I started a job with an "academic writing" outfit last week (it shall remain nameless, at the moment). I had hoped to be editing academic papers with this company, since their website said it was part of what they were looking for.

As it turns out, this place is an essay mill. I'm not even writing so called "example essays." This place caters to desparate undergrad (and even grad!) students who don't want to or don't know how to write an essay. So far, I've written three papers, all destined to be turned in as someone else's homework.

At first, I thought, "Hey! If some chump wants to pay me to do their homework, why not?" Then, over the weekend, I started analyzing things a little more.

First: I am being an enabler, and telling the people on the other end of this process that they can buy their way out of anything. Second: I am promoting one of my most hated writing practices - plagiarism. Third: the money doesn't even begin to make it worth it at $8 per page (most essays take at least 8 hours with research, writing and editing). Fourth: we don't really need the money. Fifth: my time is better spent working on setting up our writing business (so close to being finished!).

There it is in a nutshell. I am killing this so called editing job today.

I do need to write for real. So, I've decided I'm going to give myself writing assignments, with deadlines and everything. I am going to be my own worst client, with real consequences (If I finish, I'll reward my self. If I don't, I'll penalize myself.)

I'm also still writing for this little outfit that publishes essays online (I get a byline, and everything!). They don't pay much, but I can write about things I know and am interested in, which makes the pay easier to swallow.

In fact, I need to finish up one of those little essays now. Ever wanted to do home repairs, but were afraid to try? I'm writing an article, and I'll link to it when it's published!