Friday, February 10, 2012

Why I think Way With Words Group is a sophisticated scam

I write online and have also been teaching English since 2003. Mind you, this post is not about me but about the art of transcription. So, I saw an ad by a company called Way With Words, who are recruiting and indeed, have a rather rigorous screening in order to earn a few cents...IF you pass ALL their tests, mind you.

Get this. They give you a complicated grammar test that I cannot print here due to my not wanting to violate any rules. I passed it, I am a grammar teacher. However, they then send you the Britney and Justin bit of audio which is really rubbish but I went through with it (just to see how far this ride lasts). They send me an email with another file attached called Hings* - now that was an audio trip to hell. I need to see things to the end, so sat with it, made my mom and everyone else I knew listen to it...all repeated the word 'shit', again and again. Yes, cause it was crap.

Now this is where I become suspicious as they get a 7.5 minute bit of audio transcribed from us (admittedly, not me) - which I get a reply to say that it is not accepted and they can not give me the correct version for privacy reasons.

Again, if they did this with all individuals applying - would they not be getting free transcription services? How does one not know that those are not so called 'live' files?

Now, I am an English teacher and I have given many audio tests...the quality of the one they gave me was ridiculous (again, it was clearly recorded in hell...where they will all be going to, IF this is indeed a scam). I am writing this to inform you that those few minutes took all of US hours...because of the background noise.

Now here is the fascinating part. How much do they want to pay you? It averages about $7 per audio hour people...mind you, if you behave...they will increase it to about $10 per audio hour. At that quality of audio, it will take you a day - you are better off selling stamps at the Post Office.

If you insist on transcribing, go for companies like Scribie that actually PAY you for the sample test that they give. It is usually 6 minutes long. You get a measly $1 but it works out to $10 per audio hour. STILL more than Way With Words Group.

If you would like some pointers on legitimate ways to earn money and WASTE NO time...head over to the website www.realwaystoearnmoneyonline.com. I am not affiliated to the site at all but found so much highly valuable information out there, I had to share.You can get started earning immediately. I will start adding payment proof here soon.

One last thing, Way With Words, offers workshops too - and they do not come cheaply, save your money and work for online transcription services rather, if you want - they will direct you to the free software etc...do not waste money on foot pedals etc. You are here to MAKE time and MAKE money...not waste it.

That is my two cents which will hopefully save you lots of time and some money. More reviews of companies to come...