Too many work-at-home moms are putting themselves in vulnerable situations. After looking at many ads for online writing, it seems that far too many of these women are jumping at the chance without doing proper research.

Writers seemed to be the most vulnerable. Some will take anything just to see their name published, but fail to realize that who gives the byline is more important. Some work on the promise of split revenue based on page views, penny per word assignments, and some for free, with a “promise” that they will get exposure. Some have even paid to view writing jobs that are available anywhere.

The result usually is negative since many of the companies change payment agreements, generally to their benefit, and the writer is left without money. Others have almost impossible payout clauses, with payouts at $200 minimum, and finally there are those whom have been the victim of fraud. A “company” will give out writing assignments, guarantee a low payment ($5 or less), want full rights, approves the article(s), and then the games over money begin. By the time it is over, the writer has no money or product to resell, and the “company” representative that did all the smooth talking is no longer answering emails. The smooth operators may even pay a time or two before they stop paying or disappear.

The only resort that a writer has is to sound an online alarm in forums, but here is the kicker: People will read the complaints, discuss it, and somehow want to “prove” something, so they will sign up to become a victim. This does not make sense, but far too many writers seem to lack the business sense and/or common sense necessary to be in the field. They’re starry eyed at the thought of “extra cash,” or possible writing fame and it seems to knock the common sense out of them.

There are some practical ways that work at home moms can keep from being a victim:

1. Research opportunities: If it is not a major magazine or news site that is familiar, and then find out who they are, how long they have been in business, and what their terms are.

2. Read forums: Writers do tell about positive and negative experiences. If more than one has had an issue that should raise a red flag.

3.Read their “Frequently Asked Questions” page (FAQ): This usually will explain payment terms.

4. Unless the writer has great SEO experience, or is totally on top of what readers are looking for, it would not be advisable to take a job where payment is based on views alone.

5.Get a copy of “Writers Digest” to see what rates for writing web content should be. It is very difficult to get paid well, if the writer has been accepting only free and low pay work.

6.If terms are non-negotiable really think about what is being given away, before doing it.

Another consideration is that work-at-home moms who are not really writers but piece submitters (20 articles for $20), have made it difficult for real writers to earn reasonable rates, because too many companies are willing to sacrifice skill and experience to save money. The result of that has been far too much sloppy and inaccurate writing being done by amateurs. Some would argue with this premise, but cooking a meal does not make a person a chef, nor does writing articles make one a professional writer.

Writing can be a business, Although that is sometimes overlooked as evidenced by the acceptance of low pay piece work, sloppy work, and taking fraudulent/bogus jobs. By not doing valid research and using business sense, work-at-home moms will continue to be the most vulnerable in the online writing market.