Does it really pay. . . to pay?

[Stacey Barlow]

Okay, here is the thing.. .in writing, I've come across many sites which claim they will find work for you and send you alerts on job openings in writing. Granted, these are good positions and big shoes to fill, but once there they want you tou to purchase information to be sent to your box in order to get the writing job or evewn apply for it. What do you do in cases like this when you want that position? What is that all about anyway? I have done the paid for subscription to get the information all to find out that the information sent is usually a waste of time. As difficult as it is, there aren't many writing sites that will give free information or I just haven't seen all of them. If you have done it or thought about it, what would be your price limit for a subscription to a site that has job listings?

[Patricia]

In my opinion it's like the model casting calls my daughters insisted on attending. Everything went well, they were both approved by the representative of the agency, their test shots were lovely, but then at the end of the day the agency wanted money for the portfolio or a training course. I'm sure there are a few legit ones, but for the most part, if you're talented and marketable then an agency would be happy to represent you. After all, they make money when you make money. If they want cash up front, chances are they're a sham.

Others may know better than I about the subject, but I'd steer clear of pay for info sites.

Good Luck!

[Stacey Barlow]

It sounds to me like it's all false advertisemewnt and then after they receive all yur information, the web page takes you to a payment page which I find hilarious. So it's basically the "too good to be true" concept. Thank you. i will keep looking

[David Eide]

Never pay for listings Stacey, there are so many free sites, plus you now have aggregators like Indeed.com which scrape off listings off of large job boards. In the employment world one is even cautioned against many "employment agencies" that say they will get you a job for fees. I've heard complaints against websites that offer a "trial offer" of very low payment but you have to use a credit card, the card is charged on a monthly basis and if you decide to end after the trial, good luck....One guy told me he had to shut down one account and get a new one just to prevent the "writing service" from charging his card. I totally agree with Tricia that companies should pay to find talent, not the other way around.

[Xradioguyfrank]

A good rule of thumb is to never pay to get a job -- any job. Years ago, I paid an agency to find me a job and they did, but it was a gig I could have found for myself.

[Stacey Barlow]

yes, this is true in both cases when there are many leads out there. And very good leads at that. A job is supposed to pay you not the other way around.