Writing Samples For Editorial Jobs

Part of the reason I'm here now is to create a writing sample for an editorial, proofreading or writing job. Along that vein, while perusing craigslist today, I came across several legitimate-looking offerings, but a few of the requests for writing samples seemed fairly suspicious, especially the one requesting that job-seekers post summaries of 7 or 8 other large websites, chosen by the hiring agent. That seems to be a very convenient way for plagiarists and other frauds to obtain research or other administrative assistance, free of charge.

I would love to know how to verify the hiring agent's identity and the veracity of their hiring claims, since it is clear that one can easily, and somewhat anonymously, request such "writing samples," and get them from desperate job seekers. It is too bad that there are probably many job-seekers out there who, in hopes of consideration for employment, may unwittingly save a lazy and fraudulent agent the trouble of doing their own research.

I feel sorry for anyone who might have fallen for such a scam because I know that summarizing, editing, proofreading, and creating clean copy can be a time-consuming and tedious chore; however, I enjoy the sense of satisfaction that comes from doing my best work, and feeling confident about it, but I would hate for my work to fall into the wrong hands. I therefore will not be submitting or attempting to submit excessively demanding editing and proofreading requests to unverifiable online sources, and I hope that none of you do this either, gentle readers.

And blast and shame on scammers for using other people's time and trouble, without properly remunerating them, especially during times of financial crisis. Such Internet scammers should be hanged by their toenails and fed ExLax!

Welcome to PSA, home of blahb, blahb, blahb, and more blahb.

Oh, hi there, gentle readers.

So, I'm starting out a blog on whatever comes to mind any particular moment, any particular day, about any not-so-particular subject, topic, genre or gender.

Perhaps I'll come up with a theme, topic or subject on my own; or you could choose and assign one for me to "blahb, blahb, blahb" about. If I am any good at it, perhaps I'll make you laugh, or cry, or attempt to commit a crime against me - or against yourself - or a not-so-loved one, but hopefully not any of the latter.

Regardless of how I decide what the hellokitty - (just keeping it G-rated) - to blog about, I find it difficult to believe that anyone else finds the time or has the inclination to read (or write) any blog, anywhere, about anything . . . what with all the email we have to sort through each day; and what, with our jobs, families, classes and other responsibilities -- not to mention how sitting at the computer for hours-on-end exacerbates the sciatica and carpal tunnel syndrome every other person I know is groaning about, and certainly I am one of those people; so just what the hellokitty I'm sitting here for is beyond my comprehension -- except perhaps to suggest that I and many others have slightly masochistic leanings.

In any event, I plan to practice the art and science of writing and/or making a fool of myself for all friends, family, foes, and the general public to see - just because it seems like a good idea for the time being. And if there happens to be anyone else I can make a fool of while I'm at it, feel free to present yourself.

Of course, it would be nice to get paid for this kind of horse poo someday, but until then, I'll just build my typing skills, and hopefully write something worth reading about while I'm at it. And if it's not worth reading for intellectual or other intelligent reasons, at least it will be good for a laugh, and a discovery or two about the utter depths of stupidity a bored or lonely human being can be capable of stooping towards.