There’s an old expression that says it takes money to make money, and many freelance job sites use this belief to lure in new “employees.” For many professionals, paying for self employment seems too ludicrous to explore. And yet, many sites charge registration fees and other dues to freelance writers who are looking to get published- and paid- for their efforts.
So, is it true? Does freelance writing cost money for professionals who are trying to start their self employment? Or is this, like so many other opportunities associated with work at home, just another scam?
Paying for Self Employment
These freelance writing websites make a lot of claims to writers: There’s lots of work here for professionals who want to freelance! There enough self employment opportunities to keep anyone busy! There’s lots of money to be made!
There’s just one problem: the people doing the writing aren’t the ones making the money. There are many, many freelance writing scams out there, and they’re all the more dangerous because they look like legitimate job offers. One site actually places ads and actively seeks applicants, then puts a recurring monthly charge ($49.95) on the responders’ credit cards.
The undisputable truth is, paying for self employment is by all means a bad idea. Registration fees, application fees, contest fees- most of that is bunk and all of it should be treated like a potential scam. Don’t pay employers; employers should pay writers and it doesn’t work the other way around.
Freelance Writing
Freelance writing is a truly viable form of self employment, and many professionals work at home by typing away on their keyboards and stringing together words. Anyone who feels they have an aptitude for writing should absolutely pursue employment through the Internet, because there are lots of opportunities out there. But freelance writing shouldn’t cost a thing- not even when it’s time to look for jobs.
Many sites make their money by charging others to pay for the mere promise of future payment and possible writing gigs. But there are many other sites which offer viable job opportunities and actual money-making assignments, so there’s no need to think about paying for self employment. Spot scams by spotting those who ask for fees. No matter what those fees may be, avoid these “jobs” at all costs. Working for free is bad enough- freelance writers shouldn’t have to pay for the honor of spending their hours at work, too.
Spotting Self Employment Scams
It’s easy enough to spot a scam when someone asks for money, no matter how small the amount. Some self employment scams geared toward freelance writers, however, are even trickier than this. Sometimes, they don’t ask for money but for “free samples.” In some cases, these scam artists send out mass emails to writers and ask for articles on a given topic. Instead of offering a job, however, these articles get taken and posted to the Internet, and the writers never see a penny of compensation. When a potential employer sends an email to several different applicants at once that requests a free sample, be wary.
 |
