Leads…
- Contributing Writers for Green Site ($10)
- Science, Tech Writers Wanted for News Web Site
- Seeking Freelance Writers Now - Brooklyn
- NYC Blogger Wanted (up to $20 per post)
- SEO Article Writer
- Assistant Writer for White Paper
- Freelance Writer for Self-Help Articles
- Article Writers Wanted - Need 5+ Daily ($50 per 500-word article - I e-mailed the company this morning to confirm the rate of pay. They e-mailed back right away and this is the correct figure)
- Blogger for Online Mag
- Secret Shopper-Style Story Needed - Raleigh ($400)
- Restaurant Critic Needed - Toronto ($25 per review)
- Grant Writer Urgently Needed ($250 + 5-10% of grant total + possible bonus)
- Pop Culture/Creative/Humorous Writers ($20 per article)
- Write Reviews for Strip Clubs - Texas and Other Locations
- Fashion/Entertainment Magazine Looking for Writers
- Copywriter & Content Writer for Startup Financial Website
- Creative Writers for Events & Party Industry
- Writers/Photographers/Designers for Hollywood-Themed Website
- Freelance Bloggers Wanted for Paid Positions
- Miami New Times Looking for a Reliable Freelancer
- Witty Writers Wanted for New Miami Blog
- RX Magazine Hiring Writers ($10 per page)
- Copywriter with Character - Orange County
- Website Product Content Writer (Pay is on a per-word basis; 25,000 words/month needed)
- Freelance Medical Writer ($60-$75 per hour)
- Magazine Publisher Seeking Sewing/Quilting Expert
- Web Editor/Design Contractor
- Community Newspaper Reporter - San Diego ($30 per approved story)
- Freelance Technology Abstractor - San Francisco)
- Website Content & Blog Writing - Washington, D.C. ($20-$40 DOE)
Good Luck!
Jodee
August 24th, 2007 at 2:04 pm
Just a note about the one that says it pays $50 per 500 word article… I was told that it’s $25 per 500 word article and $50 per 1,000 words.
August 24th, 2007 at 2:34 pm
$50 per 500 is slave wages. So what’s $50 per 1,000 words?
August 24th, 2007 at 4:17 pm
$50 per 1,000 words equals 5 cents per word.
For some writers, this is decent pay. For others, it’s “slave wages.”
I tend to think of pay in terms of hourly wages rather than per word. $50 per 1,000 words is a decent rate if I can write it in 60 or 90 minutes.
Personally, I think it’s less of an insult than people who want 1 cent per word or less… or people who want writers to write for a “byline” or “exposure.” Puh-leeze.
August 24th, 2007 at 4:20 pm
Regarding that $50 per article job, I was in contact with them a few weeks ago. They are supposedly launching 30 magazines in September and need content. (Launching 30 magazines all at once is fishy itself)
They sent me a contract with no company information - name, phone number, address, on it. I questioned it and asked for more info on the company. They refused to give it to me and told me they were “taking me off the list” if I had to have that information in a contract.
They don’t have a company website or anything.
Fishy, to say the least.
–Kori
August 24th, 2007 at 4:28 pm
I contacted this company this morning and got a reply back quickly. They are asking for articles by Monday evening. The only info about them on their contract is a name, not address or anything else. I hadn’t thought about it until you brought it up.
What struck me as strange was that they said I can choose the topic - no guidlines or anything for the 30 publications.
Oh, and it’s work for hire. They may also publish the article elsewhere.
August 24th, 2007 at 4:37 pm
The contact person from the ad (Hope Hunt) is located in Pennsylvania (from what she told me). But said the actual company is located outside Dallas. I asked for the actual name, owner’s name, address, phone number, web address or something from the actual company. She said they were a “virtual office” right now.
How are you publishing 30 magazines out of a virtual office?
Honestly, it might be totally legit and I might just be paranoid. The writing seemed very easy to me and worth the $50. But it just wasn’t worth the risk to me because they wanted me to write 10 articles in 3 days.
-Kori
August 24th, 2007 at 4:42 pm
Edit to my last post - she told me she was in Virginia (not Pennsylvania).
She did end up giving me this address for the company - 201 Crenshaw, Terrell, TX 75160 but I couldn’t verify anything on the company at all.
I’ve dealt with startups before and gotten paid. But I just felt wary about this one because at first she said oh I didn’t realize that information (contact info) wasn’t on the contract and she said she’d get back to me.
And then here’s what she said when she got back…
“I’ve taken you off my list of writers for the time being because I don’t know how long it will take corporate to revise.”
August 24th, 2007 at 4:58 pm
I wish I had read the comments before I got taken. I signed up with this, got the same info as everyone else and worked my tail off to finish up the 1500 word articles.
Turned down. I wasn’t what they were looking for. It’s kind of hard to write something proper with no info other than 5 topics and the general theme of the mag. So, I’ll be selling the articles elsewhere.
Plus, they won’t pay by Paypal until after you receive one check. Weird.
August 24th, 2007 at 5:05 pm
Whoops, I forgot to mention that the word count is obviously changing per person. I was quoted 50$ for 1500 unlike the ad states 50 for 500.
August 24th, 2007 at 7:16 pm
Disclaimer: The below comment regarding Laray Carr Publications reflects my own, individual opinion and is based solely on my personal experience with their company. It is possible that Laray Carr Publications is in fact, a legitimate business. However, I don’t believe that it is. Additionally, please be aware that this comment will likely be a “novel” because I am extremely irritated with this company. My daughter just started kindergarten, and I decided to really plunge “head-first” into freelance writing again. I am utterly disgusted that Laray Carr Publications, one of the first companies that I contacted in my “come-back,” is probably a scam.
I came here to post what you guys already have about Laray Carr Publications. Now, after reading your posts, I’m even more convinced that this company is a scam. Their ad for freelance writers posted on Online Writing Jobs is, in my opinion, a blatant lie, as was the response that their representative gave to Jodee/Deb.
I responded to the ad posted by Laray Carr Publications because it specifically states that their pay rate for a 500-word article is $50.00. I initially received a response to my inquiry from “Roger Owens” within minutes of sending him an email. Mr. Owens advised me to “contact [their] Director of Publishing Communications, Hope Hunt, for article assignment,” which I did. However, I received an email from Ms. Hunt stating, in part, “We pay $50 per article with between 1000-2000 words and $25 for articles with articles between 500-1000 words via check the week of Sept. 20 (publication date for these magazines.).” Whew- that was a mouthful of an awkward sentence! Not only do the emails/materials I received from Laray Carr Publications indicate that their pay rate is lower than specifically stated in their ad, but they also state that with each article. writers must submit a “Fact Sheet,” which would push the word count up even more.
As previously mentioned, the contract/application that I received from Laray Carr Publications did not list any contact information. Even basic legal precepts and accepted business practices usually require that a party entering into a freelance contract, especially one that demands writers to perform such a large amount of detailed work, provide the writer with some means of contact for their company. It’s ridiculous that Laray Carr Publications mandated that I give them my name, telephone number, address and social security number and requested that I provide them with numerous articles by “THIS Monday at 7pm EST,” yet the only contact information they provided me with is a gmail address.
Finally, a simple Google search revealed that the application/contract that Laray Carr Publications sent to me, which is actually quite professional looking, is taken almost completely verbatim from a Sample Freelance Writing Agreement published on the Kansas Press Association’s website. I find it very strange that a publishing company, of all entities, would not even attempt to modify such an agreement before sending it out to prospective freelancers.
Okay, enough venting- Onward with finding some real work!!!!!
August 25th, 2007 at 6:14 am
I contacted them too. I think for me the red flag was that I sent them a quick email asking for more information and nothing more. I received back an email saying that all I needed to do was forward the email to Hope and start writing. I would have expected more questions about what I’d written in the past.
So I contacted Hope and was sent the payment $25 for 500 to 1000 words or $50 for 1000 to 2000 words. Yet in the submission requirements and the writer’s application, it says $50 per article and doesn’t list the article length.
When I saw the ad, I had a feeling it was too good to be true…
August 25th, 2007 at 6:29 am
Wow…I am SO GLAD that I have read all of your comments just before sending off the writer’s agreement. I, too, sent a query letter and mentioned that I was happy to supply my resume if need be. I was never asked for a sample of my work, or to take a paid test for them to review, so I knew that there may be something fishy. After reading everything that you all mentioned, I Googled the fax number that was provided to me in the e-mail, and it came out as a fax number to a steam cleaning service in Virginia. Then, I googled Hope Hunt, and her name came up as a virtual assistant ( I knew it was her as she signed her name on her website in the exact same manner as in my e-mail). I also read on another job site that they were needing these articles a few weeks ago, which may explain the urgency for the articles to be created and turned in by Monday evening. PLUS, I would hate to waste my entire weekend cranking out articles, only to find out that they were not up to their standards for publication. I dunno…it COULD be legit but as the saying goes, ” if it looks like poop, and it smells like poop…”!
I’d say to anyone that wants to go this route to tread lightly!
Thanks for all the info that everyone posted on here. You all saved me from going in too deep on a weary job!
August 25th, 2007 at 2:06 pm
i am in total agreement with all of the above. I send my inquiry and forgot to attach my resume (duh) and they still sent me assignments!
August 25th, 2007 at 2:47 pm
^I did NOT write that. Do I have an impersonator? Deb, may I ask you to look into the matter? LCP did NOT send me assignments. They contacted me but I declined politely…who are you?
August 25th, 2007 at 2:55 pm
Oh wait, might be just another Mariella…*boinks own head* Anyways, you would not want to be posting with that name because you’ll be just adding to my post count on the right. I do not want to take credit for your posts
August 25th, 2007 at 2:56 pm
It is clear that there are a substantial number of scams out there, and that the “publishing” industry generally is very scummy.
You all have to protect yourselves. I reccomend the following:
Never give out your SS#.
Never pay someone to do anything for you, unless you know them.
Never do work on spec.
Always get a retainer.
Always make sure the retainer check clears.
Whenever possible, meet in person or at least talk on the phone.
Above all else, keep in mind what you can get waiting tables or tending bar down the street, and when your hourly wage for an assignment drops below that you’re better off serving cocktails - unless you’re damned sure you’ll have something you can brag about on your resume.
I’m a native of Miami, and I learned as a kid that there are rules to swimming with sharks. The first one is a simple one:
Don’t swim with sharks.
There are a LOT of sharks in every day’s list, and there’s a second tier, call them remoras, who only want people that will work for less than prevailing wage laws and the 13th Amendment allow. Don’t do it.
Writers of the world, Unite! You have nothing to lose but your addiction to caffeine!
August 25th, 2007 at 3:10 pm
check this out all:
http://www.online-writing-jobs.com/jobbank/job10505.htm
August 25th, 2007 at 5:16 pm
This was at Online Writing Jobs
“Hi - I wanted to let you know what I’ve discovered about this company. I haven’t worked with them at all, but did apply for the position posted a while back so I was able to get a peek at their contract.
First off if you search for the company name you’ll discover that they are looking for magazine sales reps and they list their address as being in Texas. That address actually traces back to an investment company.
The IP address of the emails being sent by both Roger Owens and Hope Hunt (same IP address) is in Illinois.
The fax number that is included on the contract they request you sign is actually in Virginia - it traces back to a steam cleaning business.
Also double check that contract you signed. You’ll notice that when you signed it you gave away all rights to the work you did for them until 30 days have passed after they publish it. If they don’t publish your work, they still own it. Also the contract states that you aren’t entitled to any payment unless your work is published. This realistically could mean that they own your work for years.
Another thing that really bothered me about the contract was that they state that the first payment they make to you will be in the form of a check mailed to your address. Again no payment is due until your work has been published. They claim that once you have received your first check they can then pay you via PayPal.
The last thing that caught my eye was that “Hope” claims they need 900 articles a month - at $25 - $50 each that’s a lot of money for a start-up to be handing out. That in itself is a red flag considering they don’t have a website or an “official” company address or contact number.
I hope this helps. “
August 25th, 2007 at 5:16 pm
I found this one at Online Writing jobs. Thought you’d want to see it here
“Hi - I wanted to let you know what I’ve discovered about this company. I haven’t worked with them at all, but did apply for the position posted a while back so I was able to get a peek at their contract.
First off if you search for the company name you’ll discover that they are looking for magazine sales reps and they list their address as being in Texas. That address actually traces back to an investment company.
The IP address of the emails being sent by both Roger Owens and Hope Hunt (same IP address) is in Illinois.
The fax number that is included on the contract they request you sign is actually in Virginia - it traces back to a steam cleaning business.
Also double check that contract you signed. You’ll notice that when you signed it you gave away all rights to the work you did for them until 30 days have passed after they publish it. If they don’t publish your work, they still own it. Also the contract states that you aren’t entitled to any payment unless your work is published. This realistically could mean that they own your work for years.
Another thing that really bothered me about the contract was that they state that the first payment they make to you will be in the form of a check mailed to your address. Again no payment is due until your work has been published. They claim that once you have received your first check they can then pay you via PayPal.
The last thing that caught my eye was that “Hope” claims they need 900 articles a month - at $25 - $50 each that’s a lot of money for a start-up to be handing out. That in itself is a red flag considering they don’t have a website or an “official” company address or contact number.
I hope this helps. “
August 25th, 2007 at 5:28 pm
I’m a little concerned by having someone of the same name in the board, so I’m announcing that I (the Mariella who posted all 57 posts, or at least the Mariella who thinks she did) am going to sleep since it’s 6:20 am in my place and I worked overnight. I will be gone for at least 7 hours so anything posted in this name over the course of that time would not have been me. (Just making sure, no offense meant to the other Mariella if she indeed is real)
August 25th, 2007 at 5:30 pm
Another thought that raced thru my mind with all of this…..many magazine companies offer a ” kill fee” of about 25-50% of the original article payment rate, should your article not be accepted. This is quite typical in many magazine companies, especially those that house more than 35 publications ( as Laray Carr Publications claims to do). Surely if they can pay me $50.00 an article, then they can give me a kill fee, right? Nope. This “company” is a rotten deal all the way around. Is there any way to report them???
August 25th, 2007 at 6:29 pm
I am so glad that I didn’t have time to write any more articles this weekend. I was sad at first that I couldn’t do any for them, as I had already committed to someone else. Now I am glad I didn’t send in a contract or anything. Thank you everyone, I love places like this where everyone shares their wisdom and watches out for others. Even though we usually work solo, I get more support from my fellow freelancers than I did with any of my other “real” (as I have heard people say) jobs.
August 25th, 2007 at 6:45 pm
This is what’s so great about the FWJ community. You all have each other’s backs. Thanks to all for looking out for each other and posting your warnings.
August 26th, 2007 at 1:49 am
Yeah, I think it was divine providence that I was busy so I did not write for them. That gave me the chance to read all your warnings and dig around a little. I think they were tipped that they were losing writers over FWJ, as you can see “Hope’s” reply in the other thread.
(PS: using my blog as link now to distinguish myself from the other Mariella)
August 26th, 2007 at 5:10 am
‘Hope’ sent me an email around midnight, which is normal for her since I took their assignment and I find odd for anyone who is in the business to be handing out jobs at those times, but anyway…
She was yelling about not getting work from me. I guess she forgot she turned down the ones I sent in? But, I wrote this back to her:
‘Hope,
You will NOT be receiving anything from me. I have done research on your company and have found out the following things:
1. You are only a virtual assistant.
2. You told several other writers you were in VA. Your IP and Roger’s comes from IL.
3. Your company phone number leads to a steam cleaning company.
4. The contract is bogus.
Among other things. If you contact me again I will contact YOUR ISP and describe the entire scam to them. This infomation has been spread through as many writing outlets as possible and I am only ONE writer who now knows what you people are doing. ‘
August 26th, 2007 at 10:40 am
This was her reply. I suggested she come and clear her name and the company name if it’s true.
“Just for your information, here’s my answers to these “suspicions”:
1. Laray Carr Investments is in Texas, they are building a new office. I don’t know where it is because I work virtually. LCP is a new division of Laray Carr Investments as you see in the submission guidelines we are launching 35, now 37 new magazines in September so we have no past as we are brand new, a new branch of the investment firm.
2. I don’t know about Roger’s IP, he is in Terrell, TX. I live in VA but am currently working in GA. No idea how the IPs figure in with routing tables and all except that we are both using gmail until the new office is completed.
3. The fax number on the contract is actually in Texas but they always have problems with it, so I collect the faxes at my office (my husband owns Steaming Cleaning) and mail them in so people don’t have problems getting them to us. That way I can process payment without waiting on corporate to tell me they got the fax and then send me legal names, mailing info, etc.
4. I didn’t write the contract. I cannot guide you there.
5. I am Hope. I am doing as the investment firm dictates to launch these 37 magazines with 30 articles each.”
August 26th, 2007 at 12:43 pm
her answers seem ok, HOWEVER, the contract issues alone are a red flag ans she doesn’t address those.
August 26th, 2007 at 12:53 pm
I still don’t trust them. Now there’s an ad up on Online Writing Jobs with a new deadline of Monday 7pm Pacific Time, when others were told Friday EST and then Monday EST.
I did some work as a Virtual Assistant and was asked to do things after a while that were wrong. Like spamming forums, which I refused to do. I did write her back and if she is just a VA for some screwy company, then I feel sorry for her, because everything can be tracked back to her.
August 26th, 2007 at 1:00 pm
They had posted an answer to all allegations on the Online Writing Jobs forum but it was deleted because things were getting out of hand.
I just hope everything turns out all right after all for the sake of those who’ve written for them.
—-
Mariella M.
(errr…using a sig from now on…just to be sure…)
August 26th, 2007 at 7:38 pm
Has anyone even had articles successfully accepted by them yet?
They do show an address and phone number on the contract now but I hesitate to spend time on articles for what is possibly a scam…
The phone number is for an unlisted person/business in Dallas Frontier, TX.
August 26th, 2007 at 8:10 pm
In case anyone is curious, I called the number and it goes to “LCP Media” voicemail.
August 26th, 2007 at 11:27 pm
I had responded to this ad as well, and received the contract and e-mail detailing the titles, payment, etc. After having some doubts and coming back here to see if there was any discussion on the matter (which there is, thank goodness!), I wrote and said thanks but no thanks.
Hope wrote back with this:
“Our legal team is now heavily involved in pursuing all of the writers who post unfounded allegations about our company. ”
Just so you know, Deb. I realize that nothing anyone has said here would be grounds for legal action, but I’m sure they’ll contact you anyway.
August 27th, 2007 at 11:31 am
I got a message back from them saying that all of the negative comments about them were now removed because their legal team was involved. >.>
August 27th, 2007 at 11:51 am
Thank god I saw these comments I was thinking about writing to this company and had just about composed a cover letter!! Now I will not bother…
August 28th, 2007 at 3:14 am
I was looking for the other thread because Hope posted in the forum and can’t find them. Maybe that’s because they were the one’s that were deleted?
I didn’t see all these posts until now. I did submit articles and they were all accepted. I stopped writing when I realized I was up to 500.00 and emailed Hope saying I would no longer be writing for LCP until I was paid. It is scary to think I may not get paid because that was a great deal of work.
August 28th, 2007 at 10:10 am
Sigh. Before reading all of this, I submitted 2 articles to Hope yesterday as well as my contract. She ‘accepted’ them for $50 each (over 1000 words) and gave me all the same info everyone else has gotten. I emailed her after all of this and without mentioning my hesitation now, asked her for more publication detail. She has yet to respond to me. All i can say is that I’m quite happy that it was only 2 articles and that there wasn’t much personal information given on the contract. I did try to fax it to her, but their fax never answered. Guess that’s why I had to email it to her!
I’m hopeful for all of us, but it makes me so mad that we could all be getting scammed.
August 28th, 2007 at 10:38 am
I really hope that you guys get paid for your work.^^ Please keep us updated.
August 28th, 2007 at 10:47 am
Kristi,
I’m glad you saw it at 2 articles and let us know if she responds. Major bummer for all of us if we don’t get paid.
August 28th, 2007 at 10:51 am
I just wanted to comment on the legal threats. Guys, as long as what you are saying is either the truth (i.e. you are accurately reporting stuff in the contract, emails, etc., and you can prove it) OR clearly stated as an opinion (i.e. “I believe that LCP is a scam…”) their legal team cannot do anything.
Personally, I believe they are trying to use threats to control writers. Many scammers or shady publications use tactics such as this as attempts at damage control.
August 28th, 2007 at 11:02 am
For the record, no one contacted me and I haven’t removed any comments. I did shoot the link to this discussion to a friendly legal expert who said there’s nothing amiss here. Carry on, friends, carry on.
August 31st, 2007 at 3:03 pm
Hi all. I just wanted to say, I stumbled across this site and many others in fact, while searching to see if LCP’s new website was up yet as I had advised them. I’ve had many conversations with Roger Owens, many long detailed 4 hours+ conversations. I am a publishing consultant- I don’t think there is anything fraudulent going on here and at the very least they are guilty of not having any experience or employing anyone with any experience in publishing and deciding to branch off into publishing. But when you have millions of dollars, as the owner of Laray Carr does (he is an ex-nfl player which some of you may know and owns several businesses besides the investment firm) you can just up and decide you want this and have it. Not many start-ups have the luxury of being backed by a millionaire owner who also happens to own a venture capitol investment firm. I also know for a fact that their magazines at least 18 out of the now 37 have been accepted for national distribution.
I’m not going to encourage anyone to work with them, but for those who have, I hope I have helped ease your worries a bit.
August 31st, 2007 at 3:20 pm
Hi,
Thanks for the info. I’m just curious if Laray Carr played in the NFL under another name. I checked a few sports databases for him when someone else had mentioned that. And no one named Laray Carr seems to have played in the NFL.
http://www.databasefootball.com/players/playerlist.htm
http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/
Like I said earlier, they might be legit. But I just had my doubts when they couldn’t provide me with a working company website/address/phone number a few weeks back.
Thanks,
Kori
August 31st, 2007 at 3:28 pm
I’m sorry but I find this hard to believe. If he is a millionaire, then why are the jobs being advertised on free job boards AND why is the pay so low.
If it’s such a luxury, I’m sure Mr. Carr could afford to pay his writers a wage that reflects this so called ’start up’. That and to purchase proper advertising. He shouldn’t have a problem at all.
It’s pretty sad that their actions have caused this, because after the bogus ‘legal action’ claims, it only serves to make them look more and more like a scam.
August 31st, 2007 at 3:42 pm
REALLY hard to believe. For an ex-NFL player, Laray Carr is suspiciously absent from online media. If you Google “Laray Carr” in quotes like that, all you find is a handful of advertisements regarding the magazines, a few job ads (looking for writers and a graphic designer), and a handful of complaints from various writers.
No business sites, from LCP or any other Laray Carr company, and nothing about football.
I still think it sounds like a scam, but I guess we’ll find out in three weeks when Micah and a few of the other writers are due to be paid.
August 31st, 2007 at 3:47 pm
When I stated it being a luxury that most startups do not have, that pertained to the comments I read about “how can a start up publish 30 magazines at one time”.
That being said, I understand wholeheartedly everyone’s concerns. And, I am not vouching for them by any means. I do however, have a bit more inside knowledge of the workings since I was approached on a consulting level. From my understanding, their intent is to get these magazines, all 37 out and then transition over to more traditional staff, for each magazine, rather than the magazines being grouped. I know for certain there is a launch budget and that with 37 magazines corners can be cut more. Everyone is doing work for them at below industry rate- from writers, designers- even printers. I don’t necessarily agree with how they have and are going about doing it, but they have absolutely retained distribution for like I said 18 out of the 37 magazines, which is pretty impressive. I don’t know what kind of scam they could be running, are they just going to hoard hundreds of articles hostage? They might be cheap or ill informed of publishing standards and ethics, but I don’t understand what kind of scam they could be cooking up.
BTW, the owner’s name is not Laray Carr.
August 31st, 2007 at 3:53 pm
Type of scam?
Well, how about taking the work and reselling it. I don’t care who has their name on it, backing it, or whatever. This whole thing smells to high heaven of article scamming and I really hope that the writers who submitted articles get paid. But being paid once doesn’t mean twice.
I’ve been burned this way and so have many other writers. And to be ill informed isn’t a great idea when trying to launch that many magazines at once and to try and build a stable of happy writers. Something like this can ruin any writers wanting to touch them.
August 31st, 2007 at 3:54 pm
The scam that they could be cooking up is enlisting writers to work, using their articles elsewhere and never paying the writers.
Can you disclose the name of the owner? Maybe if more information was provided about the company, more people wouldn’t be so skeptical.
When I simply asked for a company address, website, or phone number to be added to the contract, I was told that they would be “taking me off the list of writers.”
That’s a weird suspicious response.
Also, they have been quoted $50 per article for 500 words, then it was 1000, then 1500, then 2000. So that’s why people are suspicious.
August 31st, 2007 at 4:04 pm
I was about to reply with the same comments about the potential scam and the name of the owner, Kori.
I would also add that there are MANY reasons why people are suspicious. Their ever-increasing word count and their refusal to put the company information on the contract are only some of the reasons.
I also think it’s suspicious to push for this much work so quickly — it’s like they want to get as much work for free as possible before anyone figures out they’re not getting paid.
The terms of the contract are also rather suspicious. From what I understand, the contract takes all rights until the piece is published, but doesn’t pay until it’s published. In other words, the contract itself states that they can keep the articles forever without paying the writers. And what’s to stop them from claiming the launch failed, and then discreetly using the articles elsewhere later on down the road?
August 31st, 2007 at 4:06 pm
Well, I’m not sure if this helps or not but they have hired writers, designers and publishing reps for generating ad sales. I actually made several suggestions for revising their contract for design work after being asked about it by Roger Owens. Suggestions to protect both the company and designer. I haven’t seen the writers contract.
And I agree, that is weird and suspicious.
I’m not endorsing them, promoting them or encouraging anyone to work with them. Just adding my two cents since I seem to know a bit more about their workings than the posters who have left comments.
I also know that there are tons of people, I get contacted everyday, by people who want to start magazines who have absolutely no clue just how difficult it is. There are many many levels to developing just one title, Roger and the team at Laray Carr have probably learned this as the time has went by, its not as simple as getting articles and printing the magazines. Hence why, I received an email earlier this week stating that their mags will launch later than originally planned. Hence also why, 8 out of 10 mags don’t make it to their first year anniversary.
August 31st, 2007 at 4:09 pm
Oh. They’ve also retained an agreement with a printing house as well. One that I recommended. And, I’m a bit jealous of the huge discount they received because of their large volume. I use the same printer for the one title I publish, bi-monthly.
August 31st, 2007 at 4:22 pm
Thanks for all the info. So, I’m assuming you can’t name the former NFL player/millionaire owner?
It should be of public record, but I don’t see Laray Carr Publications anywhere as a registered business.
August 31st, 2007 at 4:23 pm
“Just adding my two cents since I seem to know a bit more about their workings than the posters who have left comments.
”
You mean the people who have actually seen the contract? The people who have asked valid questions in the very beginning about the contract then were ‘removed’ from the writer’s list because they asked without accusations?
I don’t see how you know much about their workings when you keep saying you don’t, then say you do, then don’t…even more ‘weird stuff’, it seems.
August 31st, 2007 at 4:40 pm
Wow, so now I’m a “suspect” as well when all I tried to do was share the information I know. I do know more than any of you, I know their budget and projected revenue, I’ve seen their media kits, I’ve seen their contracts for designers and interactive media programmers, I know the name of the owner and his other business ventures, etc, etc.
I never wavered on knowing more about their workings so would you like to point out where you see me saying I do but then I don’t??
As I stated in my initial response, I’m not here to encourage anyone to work with them, but to help ease the worries of those who have already agreed to. From my involvement and understanding of what’s going on through my conversations with Roger Owen, I have not been aware or wary of the whole thing being some grand scheme to scam writers. They surely wouldn’t have contacted me if that was the plan. And, you can all check out my company, which is a marketing & communications design firm that specializes in publishing. I was referred to Roger through a client whom I consulted in, and still do, launching her first title.
My company’s site is http://www.aceincmarketing.com
August 31st, 2007 at 4:46 pm
I don’t know if you are suspect. But I also don’t know why you won’t disclose the name of the owner or direct us to some information about Laray Carr Publications. Proving YOUR business is legit doesn’t say anything about them.
Before a writer spends countless hours writing, they are usually provide thorough background information on a company - specifically if it’s a start up.
We can’t even get a business phone number (besides the dry cleaners that now has an answering machine), a business email address (gmail isn’t a business email address) or the name of the owner, any of his other businesses, or any other info.
If they are legit, good luck to them. But I don’t think you can launch 30 magazines in September when you are still operating as a “virtual office” (i.e. no building, no phone, no email, no website) in August.
August 31st, 2007 at 4:53 pm
We’ll all just have to hold on to our seats and wait with anticipation, won’t we?
The launch was also moved from September to October….
but nonetheless, best of luck to all those who have done work and worried about being scammed. If that does happen, feel free to contact me and I will be more than happy to disclose all I know to help build a legal case against them. I’ve dealt with shady business people before in owning my own company. It just so happens that unlike most of you here, I don’t believe its a scam.
August 31st, 2007 at 4:54 pm
Sorry, I was referring to the part where you said you didn’t know about the writer contract, but knew about the company, then the way you said you knew more than anyone here. I meant the contract and not disclosing the owner of the company, but correct me if I am wrong, isn’t it Roger Owens?
I am a little snippy right now, because I was really looking forward to writing for the magazine I was assigned, then had so many evasive answers. I think that is the problem with others as well.
August 31st, 2007 at 4:57 pm
I will confirm that Roger Owens is not the owner.
And trust me, I understand everyone’s concerns, I didn’t think I would have to defend myself here though. I’m not employed by them. Just tried to give more insight to it all and a different perspective then the “it’s a scam” view.
If you aren’t comfortable working with them, don’t. I’ve certainly turned down what could’ve been lucrative jobs before because I wasn’t comfortable for this reason or the next.
August 31st, 2007 at 5:07 pm
Hi Stephanie and everyone else -
I’m the owner of this blog and have mostly been staying out of this discussion because I’ve been busy.
First and foremost I want to say how proud I am of this community for looking out for each other. It’s because of you that this is the most popular freelance writing blog/site on the net. I do think you’re all asking the questions that need to be asked and you’re right to be alarmed at the lack of answers.
Stephanie, I appreciate your coming here on behalf of your client. Here’s the part that bothers me:
“If that does happen, feel free to contact me and I will be more than happy to disclose all I know ”
Why is it such an issue to disclose all you know? Isn’t that what a legitimate employer does? If this was a nine to five position none of us would even consider working for a person or business when so many questions exist.
If your client has nothing to hide, surely there’s no harm in disclosing information about the company, especially if it helps their reputation.
As someone who worked more than a dozen years for a magazine publishing house I don’t get why all the secrecy. Moreover, I know what it takes to launch one magazine, very few publishing houses will launch more than two or three a year, if that. To launch 20 or 30 at the same time is not only suspect, it’s unheard of. I can only imagine the amount of capital going into such an endeavor.
I do appreciate your coming here and answering our questions, Stephanie. I also encourage every to go with their gut. Do what feels best for you, whether that’s working for $50 for however many words it is this week, or walking away.
Have a nice weekend.
August 31st, 2007 at 5:19 pm
Have you guys ever heard of nondisclosure/confidentiality agreements? They aren’t even my client, there’s no way my small company or myself could juggle consulting for 35 magazines-all launching at the same time??? no way. But, I believe in professional courtesy and building relationships and with anyone who calls me whether I take them on or not or vice versa, I always encourage them to seek me out if there’s someway I can assist them or advise them. You just never know how that will play out one day. I’ve turned lots of “free consulting” into paying jobs, just from sharing the most simple advice.
Also, when I received the call and heard this “35 magazines in September” thing, I too was shocked. I told them it was unheard of, impossible even. I asked how they planned to streamline all of the work that had to be done, if their ultimate goal was to put out 35 only to have 3 or 4 that really make it, or less… etc… when I learned about how much money was going into this, I said, well, they have the financial means… still a tad bit more than just ambitious. lol
August 31st, 2007 at 7:07 pm
Presently I’m working on other projects and have decided to develop a “wait and see” viewpoint with the articles I wrote. I know I have not been notified about the launch being in October, which then makes me ask…does that mean I won’t get paid until October? As far as I understand about publishing…the copyright still belongs to the author does it not?
August 31st, 2007 at 8:29 pm
Hey everyone!
Wow, quite an ongoing discussion. I had become suspicious and contacted ‘Hope’ again to ask her if she could confirm the publication dates. She told me (3 days after I asked) that the launch date was moved to beginning of October and couldn’t specify a date. Not sure if that means payment is moved back as well - I’m assuming that’s what that means though.
My fingers are still crossed and I’m very hopeful that this will turn out for the best for all of us. I have to say, I really appreciate the feedback and insight that everyone is leaving. I think that it is wonderful how people are truly helping each other. Enjoy your holiday weekend!!!
August 31st, 2007 at 8:37 pm
Kristi, you should call her back and ask. You have every right to know when you can expect to be paid- especially if, you have not been taking on other work because you’re being contracted with them.
August 31st, 2007 at 8:46 pm
I e-mailed Hope asking her about if the launch had changed also.
August 31st, 2007 at 9:05 pm
I will get in touch with her. And I’ll definitely let you guys know what her response is about payment.
Kristi N
August 31st, 2007 at 9:09 pm
Micah and Kristi –
When does the contract say you’ll be paid?
If it says a specific date, then you should still be paid then, regardless of what they have decided to do. If it says on or after publication, then you will have to wait.
Stephanie –
If they aren’t your client, why did you sign a nondisclosure/noncompete with them?
And even if you did, why would that cover information about who owns the company? Usually, nondisclosures and noncompetes are in place to prevent employees and contractors from sharing confidential information with competitors — i.e. information that would take away the company’s advantage over their competitors. I don’t believe the name of the owner would damage the company’s competitive advantage in any way, so I don’t see how that would apply.
Deb –
Thanks for putting in your 2 cents. I particularly loved the comment about “$50 for however many words it is this week.”
August 31st, 2007 at 9:37 pm
Katharine,
The contract I read states LCP has the preference to publish articles they see fit. I have been told by Hope and it has been said in this forum, that the launch is Sept. 20th.
So actually, I don’t even know for sure that the articles I sent over will be published.
If only a couple magazines will make to print, or however many, I don’t know.
I decided to contact Hope directly and ask.
Personally, I don’t think anyone should have to go through this to find out but maybe they just havn’t had time to contact all the writers to let them know. It would be common courtesy to do so. I know I have for sure learned alot from this experience though.
August 31st, 2007 at 10:53 pm
Deb can you make it so I don’t keep getting emails when someone replies here. The box isn’t showing up for me to uncheck it. I tried to put the people who have signed on to write for them some hope that they didn’t fall for the most grand article theft scheme ever, but as it turns out, I’ve dedicated way too much time to this and am now being asked to defend myself and this company. It’s a shame that this forum doesn’t allow posters to give perspectives that differ from their own without being labeled one of the bad guys. As someone who has worked in the creative field for a number of years, I applaud everyone’s tenacity in getting the word out of potential harm- we certainly employ similar tactics throughout the design community and I have always encouraged newbies to the world of creative services to pay attention to contracts, to protect themselves and more importantly understand the value of their work and command respect. When I first began my business, I too struggled with taking on projects from companies that seemed less than reputable and constantly weighing the what ifs, pros and cons. So trust me when I say I understand your plights.
However, I never said that it wasn’t a scam, that everyone should jump aboard or even defended them. I shared what are my non-bias thoughts on the company based on what I have been told and shown from them. If you all can openly state that you believe it is a scam based on information you’ve found out or have been told, then why can’t I say I don’t believe it is a scam based on the information I know?
I don’t have to disclose anything to anyone about this company. I’m not affiliated with them and if you are in some way, why haven’t you asked the questions you would like answered? To the person concerned about why I was asked to sign a nondisclosure agreement, please understand that nondisclosure agreements are not solely for the purpose of keeping competitors in the dark and if that is what you believe, you have been ill informed. Most companies are much more alarmed about media attention than they are their competitors.
The facts in which I have based my opinion that this isn’t a scam to resell articles or not pay writers is as follows: 1. They have under contract several designers for the magazines 2. They have a printing house under contract for at least the launch issues for 37 magazines 3. They have met with and/or have distribution deals with national distributors 4. They have media kits & website dummy’s ready to go online for each magazine 5. They have marketed their magazines and have secured ad space - These are the things I am certain of. Whether or not they’ll pay you, I don’t know. I don’t sign their checks.
Signing off,
The assassinated messenger.
August 31st, 2007 at 11:01 pm
I for one appreciate your opinion. Like with most of us, that’s all it is though. I don’t think the fears will lesson until we get paid. That’s my two cents.
September 1st, 2007 at 12:06 am
Stephanie –
Like Micah, I appreciate your opinion. However, I disagree with you, and I have just as much right to state my disagreement as you have to state your opinion.
As a final note, you said:
“…Nondisclosure agreements are not solely for the purpose of keeping competitors in the dark… Most companies are much more alarmed about media attention than they are their competitors.”
Why would associating an ex-NFL player’s name with the company be bad press? Usually it’s quite the opposite. Unless, of course, he plans to use his company to screw people — in that case, I could certainly see why he wouldn’t want his name associated with the company!
September 1st, 2007 at 12:24 am
Well good luck to everyone involved. If the writing was actually $50 for 500-1000 words as initially advertised, I probably would have risked it and tried them out.
But when it became 1500-2000 words and they wanted me to write 15 researched articles of that length in 3 days, I got suspicion.
Then, the contract having no contact information put up a red flag and I decline.
For those who wrote or are continuing to write for them, hopefully it all works out.
And to Laray Carr Publications (whoever you are) hopefully your venture is successful.
September 1st, 2007 at 12:27 am
Thanks Kori. I will let everyone know when I hear back from Hope also.
September 1st, 2007 at 6:51 am
Guys,
I’m just going to leave it with this. You should know your client. I would never work for someone who refuses to put his or her contact information in the contract. Forget the pay, forget the steam cleaning business, forget football players and launching too many magazines in two months time. It’s the lack of contact info on the contract that disturbs me the most.
Go with your gut. If you have been corresponding with the clients and feel they’re legitimate, by all means go for it. If something doesn’t sit right with you, you’re better off finding something else.
- Deb
September 1st, 2007 at 2:27 pm
Hi All,
I just wanted to say that I was hired by LCP to do some consulting work/web design, signed a four week contact, and was paid on time. I worked 50 hours @ $40/hr. I received the check in the mail, about 5 business days after sending invoice. This time fram was stated in the contract. The check did clear. No problems.
I was paid on time and as promised.
Anyone else get paid yet?
September 1st, 2007 at 2:39 pm
Connie –
I didn’t work for LCP, but I’m following this closely because it relates to one of my pet issues. I appreciate hearing that there is someone who did get paid on time, and hopefully the writers who are waiting will too.
September 1st, 2007 at 2:50 pm
Posting again, did not work first time.
Anyway, I DO NOT THINK THIS IS LEGIT! I have given them my ssn# and have been working a few weeks, no retainer. Here is why! I will leave the info in several posts:
Link to job posted by LCP:
http://www.jobvertise.com/job/5566797
Address listed in posting:
Roger Owens
LC Publications
201 Crenshaw St
Terrell, TX 75160
September 1st, 2007 at 2:54 pm
Okay, very frustrating, it won’t let me copy the report. The home!! is owned by Velma Ollie Fuller, phone 972-563-6262. The home’s current resident is Thelma Smith. This is confirmed using Utility Records. No phone number is listed for Thelma.
September 1st, 2007 at 2:55 pm
Unless Roger lives with his granny who signed a rental agreement (age 78), I think this is a scam.
September 1st, 2007 at 2:57 pm
The home does not seem fitting to a newly appointed VP! 912 sq ft, one bath, $30k value!
September 1st, 2007 at 2:59 pm
Anyone want to call Velma?
It seems to me I will be calling the Police to talk about ID theft.
Any others give their ssn#?
September 1st, 2007 at 3:01 pm
Anonymous, this is great information. Thank you. Where did you find this? I’ve also had clients before who are reluctant to pay, and I could have really used information like this!
September 1st, 2007 at 3:05 pm
Just $13 at Intelius.com
September 1st, 2007 at 3:06 pm
PS: I am keeping my info anon just in case their is a small, small chance this is legit and I could still get paid.
September 1st, 2007 at 3:09 pm
Sorry for the multiple posts, but I would like to find out how many gave their SSN#s to the “company”.
September 1st, 2007 at 3:20 pm
Just for the record folks, I receive an email for each comment - each email list your IP address. Even the anonymous posts aren’t so anonymous.
I’m not going to name names BUT
Please don’t come here using different email addresses to first comment on how LCP is a great company and you were paid and then call them a scam in several others. Either you like them or you don’t but don’t play games here. These people are looking for legitimate jobs. If you were paid by Laray Carr, thanks for the info. If you weren’t thanks for the info, but it can’t be both. Don’t fan the flames or come here hoping to cause trouble.
So what is it…did they pay you or are they a scam?
September 1st, 2007 at 3:34 pm
I think it is a scam. I think I was used as bait to produce “a legitimate cover”. That will give people confidence in a non existent company. I was paid under $1k for this. This, phase one, I was paid for. The payment did clear.
By revealing this, they will know who I am and have violated my confidentiality agreement. I am finishing up phase two of the work, they will owe me $9k.
I was paid, but in the work perhaps will be used to lure others into a scam.
September 1st, 2007 at 3:35 pm
Again, I do not think this is legit.
September 1st, 2007 at 3:36 pm
I think Holly has been paid, which is why she continues to say the company is legit. Pay a few to keep the scam looking good.
September 1st, 2007 at 3:40 pm
Anyway, I came here to tell people I was paid. I read comments and became alarmed. I thought, wow, my work will make people believe in this company.
I checked them out at intelius and posted the details.
So, I will keep you posted and let you know the end of Sept if I get my $9k.
September 1st, 2007 at 4:28 pm
Anon - Let me understand this: First you state you were paid $40 per hour and have no issues with LCP, right? Then two hours later you come here warning others that they’re a scam? Plus you log in here using email addresses with two different women’s names. This raises red flags for me as well.
I can understand your wanting to warn them they’re a scam, but given your conflicting email addresses and conflicting information, I’m not sure who to trust at this point. You said you were paid on time as promised and the check cleared - then you say you’re waiting for $9K? I’m quite confused at this point.
September 1st, 2007 at 4:32 pm
Deb - another weird thing is that Connie/Anon said they were paid 50 hours @ 40/hour - they got paid and the check cleared. That would be $2000.
Then when they posted later, she said, “I was paid under $1k for this.”
I think people are just playing games now.
September 1st, 2007 at 6:10 pm
Yep. Games to make this blog and it’s posters look as if they are polaying games. Luckily, the writers who come here and reccomend this blog to others know that this place is a great resource without game playing.
Deb-I’m referring to AW, that’s how I found this place! And thanks for such a great resource, I have found leads to LEGIT jobs quite often here and send my friends here. To heck with LCP.
September 1st, 2007 at 7:04 pm
Thanks for your support Julie and good looking out Kori!
Everyone have a great evening and enjoy your weekend! I’m going to pry my fingers from the keyboard now.
September 2nd, 2007 at 4:43 am
Hey everyone,
Well this is the most posts I have seen in Deb’s blog so far!
I wanted to thank of you looking out for our welfare also.
Once again, I feel grateful to be a part of this community!
September 2nd, 2007 at 10:33 pm
The Writer Beware blog has a post about LCP. Thought you guys might like to see it. I think Victoria Strauss sums it up nicely.
About the nonsense from yesterday — Deb, I’m just glad you pay attention to IP addresses.
September 3rd, 2007 at 4:47 pm
I too, busted my hump that last weekend in August hoping to make money. I hope that does indeed happen. Hope was very courteous and prompt with replies, so I did not feel anything was fishy. At the same time, I have only freelanced since mid-May, so I am clearly new and getting the hang of things. I did send her all of my information, and sincerely hope this is not a scam. I need the money (I was quoted $50 for 1000 words, which is not that difficult for me when it comes