My media studies background gets the better of me sometimes Not sure if you’ve ever read Walter Benjamin’s “The work of art in the age of mechanical reproduction”, but I think the internet is taking this trend to the next stage. When we can quickly and widely reproduce items, they have less value. Blame it on the printing press

Thanks for helping me see another side to the story.

You make a valid point. This is a growing problem and it’s effecting everyone in a negative way. Unfortunately, there isn’t much I can do about it, despite my skills. The economy really isn’t helping this issue. I used to make a lot more money. You’re right, it is scary but these companies have powerful monopolies and unless a freelance writer has private clients that pay well on a regular basis, they are forced into the content mills until they can find a decent private company. That can take…months or even years. Especially with the way things are these days.

I think it’s also a supply and demand issue. When there’s a whole wealth of writers willing to work for just $10-$20, why should companies pay more than that? (Especially during tough economic times?) I know some web publishing companies that don’t hire freelancers or staff writers anymore and just buy cheap content online. It’s scary.

@Indigo

I freelance for a number of private clients that I earn significantly more income from but that income does not always come in when I need it.

Also, we are entering one of the slowest times of the year. Unless you can also make products, chances are you’ll be hurting during this time of year without a large savings or a steady gig. Even some of the most top-notch freelance writers I know are scrambling around trying to find last minute gigs.

Steady gigs of any sort are difficult to come by. Currently, I am writing for Demand Studios and Quality Gal. I won’t accept less than $10 per article and that I think, is even pushing it.

I don’t use a pseudonym because I don’t think that writing for either DS or QG will harm my career. In fact, writing for them has only helped me. I think some writers are just concerned about their ego. My ego aside, I still need to make money. Thank God I at least have those two gigs.

If you’re just getting started, odds are you’re not relying on your writing income to pay your bills. It’s a great time to explore the field, figure out what you love to write about and do some writing you’re proud of.

A better portfolio building project would be to put your best stuff out there as guest posts on major blogs. You might not get paid, but you’ll gain exposure and respect. That’s likely to be more fun and lead to better income-earning opportunities down the road.