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Of Potential Clients And Tall Lattes

© Christopher Cummings

In recent weeks we've talked about  Butt Ugly, Slow Loading Websites and Lack Of Credibility Online, and how both of these things can affect your audience's perception of you and your site.

This time, we're going to talk about how you can protect yourself from getting screwed by a less than reputable online venue.

To kick things off, let's read a fake email based on a number of real emails I receive from beginner freelancers:

Hi Chris,
I read your column at Suite101 and really liked it. You seem like you know what's going on, so I wanted to ask you a question. I was recently contacted via email by an online magazine looking for freelance content. They will pay me $1 billion for each column I write, which is great. The only thing is, they want my social security number, bank name and address and my checking account number up front. It sounds like the opportunity of a lifetime. Should I go for it?
Thanks,
DaniDarkstar1098
PS: This company is based in the Philippines.

For illustrative purposes, let's take the spirit of DaniDarkstar1098's email and transmute it into a real life situation — not an email exchange, but a face to face transaction at, say, Starbuck's®.

Picture it ...

DaniDarkstar1098 sits at a table with her Tall Latte. She takes a sip, then starts to peruse the comics section of the newspaper left lying on the table. Out of nowhere, a tall dark stranger appears and takes the seat across from her.

"Hello," he says. "My name is T.D. Stranger and I have an exciting opportunity for you. I'm an editor for a prominent online magazine, headquartered in the Philippines, and I'm looking for freelancers to provide us with content. Our rates are incredible, and our audience reach is tremendous - write for us, and your name will get known, and fast. To get started, I'll need your social security number, bank name and address and checking account number, so we know how and where to deposit your payments."

Pause. DaniDarkstar1098 now faces three options:

• Option 1 - DaniDarkstar1098 whacks T.D. with her purse, screaming, "Get the hell away from me, you freak!"
• Option 2 - DaniDarkstar1098 asks T.D. for a business card and references, so she can make an informed decision.
• Option 3 - DaniDarkstar1098 hands over her SSN and financial info because she's a moron.

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