Not getting paid for some work

Diamondgirl

After successfully completing a sample, I was accepted for an online job for a company writing UCAS personal statements for University applicants.

I submitted my first one and received an email from the director on Mon asking me to explain plagiarism from Wikipedia (Id inadvertently used a comment from there in the introductory paragraph). I changed the offending section and sent an amended copy with my apologies.

I heard no more yesterday but continued to complete another statement last night. Today I receive an email sayng that statement was full of errors (Im not sure what as spell and grammar checked it and only used the info supplied by the client) and they would not be paying me for either statement :mad: (I should be getting £25 @ statement but havent invoiced them yet)

I have replied to the email asking why they allowed me to continue writing a fiurther statement if the first was not of the appropriate standard. Also asked them to send me a copy of the second highlighting all the errors.

They say they have employed someone else to rewrite the statements but Im not sure if they will just edit mine or totally rewrite. I have the clients mobile numbers so would it be appropriate to call them and ask them if they have received their statements and would they mind emailing me a copy? I can then check whether parts of the statement I wrote were used.

Any ideas what if anything I can do regarding payment?

silvercar

have you got a formal contract? check its terms. do the statements have to be to an acceptable standard? as defined by who?

I would say that sending you a scarcastic email regarding plagairism was the writing on the wall. If people are paying to have their personal statements written, the last thing they want is for it to be obviously tacken from a website - how would that have looked if it had gone through and been submitted on the UCAS form.

I do wonder if this whole business of being paid to write personal statements is a bit of an unregulated area.

sheraz2

Brush the dirt of your shoulder and move on

Diamondgirl

have you got a formal contract? check its terms. do the statements have to be to an acceptable standard? as defined by who?

Thats the problem, there was no contract ....... just an email explaining rates of pay when I enquired and said they were working on updating their terms and conditions and would send to me in due course!

Regarding the plagiarism, I thought I had reworded it. And they obviously dont send anything on to their client until they check it so it wouldnt have gone that far.

TBH I did wonder about the ethics of this work but when your agency are finding little work for you, you do what you can to earn something to cover your bills.

But my main question is about where I stand regarding getting at least some payment for this work.

Gemmzie

That's a scam, it has to be.

Writing a UCAS statement for someone is the equivalent of taking an exam for someone.

And the fact that they asked you to write about plagiarism speaks volumes.

Diamondgirl

Brush the dirt of your shoulder and move on

Well would you want to spend two evenings working on something and then not get paid for it?

That's a scam, it has to be.

Writing a UCAS statement for someone is the equivalent of taking an exam for someone.

Well I did wonder but do a search on google and you'll see there are a few companies that offer this service!!!

yung

did you protect your document with copyright before you send it, if you have not then thy may have edit and use it without having to pay you.

silvercar

Diamondgirl wrote:

Well I did wonder but do a search on google and you'll see there are a few companies that offer this service!!!

Do a search on google and I'm sure you'll find a few companies that will sit your driving test for you, or kidnap next doors dog or invite you to an orgy with three legged monkeys.....doesn't make it OK.

With no contract and being pulled up on your first assignment for plagurism there is nowhere you can go with this.

Revenge is a dish best served cold but, if you feel the need, complain to UCAS.:p

gilly41

I thought you had to write your own personal statement for UCAS----I know that no one would know you hadnt written it but surely when you apply to go to University you should be writing your own personal statement!!!! I dont think UCAS would be too happy about people getting them written for them

---

I know it took my son two weeks to write his!!!
x

Diamondgirl

silvercar wrote:

Do a search on google and I'm sure you'll find a few companies that will sit your driving test for you, or kidnap next doors dog or invite you to an orgy with three legged monkeys.....doesn't make it OK.

That wasnt my point! Im surprised that this service is available to be honest and Im not saying it is OK. However I also dont think I was doing anything illegal.

I wrote my post requesting help with getting paid, not to enter into a discussion about the ehtics of this work. I could have simply said I was writing statements online for a company and not offered any details!!! :mad:

Kevicho

TBH first thing id do is send a final email demanding payment, if that doesnt work then id find out who to send a formal complaint too as this behaviour doesnt befit any sort of company with standards.

The thing that is going against yuo here is you have no contract, but having said that the emails they sent you should give you some form of evidence

Also it has to be said if the work was as poor as they say, then maybe they have a right to not pay.

I would probably ring the clients, nobody likes to be ripped off, and this doesnt sound fair, but unfortunately this sort of thing happens a lot.

I hope you find more legitimate work soon

Kev