Finding a decent article writer

56 replies
I've been trying to find someone that can write some top quality articles for content on my website but seem to keep running into quality issues.
Seems like most of them have that weird spun syntax, or they don't really research the topic despite the claim that they do.

I realize there's at least two main tiers of articles: one for SEO purposes that are short, poorly researched and only act as a means to hold keywords and links. There's a place for that and I appreciate those providers

The other tier is content thats actually useful to website visitors and structured for SEO. How do I find the higher quality article writers?
prices aren't a good indicator as some of the more expensive samples have the same issues. I wish I could do it myself but its not my talent.

sorry just ranting
#article #decent #finding #writer
  • Profile picture of the author Kecia
    Check out the Warrior Forum here. Read reviews and testimonials left by other members to help you decide who to work with. Order a test article to check out the writer's abilities and style before giving them a ton of work.
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    KeciaHambrick.com - Blogger. Content Creator. Social Media Enthusiast.
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  • Profile picture of the author NathanPowell
    I would definitely use people here on the Warrior Forum. Lots of positive reviews, good reputation, etc is the stuff you should be looking for.

    It is going to take a lot of trial and error to find a good writer if you are using typical outsourcing sites like Odesk and Freelancer.

    You could also try Fiverr, as there are plenty of writers on there with loads of positive reviews, and you can always reject it if the article is bad.
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  • Profile picture of the author Lilach
    If you're looking for really high quality articles you need to pay decent money and get a copywriter (and there are lots of good ones here on the Warrior too).

    Unfortunately in business, you pay for what you get.
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  • Profile picture of the author NicoleBeckett
    Definitely start your search on the Warriors for Hire area. While you can't rely on someone just because they're a Warrior, it's a great place to start.

    Once you've found someone that piques your interest, take a look at their website. After all, if they can't even handle their own web content properly, you probably don't want them writing yours!

    Above all else, talk to them before you order anything. A good writer will be happy to answer your questions. If you're not sure what you should be asking, check out this article that I wrote for Site Pro News a few weeks ago. (pardon the plug, but those are the questions you really do need answered before you buy anything )

    Most good article writers won't give you a free article, but if you're nervous, start by ordering 1 piece of content. If you like it, you can buy more later. That way, you can make sure you and your writer "mesh" before you make a huge investment.
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  • Profile picture of the author Jeanne Lovely
    I use Paula from The Artilclemill.com

    Great articles with only one return from Ezine for editing and it was minor
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  • Profile picture of the author vtotheyouknow
    Might take you a few botched articles and going through several writers to find somebody who can research and write up to par.

    When you finally find a great writer, pay him/her WELL!


    Originally Posted by GettingBetterAtIt View Post

    I've been trying to find someone that can write some top quality articles for content on my website but seem to keep running into quality issues.
    Seems like most of them have that weird spun syntax, or they don't really research the topic despite the claim that they do.

    I realize there's at least two main tiers of articles: one for SEO purposes that are short, poorly researched and only act as a means to hold keywords and links. There's a place for that and I appreciate those providers

    The other tier is content thats actually useful to website visitors and structured for SEO. How do I find the higher quality article writers?
    prices aren't a good indicator as some of the more expensive samples have the same issues. I wish I could do it myself but its not my talent.

    sorry just ranting
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    • Profile picture of the author mounds
      I'll give you an outside-the-box idea I just came up with. Visit a forum meant for people specializing in your niche and mention that you're looking for a writer. You can get a pretty good idea of whether or not someone is a good writer by looking at their previous posts. All the samples you could possibly want and they're not unrealistically polished.

      Another reason I suggest a specialized forum is because from experience, it's hard to write about things you don't know about. If you want high-quality, you'll need someone who understand the niche.

      Good luck!

      -Tim
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      • Profile picture of the author GettingBetterAtIt
        Originally Posted by mounds View Post

        I'll give you an outside-the-box idea I just came up with. Visit a forum meant for people specializing in your niche and mention that you're looking for a writer. You can get a pretty good idea of whether or not someone is a good writer by looking at their previous posts. All the samples you could possibly want and they're not unrealistically polished.

        Another reason I suggest a specialized forum is because from experience, it's hard to write about things you don't know about. If you want high-quality, you'll need someone who understand the niche.

        Good luck!

        -Tim
        Thank you sir - this is a great idea.

        So excellent in fact I did just that.... If they had beer holding smilies here I'd give you one
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        • Profile picture of the author mounds
          Originally Posted by GettingBetterAtIt View Post

          Thank you sir - this is a great idea.

          So excellent in fact I did just that.... If they had beer holding smilies here I'd give you one
          Let me know how it turns out I'm thinking about outsourcing some of my own stuff in this style now, heh.
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          • Profile picture of the author GettingBetterAtIt
            Originally Posted by mounds View Post

            Let me know how it turns out I'm thinking about outsourcing some of my own stuff in this style now, heh.

            Well I had 3-4 people respond. I asked for a few paragraphs of a topic of their choosing within the niche. Nobody has gotten back to me yet. I realize its only been a few days but I suspect that there are a lot of well meaning people who just aren't disciplined enough to actually write.
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  • Profile picture of the author WebPen
    To be honest I think you have to just shop around.

    The good thing about the WF is that usually writers have testimonials showing in their Warriors for Hire thread.
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  • Profile picture of the author malta
    @Marianne Gonne:

    I'm having the same problem as GettingBetterAtIt, I can't seem to find good writers on here. Please send me info regarding your writers as well

    Jon.
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  • Profile picture of the author FunkyM
    hiya, i agree with what everyone has already posted here.

    also, I write articles, I'm available! you can PM me for details or see my sig.

    otherwise i hope you find someone.
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  • Profile picture of the author Teacherman
    I'm definitely open for offers if people are interested. I have a masters degree in history, and either own or write for several blogs on a diverse range of topics including economics, investing, personal finance, education and sports. PM me for a review article, or to discuss terms.
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    • Profile picture of the author sellerscompanion
      If you want decent, you might be able to find someone on Elance or Odesk after a long process of reading samples. However, you have to be willing to pay someone what they are worth when it comes to quality content. That is one of the biggest issues I see. People want top quality for $3-$5 per article. The question I always ask is how motivated you would be as a top notch writer to earn $3 for your time?

      Remember that this content is what will be online pointing to your website (or on your website) for years to come, so it makes sense to pay someone who cares as much as you do about your content.

      Charity
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      • Profile picture of the author GettingBetterAtIt
        Originally Posted by sellerscompanion View Post

        If you want decent, you might be able to find someone on Elance or Odesk after a long process of reading samples. However, you have to be willing to pay someone what they are worth when it comes to quality content. That is one of the biggest issues I see. People want top quality for $3-$5 per article. The question I always ask is how motivated you would be as a top notch writer to earn $3 for your time?

        Remember that this content is what will be online pointing to your website (or on your website) for years to come, so it makes sense to pay someone who cares as much as you do about your content.

        Charity
        I agree with your synopsis and the fact that the articles will be hanging out there for years to come. Sometime I think the exponential growth of data is caused by people submitting thier spun articles for SEO ranking against other spun articles
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  • Profile picture of the author Rach72
    Originally Posted by GettingBetterAtIt View Post

    I've been trying to find someone that can write some top quality articles for content on my website but seem to keep running into quality issues.
    Seems like most of them have that weird spun syntax, or they don't really research the topic despite the claim that they do.

    I realize there's at least two main tiers of articles: one for SEO purposes that are short, poorly researched and only act as a means to hold keywords and links. There's a place for that and I appreciate those providers

    The other tier is content thats actually useful to website visitors and structured for SEO. How do I find the higher quality article writers?
    prices aren't a good indicator as some of the more expensive samples have the same issues. I wish I could do it myself but its not my talent.

    sorry just ranting
    I would be interested in what your definition of a 'more expensive' sample is.

    Just as a guide - a decent SEO writer offering the service that you require should cost you in excess of $15 per page - I charge $25 and have marketing clients who are very happy to pay it.

    If in doubt, most professional writers have a variety of samples on their site or a portfolio that they can send you.

    Good luck!

    Rach
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  • Profile picture of the author coredesign
    You can find n number of ads in worrior for hire section. Just read their ads each page carefully and decide which is best option for you.
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    • Originally Posted by coredesign View Post

      You can find n number of ads in worrior for hire section. Just read their ads each page carefully and decide which is best option for you.
      Man, this is just what I need! A Worrier For Hire! How much is this service?
      You think I look old in this photo but I'm only 24. I just worry too much.
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      - Jack Trout
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      • Profile picture of the author GettingBetterAtIt
        Originally Posted by Joe Ditzel View Post

        Man, this is just what I need! A Worrier For Hire! How much is this service?
        You think I look old in this photo but I'm only 24. I just worry too much.

        nah... I do a pretty good job of this on my own for free.
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  • Profile picture of the author redfieryheart
    You will want to hire somebody with good reputation or feedback and don't look anywhere else just see Warriors for hire with good feedback and you are getting the right person.
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  • I've run into the same quality issues before too...

    What I do is post a job on elance for the specific industry I'm looking to get articles written for, and I look for people who have EXPERIENCE or a background in writing articles for this industry or topic and I ask for samples.

    Getting someone to research a topic vs someone who's an expert and has a background in a certain topic is a huge difference.

    Hope that helps.
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    • Profile picture of the author GettingBetterAtIt
      Originally Posted by InternetBusinessVelocity View Post

      I've run into the same quality issues before too...

      What I do is post a job on elance for the specific industry I'm looking to get articles written for, and I look for people who have EXPERIENCE or a background in writing articles for this industry or topic and I ask for samples.

      Getting someone to research a topic vs someone who's an expert and has a background in a certain topic is a huge difference.

      Hope that helps.
      Unfortunately I'm finding the experts can't write or only write for themselves
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  • Profile picture of the author Daniel Wilson
    Hi!

    You'll need to go through a lot of crappy writers to get one who is good. And when you get him, don't let go!
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    -25% WF PROMO CODE: "WFPROMO911" (expires on 1.1.2012)
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    • Profile picture of the author celente
      Originally Posted by Daniel Wilson View Post

      Hi!

      You'll need to go through a lot of crappy writers to get one who is good. And when you get him, don't let go!
      This is so true.

      I found a few on this forum, 2 infact that are killer. Do not want to share them for this obvious reason, but look no further than this wf for hire section. There are very good workers in there that actually write killer stuff.

      To to find the real cut above the rest you might have to do some testing. But when you find the diamond in the rough, do not let them go. Look after them, the rest takes care of itself.
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  • Profile picture of the author doingwrite
    Great ideas on this thread. I would definitely agree that looking on fiverr is not the way to go. I made the mistake of posting gigs on fiverr when I was a newbie and realized quite quickly that those folks who got me before I deleted my gigs got a great deal. I am worth much more than that.

    A good writer is going to cost you. And I would say that a good writer CAN write quality articles on subjects they are not familiar with! If you want a testimonial it's a different story, but if you have the writing skills you can write about just about anything, IMHO.

    I've been checking out some of the sites on this forum and there are some amazing writers here. It's a goldmine.
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    • Profile picture of the author WriterWahm
      I absolutely agree with you here. Absolutely. I have written on some really obscure niches (like tree surgery :confused: ) and ALL my clients have always been happy with my stuff cos I research like I'm writing a thesis. I would have offered my services but I have a long queue right now.

      About Fiverr, I did offer my services there and I'm doing what you did - deleting my account.

      Originally Posted by doingwrite View Post

      Great ideas on this thread. I would definitely agree that looking on fiverr is not the way to go. I made the mistake of posting gigs on fiverr when I was a newbie and realized quite quickly that those folks who got me before I deleted my gigs got a great deal. I am worth much more than that.

      A good writer is going to cost you. And I would say that a good writer CAN write quality articles on subjects they are not familiar with! If you want a testimonial it's a different story, but if you have the writing skills you can write about just about anything, IMHO.

      I've been checking out some of the sites on this forum and there are some amazing writers here. It's a goldmine.
      Signature

      PM me if you want a romantic fiction ghostwriter.

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  • Profile picture of the author laurencewins
    I am an excellent writer, if I do say so myself, and I can write on a wide variety of topics. Let me know if you want more info or check my site out.
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    Cheers, Laurence.
    Writer/Editor/Proofreader.

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  • Profile picture of the author OhioWriter
    Shameless plug here, but I posted an ad on here the other day in the for hire section. Native English speaking, US college educated writer.

    My rate is $3 per 100 words, but we could probably work something out the first time since you would be taking a risk on me (maybe like pay for 4 articles but get 5 in the first batch). Let me know what you need. Would love to get a few people to work with so I can make some money, but I'm never going to outsource or take on too much work to slow you down.

    You can contact me at warriordu@yahoo.com if you are interested.
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  • Profile picture of the author IMSince2003
    I am an excellent writer. I also command $25+ per 400 word article. That's why I don't post here because the vast majority of clients here are looking for search engine fodder. There's no problem with that, by the way, but it's simply not my market.
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    • Profile picture of the author Kecia
      Originally Posted by Marianne Gonne View Post

      Which just goes to show that anything a writer posts on the Warrior Forum is effectively a free advert (and it's therefore always worth it to go back and edit your posts if you find an error after you've submitted your reply).

      I completely agree! Because of this, the "edit" button has really become my friend around here, especially when I'm up posting at 2am.
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      KeciaHambrick.com - Blogger. Content Creator. Social Media Enthusiast.
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  • Profile picture of the author happymoney8
    I've found some good writers through guru.com. You also get their feedback history which is very helpful. Good luck in finding one!
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  • Profile picture of the author Raydal
    I write articles for $150 a pop. But my clients are "real"
    business owners (in excess of $2M a year) and they
    want to establish authority and also get action from
    their readers. (Think persuasion.)

    Most people who shop for articles are looking for SE
    fodder and you normally get what you pay for.

    -Ray Edwards
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  • Profile picture of the author Kenny T
    i write good articles, and i can write 500+ words article for $20. PM me if you are interested as I write a lot of articles on a daily basis
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    • Profile picture of the author mounds
      Originally Posted by Kenny T View Post

      i write good articles, and i can write 500+ words article for $20. PM me if you are interested as I write a lot of articles on a daily basis
      I hate to be nit-picky and you're welcome to disregard this post, but if you're asking $20 for 500 words, put some effort into tying your pitch. In these two short lines, I found three instances that I'd have to correct. Doesn't exactly instil confidence.

      Originally Posted by Marianne Gonne

      Yes, you will find that. (Which is why seeking your writers through niche forums as suggested in this thread is a great idea... but only in theory. )
      Ya, I didn't quite expect you'd find filet mignon through this approach. However, I still think this approach can yield some very good results. I've hung out in some pretty niched down topics, and those guys really know their stuff. I've read some pieces in which the author was trying to come off as an expert and it read like well-written baloney. For someone who is passionate about a subject, there's nothing more offensive than that.

      Even if the guy you hire sucks at writing, you'll should get some good information. From there, rewrite it.

      Anyhow, just thoughts. Really depends on who you're targeting as well. An article meant to generate interest in a niche will read differently than an article meant to sell to a specific niche.

      -Tim
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      • Profile picture of the author Doug Wakefield
        Sometimes it is just a matter of testing out a few people. Find a handful of people and order a few articles from each to test out their abilities.

        If you find one that works, order up a slightly larger batch to make sure they are a perfect fit. You shouldn't assume, just from the initial order, that this writer is perfect for you right away. Keep things small for a while to ensure that they can constantly deliver what you are asking for.

        Finally, once you do find a person that is a good fit, take care of them. My wife has a handful of clients that pay above and beyond her normal rate. As you can imagine, these clients get preferential treatment.
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  • Profile picture of the author montoyanb
    Originally Posted by GettingBetterAtIt View Post

    I've been trying to find someone that can write some top quality articles for content on my website but seem to keep running into quality issues.
    Seems like most of them have that weird spun syntax, or they don't really research the topic despite the claim that they do.

    I realize there's at least two main tiers of articles: one for SEO purposes that are short, poorly researched and only act as a means to hold keywords and links. There's a place for that and I appreciate those providers

    The other tier is content thats actually useful to website visitors and structured for SEO. How do I find the higher quality article writers?
    prices aren't a good indicator as some of the more expensive samples have the same issues. I wish I could do it myself but its not my talent.

    sorry just ranting
    You can go to any freelancing website, you can go to oDesk and look for writers, check theirs reviews.
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  • Profile picture of the author creature
    Originally Posted by Ken_Caudill View Post

    Buy an ad. Offer a nickel a word. You'll find plenty of competent writers with portfolios.
    You've got to be kidding. $20 for a top-notch, fully researched 400 word article?

    That's barely minimum wage for a two hour job (which is what it would take a competent writer to properly research an unfamiliar topic and write and edit to perfection a decent 400 word article).

    For $100 you could probably get a first rate piece of writing. $20 would be a waste of time for a good writer.
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    • Profile picture of the author mounds
      Originally Posted by creature View Post

      You've got to be kidding. $20 for a top-notch, fully researched 400 word article?

      That's barely minimum wage for a two hour job (which is what it would take a competent writer to properly research an unfamiliar topic and write and edit to perfection a decent 400 word article).

      For $100 you could probably get a first rate piece of writing. $20 would be a waste of time for a good writer.
      Damn dude, you've just given me another great idea.

      For me, writing is not the problem. Words come to me pretty quickly. It's the research that eats up all my time.

      A ghostwriter could offer a discount if the research is done for them. Otherwise, charge a premium. Ideas, ideas.

      ----

      At any rate, I agree with you, creature. If you want to write good content, you need time. Making minimum wage for good content doesn't cut it. In addition to making minimal money, there's also an opportunity cost. Instead of using time to create assets, you're trading hours for dollars. Nothing wrong with that if you're satisfied with your income. However, if you're dream is to retire young and have a decent standard of living, things will have to be done differently.

      -Tim
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  • Profile picture of the author Anang Andriana
    As mounds said, write about things you don't know about is harder than write things that you know. Lucky you're here. There are many good writers in WF. Get the writers who know about niche.PM them and you can try to offering some content and showing the result, when you get them, use their service for your site.
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  • Profile picture of the author voncans
    Try at odesk or freelancer or even here in forum you can find some!
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    • Profile picture of the author catcat
      It's hard to wade through the writers at the freelancing sites. It's a lot easier going through this forum to find good writers. Plus - it's supporting the forum that allowed you to post your question!



      Cathy
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      • Profile picture of the author GettingBetterAtIt
        Originally Posted by catcat View Post

        It's hard to wade through the writers at the freelancing sites. It's a lot easier going through this forum to find good writers. Plus - it's supporting the forum that allowed you to post your question!



        Cathy
        Don't worry - I've had plenty of enterprising Warriors contact me .
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  • Profile picture of the author GettingBetterAtIt
    hooray! hooray! I hit the magic 50 and can PM
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  • Profile picture of the author gyamasaki
    Does it cost money to actually copyright an article? And how to go about people who infringe on your article? Sorry I am new. :/
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    • Profile picture of the author mgkimsal
      Originally Posted by gyamasaki View Post

      Does it cost money to actually copyright an article? And how to go about people who infringe on your article? Sorry I am new. :/

      Anything you write is automatically copywritten to you. Enforcing it easier if it's registered with the govt, but for an "article" it probably doesn't make sense to register each one to help with enforcing - I'm talking about enforcements involving a court.

      Send an email to the infringing party asking for a takedown or proper attribution and linkback. If they fail to comply, write to their hosting company. I think Jack Tackett had a whole ebook on this in the Ken Strong WSO going on right now which outlines steps to take in many cases.
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  • Profile picture of the author dagaul101
    I suppose you could find them on sites like Elance where quality is rewarded
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  • Profile picture of the author Manny Derek
    You will find best writers at Warrior for Hire. Most of them create good and high quality contents.
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  • Profile picture of the author Increase Media
    I don't know what your budget is for articles, but usually the more you are willing to pay, the higher the quality will be. I do suggest that you hire someone who is fluent in English. English as a first language is better. Many times those from outside the USA don't understand the lingo of the English language and only understand the textbook basic English. That's the main difference.
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