Some buyers feel that they have an obligation to pay a writer only if they like the output. At first glance, this kind of makes sense. After all, I didn’t get what I asked for, so why should I pay? Let’s leave aside for the moment, unscrupulous buyers who use this as an excuse not to pay.
Image Credit: Esther_G
First of all, when a buyer hires a freelancer, they’re hiring his effort and his time. The fact that they hired him in the first place means that they are willing to put their money on their judgmental capability. Not paying a freelancer after they have written a piece of work is like refusing to pay a restaurant because they didn’t like their beef steak. The restaurant wouldn’t let them go would they? But it happens to freelancers all the time because there is almost no one to enforce payment.
Second, all writing has an opportunity cost. If freelancers spend time writing for a buyer, it means that they can’t do anything else for that period of time. They could spend that time writing for job that will give them a sure shot payment. By spending that time working on an assignment, they’re trusting the buyer to pay up. Otherwise, it’s a very real loss for the freelancer, as time is money.
Fortunately, most buyers understand this and do the decent thing by paying up even if they don’t like the work. After all, it is frequently due to miscommunication about the requirements that this happens.
I think that arguing for payment for time and energy is somewhat ironic in the fact that you do not believe in tipping. Tipping is payment for time and energy exerted for you. You say that the freelancers doesn’t get paid when they don’t like the work. Sitting at a table, you are agreeing to pay tip to a server. Much like there is no contract with the freelancer to pay for something that they did not accept, there is also no contract to tip. You advocate for buyers to pay the freelancers, yet denounce tipping. Social contracts are important in society. This is why you are receiving such backlash from commenters. You may not be incorrect in your theory, but practice would dictate otherwise. In theory, it would be nice to end world hunger. In practicum, it would deplete the world food supply and end up ruining the human race.
You’re an awful writer; if I were you I’d be suprised if anyone paid me, ever.
Kill yourself.
Pay freelance writers but don’t tip people? I’m not really sure you have a good understanding of how the US system works… I am, however, thrilled to read that you’re among the lowest in our society who benefit off of the lowered prices for products by not paying the staff. I too am against tipping, however, I will continue to tip people until the system is changed and the cost is already included. Until then, you should too. You’re stealing. I find it comical that you just wrote this article. You’re just so ignorant to facts and jaded.
Last time I checked, you only pay for services that deem your approval. So how is this any different from tipping a server at a restaurant?
Ps. I would LOOOVE to hire you as a freelance writer. I have a few projects in mind. Of course payment will reflect work.
Ironic. The waitress/server/bartender spends time helping you order from the menu, input that order to be prepared, brings your drinks, serves your meal, refills your beverage, bring condiments as requested. A lot of them even clear your table to give you a better place to negotiate your freelance opportunity. With your dinner still on the table, the precious contract you are signing could become ruined after you or another at your table spill a beverage or knock over a plate.
Back to the condiments, you are probably the type of person that occassionally goes out for a nice steak. Yes, the one that has to cover the excellent steak, full of flavor, with A1.
I wonder if you ever order dinner from a place that delivers. If you have been, you may want to start picking up your food since your too cheap to tip the drivers! Bet they (and servers/waitresses) will love the pleasure of bringing your food after reading your contradictory positions on tippers and freelance writers. Typical, it only concerns you when your income is threatened.