Finding a legit writing company is possible, but it's not a quick and easy process. And, truth be told, every single one of us in this forum can give advice (some similar, some contrasting). You've taken a good first step by coming here and asking questions, but you also need to research deeply. There are some US-based companies that have a proven reputation, but you still want to be cautious.

Sadly, the majority of "academic writing" websites are owned and operated by scammers. That makes it very hard to weed them out. In fact, they are like weeds... get rid of one and two more pop up! The best way to know for sure is to try a service with a small project first, but it sounds that that wasn't an option for the OP. So, in cases like these, if you can't find a company that is US-based (preferably a BBB recommended or A-rated company), you may be better off going with an indie writer. With that said, if you do opt for an indie writer, you may be able to find someone through the grapevine at your local university. If you've done the research and you know what you need but simply lack the skills to write your paper, a local source may be best as they will be familiar with what your university requires and possibly even your specific course.

If you aren't concerned with whether the company is US-based or not (I don't know where you are located), my next suggestion would be UK companies. Nevertheless, the scammers try hard to pose as being US- and UK-based, so be careful. Play detective and find out all you can before you proceed. Call the company and speak with someone voice to voice. Get them in live chat to ascertain their written responses and knowledge BEFORE you order. When engaged in a live situation whether via phone or chat, you are likely to get a better idea of whether you'll be dealing with knowledgeable English-speaking people versus relying only on email (or even forum posts) where poor writing skills can be edited to sound great. ;)

I'm with @WriteReview and @Smiley73 on this one. I'd show the original and the second to the journal's editor or publisher.


However, there is a such thing as self-plagiarism and many universities have amended their academic policies to include that exact wording. It is being defined as using one's past work to submit for a current/new project versus performing new work for a current project. Nevertheless, I understand that's not the OP's issue here. Unless the OP is trying to pass off a past article he/she wrote as a new article, they aren't self-plagiarizing.

Side note: I hate the term and concept of self-plagiarizing. I get that professors want students to create new, unique projects every time, but when a current project covers information a student has previously written about, I don't see the harm in using part of their past work. After all, it is THEIR past work. At the very least, I think it should be allowed with the student citing his/her previous paper. Still, I think that's overkill, but it would make more sense that an all-out ban on using your own work (in part) again. It would be totally different if a student was attempting to turn in the exact same paper over and over, but to use parts... I don't agree with the university policies against using any part. (Edited to add: That a prime example of why I am writing and not teaching! )

Exactly! While I'm not a Craigslist fan per se, I do see there have been efforts to improve and protect its audience. The website has started charging for many of the listing categories (i.e. services) that used to be free for everyone. By requiring a fee to post, they are able to verify the poster's identity through their respective payment methods. While not 100%, it does help reduce the risks somewhat.

As a US student, the OP would be better of using the services of a US-based company/writer. Hiring a writer outside the US for a US-based project, is a recipe for disaster. Frankly, I don't know why a US student would consider an non-US company other than for the purpose of trying to save money. Still, the long-term costs of hiring foreign writers are much higher (i.e. poor quality and the need to have the work edited or rewritten, costing more time and money). The same premise applies to non-US students seeking assistance. If you can find good writer in your country, that would be best as they will be more familiar with your country (policies, culture, and a million other things that can influence a writer's voice).

Neither do I, but I wouldn't be surprised in the least to learn of many that do. Surely, though, they are optional fields. To me, I would see a mandatory requirement as not only a red flag but also akin to discriminatory questions (i.e. race, gender, etc.).

When I work with clients, I am not concerned with which school they attend unless there is something specific to their school that must be covered in the order. My focus is on the requirements of the order and the academic level. I also agree that PayPal is the best option for protecting one's sensitive information, though more for the customer than the writer/service provider as PayPal routinely sides with the buyer regardless of whether or not a claim is valid.

If this is the OP's definition of a model paper, I'd definitely seek assistance elsewhere. Seriously, a copy/paste of other sources? A model is an example and when one seeks an example of something, they typically want to see the most accurate version of what it is they are seeking. Of course, if anyone wants to test the OP's theory, I suppose you can create that version of a model paper and see how your clients (soon to be ex-clients) respond. ;)


Ditto. If they wanted copy and paste, that's what they would do and wouldn't be coming to us! ;)

That sums it up neatly, and it's the truth.

On "urgent" orders and student procrastination, I'll add that it's frustrating when the student comes for a miracle at the last minute. Not that a legit writers can't pull off these miracles, because we can. We do... all the time. It's frustrating nonetheless.

Exactly. It also depends on what the respective writer has on their schedule at the time the "rush" order comes in.

I've had clients place an order and need it the next morning (or sooner) and say "but it's only 3 pages."

Well, sure, it may be "only" 3 pages, but that still involves research and time. Not to mention, the writer will either have to rush their current projects or adjust deadline for other customers. Best case (for the client, but not the writer) is that the writer is able to squeeze in the rush order without impacting his/her other clients' projects or deadlines. Because, well, why in the world would a writer want to eat or sleep? We can writer 24/7 with no brain lag, right? Ha!

Sure, 3-pagers do not take me long but I still want enough time to review the paper before noting it as completed. I'm human and I make mistakes, and when I do I prefer to be the one who sees/catches them! ;)

Sadly, it is common issue in the workplace across all industries, and it seems even worse when it's in the very industry setting that makes the policies on integrity well-known among staff and students.

During my years working in corporate America, I encountered many people in management positions who were not qualified for their respective roles in terms of how they obtained, used, and presented information. Some would steal ideas from co-workers, while others would plagiarize content from other businesses or sources. I am appalled at the number of people in executive positions who use images or text in internal and external memos and marketing materials, yet they never credit the original source. It only takes a second to insert a brief credit. Heck, it can even be in the "fine print" as long as proper credit it given. Plagiarism is plagiarism whether in the university setting or the workplace, but many people fail to see it that way.

And don't even get me started on corporate executives who can't comprise a simple grammatically correct memo.

Maybe we need another thread with "Grammar and Honesty Tips for Co-workers"! ;)

Yes, part of the problem and a factor leading to the current perception of Kenyan writers is the fact that the majority of all essay companies operate on greed and deception. They will hire anyone regardless of his/her literary ability or lack thereof. While few (very few), there are some decent Kenyan writers, but they're unlikely to be given a chance because of what scammers have done to the industry. Note: by decent, I mean average in terms of being able to produce a passable or average essay. HOWEVER, passable doesn't equal good. Even those who are capable of producing an average level essay, there are clear distinctions in the writing. It is not possible for a non-native English-speaking writer to writer 100% accurate English, even if the writer has the strongest educational background. From the time a person is born throughout life, one's native culture and language are embedded in all they do and say. Even the best Kenyan writer is no more capable of producing 100% accuracy than I would be in producing 100% accurate text in Spanish or French. Anyone can learn another language but we cannot unlearn our own culture... and THAT is what shows in how we craft the written word. Now, couple that with the majority of ESL writers who work for the bottom-feeders in this industry and you have a recipe for disaster.

At the end of the day, we can all blame the greedy and deceptive companies for how Kenyan writers are perceived. These companies know the writers they are bringing on board need to make a living and they prostitute them as writers. Instead of being a vehicle for improvement and real assistance, the scum companies are nothing less than ESL writer pimps... and everyone suffers (the customer, all writers regardless of nationality, and the industry as a whole). The only one who doesn't suffer? The scum companies making the big bank deposits while having little to no overhead costs!

Well, isn't that the catch 22?! You need experience to get the job, and you need the job to get the experience. So... the other option? If you're a new freelancer and you have other writing experience, note it. Did you ace your own writing projects in college? Note it. Did you help fellow students? Note it. Whatever experience you have, note it. When starting out, you have to think outside the box. Otherwise, you'll remain the "new kid on the block" and the best clients will seek those who do think outside the box. Also, while you don't want to give away work for free, you can suggest doing 1-2 pages to show the client what you are capable of producing. If you have copies of your own work from college, draft some samples to show. Of course, you want to be careful how much you show to avoid someone taking your "sample" and using for their own needs.

Be creative. Do a portfolio of brief samples. For example, when I was an undergrad, I submitted a draft of a paper (about 5 pages) where my professor said, "Excellent job. No changes or additions needed. You can submit as is for your final version." Admittedly, that is the only time I received a response like that. The fact is there is always room for improvement. Always! Even for the best writers. The bottom line, though: there are ways around the newbie stigma, but you are the only one who can get around it. :)

There's a misconception that a writer with a Masters or PhD will be the best writer. This is simply not true. In fact, degrees have nothing to do with how well a person can or cannot write. Ironically, we see this in the number of grad and post-grad students who seek our services for their writing needs. ;)

I do not have PhD/Doctorate, but I have successfully completed dozens of dissertations for clients. I am able to complete them successfully because I am a great writer and excellent researcher. The same holds true to those with advanced degrees. They may be able verbalize their ideas all day long, but some simply cannot convey the same knowledge in writing. There are those who are meant to be doctors and lawyers, and there are those who are meant to be writers. Some are blessed to be able to do multiple things. Overall, the degree doesn't mean anything when it comes to the ability to create stellar written projects.

I do not have direct knowledge of the company or its services, However, I see the MavenWriters is listed as a recommended service on some popular "reviews" website, and I would be very careful. The write up for their listing is full of errors and one can rightfully ascertain that the quality of its services would be questionable. If a company or rep cannot put together an error-free promo for the company, what more can potential clients expect from the essays/services it provides.

Excellent advice. As I've said in other posts in the forum, phone and chat communication is often helpful. Email is fine, but most anyone can prepare a stellar email to entice a customer. It's the quick response type situations that help pinpoint the small things that indicate a company may not provide the level of services a specific customer needs. When communicating solely via email, pay close attention to the details. How attentive is the responder? What is his/her knowledge level regarding your project or needs. Of course, I am not saying that all customer service reps will be knowledgeable in your given area, but they should be professional and willing to say "I am not sure, but I will find out!" Companies that promise and guarantee everything are most often the main ones who can't fulfill even a fraction of their claims.


Equally true! By the time a student reaches the college/university level, he/she should know enough about their respective course of study to know whether the "model" received is up to par. At the very least, the student should be able to take an "okay" paper and tweak it to fit his/her needs. One of my pet peeves is the lazy student. Not a student who sincerely needs help, but the student who orders an essay (or all essays in a given course) and then asks a million questions regarding what the essay is about instead of reading the essay. While it's okay to seek help when you need it, it's important to also review what you receive. You have to learn the material that is being provided. The essay writer can't put knowledge in your brain and they can't (or shouldn't) take exams for you. At some point, there has to be initiative to succeed on your own merits. The same premise applies to seeking and selecting a writing service or freelancer.

My experience is solely with PayPal and credit/debit cards and the very occasional bank transfer. I'll definitely be following this post to see what others say and recommend. Also, let us know your experience with bitpay when you know more.

I also like/use the invoicing option. It streamlines things for me as I only invoice projects I am 100% confident I can successfully complete for my clients. Plus, invoicing cuts down on refunds for things we can't or don't have time to do.

Exactly. We see this trend increasing with the number of universities that now allow work experience to translate to credits earned. Still, it doesn't matter how many credits one has if the degree doesn't result in a job that makes the outrageous cost of a college education worth it. I have a friend who has over $100k in student debt and working a job that barely pays above the US minimum wage. It's ridiculous! In fact, a college degree doesn't equate to a significant higher earning potential in may cases. For example, in the US, the minimum wage varies by state but is an average of $8/hour. So, for a job that typically pays the average minimum wage, a degree may get you around $10-12/hour (plus or minus depending on your location). Now, factor in tax deductions, commute costs, child care (if you have children), clothing, etc., and you're barely getting by--if you're getting by at all.

This is why I love freelancing. I can set my own rate and avoid the costs of commuting, work clothes, and when my children were living at home, day care. You have to be creative and have an entrepreneurial mind, but it's by far better for me.

Also, there's no real rule that just because you have or will have a degree, you HAVE to "get a job"? Take what you've learned and make it work FOR you versus against you.

I do not know anything directly about this company, but just reading the posts under this thread, I would be cautious. I see a few neutral posts, but knowing the low wages they pay their writers and that they terminate a freelancer's agreement/account (see @hawkeye29) without further discussion is alarming. Note, however, the details leading up to the termination are not clear. It seems that the writer took the assignment, confirmed it verbally, then gave it back the day before it was due. How long had it been since the order was assigned? How many orders had the writer completed before this incident? Were other orders late or cancelled? There's many factors that could impact the outcome.


This is common with most writing sites. The moment the order is submitted and paid by the customer, it is considered "in progress." I don't like this business model as it is deceptive. Simply because a customer orders a paper and pays for it online does NOT mean it has been assigned to a writer. Unless the company is one of those that will assign anything to anyone, an order must go through processes after it is placed and paid. However, if the company informed the customer the order was in progress AFTER the writer confirmed, that's a different story. One scenario that would possibly validate the company's decision to terminate would be if the writer accepted, reconfirmed, and had the project for several days only to bail at the last minute. Still, it depends on underlying factors. What was the emergency? Serious illness or death in the family would be understandable. Otherwise, deadlines are deadlines and should be met. At the very least (assuming the writer was not in the hospital or planning a funeral), it would have been better to complete that order and then let the company know you would be unavailable for a period of time.

There's a lot of unclear aspects to the issue, but at the end of the day, most companies (in all industries) can terminate at will and have no real obligation to say why... especially when dealing with freelance writers.

I would be very careful when seeking editing services from an essay writing company. As @WriteReview stated, most companies use ESL writers to "edit" or "recommend" changes. Depending on what your project is and the level of expertise you need, you could end up with something worse that you started with.

There are a handful of legit writing companies than can assist, but you will need to conduct an online search. I would also communicate with the company first (phone, email, chat) to discuss your needs BEFORE paying anything. Of the three communication methods, I recommend chat and phone as these are live processes and there's no time for "editing" the company rep's responses. ;) That's not to say that a company doesn't put it's best in front of the customer while the worst are doing the work behind the scenes, but it will give you a better idea of the company or service you are considering hiring.

With the changes in social media advertising over the past year, unless you're willing to invest high, your ROI will be minimal--if any at all. By investing high, I mean applying that $1,000 to 3-7 day campaign versus spreading it out over a month or longer. Even still, the algorithms of SM ads make it a hit or miss for every ad you place. I have found it is better to reach out in your local area (university students, etc.) than to spend that money advertising online. If you offer more than just academic writing services, then your potential customer pool is larger and you can reach out to businesses, churches, and other places in your local market. Many churches need help editing or preparing study materials. If they know someone in their area can help at a reasonable rate, they may be willing to give you a shot.

A note on @Major's point of "potential reach," potentialis the key word here. Social media isn't promising you will reach that market; they are saying it's possible(though unlikely). ;)

I'm a featured writer, but I still tell others to be careful when contacting anyone. Yes, I post here, and I've been a member for over a year, but no one here personally knows me. I'm an honest, hardworking writer, but any other writer is going to tell you the same thing. Don't just go on what someone says or doesn't say or whether they are "featured" or not. Have a genuine conversation. Discuss your project (or services if you're a writer) with them on more than just a surface level.

As for the other side of the coin (the success of being featured), I don't know. I only recently decided to try it, and I've never done something like this before, so we shall see. Either way, I enjoy interacting here and will continue to do so.

I agree with most of your points, except the above. While not completely untrue, it's not complete accurate. I have a colleague whose company tutored private (local and regional) clients for nearly two decades, then decided to offer his services online (aka his website was born). Until the past couple of years, he didn't try to promote his site. Now, he's wanting his clientele to be more online than face-to-face. So, there's that. Otherwise, yep, age (aka longevity) does play a role in legitimacy, especially if the company or service provider is not transparent with who they really are, etc.

While it's better to use secondary sources sparingly, the correct per the most recent APA style is (as cited in Doe, 2018).

Example of when to omit:
Deer reported similar instances (as cited in Doe, 2018).

Example of when to include:
"Similar instances have been noted (Deer, 2016)" (Doe, 2018).

There are other ways but the above is recommended by APAStyle.org (a good resource). As @WriteReview also noted, there are many citation resources online. You may want to Google the APA version you are required to use. That will give you the exact location to find which format is appropriate for your project.

Best of luck!

The overall appearance and feel of the website seems more like a Word handout sheet than a company's main page. I read through their TOS after the "about us" page said nothing about the company (it only reiterates its services). The TOS page says, "This Web Site is controlled and operated by Studyhood, Giannaki Demetriou, 8250, Pafos, Cyprus, telephone +357 26911400." What strikes me as odd is this (apart from their obvious lack of writing skills):

(g) A guarantee of 500 Euros is applied when a Client detects any plagiarism in the work ithas been supplied by Studyhood - the definition of plagiarism is taken to constitute any act where work has copied.

(h) Studyhood provides that any Client that detects plagiarism as defined above will be awarded 500 Euros.

(i) Studyhood agrees that if any Tutor responsible for any plagiarism offense fails to award the 500 Euros compensation, that they will assist the Client by providing a copy of the Tutor's contract and their name and address for the Client to bring any remedial action directly.

This concerns me. I doubt that they would actually give 500 euros ($580.44 USD as of today) AND refund the full order amount paid, unless they do not pay their writers as agreed and have the extra $$. I also wonder how many of their writers/translators/whatever were told their order was refunded when it really wasn't.

There's not a page on their site that doesn't scream RUN, RUN!

This is most likely the case. I've checked web ownership info on various companies over the years and have found some "registered" addresses that are traced to empty lots and even houses for sale and business locations for rent. They find these "empty" addresses where no one can refute their claims. I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't have someone checking mail at those vacant locations, too. These scammers will go to any lengths necessary to try to make themselves appear to be a US company. Too bad they don't try that hard with the quality of their services and treatment of their writers. If they did, they wouldn't have customer after customer seeking out their real info that can never be 100% verified.

One of the most common "tricks" these companies use is different IP addresses. Fraudulent "clients" do the same thing. Regardless, I wouldn't want anything to do with EssayWriters or any of its related websites. Take a look at its main page and you will see why you shouldn't trust them to write a label for your garbage can. The grammar throughout the website is horrid!

And to claim its freelancers make "BIG Money" is bull. It also claims that $3-7 per page is lucrative income. Well, I guess if you're churning out junk in mass quantities, it probably does add up, but that also lets you know the types of writers you'd be giving your important projects to.

To each his/her own, so if you're up for being taken for a ride, jump in!

Shameless spamming is bad enough, but if you're going to post as a company rep pushing such amazing essay services at least take the time to make sure your post is free of errors.

Some advice for the OP and the company in general...

The company's website says: EVERY SINGLE EssayTopia customer to date has been satisfied with our efforts. Last year, more than 90 percent of our customers were admitted to their top choice school.

"Every single" is enough to turn me away. There is no (not a chance) way that 100% of all customers have been satisfied. It's simply not possible. Anyone who has worked in this industry for even a nanosecond will know that not all clients can be satisfied all the time. Why not just be honest? Having a dissatisfied customer should not be an automatic turn-off to prospective clients. How a company (or service provider in general) responds to such events speaks volumes. Would it not be better to be frank and say that 95% (or whatever %) are happy? Unless, of course, the actual percentage is so low that lying is the only way to get more clients (which is likely the case here).

My second problem with the above statement: the claim that 90% of the company's customers were admitted to their top choice. So, only 90% were admitted after having their essays completed by this company, yet 100% were happy about it? This would mean we are to believe that 10% of customers are okay paying a hefty sum and still be rejected. The truth is as @WriteReview stated:


I would much rather see a company post honestly, letting clients know that the best essay does not guarantee entry/acceptance and maybe even provide more information on what these students can do to improve their chances (i.e. maintain good grades overall, volunteer in their communities, engage in internships, etc.).

Ditto! I have a hard time believing the OP accepted an order three days later. If (and that's a big IF) the OP's story is true, why wait three days? Why not dispute the order right away. I can see, maybe, waiting one day to give the benefit of the doubt, but three? If you're going to embellish a story to promote another company, at least make it believable!!! At is stands, the OP's post sounds too familiar... the same scam crap we've seen in other posts.


To reiterate @WriteReview... low costs = good quality? Yeah, right. Give me a break. The OP's last sentence in itself is evidence he/she is either an inside rep or a patsy.

You are correct. The company is owned by Drew and Gregories Ltd. While the company lists a London address and is registered under the same London address, the company has one officer (director) whose nationality is Kenya. The same person is listed under "other persons with significant control." However, when looking at the most recent corporate filings, the director's last name is different. The corporate name lists itself as a website developer and links to another company that provides everything from CVs to ghostwriting and publishing ebooks. The umbrella is quite large with this one--too large for comfort. For those considering any of "Drew and Gregories Ltd." services, I'd be very careful. Based on their corporate reports, they reported a significant loss between 2016-2017. With so many companies and websites, that is unlikely, so beware. You could end up ordering from one of the "websites" that doesn't legally exist. ;)

I'm with @WriteReview on this. The future of freelance writing has never been brighter. A large percentage of today's companies outsource writing needs to freelancers, whether on-site or remotely. However, I don't know that the future of the combination of freelancers within the academic writing industry and middle agents (i.e. UpWork, etc.) is as bright. While the combination works for some freelancers, the costs of fees (memberships and/or a cut of project costs) and risks of losing when customers complain (and we all know those customers who complain about everything, want a discount on everything, demand a partial or full refund for the slightest issue, etc.). That's just my view on it, and I'm certainly not saying it's the consensus. Indie writers have more flexibility on all aspects of each project from pricing to TOS, including revision and refund policies.

I am sure the OP was referring the the academic freelance writer who contracts with an essay company. Now, that, on the other hand, is at risk because of the growing number of questionable essay services companies. For the companies (while few) that have a long-term established presence, I don't feel their respective positions are at risk as long as they continue to provide quality services, which includes both the end project AND customer service. One without the other is a marriage for failure. That said, customers simply are not going to get quality and integrity with most essay companies. The same can be said of many of the freelancers those companies hire. For example, the majority of writers with these companies take a project regardless of his/her qualifications or ability to provide a quality paper. They don't care about the customer because they know their job pool is constant (i.e. the companies' flow of new, unsuspecting customers). While they will lose a customer after they see the quality, there is another waiting in the wings. It's a sad cycle that hurts companies that do work hard to provide high quality. It hurts the indie writers in some ways, but not at the same level.

Overall, the future of freelance writing itself is secure... contracting with a third party, not so much!

When think about quality essays, anything that has the term "China-doll" would steer me in the opposite direction. I'm further concerned that the company is named China-Doll Publishing. It isn't a publishing company, and nothing there seems representative of why it would be named as such. That aside, the website is not secure, so there is no real way to know if ordering and paying is protected.

As far as the layout and presentation of the website's content, there's nothing that jumps out as a "scam," but I would be concerned that the OP received a quote from a name different than the company's name or at least the name associated with its method of contact, which is mark@china-doll.org. Further info (see the company's blog) shows Mark Bond as the blog poster and the OP said the quote came from Mengchuan Bond. So... that means "Mengchuan" is most likely using "Mark" as a name that is more appealing to US and UK clients. Not illegal nor proof of a scam, but it does seem deceptive.

I have a colleague who prices orders and sends a payment link for PayPal, but his website is still secure. Any business that exchanges information with clients (or even contractors) should be secure. It's already too easy for breaches to occur, so why hang a sign saying "hack me" --which is what running an unsecure business website silently says. ;)

This is true, and it has become a required tax to be added when doing business with a company or client located in the EU. However, we know that all business are not compliant in adding or paying the tax.

On some projects I've done for or with international businesses (not essay related), I've had the VAT deducted from my pay percentage and have to adjust prices accordingly. For example, if I used to charge $100, the rate would now be between $120-130 so that I am not losing money. After all, I am still providing the same service and quality and must be paid accordingly.

The site name "brilliantwritings.com" would make me pause in and of itself. "Brilliant Writings" just has a cheap ring to it, not to mention it the antithesis of "brilliance."

I checked the "about" page and it's a joke. Just take a look at the errors I marked in the attached image--and that's not all of them. I can literally see dozens of grammar errors on every page. I can only imagine the type of "writings" the company provides. Seriously, guys, BW is a joke!

• 
  Multiple errors on the "About Us" page
  

I agree. I only took a quick look at the main page, but reeks of several issues that point to ESL as the underlying level. Based on the website's pricing table, the cost for doctorate level is low per page, meaning that writers are making next to nothing. We all know that professional US writers (as well as top CA and UK writers) will not work for a few dollars a page. I don't see anything on the website that points to anything more than the same old junk see with similar companies.

If you're set on going with a company, I'd be very careful and make sure their reputation is strong and that they can prove they are in the US. Call them. Get them in chat. Ask questions. You should be able to get a general vibe a chat conversation and certainly can tell more by speaking to someone via telephone.

I use Google for a lot but not for docs unless it's for taking notes to review later. I never use GD for papers because it's just not fully compatible with Word, which what most universities and business use and require. There are too many conversion errors when going from GD to Word. I've had client take screenshots of files created with GC and the "look" fine... until you save them and try to open and work in them in Word. In a business where time is always a factor, I don't have time to waste.

As for other Google products, I love most of them. I use Google spreadsheets all the time and prefer it over Excel.

Exactly! If a reputable essay company was actually for sale, it wouldn't be a public sale. The company itself would be for sale via negotiations through an interested party. The website for sale is only the domain and it will contain nothing at all (no data, no pages, no clients, no writers, nothing but the domain name).

Some companies purchase domains that have expired for whatever reason (most often being that the site owner didn't pay renewal fees and it went back into the available domain names pool). These resellers come along and purchase (usually in bulk) names they think will be high (or higher) domain and slap outrageous fees on them. How do I know this? 1: I am a researcher, like many in this forum (grin). 2: It has happened to a colleague. She had a website for her design services (her name was the domain name). She stays busy with clients and updating her website wasn't a priority. She also forgot to update her expired credit card info and when it came time to renew, it wasn't paid. By the time she was able to update her website, she realized her domain was redirected to the "this domain is for sale" website. GoDaddy was her host and the company she purchased the domain through. When she contacted them to correct the issue, she was told she could pay a "discounted" $1500 to get it back as it has since been purchased and that was the rate it would take to get it back. Did she? Heck no! She didn't use it much anyway. She simple bought another domain at the regular rate (under $20) and added "designs" after her name.

Any way, the moral of the story is... domain resellers do not sell companies. They broker domains for outrageous amounts!

Sadly, this is becoming common among article sources these days. For instance, the Huffington Post has "contributors" of all shapes and sizes claiming to be an expert in their professed fields. I put very little stock in HuffPost articles unless there are other verified, credible sources that support what HP has to say.

While Helium has apparent open calls for fact checkers, it doesn't seem they're doing much actual "fact" checking. ;) As for errors in the articles, I am sure it's due partly to the freelancer's failure to double check their work before submitting and, even more disturbing, partly due to the editors' failure to catch the errors. Personally, if a company hires editors to review before publishing, then there should rarely be an error in the material the company provides. The same applies to their contracted "fact checkers." Otherwise, why contract editors? Fact checkers? Freelancer writers are all they need if they aren't serious about quality control.

In my experience, the most obvious different is in the spelling of some words. However, as others noted in the respective posts above, it is also about how words are crafted. There is a silent elegance one expects from British English that is simply not present in American English. Further, a person whose native tongue is British would word sentences differently--something that could be easily detected by a native British professor. In some ways, it not that different from an ESL writer writing American English, other than the fact that many ESL writers do not take the time to check and correct inconsistencies to make the end paper fit the language for which it was intended.

"Our large team of experts is ready to get started on your work!"

The sentence is actually correct. The subject is "team" and the verb "is" (i.e. team is). If I just had to recommend a change, it would be to simplify to read: Our large team of experts is ready to start on your work. And then again, it's been a long day so maybe I'm missing something! ;) That aside, there are plenty of errors that do stand out. I would be cautious that some of the simplest errors weren't caught, especially given that the owner said in the video that it took a few months to get the website ready. As a writing (or homework as she calls it) service, there should be no errors. Sure, sure, we are all human and we err, so I'd give leeway on AN error, but several?

As for the video... well, I guess we can give her credit for being honest, and how ironic is that?!! Before I get more into the video, I wonder which ASU her company has come to an agreement with. There are several "ASU" universities. There should be clarification. The site also shows logos for CBS, NBC, Vice, and ABC noting it has been "featured in" the above. First, when you're interviewed by or even mentioned by a television network, you are "featured by" or "as covered by/on"... not 'in." One can be featured IN The New York Times but not CBS, NBC, ABC.

Back to the video and the services in general. There is no gray area with what she's offering. She's openly selling cheating services. She's not offering to help a student who is a poor writer, can't read English well, or needs assistance for whatever reason. She is plain out saying her "team" will take a full course for you. What that means is that one of her team members logs into your class and does all your assignments and tests posing as you, the student. I am not okay with that.

When a client asks me about helping with a full course, that means (at least according to my terms of service) that I will help with research and writing. I will not login to a client's school nor do I take exams of any kind. The majority of top academic writers I know also follow similar principles. I tend to agree with the new anchor who said what if the student is later the doctor who is about to perform your surgery and you are the one who took all his classes. Of course, the woman said "karma." Yes, lady, karma, indeed. Personally and professionally, I do not see that my helping with a few research papers will harm a future doctor's ability to administer care, but if I login and do his labs and everything else, then heck no! He should NOT be a doctor.

The only time I see where using a professional writer to help with essays and research papers is when the student's future profession will be teaching writing or literature/something related to the service they are requesting. For example, I'd hate to know the teacher grading my British Lit essay never once wrote his/her own essays. That's the equivalent of doing labs on online clinical notes for future doctors --minus the "he's got my life in his hands now" factor.

It may seem that I'm splitting hairs, and maybe I am, but there has to be a line and that woman didn't just cross over it --she poured acid on it, trampled it, and everything that is decent went out the window!

*typos courtesy of my frustration with having watched the "paymetodoyourhomework.com video!"

I'm more concerned that the student didn't review the work that was provided beforehand. If I were to order a paper, the first thing I would do when receiving it is read it. I would know right away whether it reads like something I would write or not. I would then make changes accordingly.

That aside, there are writers (like myself.. and no I am not trying to drum up business, just using myself as an example) who can change their writing style to fit different client needs. Some writers do not offer that type of service, and that is fine. We are all different and do things differently. For the most part, I do try to match my client's writing style when requested (within reasonable limits). By reasonable limits, what I mean is more in line with what @FreelanceWriter said: "All clients need to do is tell us how 'good' they want it for their level and that's exactly what they'll receive." ;)

Oddly, however, it is often more challenging to to write an ESL level paper than a PhD level. Why? Because a native English-speaking PhD level writer will have to spend extra time reviewing what he/she writes--whether along the way or after the writing is complete--and (for lack of a better term) dumb it down. I've had clients ask me to "make this not so smart" and that can be difficult. It takes twice as long, in some cases, to write, stop, read, reread, dumb it down, write some more... the same practice applies when simplifying after the paper is complete. It just takes more time and costs more $.

I, too, would be interested in knowing the outcome. Hopefully, the OP is in a better place now and, if still writing, are writing for a different company. That said, I'm very concerned at how long they waited (stayed with) the company without pay. After the first pay period passed with no pay and maybe a couple of inquiries (at the most), I would have quit AND reported the company for non-payment. Regardless of where a company is located, it they are doing business with US clients and US writers, there are actions writers can take that will help spark the company to step up for you AND to reduce the risk to other and future writers. Report the website to the FBI and the BBB. While this may not yield the results we hope in terms of these types of companies paying a decent rate and paying it on time, the more complaints, the better. These complaints become a permanent part of the internet and will be seen by others.

If we don't report scams and what constitutes to online sweatshops (paying pennies for hours of work), these scams will continue. Worse, they will thrive. However, by reporting an incident you've personally experienced or are currently experiencing, it may result in the company doing the right thing at this moment. What do I mean? Your complaint may prompt the company to pay what you are owed. Now, that doesn't mean they will or will not do it to another person, but they are going to want to avoid the constant negative information being posted about them. Unlike forums and other places where they can issue a demand for us not to "talk" or "discuss" their business, that BS doesn't work with the FBI or the BBB. Once it's reported, it's a permanent record. Period. Even the companies that are not based in the US. Why? They are doing business IN the US and with US clients and writers.

Guys, we have to start somewhere and letting these scammers prevail is NOT an option. Getting it under control (or at least occurring less often) won't happen overnight, but it WILL happen if we all do our part. If you aren't willing to do your part when you see a scam, then, frankly, you are saying it's okay. Bottom line: it is NOT okay.