Telecommuting

If you want to lose your mind, or get ignored for weeks at a time, forget About.com.  This offshoot of the New York Times will either put you through the ringer for several weeks and then dump you like a hot potato, or never get around to sending you their generic “Thanks but no thanks letter” when you apply.  Personally, I haven’t applied to “be a guide,” but I’ve spoken to others who have.  Some have made it through the quagmire while others were left to suffer by the side of the road, licking their wounds like a dog hit by a semi truck.

If you choose to apply to “Be a Guide,” be prepared to write at least 40 pages in two weeks time.  You’ll have several reviews, but even if you do everything you’re supposed to do, you can still get the sack. You’re at the mercy of a behind the scenes editorial staff, and you may not even get an explanation if you’re rejected.  In addition, they have a penchant for published authors.  Self publish if you have to, but they want those credentials from most of their applicants.

My advice, forget About.com and start your own website, or at the very least, work for a business that doesn’t hire you on spec.  Of course, you sign an agreement that you understand they may not accept your work, so it is yours to walk away with if you’re rejected.  However, what do you do with all of that content you spent hours creating?  Hopefully you’ll find a buyer, but if not, you’ve wasted a lot of your precious time.

Save your time and effort for an employer that will treat you well, right from the beginning.

~~Gregg

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