.

Just forget and put it behind you.

That is one thing about public forum you can’t take away: turning into ‘battle’ as you put it. People tend to digress to other things.

Cheers!

Patrick Ubuane

 

; should be :

gained during would be more English.

Apostrophe.

capable of feeding

Commas. And what's with capitalising happiness and truth?

This entire paragraph is waffle, it tells us nothing. The tone is probably too informal too.

I could go on, but you get the idea. The rest of the article is no better. It's not merely a matter of grammar and English as a second language: there's also a failure to communicate anything of importance. Your client was probably expecting more research into the topic, and fewer vague generalities about life and happiness.

You have some considerable study before you if you want to produce work that is worthy of most paying markets. Are you prepared to make that effort?

 

I'm not a writer but from the responses in this thread and my own experiences, I've come to understand that it's not easy being a writer. The little setback happened because you've not learnt to cope with some of the demands of the job. As there are many people who are in a better position to guide you in this forum, I just have one piece of advice for you:

In all businesses, quality of the service/product is important. In your case, your articles speak for you. Keep learning and sharperning your writing skills and don't settle for a poor quality article just because a customer pays you a meagre amount. For all you know, he may be so impressed that he refers tons of customers to you! If you can do this, problems like the one that you are facing in this thread can actually be avioded. Just think about it. If a customer sees a bad product, he'll never come back again. And the business stands to lose a potential long-term customer and all the other customers that he may refer.

Also, if your articles are so good, the demand for your services will eventually go up. You can then raise your rates and make more money.

My point is, no matter how you look at it, you cannot lose if you can improve the quality of your articles to a professional standard. By starting this thread, I can see that you have the right attitude. Don't be discouraged if you don't get it right the first time. Will you succeed as a pro writer? I don't know your aspirations, so only you can answer that question. I like to think that with will and desire, I'm sure you'll do well.

As to how you can improve on your skills, I'll let the experts handle this one