Message to all aspiring entrepreneurs looking for free or cheap blog writers: I’m not interested.
In recent months, the number of offers to write or blog for Web wannabes sent my way has increased exponentially.
While I like to consider myself a competent writer, I don’t consider the increased number of offers sent my way to be a reflection of my abilities. (I wouldn’t be interested even if the offers were worth consideration.)
Instead, it’s a sign of the ease with which wanna be Web entrepreneurs can set up a fledgling e-business and of course the need for content to increase the relevancy of the sites.
I don’t begrudge or call down anyone’s entrepreneurial spirit – quite the opposite. The world, Canada specifically, needs more of it. But there’s gotta be something in it for me or anyone else that’s given the opportunity to write or contribute for one of these glibly constructed businesses.
However, the offers are clouded with vague promises of gadgets to review or great things to come though for the site for example. In other words, the offers aren’t worth the HTML (or CSS) used to produce (and display) the content.
“Just send me your blog post and we’ll work out the details later,” is too often the pitch received.
It’s a leap of faith to say the least to take such a promise at face value considering the world doesn’t need another cell phone review site. The chances for success of such a site are slim to none.
The “pay for play” offer is another favorite tactic used to lure in bloggers. It’s a ruse for anyone that wants to eat because the CPM offers are embarrassingly low.
Good luck with your ventures Web entrepreneurs. Let me know how it goes. In the meantime, I’ll stick to my day job.
[tags] blogs, web 2.0, entrepreneurship [/tags]
3 Comments on “i don’t want to blog for you aspiring Web entrepreneurs”
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I appreciate what you’re saying, but as someone who’s trying to increase our level of user-generated content I’d be interested in what you’d suggest we do to attract good contributors, particularly if we aren’t given a budget with which to pay people appropriately. I’m really struggling with this at the moment; I realize it’s a lot to ask of people.
Posted on January 4, 2009 at 10:13 pm.
Hey Shane,
Great to hear from you as always.
The situation you’ve described is parallel but ultimately different than the entrepreneurs that have contacted me in recent months.
By that I mean ITWorldCanada.com is a legitimate site associated with long-standing print trade publications.
I’d like to think this standing can give you some leverage with aspiring writers or industry types as it’s not a fly-by-night operation like the ones that have contacted me.
Hope this helps.
Posted on January 5, 2009 at 3:07 am.
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Posted on January 6, 2009 at 7:22 pm.