Wow, it seems like there's a lot of crazy stuff going on here. I'm pretty new to social interaction regarding this sort of thing. I've been writing essays since I was a sophomore undergrad, but I never thought to actually talk with people online about it/network. I used to post Craigslist ads, but it's a mess there now. Nothing but spambots and ESL writers who could never pump out a convincing paper, drowning out the decent writers.

I'm not looking to advertise here, as I can read the rules, but it brings up a good question: I don't want to work for one of the essay writing companies, as I prefer to take clients at my own pace and handle my own money. What do you guys think the best bet is for actually getting clients as a newcomer? Will PayPal's new virtual goods policies affect this? I'm hoping to squeeze some knowledge out of the posters here, as it seems like you have all been at this for quite some time, and understand the intricacies of the industry far better than I do.