24 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}
24 {{ upvoteCount | shortNum }}

Whos crazy me or my writer?

by MichaelNz
19 replies
Hey guys and gals,
I have a problem with a review article someone wrote for me and I don't know if im being unrealistic or my writer is. So first off I spent $30 for a 1000 word article. I sent all the required info (name, email, keyword, topic and any instructions) I gave him everything and told him to take creative control. I get the article back after 5 days and it does not mention my keyword once. I notify my writer and he apologizes and says he will fix it right away. Around 2 days later (not exact) I get the article back and the keywords are just stamped around, not really making sense. For example the 2nd time the keyword shows up in the review its something like this: (this is what was written just changed the product and keyword but same meaning) Johns cat food line is, by far, one of the most well known products according to raw diet cat food reviews. Raw diet cat food being the keyword. To me that sentence does not really make sense and does not read well either. I asked for a refund but the writer said my complaint is "subjective" and to check his policies which I cant look at right now because he has not set up his website yet. (not on his warrior forum thread)He also said he did not have the keywords in the first place because I told him to take creative control and because I did not tell him the density I wanted. even though this thread states he will have good density.
Thanks
#crazy #writer
  • Profile picture of the author Michael Shook
    If you want it to be a certain way, maybe you could make it be that way instead of trying to explain to the writer what you want. I am not sticking up for the writer here, but your most important thing is getting this article up on your site. Unless he really gave you a terrible article, fixing it and posting it is likely to get your review earning more quickly.
    Signature


    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8754216].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author laurencewins
    Did you spell out exactly what you want? If you were vague, then he has possibly done his job. I don't know how much experience he has or how he works. I know with my writing work I ask for all instructions before I start. Then there's no confusion. I always save the emails in case there's an issue later.
    Signature

    Cheers, Laurence.
    Writer/Editor/Proofreader.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8754325].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author John Jonas Phil VA
    Can you show us what instructions you gave. It may seem clear to you but vague to everyone else.
    Signature
    Hire a Filipino virtual assistant and make your business better through outsourcing.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8754362].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Richniche
    Sorry to hear that.

    I'm not here to blame you, but I strongly suggest that you deal only those with a transparent website where you can also check his writing capability.

    Anyway, I think you should just have to review your instructions to him and check for some possible confusing details. Then, talk to him again in a nice way.

    Hope that helps.
    Signature

    Web content writer since 2007. Need high quality articles without worrying about the price? Let me help you.
    Check out what my clients are saying.

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8754695].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author fated82
    I think you will have to bear the bulk of the fault. Here is why:

    - You gave him free reign in writing the article
    - You didn't specify the keyword density
    - You gave him vague instructions
    - You are not sure of his refund policy

    I think what you can do now is to rewrite the article and learn from this lesson.

    Always give your writer specific instructions - Never leave that to chance
    Signature
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8754762].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author 4DayWeekend
      I think a happy medium would be that you go back to the writer and say that the sentences that include your keywords do not read well and that you'd appreciate it if he spent a bit more time on them.

      Say you like his work and you'd like to hire him again, but it's integral that he gets that element of the work right, that way, he's likely to put a bit more time into it.

      I don't think a refund is fair on the writer at all. Firstly, he's done the work (1000 words) presumably in a satisfactory manner, apart from the keywords, which was arguably a misunderstanding. Secondly, he's at least spent some time trying to fix the problem (granted, it sounds like a rushed fix).

      So, with that in mind, I think you owe it to him to let him keep the $30 and he owes it to you to spend a bit more time on the fix. Going forward, you both know that the guidelines have to be a bit tighter from the offset.

      Best wishes,

      Nick
      Signature
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8755165].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Victor Edson
    No one here can say 100% who's right or wrong, but look at how many writers skipped the fact that you sent him directions with the keyword and gave him control. His sales page said he'd have good keyword density, why should you beg him to include it?

    Do us a favor. Go back to the thread where you purchased this article and let future buyers know about your situation. $30 is plenty enough for a quality article, and people paying that much expect quality and customer service. Refunds, no refunds or whatever the writer stuck it to you in the end.

    Edit the article, use it, review his crappy service, move on.

    You shouldn't be expected to hold a writer's hand and explain to them how to deliver what they're promising. It seems to me like you tried giving him freedom to write a quality article to the best of his ability and he got lazy and didn't care instead.

    He deserves a poor review from you, because he earned it. Don't take crap from writers, they're a dime a dozen.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8755150].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author PCH
      Frankly, this is spot on why I don't go to the guys at the likes of 'Freelancer' any more. I had the same problems the first time I asked for a series of articles, after having given full (imo) instructions. In the result, which was several days late, the English was terrible and the 'flow' just wasn't there.

      I tried a second time with another person with loads of sparkling testimonials, only to find the same thing.

      They routinely expect you to be happy to go back and forth forever, when really for me as a purchaser, once or twice is pretty much all I can be bothered with.

      After this episode, I rewrote all 20+ articles myself, gave them the reviews they deserved, and resolved not to use those guys again. And to be honest, it's worked extremely well since.
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8755181].message }}
      • Profile picture of the author Michael Levanduski
        As a writer, I'd say there is fault on both ends. You may not have been clear enough (this is quite hard, which is why it is so important to take the time with new clients to really understand what they want). That being said, there is no excuse for a writer to just 'stuff' keywords in like that, unless it is specifically requested from the client (which it almost never is, unless the client is an idiot).

        $30 for a 1000 word article isn't way out of line, and you should be able to expect some sort of quality for that price. I charge $50 for 1000 word articles (typically) and I would never dream of writing something like that.

        In the writers defense though, he likely does have some sort of clause that he will provide reasonable rewrites, but no refunds. I do the same thing because some clients out there are just trying to get free articles (I don't think you're doing this) and we have to protect ourselves.

        Make sure you write a fair review for the writer on whatever site you hired him on. Then chalk it up as lesson learned. Hire a better writer, and move forward.

        Good luck!

        Michael
        Signature
        {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8755197].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author seobro
    There is a person on FIVERR that writes 1,000 word articles for $5 and they are pretty good considering the low price. Quality is not expensive. Well, not any more any way. Let this guy go. He is def not pro. Find some one else that can do what you want and for less money. Most people will give me a snip. I can then see what their quality level is. Best strategy is to get on FIVERR and look around as there are thousands of gigs. Great writers are typically English teachers that are retired and need a little extra money.
    Signature
    http://www.seobro.com
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8755357].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author Kay King
      Forget the refund - and get a new writer.

      Give written instructions - a simple 5-6 lines that tells the writer the primary and secondary keywords and how often they should be used - and provides any other instructions you have. When the instructions are clear and concise - and in writing - it's easier for everyone involved.

      Either you weren't clear or the writer is not worth his salt - but adding keywords after the fact won't work. The writer should have provided a full rewrite if he ignored instructions.

      $30 is a fair price for 1000 word content article - it's not a high price but enough to pay for a well written article with proper keyword and LSI used.
      Signature
      Saving one dog will not change the world - but the world changes forever for that one dog
      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8755380].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author DTGeorge
    Originally Posted by MichaelNz View Post

    Hey guys and gals,
    I have a problem with a review article someone wrote for me and I don't know if im being unrealistic or my writer is. So first off I spent $30 for a 1000 word article. I sent all the required info (name, email, keyword, topic and any instructions) I gave him everything and told him to take creative control. I get the article back after 5 days and it does not mention my keyword once. I notify my writer and he apologizes and says he will fix it right away. Around 2 days later (not exact) I get the article back and the keywords are just stamped around, not really making sense. For example the 2nd time the keyword shows up in the review its something like this: (this is what was written just changed the product and keyword but same meaning) Johns cat food line is, by far, one of the most well known products according to raw diet cat food reviews. Raw diet cat food being the keyword. To me that sentence does not really make sense and does not read well either. I asked for a refund but the writer said my complaint is "subjective" and to check his policies which I cant look at right now because he has not set up his website yet. (not on his warrior forum thread)He also said he did not have the keywords in the first place because I told him to take creative control and because I did not tell him the density I wanted. even though this thread states he will have good density.
    Thanks
    Problem at both ends.
    I'd say give it one more go, explain that you need an article that flows and that makes sense when being read, and that you would appreciate it if he took a bit more time to craft a better article. If he refuses, I'd say just input the keywords yourself and cross him off your future hire list.
    Signature
    Kickass writer featured in:
    Make a Living Writing
    Be a Freelance Blogger
    Writers in Charge
    Contact me now for quality content at a reasonable rate
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8755387].message }}
    • Profile picture of the author agmccall
      Originally Posted by DTGeorge View Post

      Problem at both ends.
      I'd say give it one more go, explain that you need an article that flows and that makes sense when being read, and that you would appreciate it if he took a bit more time to craft a better article. If he refuses, I'd say just input the keywords yourself and cross him off your future hire list.
      Question for writers here. If I hire you to write an article I have to tell you it needs to flow and make sense and if I don't it gives you creative license to send me gibberish.

      And if I also send you a list of keywords I have to tell you that those keywords need to be in the article??

      Now I understand

      al
      Signature

      "Opportunity is missed by most people because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work." Thomas Edison

      {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8755704].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Rose Anderson
    As others have already said; send clear instructions in writing. If the directions aren't followed asked for a rewrite. If you don't like the rewrite -- find a new writer.

    As a writer, I will say I have been given keywords that were very hard to use in a decent sentence. I can almost always find a way -- but you do need to consider how the keywords flow when you ask for them to be used over and over in an article.

    When you're hiring from Fiverr you should always check to be sure the articles are original. Few writers have the time to write well-researched articles for $4.

    Rose
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8755487].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author NicoleBeckett
    The others have made some great points about being specific in your instructions. Of course, if you told your writer what your target keyword was and he didn't use it at all, then that's on him. It's also on him to clarify things with you before he starts. (Personally, I'd much rather send out an email that says "Just want to make sure we're on the same page... You want X,Y,Z, correct?" than to have a problem *after* the work is done.)

    Even though you can't see his terms of service (which is a little strange), I'm sure there's something in there about not offering refunds. Otherwise, everyone would *say* they didn't like their article, demand their money back, and go use the article anyways!

    Bottom line -- he should be willing to make some reasonable changes so that you're happy. If he won't (or if his changes just aren't up to snuff), chalk it up as a $30 learning experience. Then, the next time you hire a writer, discuss these issues (and how they'll be handled if they arise), *before* you hit the "Buy" button. Any *good* writer will be happy to answer a few questions so that you feel comfortable working with them.
    Signature
    Sick of blending in with the crowd? Ready to stand ahead of the pack? The right content writing services can get you there...
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8755547].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Mark Pescetti
    What astonishes me is y'all still think keyword density is where it's at.

    Focus on relevance.

    Focus on providing value.

    Focus on harnessing your unique voice.

    All three of those aspects are WAY more important than how many times a keyword is used.

    This place;-)

    By the way...

    This is a pretty open and shut case.

    IF... you really did give explicit instructions, stay on the guy - if the $30 is a big deal to you.

    IF... you feel like the quality simply isn't there, keywords or not, move on.

    Give your honest review.

    Then find someone else to mold your keyword dense masterpiece.

    Mark
    Signature

    Do you want a 9 figure copywriter and biz owner to Write With You? I'll work with you, on zoom, to help write your copy or client copy... while you learn from one of the few copywriters to legit hit 9 figures in gross sales! Discover More

    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8755680].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author travlinguy
    Any article stuffed with keywords is going to suck. Let's say you have four keywords and want a two percent keyword density. That's 36 keywords that have to be in the article. It's almost impossible to write something that flows well and makes the necessary points when a writer needs to work so many keywords into a piece.

    Having to do this was the sole reason I stopped writing as a freelancer. I would NEVER hire a writer who held himself/herself out as an SEO writer because that ALWAYS means compromised work. Here's the nugget. If a writer knows his/her topic the right keywords will show up in an article almost by default.

    I realize you didn't ask for specifics. And you didn't get them. I'd step back and look at the article and if it's well written and informative I'd just leave it alone and come away having learned a lesson. In the future let the writer know exactly what you're after.
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8755734].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author Raydal
    Originally Posted by MichaelNz View Post

    Hey guys and gals,
    I have a problem with a review article someone wrote for me and I don't know if im being unrealistic or my writer is. So first off I spent $30 for a 1000 word article. I sent all the required info (name, email, keyword, topic and any instructions) I gave him everything and told him to take creative control.
    I'd say that he took creative control. At least that's what registered above
    all your other requirements.

    -Ray Edwards
    Signature
    The most powerful and concentrated copywriting training online today bar none! Autoresponder Writing Email SECRETS
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8755833].message }}
  • Profile picture of the author MichaelNz
    Thanks everyone for your thoughts! I can see how I may have been vague, next time I will spell everything out for the writer. I guess I was used to my other writer who just did things like keyword density automatically even if I did not say anything.

    In regards to a rewrite, he fixed some problems including keyword density but he would not weave the keywords in better and make it flow better because in his opinion its "subjective" But I think anyone who knows basic English would notice the weird keyword placement. So ya...

    In regards to keyword stuffing that is not what I was aiming for. In the 1000 article my writer mentions the keyword 4 times (including the title)

    I think I will leave on honest review (not insulting just state the facts) on his thread and move on.

    Thanks all!
    {{ DiscussionBoard.errors[8757466].message }}

Trending Topics