I was paid $2.50 for my very first article writing

Philippines
November 16, 2012 3:59am CST
It's just few days ago that I have earned $2.50 via PayPal from my very first article writing. I was so happy about trying my luck in the field of professional writing. I am a blogger that has no proper training into this field. But I was able to achieve some promotion in other website and currently have 100 clients from all over the world as a Success Coach. The earning cash out is every 90 days. I will be turning one year next month and it's only last May that I've got that position. But still I am looking for a stable income online and I want to focus on writing an article since it will give me more experience and will open wider opportunities on working from home. I have noted 31 websites that myLot members have suggested to other members here looking for legit online jobs. All from PTCs, captcha code data entry, forums, paid to's. But I haven't found any jobs that match my interest or qualifications. I have an account in Elance and Odesk but I wonder why some clients were emailing me and asking for my Skype. Is it really that way? I want to work for article writing but what do they need my Skype ID? My co-blogger was the one who asked me to write an article for her and she's the one who submitted it to her employer. She can't reveal what website is that. I asked her for her referral link if there is so that I can work for more articles. But she did not tell me and advised me that she will message me once there's another topic available. I think she's a freelance writer and will just ask me (or any of her co-writer) to write an article for her if she's not familiar with the topic. And she'll just give me a portion of the earning she will get. Can you suggest a website that will allow beginners like me to write an article for their clients? I hope to hear from you. Thank you in advance.
5 responses
@jenny1015 (13366)
• Philippines
17 Nov 12
Hi! I used to be getting jobs from Odesk. Employers do ask for the Skype Id because it is their means of communication with the contractors that they hired. Also, some employers, as I have experienced, although they have been verified by Odesk as legitimate and paying employees, still these employees would want to save the 10% charge imposed on them by Odesk so these employers would want to directly hire you without the need to use the Odesk platform.
@jenny1015 (13366)
• Philippines
18 Nov 12
I think it is still best to work using Odesk between you and your employer just to be sure that all your efforts will pay off. There have been instances that even they are verified memebrs of Odesk still they have turned out as scammers coz once you take in a job without Odesk in between the two of you, then the employers could just get away with the work you have done without you getting paid. Also, be careful too with those who might be posting something that you are interested in only to find out that they are offering you a "Cyber acting job" and would offer you at least $10/hr. If these happens to you don't have second thoughts of reporting it to Odesk. I knew about this coz it happened to me. I applied as a virtual assistant. I received an invitation for interview just a few hours later. Then as I was having the interview, the employer told me that I have to "perform" in front of the camera wherein I have to satisfy their business partners.investors. Aside from the $10/hr that he is offering is an incentive if their investor would like my performance. Could you just imagine how I felt being talked that way? I am no w----! And even if I was n need of money, I am not going to that extent of doing such act! It made me furious! That employer tried to talk me into it 4x in 6 months!
• Philippines
18 Nov 12
I thank you Jenny for the warning and advice. Good to know you did not accept that type of job. You'll never know what will happen next. Some people will grab that offer if they're desperate of earning. But for me, I'd rather not take that risky job because the effect will be for lifetime. Nice hearing from you again. As of now, I am currently looking for more jobs so I won't have vacant time to work other than my 6 hours sleep.
• Philippines
17 Nov 12
Hi jenny! I am happy to meet you here on myLot. You are right! I find myself funny thinking that those employers asking me for my I.M ID are scammers. The hiring manager I am working on right now is very supportive of me and is very patient since I still have some shortcomings in writing an article for 1000 word count. I have to squeeze my brain more and make some research for me not to run out of any ideas to share. I had been paid 5 times already for all the first 5 projects I have completed. I am so grateful! Thank you for enlightening me.
• Philippines
16 Nov 12
Good for you friend, I wish I'm good at writing too so I can earn just like you. I've seen some sites where they you for writing article but since I don't have the talent, I did not join it. It's good that I found this mylot, even though I'm not good at writing, sharing stories like this is things I can do. And while I share I earn too. :)
• Philippines
16 Nov 12
Hi neil. I think being good in writing starts with the passion. I love sharing my thoughts and learning from others. That's one of the main reasons why I've been into blogging and have joined myLot. It's a rewarding experience being able to talk to different types of people with unique backgrounds in life. It's like traveling around the world for free. In reading and speaking your second language as a way of expressing your views will be a great start to improve your skills and expand your knowledge about a lot of interesting things. I had good news! I've just been hired for writing a product review and the work is on a daily basis. I already got paid again for the second article I've submitted on an international client. God is great!
1 person likes this
• Philippines
19 Nov 12
That's good, now you're taking small step forward. You might never notice but one day you might become a known article writer. Just keep on writing, share your thoughts with other and here too in mylot. You'll earn while sharing and also a good hobby to kill some time. :)
@tedifa (1232)
• Indonesia
20 Nov 12
As i know so far,there are many articles sites who will pay your articles.the best right know i guess still expert column,they will give you a half from their profit,then you can join to shvoong,you will got 10% from the profit,beside that there are many sites such as : triond,helium,squidoo.
• Greece
16 Nov 12
I suggest that you try Experts Column http://expertscolumn.com/referral/65787fbc I have used it for a long time and it pays well and I have never had an article refused. I have enjoyed a regular income from them, it is almost as good as MyLot and it will give you the opportunity you need to get into article writing. The articles do not have to be long or complicated and there is a huge variety of choice. If you use my link, given as above, I will know how you get on and will be available to help in any way that I can. Good luck.
• Philippines
17 Nov 12
Hi CombedaleRoad. I have visited the site last night with the URL link you have shared and I am happy knowing that the way of writing the articles are more on creative style. I have researched about Expertscolumn and found out that it's legit. I will be happy signing up within tonight. The categories they have are very similar to the blogging site I have joined last year. I am excited and surely will have fun. I am looking forward to try writing more and expand my knowledge and skills in this field. Thank you for inviting me and have a great day!
• Philippines
19 Nov 12
In oDesk most of them are asking for skype id for interview. Aside from your portfolio, maybe they want to know your verbal skills and want to test your English fluency. Just look for the client rating, if your client has good rating and verified, just go for it. You can also monetize your blog or make some affiliate marketing. :-)