My unemployment has stretched to a month(again). I am registered with a half-dozen agencies, all of whom are saying this is a "slow period". I'm also checking out Craigslist for jobs, and in my search under jobs for writers I keep finding posts like this:
Seeking someone to write a 20-40 page business plan to pitch new startup for financing contest. Would like to speak with you over the phone to describe the company and how it works. Call/email with any questions that might come up. Draft Deadline of Monday, May 5th, 2008. Please send in another business plan you've created or part of for reference. Thanks a bunch!
Compensation: no pay
They want an entire business plan written up, but they aren't willing to pay for it! Can they be for real? I'm afraid so.
I have a great idea for a slapstick sit-com, and am seeking someone who is comfortable defying politically correct norms. Targets will include every sect, race, creed and religion. More on that after you send me a bio of you, and why I should work with you. Equipped with the perfect looking pitch, and first few episodes, I can get the door open to the exec-producer's office. Hey, I'm an emerging artist looking for any sort of written material to use in my press kits as promotion. Anything from a write-up introducing readers to my unique style, or a review of some of my songs, or a heads up for my CD release. Of course you will be credited. Let me know.
Compensation: no pay
This guy wants all kinds of written material, but all he's offering is a credit. He even wants writers to tell him why he should work with them! And he's offering no money! Now check out this one:
Are you a student/ aspiring writer that wants a great feature film idea to write as a full screen play ? I have a great short story that you can write into a feature length screen play! Reply to this ad. NO PAY but definitely can and will work very hard to sell it in hollywood.... email ( reply ) and we can discuss details!
He won't pay you, but he'll work very hard to sell it, he really will! What is wrong with these people? Unfortunately, there are a lot of unscrupulous people out there willing to prey on aspiring writers. They figure these writers will do anything for free, just to acquire a credit and 'get their name out there'. The thing is, if they aren't offering any compensation, they probably aren't the types you want to admit you worked for.
I AM AN INDEPENDENT DIRECTOR\PRODUCER LOOKING FOR A WRITER TO WRITE A 30MINUTES SHORT FILM FOR A STORY THAT I HAVE DEVELOP AND LOOKING FORWARD TO GET IT SHOT IN JUNE OF 2008 . THE SHORT FILM WILL BE SCREENING WORLD WIDE AT ALL THE BIG NAME FILM FESTIVAL. WRITER MUST BE ABLE TO WRITE COMEDY AND DRAMA. PLEASE CONTACT ONLY IF YOU SERIOUS ABOUT THE CRAFT. NO CLOWN ALLOWED THANK YOU.
Compensation: no pay
No clown allowed?!? You're offering no payment for a script you have to have before June, but you don't want any clowns contacting you? How arrogant can you get? You're the clown, buddy!
A quick note to anyone out there in need of writing services... YOU HAVE TO PAY FOR IT!!!
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2 comments:
At least they're not asking you to pay THEM after you do all the writing. Ha ha ha. The first time I ever had something accepted for publication, the editor said, "There will be a payment of $30.00."
I was concerned for a moment. "You mean I have to pay you thirty dollars?" I asked.
She laughed, and said, "No, we will pay YOU thirty dollars."
Ha! Thanks, Farida. Unfortunately there are several places out there that demand payment from authors for publication. Some make all their money that way. I'm glad your first publishing story was a good one.
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