Values in Content Writing? Yours or Thiers?

[giggles7p]

Hi, Thanks for taking part in this for me, its very important i think to all writers out there.

When hired to write content for a webmaster, or when writing content for your own site I have found that there are different rules that apply and ethically I really am on the fence about this and would like opinions please.

When i am given an assignment to say review 10 casinos. 99% of the time the webmaster that is hiring me to write these reviews obviously supports and promotes said casinos, so they are looking for favorable reviews on the casino and management.....but what if i don't agree with a "favorable" review? Do i write one because thats what i am being paid to do and because its not my site, don't worry? Or do i refuse the job because i don't ethically agree with thier choices of casinos? Or do I just refuse to do the "unfavorable" reviews and ask them to replace with casinos that i approve of and will write good reviews for? But if i do that i may never get any work because no webmaster wants to be told who or what they can promote....I mean thats why we are in this business , some of us anyways,....no bosses.

So what does a writer do, to stay viable and earning money.....in a business where ethics have so many different sides and opinions?

I really don't want to write any reviews about casinos..etc...that I don't approve of, unless i can be honest and say they are a bad casino....but that is not happening for most websites....so do i lose the job or put my opinions to rest and just do the work?

Thanks for your opinions
Pat

[penny-slot-machines]

Good question

I think in your case, Pat, it looks like you are able to find yourself plenty of work without having do jobs you don't agree on an ethical basis

But, rather than simply refuse the job, I would opt for discussing it with the webmaster first.

You never know, you might find that the webmaster is actually keen to have a negative review (or just dry/neutral reviews, with no ad copy included). It might even be that the webmaster is unaware of issues about the casino in question and is delighted to find out why you do not feel the casino is suitable to promote (could save them money and credibility in the long-term)

ps
If it's one of the ones you are writing for me, let me know asap!

[giggles7p]

Hi Bill,

LOL, No worries hun, I have a good relationship with you and if i had a problem with one of yours i would most definitely talk with you about it. Thank you for your opinion i take it very seriously and thank you for the wonderful working atmosphere!

To anyone who may work for Bill in the future, he is one of the most patient and tolerant men i have had the pleasure to work for. A real sweet man.

[universal4]

I agree that it would be best to discuss this with the webmaster first.

If it was a situation of say asking you to review a porn site or a drug company etc that you are against personally than that is a bit different too.

No matter what the situation, you should discuss it with the client and only then can you both come to an agreement or at least an understanding so that both of you understands each point of view.

Rick
Universal4

[AussieDave]

Hi giggles,

If writing content on a topic crosses boundaries for you, that makes you feel uncomfortable, then the obvious choice is to decline writing the article.

I tend place article writing into the same category as links.

If I wouldn't visit a site based on its content or venues it promotes, I wont enter into a links deal with aforementioned site.

It's one thing hyping a casino up and making it look appealing to players. However it's a totally different matter if your expected to blatantly lie about a casino/gambling venue and make it respectable if you know it is anything but.



Cheers



Dave

[universal4]

I couldn't really vote since the options I am thinking of aren't there.

Bytheway, once you have agreed to the job, and time passes, then you are somewhat obligated....or you must discuss it with the client so that you can come to an agreement.

Now if you take a job, sleep on it and the next day you contact the client and decline or ask for a re-negotiation, that would be ok, but if a client is thinking you are doing the work, and then a week later there has been no progress and you haven't warned them, then that wouldn't be right....

In other words, if you have an ethical dilema with doing the job, just be up front about it...

Rick
Universal4

[AussieDave]

once you have agreed to the job, and time passes, then you are somewhat obligated

Well the lesson there is don't agree to anything without first knowing what you agree too.

Secondly it's a good idea to put the agreement in writing.

Set out exactly what your obligations are. And the obligations of your client.
You could also place an exit clause into this.

EG - Client tells you to write a review for Cool Cat Casino & or Virtual Casino Group.

Both of which are dodgy clip joints.

Having a clause that allows you to exit this contract based on an example like this, is a good idea, it protects your interests & reputation.


Cheers



Dave

[Holland87]

Great post giggles! Thank you for asking the questions and thanks to everyone for their input.

I, myself, have not ran across the issue of writing content that may be questionable, in my mind, for the webmasters that I have written for.

Fortunately, the webmasters that I have written for are very well known in the industry and for the most part I agree with everything they have had to say about what goes on in the industry. This assures me that they will not ask for content that I would not be able to write about. I would have a clean conscience producing anything they ask of me.

If these webmasters ever ran out of work for me and I had to look for work elsewhere, I would not write one word on any subject that I do not believe is ethical. I would rather stand on a corner and hold a "will work for food" sign!

(ps - to all: giggles gave me a jump start to help me get into the content writing part of the business. Thanks giggles for your advice, leads and just for being you!)

[samcohen]

Content is KING. A good content attract visitors more and as well as for SERP ranking

[catchingsmoke]

There are other ways to write a bad review without being negative, just don't be as positive as you would be to a site which was actually good. Pick up on the things they do well, but refer to things that weren't great as satisfactory or acceptable. Consumers will read between the lines and know you mean shi*e that way the guy you right for is happy and you're not so ethically chalanged.

[slotplayer]

Good writing requires passion. So if your not comfortable with the topic it is probabally best to ditch the job, the effort won't be there anyway and the review will come out crappy. This likely will kill any repeat business.

I only write articles when I'm inspired and can envison the whole thing. Then the writing usually pours out.

[pompeyrayuk]

All I can add is this....

How many times have you said SORRY even if you didnt mean it to end a conflict or make someone smile etc etc

[Betpartners]

My opinion for what it is worth is this,

If you accept the job then do it to the best of your ability and per the clients instructions.

You always have the choice to decline a job Giggles, but once accepted then i feel you are obligated.

That said as long as you do your due diligence BEFORE you accept the job then this issue should never arise.

If you have not done due diligence before accepting the job and then change your mind afterwards, sorry but i for one would be a little annoyed.