Content farming

I'm ashamed to say I never thought twice about different Web sites using a pay-per-story business model. In fact, I "applied" to do work for Demand Studios -- a site who offers for-hire work. They pay you $15-$20 per story that you opt to do.

Then, I read a blog post by Chris Dunn, student photo editor at The Columbia Missourian, through a link she posted on Twitter. I don't know her, don't know how I ended up following her Tweets, but go with it.

You should read her post: here. In summation, she says student journalist are being undervalued and taken advantage of because so many of them are eager for exposure. Not only are these journalists being undervalued, but they're undervaluing themselves. It's content farming.

Yes, writing or taking photos or copy editing for these organizations is an easy way to make a quick $15, but is your time and work really only worth $15 when they're able to link the work in any number of places? If you spend two hours on one article, that's like being paid minimum wage -- maybe less depending on where you live -- for your time. And for what? Enough money to buy a T-shirt and a byline.

After reading and considering, I don't think I'll be in need of Demand's $15 any time soon. So, thank you, for "approving" my resume, but no thanks.

What do you think? Would you do work for any of these Web sites?

-- Taylor