CopyScape: How to Insult Your Writers Before they Even Begin

I’m all about trust. I think it’s important for clients and freelancers to establish trust off the bat. If an employer’s first communication to me mentions he’s worried I might plagiarize, there’s no trust and I’m turned off from working at that job. I hate seeing Copyscape in job ads.

Don’t get me wrong. I don’t condone cut and paste jobs. I know employers use CopyScape to nip this in the bud, and I don’t have a problem with that. My problem is when a client announces in a job ad that he’ll be using CopyScape. This is so insulting. If you’re going to use it, use it. You don’t need to tell your freelancers you don’t trust them – before they’re even hired. Read more

A Freelance Writing Jobs Reminder: You Own Your Samples

One of the regulars sent me this email today.

I came across a problem this morning.  You may want to post a warning especially for new writers.  The ad you have for pet writers is of concern.  An automated response is returned with details which seem innocuous enough: but after the signature is the following:

P.S. please do not copy and paste from internet. We will be checking
all samples with copyscape. We will own the copyright of your sample articles even if you don’t get hired.

They claim the copyright of any sample whether hired or not!  I can forward the entire email if you’d like.

Not too cool. Your samples are yours, especially if you’re not being paid for it. Don’t sign away all rights to your work unless you’re being adequately compensated. This person will be profiting from your work why shouldn’t you? Read more