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!