Post: #151

I think I might just create my own website and write up a lot of articles on niche interests especially history.

A lot of the rates on oDesk are putting me off. $1 per 500-1000 is ridiculous

Post: #152

(10-12-2013 02:12 PM)bojangles Wrote:  I think I might just create my own website and write up a lot of articles on niche interests especially history.

I've thought about having a blog dedicated to writing articles about absolutely whatever. Might be fun, and would be a good way to actually remember shit

Post: #153

(10-12-2013 02:12 PM)bojangles Wrote:  I think I might just create my own website and write up a lot of articles on niche interests especially history.

A lot of the rates on oDesk are putting me off. $1 per 500-1000 is ridiculous

It doesn't bother me when the job is coming out of India, Bangladesh, wherever but it just looks ridiculous when they are from the West and they're demanding only native English writers apply IN ALL CAPS.

They're simply idiots, as has been mentioned here before, but sometimes I really want to message them and advise them to get a grip.

Post: #154

(10-12-2013 04:18 PM)Enigma Wrote:  

(10-12-2013 02:12 PM)bojangles Wrote:  I think I might just create my own website and write up a lot of articles on niche interests especially history.

A lot of the rates on oDesk are putting me off. $1 per 500-1000 is ridiculous

It doesn't bother me when the job is coming out of India, Bangladesh, wherever but it just looks ridiculous when they are from the West and they're demanding only native English writers apply IN ALL CAPS.

They're simply idiots, as has been mentioned here before, but sometimes I really want to message them and advise them to get a grip.

I once saw a job ad asking for debt collectors, it paid $9/hr....

Requirements:
not ever missed a payment,
660+ credit score,
work 30 hours a week,
1-2 years of experience,
not missed a car payment,
not have too much debt,
and pass a drug test.

It was so dumb that I sent an email to the recruiter telling him to lay off whatever he was smoking.

Post: #155

@Rio: How are you submitting your video proposals? I used Youtube but I couldn't figure out how the fuck to hyperlink it within the proposal. I tried using HTML, etc. but no luck.

I'm trying to avoid making the client take the extra step of highlighting and copy/pasting the URL.

Post: #156

It should automatically hyperlink when you put the link in, it does it on odesk

Post: #157

(10-12-2013 04:40 PM)Cattle Rustler Wrote:  

(10-12-2013 04:18 PM)Enigma Wrote:  

(10-12-2013 02:12 PM)bojangles Wrote:  I think I might just create my own website and write up a lot of articles on niche interests especially history.

A lot of the rates on oDesk are putting me off. $1 per 500-1000 is ridiculous

It doesn't bother me when the job is coming out of India, Bangladesh, wherever but it just looks ridiculous when they are from the West and they're demanding only native English writers apply IN ALL CAPS.

They're simply idiots, as has been mentioned here before, but sometimes I really want to message them and advise them to get a grip.

I once saw a job ad asking for debt collectors, it paid $9/hr....

Requirements:
not ever missed a payment,
660+ credit score,
work 30 hours a week,
1-2 years of experience,
not missed a car payment,
not have too much debt,
and pass a drug test.

It was so dumb that I sent an email to the recruiter telling him to lay off whatever he was smoking.

My favorite are the ones who specifically state that they're looking for a "marketing guru" or "marketing genius" or "internet marketing superstar" to write articles at $5 a pop. Or when they want "high-quality articles about investing, based on experience" or "blog articles appropriate for a wealthy audience."

These people seem to be missing the part of their brain that makes it clear anyone who fit the above descriptions or could produce the above content without talking out of their ass would probably not be writing for clients at all, let alone doing it for such an insulting, ridiculous rate.

It boggles the mind how out of touch with reality a lot of these people are. But you just have to filter them out and ignore them.

Or find clients elsewhere, which once again, is definitely ideal.

http://BeyondAllSeas.com
"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe.
To be your own man is a hard business. If you try it, you'll be lonely often, and sometimes
frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." - Kipling

Post: #158

(10-12-2013 05:40 PM)bojangles Wrote:  It should automatically hyperlink when you put the link in, it does it on odesk

That's what I figured but it doesn't on Elance. That Under 30 CEO video gave me the impression it did so maybe they changed it.

Post: #159

I can't get it to hyperlink either, but people don't seem to have a problem taking the extra step to watch it.

As far ss retarded job listings, worst one I saw was a guy looking to hire someone to .alr him a website that makes at least $20 per day, and he will not pay anything until the job is complete. if someone could so easily make $20 per day websites, they can sell then on Flippa.com for 6-10k a pop.

Post: #160

(10-12-2013 11:28 PM)RioNomad Wrote:  I can't get it to hyperlink either, but people don't seem to have a problem taking the extra step to watch it.

As far ss retarded job listings, worst one I saw was a guy looking to hire someone to .alr him a website that makes at least $20 per day, and he will not pay anything until the job is complete. if someone could so easily make $20 per day websites, they can sell then on Flippa.com for 6-10k a pop.

Fixed Price: Less than $500

Job: Create a website that brings in $600/month.

Post: #161

Basically lol.

The dude I wrote about the other day who wants 150 new signups In three months declined my bid citing
I dont posses the necessary expertise because I told him I wouldn't lie to him like other freelancers, and that a 400% increase in signups over a three month period with a terrible website, no email list, and no facebook base to market to isn't realistic. I told him I could set him up with a great marketing plan for long term success, but that marketing takes time to implement and if I could increase his business 400% overnight that id be the most sought after marketer around.

Apparently he doesnt like honesty. Didn't even write me back, just declined the bid.

Post: #162

I sometimes really have to restrain myself from wasting bids on trolling these people.

A few times I've failed. lol

(10-12-2013 11:44 PM)RioNomad Wrote:  because I told him I wouldn't lie to him like other freelancers, and that a 400% increase in signups over a three month period with a terrible website, no email list, and no facebook base to market to isn't realistic. I told him I could set him up with a great marketing plan for long term success, but that marketing takes time to implement and if I could increase his business 400% overnight that id be the most sought after marketer around.

That's a great approach, rejected or not. Clients with any kind of head on their shoulders appreciate that kind of honesty.

It is amazing how these markets have evolved into such a breeding ground for clueless dreamers.

I will say, however, that the situation was just as bleak 6 or so years ago when I first started on Elance. It hasn't really changed.

P.S. By the way, Rio, I've got a $5 an hour job for you if you can use your marketing skills to add $5000 a month to my bottom line within the next week. Just pm me. Tons of work like this to come.

http://BeyondAllSeas.com
"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe.
To be your own man is a hard business. If you try it, you'll be lonely often, and sometimes
frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." - Kipling

Post: #163

I have a rule to never work for Philippinos, Indians and Pakistanis.
Did it once and the guy made my life living hell. He was literally harassing me, sending me emails all the time to finish it ASAP and can I do this, can I do that.
I just gave him a refund and nicely told him to fuck off.

The best ones are the guys with $1 on 10.000 words but opportunity for steady work. Yeah give me more slave labour!

Post: #164

Good news guys. If you just learn SEO and multiple programming languages, there's a job out there paying $1.50 per 400 word article

Post: #165

Lest these recent posts get us down, I've picked up a gig doing guest posts for a guy that will pay up to $500 each depending on the level of site that I land the article on - paid for up front once I get confirmation on article concept and target site. I don't have much guest posting experience but I've been reading a ton about it lately and am confident that with my skills I can get him on some high-authority sites. This is experience I'm really keen to add to my portfolio too, and signs of a lot more work to come if I get it right.

Even though I pitched in on the joking around about shitty, cheap clients, a lot of the newer guys should know that too much focus on that can really seed your mind with negativity and beat you out of the market. There's a high-level of optimism needed when starting out, as you have to stay confident that there are good clients out there while swimming in an ocean of evidence to the contrary.

I just want to make it clear that the resilience to look past it and keep trying is one of the major keys to success when freelancing online, especially if starting out on the these bidding sites. Lacking the ability to do this is the reason most people fail so early on.

Okay, with that public service announcement out of the way, I'm stepping off of the soapbox now.

http://BeyondAllSeas.com
"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe.
To be your own man is a hard business. If you try it, you'll be lonely often, and sometimes
frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." - Kipling

Post: #166

Nice man. With your experience pitching to clients it should be really easy getting guestarticles.

Post: #167

(10-13-2013 07:26 PM)Beyond Borders Wrote:  Lest these recent posts get us down, I've picked up a gig doing guest posts for a guy that will pay up to $500 each depending on the level of site that I land the article on - paid for up front once I get confirmation on article concept and target site. I don't have much guest posting experience but I've been reading a ton about it lately and am confident that with my skills I can get him on some high-authority sites. This is experience I'm really keen to add to my portfolio too, and signs of a lot more work to come if I get it right.

Even though I pitched in on the joking around about shitty, cheap clients, a lot of the newer guys should know that too much focus on that can really seed your mind with negativity and beat you out of the market. There's a high-level of optimism needed when starting out, as you have to stay confident that there are good clients out there while swimming in an ocean of evidence to the contrary.

I just want to make it clear that the resilience to look past it and keep trying is one of the major keys to success when freelancing online, especially if starting out on the these bidding sites. Lacking the ability to do this is the reason most people fail so early on.

Okay, with that public service announcement out of the way, I'm stepping off of the soapbox now.

Smart move. Now you're moving into value added service sales and not just billing pr. hour. You are actually doing SEO and guest posting is the new black since all the latest Google updates. If you manage to get good at guest posting, let me know, I could use some links myself or help set you up with new clients.

Post: #168

(10-14-2013 01:09 AM)scandibro Wrote:  Smart move. Now you're moving into value added service sales and not just billing pr. hour. You are actually doing SEO and guest posting is the new black since all the latest Google updates. If you manage to get good at guest posting, let me know, I could use some links myself or help set you up with new clients.

I most certainly will do, Man. Cheers!

http://BeyondAllSeas.com
"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe.
To be your own man is a hard business. If you try it, you'll be lonely often, and sometimes
frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." - Kipling

Post: #169

I love history and just won a contract with one of the biggest magazines in the UK, very pleased

Post: #170

(10-06-2013 07:41 AM)Teedub Wrote:  Good work dude. On odesk or elance?

Just a query for all: What do you put as your hourly rate? I don't want to look unprofessional, but I also don't want to price myself out of the market for smaller stuff.

(10-14-2013 04:49 AM)bojangles Wrote:  I love history and just won a contract with one of the biggest magazines in the UK, very pleased

It's fantastic getting jobs you really want.

Currently writing previews about european football and just won a job for restaurant marketing. I love this stuff.

Post: #171

Just a heads up, Guys. The freelance writers forum I'm always spouting off about when people ask how to get higher-paid work has opened up to new signups for a day or so. Maybe the last time this year, according to her email.

If you're not already on her list, get on there and see if you can still hop in (you can only get in through the links in her emails). I've also gone ahead and signed up for their affiliate program, so if you want to give me something back for all the time I've put in my posts here, that'd be cool if you hit me up for the link. No obligation though - I've derived a ton of value from this forum myself and certainly don't mind giving back.

Whether you get in with my link or not, I highly recommend the membership. Woot already got in there a while back and he can attest to the ongoing value. We were Skyping the other day and both agreed that it's well under-priced as well, considering the amount of training in there.

http://BeyondAllSeas.com
"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe.
To be your own man is a hard business. If you try it, you'll be lonely often, and sometimes
frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." - Kipling

Post: #172

BB,
Send me your affiliate link bro. I'll check it out!

Cheers!

Post: #173

Me too. I'd be interested in knowing more!

Post: #174

VP, pm sent. I'll hit you up too, dreambig.

http://BeyondAllSeas.com
"The individual has always had to struggle to keep from being overwhelmed by the tribe.
To be your own man is a hard business. If you try it, you'll be lonely often, and sometimes
frightened. But no price is too high to pay for the privilege of owning yourself." - Kipling

Post: #175

BB, I'll take that link off you too please mate.

Teedub and any other UK freelancers looking to work abroad and not pay tax, I spoke to my accountant about the issue and here's what he said:

Quote:Unfortunately as you are UK resident you pay tax on all income earned, whether in the UK or abroad. To lose your UK residency you would need to be working abroad for more than 2 years.

If you suffer any overseas tax on the income earned abroad then this can be offset against your UK tax so that you are not taxed twice on the same income.

Dependent on the level of income you are to earn abroad and the amount of time you will be working, it is possible to claim some of your travel costs, computer costs etc. Any cost that enables you to carry out the work abroad.

Are all you guys paying tax anyway or are you not bothering? I don't really want to pay tax as I'm out of the country and don't see why I should have to.