The headline “Dump That Content Mill” jolted me into reality. I’ve been writing for (a content mill). Recently received my first (payment) for $32 and change. My posts had been spotty all of those months (38 in 7 months), yet it’s still surprising that it took so long to earn money.

(The content mill) makes their (contractors) jump through all kinds of hoops. I was in denial about how foolish it was to work so hard for so little pay. I’m a freelancer who writes a column for a community newspaper. The paper can’t afford to publish more often than every other week. I write one column that typically runs 600 words and earn $30.

To compound the damage, I added the (content mill’s) info to my LinkedIn and Facebook profiles. Additionally, I placed it on my resume. Thankfully, many of my friends and colleagues don’t know about content mills but prospective employers might.

Sorry this got so wordy but felt I had to share my experience. When I can afford cable Internet service, I plan to start a blog and use Google ads.

-M