Write Pay
February 17, 2016 1:32 PM   Subscribe

Write Pay
I make money writing online. This project explains some of the nuts and bolts of how I do that successfully.

Most online freelance services seem to live up down to the worst criticisms of the gig economy. In part because I work for a really good service, gig work has turned into a great solution for me.

My medical situation precludes working a regular job, but I can make decent money writing online on the days when I feel good, and I don't need to meet dress code or attend departmental meetings. I think it is a real sweet deal, but when I have recommended this service to other people, they seemed to not get it. So, I recently started this site in part to try to explain why it is great and how to get the most out of it.

I asked a few people for feedback and today one of them told me this "is good information!" and suggested I post it to Projects. So, here it is.
Role: author
posted by Michele in California (7 comments total) 24 users marked this as a favorite

Interesting!

In case the service you use ever sees this -- which seems likely to me -- hey, PayPal is OK, but not for a lot of people.

However - Michelle, as always you are generous and clear and thoughtful. Many people can benefit from your experience here.

If you feel like mentioning what topics you cover most, and which you are most interested in, that would be nice to know.
posted by amtho at 9:54 PM on February 17, 2016 [1 favorite]


In case the service you use ever sees this -- which seems likely to me -- hey, PayPal is OK, but not for a lot of people.

Um, if you mean the freelance service -- I am saying nice things about them and I don't think I am in violation of my contract, so I hope they will see it as a good thing and not see it as either a reason to fire me or issue a take down notice. If that is not what you mean, then I have no idea what you are trying to tell me.

If you feel like mentioning what topics you cover most, and which you are most interested in, that would be nice to know.

I am not sure where this blog will go. I am starting with talking about how to get the most out of the service I work for, but I also blog and was recently approached by a new inline publication and offered a commission. Doing gig writing has taught me to write well without editorial feedback. The publication told me they expected there to be some back and forth because they are still launching, but then I submitted it and they said "Looks good" and that was it. Plus, I blog. So, as I branch out into making money through other avenues with my writing, this blog is likely to evolve. I can't really predict where it will go, because I am only just now feeling like I am getting my sea legs after years of being told by a lot of people "Give up. You can't make money that way."

I was just frustrated with seeing other people who are in a pickle, who might benefit from flexible work of this type, who seemed to not be helped by just being told the name of the service. So, I wanted to start a handbook or guide for how to make it work. Figuring out good procedure has been a big part of my focus, and I thought that could help give others a leg up.

Thank you for commenting.
posted by Michele in California at 9:51 AM on February 18, 2016 [1 favorite]


Hi Michele,

My comment about PayPal was intended to be read _by_ the freelance service; it's not directed to you at all. PayPal away :) I just meant, in case they wanted the largest possible pool of potential contributors, they might want to consider paying through an additional medium (not _just_ PayPal).
posted by amtho at 10:17 AM on February 18, 2016 [1 favorite]


Oh, sorry. I am a huge fan of PayPal. :-) Thanks for clarifying.
posted by Michele in California at 11:02 AM on February 18, 2016


I've been following your blogs over the years and your resolve and fearlessness is goddamn inspiring.
posted by Foci for Analysis at 1:22 PM on February 19, 2016 [4 favorites]


This is really great info! Thank you for sharing; I'll be forwarding to a couple of friends.
posted by Nancy_LockIsLit_Palmer at 11:01 AM on February 22, 2016 [1 favorite]


This is wonderful and encouraging. Thank you so much for putting this together! In a world so full of work-at-home scams and situations where freelancers must chase their pay, it's great to know that there's a freelance writing site that allows for workers to have that level of control, and also pays out reliably. More of this, please, world!

I am job-hunting right now, but feeling discouraged by age discrimination, sexism, and my medical situation, so I am going to seriously consider this.
posted by velvet winter at 1:54 AM on April 1, 2016 [2 favorites]


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