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Review 2/6/2011
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As stated by other reviews, this company is not to be trusted. When first hired you are wooed with the ease and quality of the Demand Media system. They paint a picture of a perfect and nurturing environment where writers not only grow professionally, but earn a living. The reality is far from this false front. Firstly, the style guide given to new employees stresses academic honesty through proper citation and research. However, an in depth look at articles submitted on Demand Studios websites reveals these rules are often ignored. Obviously quality control is necessary, bringing to mind the second issue, the internal feud boiling at Demand Media Studios. This conflict is easily seen across the workspace of Demand Media in forum posts. Writers of all experience levels share their frustrations with the guidelines, the favoritism shown to copy editors, and the unfair practice of article rejection. Often writers spend hours drafting an article and take an editors suggestions to heart. Even when the changes are made, many writers attest their article was rejected resulting in zero compensation. Copy editors exist as the favored child of Demand Media and writers remain only a commodity to be exploited.
A specific experience that left a particularly foul taste in my mouth: My first article was rejected. Like many writers before me I made the specified changes and it was still rejected. I took it in stride and after studying forum posts on the same topic, I simply filed a complaint on the copy editor and my experience. Although the email promised feedback as soon as possible, none was received. My second article was accepted and I received prompt payment. However, upon submission of my third article I received my critique from the editor. The comments opened with: Thanks for the review.
I submitted all changes directed and again without cause the article was rejected. No explanation was given to me. An email was sent promising an explanation, however my employment was terminated so quickly I could no longer access this.
Another problem I had with this experience was the fact that the copy editor's identity is kept secret to protect them. However this service is not rendered to the writers when working with the copy editors. This would be valuable to prevent vindictive rejections.
Overall the experience was disappointing and distasteful. Although I probably entered the experience with rose-colored glasses, I hope this review will catch others attention and prevent them from wasting their time and effort. It would better to take your hard work elsewhere.
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