AssociatePrograms.com

Debbi · **Joined**: 20 Nov 2003 **Posts**: 259 **Location**: USA

Bit of a problem here...hope someone can help...

My first attempt to hire writers with Rent-a-coder (several months ago) didn't go well. The coder dropped the ball after I had accepted her bid, and never responded to arbitration. I let RAC give me a credit for my escrowed funds to pay for future projects, rather than pay a fee to get the money back.

Then I waited awhile to post another bid request...writing lots more of my own content in the meantime.

It was good that I waited, because a couple of weeks ago when I posted a new bid request, I knew much better exactly what I wanted/needed/expected. Plus I had read speedguide's ebook and was armed with plenty of great advice before proceeding.

The coder whose bid I accepted works hard, completes articles quickly, and communicates regularly. My only problem has been that he is clearly not very experienced and needs alot of guidance on the topic, structure, and keyword density. But since this is the first project for both of us, and he is trying so hard...I am not complaining.

I posted 2 additional private bid requests to 2 other coders who had posted a bid. One was a pro, but charged more than my initial bid request's rate. I decided her work would be worth the extra money. But I am in a holding pattern now for the last several days waiting for her to submit her first article for review. She has logged in a few times since my last message was posted, but she has not replied.

The second coder accepted the project, submitted a sample - which needed revisions, then suddenly dropped the project for "personal reasons" that were "unavoidable". It is now in arbitration so I can get a refund, just like the first project I got left hanging on so many months ago. Sad

I'm beginning to wonder why I'm having such bad luck with these coders. Maybe my expectations are just too high. Or maybe it's just bad luck. Rolling Eyes

Anyway...I was wondering if anyone else had experiences similar with RAC when it comes to non-technical content writing...and whether anyone has any advice for me.

Question

Should I just get the 2 remaining projects completed and try to find another way to get supplemental content written?

Question

Or have I just had bad luck and re-post a bid request for the dropped project so I won't have to pay a fee to get a full refund?

This is really frustrating. Mad

I was already wary of the coder who dropped the project because of his sparse communication and other minor things. But I was taking a chance on him because he is a resident of the area my website is about and I was hoping his insider knowledge would give the articles I got from him an edge.

Guess I lost that bet... Sad

Any advice would be appreciated...Sorry for rambling... Embarassed

Thanks,
Debbi

Phil CA · Posted: Mon Jun 14, 2004 7:13 am Post subject:

Hi Debbi,

I know many things in business can be very frustrating But try not to let it get you discouraged. Smile

Regarding rent-coder, Gary might have the best advice and suggestions for you. Wink

But, My personal business opinion is to do some research and make some direct connections with writers who are a perfect fit for your needs.

I know everybody recommends elance, rent-coder etc. etc. But to be honest in my business experiences cut the middle man out. Deal directly with people who offer Proven Quality Services. There are all kinds of resources and forums available to find very affordable qualified people that do great work.

It's all about building relationships. If your looking to save and make it even more affordable But still want qualified people that do great work then connect with writers in Canada, Australia etc. etc. Lots of people are more than happy to be paid in their own currency and will provide you with references that you can check out and feel comfortable before you go ahead. Check your currency converter etc. and figure out what methods work best for you. You use PayPal to send or receive all monies no matter the currencies.

As I have mentioned before, if you need to write your own content track the news with Google news alerts focused on your niche or industry etc.

Just my thoughts

All the best
Phil

AllanGardyne · Posted: Tue Jun 15, 2004 2:34 am Post subject:

Sicarius · Posted: Tue Jun 15, 2004 8:05 am Post subject:

Debbi,

There are a lot of writers out there who want to make a name for themselves; it's just a matter of knowing where to look. I think you would have better luck posting in a few writing forums rather than at predominantly programming sites, especially if your site is not on a particularly technical topic. I did some freelance writing before I got involved in writing for my own sites, and it never would have occurred to me to look for work in a place called Rent-A-Coder =)

Phil CA · Posted: Tue Jun 15, 2004 8:35 pm Post subject:

With Allan mentioning New Zealand as a resource for finding writers. (Etc.) Very Happy

Networking with businesses world-wide opens up all kinds of Great opportunities.

Here is a well respected New Zealand business site that I've used for years.

Even though it's not just about Affiliate marketing, everything, from their directories and more helps me to stay in tuned with business(es) in New Zealand. Wink

http://www.homebizbuzz.co.nz/

All the best
Phil

Debbi · **Joined**: 20 Nov 2003 **Posts**: 259 **Location**: USA

Thanks, everyone for the advice and the great resources. Wink

I'm just going to complete the 2 ongoing projects, and just chalk up the 2 I was let down on to a learning experience. In the meantime, I can look for some writers' forums as you all mentioned. And continue writing articles myself, of course. Wink

After all, I've written all the content up till now on my own (except for 2 article reprints), and I don't think it's too bad. I think I'll do just fine if I never hire another writer. It just might take a little longer...so what?

It does saves time letting someone else do all the research! But I'm such a perfectionist, I realize I am taking even the good articles the coders submit, and spending time researching and writing more just to make them what I really want.

Maybe I need to accept that I'm one of those "if you want something done right...you have do to it yourself" kind of people when it comes to the words... Wink

(After all, I am a "Word Warrior", according to that IQ test Phil introduced to us! Laughing

)

I'll just keep RAC in my faves for later, more technical, tasks...We all know I need LOTS of help with THAT STUFF! Laughing

All the best...
Debbi

Orchid Man · Posted: Wed Jun 16, 2004 1:05 am Post subject:

Allan a great site just what i have been looking for, a site to post job offers to professional writers. I too tried Rent-a-Coder a few months ago and did not have good luck finding writers for my specialized subject. I have obtained a couple of articles by posting in the orchid forums.

For an encore you wouldn't happen to know of a site when you can post a job listing for a voice talent to do some audio work for a website.

Tried to do the audio myself but decided that it would be more profitable to give the work to my competitor. Twisted Evil

John

Phil CA · Posted: Wed Jun 16, 2004 2:02 am Post subject:

John,

Here's a couple resources/products that might help.

http://www.voicehunter.com/index.htm

Make sure your Speakers are on for this one. Wink

http://www.sitepal.com/

All the best
Phil

Phil Tanny · Posted: Thu Jun 17, 2004 3:09 am Post subject:

Debbi,

I'd say your experience of trying a couple of people and them not working out is probably completely normal. Your expectation that it would work out the first or 2nd time is likely unrealistic.

Take a longer view. Maybe it will take you a year of failures to find a couple writers who are right for you. Then they may generate affordable solid content for you for the next decade. What you do, or don't do, over the next decade is really what will determine whether you reach your goals or not.

Should you be discouraged? Well, this is a glass half empty, half full question.

On one hand there is a lot of sloppiness going around, no doubt. It surely gets under my skin somedays.

On the other hand, if there weren't so many sloppy people it sure would be harder to make it at this, or anything.

Sometimes when I meet an unprofessional vendor I look up in quiet thanks and say, "Phew, there's another one I won't have to compete with." Smile

Good luck!
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Larry Chamberlain · Posted: Thu Jun 17, 2004 3:44 am Post subject:

Hi Debbi,

Orchid Man · Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2004 3:30 am Post subject:

Phil,

I wanted to get back to you on your recommendation for voice talent. After checking the site following the links and making some telephone calls I found plenty of people willing to do the voice over work. The only catch is the price they were charging. Ouch. So I am back to looking for amateur talent.

But the links did led me to one interesting site called writerfind.com

They have a page that has a list of writing and editing jobs. It wasn?t a very big list but I figured what the heck, nothing ventured nothing gained. Posted an ad on June 23rd offering $10 an article for 500 to 800 words.

Here is the note I sent to them today:

Hello,

Last week I asked you to place the ad below on your website. I had my fingers
crossed in the hope that I might find a writer to help with the site.

Lord, the ad worked. And now I am up to my you know what in writers. And not
just ordinary writers. Several highly qualified people asked if they could write for
the site.

Please, please shut down the advertisement.

All joking aside, I am very grateful for the service you have provided.

Thank You,
John Swart

Anyway, Phil I wanted to say thank you for starting me down the path to this site.

If anyone is looking for writers this is the place I would recommend. You will find a lot of the same caliber writers that frequent Rent-a-Coder. But the quality of the applicants gets quite high. I was contacted by a two magazine writers of some stature the wanted to write for the site. It may not work out but I am still impressed that the ad was able to draw them in. Plus there were lots of other experienced people that applied.

Phil CA · Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2004 5:05 am Post subject:

John,

That's excellent. Smile

It just goes to show how posting in Forums and the sharing of knowledge can work in many ways.

And write Wink

in Allan's New Zealand.

Were all your costs in their own currency or USD Question

Just for others that may be interested.

By the way, since we're on the topic of the sharing of knowledge and posting in Forums. Where's your Orchid Forum Question

You may be interested in the following thread...
http://www.associateprograms.com/discus/viewtopic.php?t=4904

All the best
Phil

Orchid Man 2 · Guest

Phil,

I just posted $10 using the dollar sign. If one of the people I assigned an article to thinks its NZ dollars they should get a pleasant surprise.

I have picked up a lot of good information from this forum and a few others. I have purchased several ebooks and found most of them useful. But the real gems have come from the forums. Just reading takes a lot of time and when you start posting to ask questions or return some the help you have received the time just flies. But still I consider time spent in the forums as well spent.

The Site? I have been afraid to post it Embarassed

because it still need so much work. If you want a look go to www.orchidmagic.com

Another thing I am doing is holding a design contest for a new logo that will become part of the redesign of the site. There is several talented designers busy drawing different designs trying to find the one I like.

This has been a boon for me as I am not very good with the artsy side of things. It has been interesting watching the artist?s designs and that nebulous image in my mind coming together.

If your interested the contest is on SitePoint at: Forums..Community Center..SitePoint Marketplace..The Trading Post.. $75 + Orchid Plant ? Logo Contest.

This link will take you there (if it works). http://www.sitepoint.com/forums/showthread.php?t=177073&page=1&pp=25

I would love to hear comments from the group about the site or the logo.

John

Orchid Man · Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2004 5:42 am Post subject:

Darn got caught not login in. Embarassed

As I am sure you all know the above was me. Don't want anyone else taking the blame for me.

Phil CA · Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2004 6:12 am Post subject:

John,

We all know that web sites are a never ending project that 1st starts out with just an Orchid seed and just keeps on Growing and Growing... Smile

I was actually saying... Where's Your Orchid FORUM Question

(check the link I gave you in my previous post) Smile

I'll have a look at your Logo contest and give you some thoughts.

All the best
Phil