5-star Process

Thank you for clarifying the standards for five-star writers.

Are these the standards that have always been in place for 5-star writers? If a 5-star writer has been consistently submitting work that is free of corrective comments from Textbroker staff, can she feel assured that she has been writing to these standards all along? What standards, if any, are new?

added by: author MandyMarj on 04/08/2011 - 10.19

MandyMarj: Yes, these have always been our standards. We just wanted to make them public.

Unfortunately, we do not have time to comment on every article. We try to point out errors that either occur regularly or are particularly disruptive. However, as a 5-star writer, if you are not receiving commentary, take that as a good sign.

added by:  Textbroker  on 04/08/2011 - 10.26

I just started writing on Textbroker nine days ago, and started at level 4 and sincerely hoped and intended to quickly make it to a 5.
While messing around the site, I accidentally stumbled on the proofreading test and just haphazardly took it and scored an 80%. I didn't mind because I wasn't interested in proofreading, but this is terrible news if I don't get to take the test for three months now in order to move to a level 5. I think my writing proves I'm a 5 and if you would have let me know a couple days ago that this would be a vital part of the process, I would have taken it more seriously.
I think that some sort of clemency should be granted to everyone who has taken the test recently. I seriously will just be so brokenhearted as to just mark my calendar and reappear on this site in three months when I am eligible to test again.

added by: author Clupbert on 04/08/2011 - 11.26

I also did the test on a lark the day I signed up for the site. I would never have done so, especially without the slightest preparation, had I known it would become a multi-month barrier to five-star consideration.

Of course, TB makes the rules, and I'll do whatever is necessary to earn five-star status. However, if TB would consider waiving the three-month wait for new five-star applicants on a one-time basis, that would be quite nice, though I can easily see the other side of the argument as well.

added by: author Fredwriter on 04/09/2011 - 12.22

Clupbert, Fredwriter,

Thank you for your feedback. We will discuss this issue with our software developers on Monday to make sure we waive the three-month wait phase on a one-time basis for everyone who is currently in it.

Best,
Jan

added by:  Textbroker  on 04/09/2011 - 03.10

This sounds very fair. It's definitely more strict than other similar sites in regards to what it takes to achieve the highest status and payout, but that's how it should be. It's a challenge for those who aren't up to par with their writing abilities, but to be considered a five-star writer, they should be "perfect" with their material. As a result, I look forward to being promoted soon. ;)

added by: author Justin612 on 04/09/2011 - 04.57

I've often heard that timing is everything. First of all, I just took the test last week and scored 80%. Now, I'm even more pooped to find out that it's a barrier to 5 star status as well. Also, I sent a message about reviewing my status just a few hours ago, only to just check my email and find that this process has changed as well. Oh well...guess I'll be digging my heels in for this new process. I'm no coward to a good challenge.

BTW: THANKS for reconsidering the three month wait, and thanks for all your hard work in revamping the process. We appreciate all that you do.

added by: author Mrs. Write on 04/09/2011 - 05.02

@TB and others who have taken the test. I think that waiving the three-month time period on a one-time basis is a good idea as well.

-Neal

added by: author Neal on 04/09/2011 - 07.36

I've written over 30 articles straight and all of them have been rated a four. I also took the proofreading test some time ago, but apparently not long enough ago. It would be great to be able to try my hand at the test again sooner rather than later.

added by: author A-044244 on 04/09/2011 - 08.27

I would like to be able to take the test again ASAP. I've had over 400 articles rated "4" and because of the confusion and unclear instructions in the past, I never applied for a "5" rating.

To be honest, I have left Textbroker as I am getting far more per article elsewhere.

However, the Textbroker titles are often more interesting than the ones where I write now, and I prefer the Textbroker payment and editing system as well.

I would like to come back if a "5" rating would make it worth my while. I do see that there are more and more "5" articles available.

added by: author A-059966 on 04/09/2011 - 08.43

I am starting to use Word as a way to correct all my mistakes so I should start to receive 4 or 5 stars. Correct?

added by: author John Kelly on 04/09/2011 - 09.01

I catch errors all the time that Word missed -- you should always read over it again.

How often do you use a word by mistake, but it's a real word -- Word rarely catches those mistakes.

It will, however, give you some false-positive error messages.

added by: author Sherry W on 04/09/2011 - 09.54

@John, I would not rely on Word to correct *all* your mistakes. Word is not always right, either with grammar or spelling (homonyms, for example, and unusual or medical words). Brush up on the rules with an AP style guide or the Owl at Purdue.

As a current 5*, I've only gotten a couple editorial comments. Does that mean I'm ok, or does this mean I am making these errors consistently, and I need to really buckle down harder?

added by: author A. Asa on 04/09/2011 - 10.27

I have a question about being being demoted from 5-star status that has always concerned me.

If you are a 5-star writer, and you pick up a couple of 2-star articles for whatever reason, and your submissions are rated by TB editors at 2 or 3 stars, does that put you at risk for demotion? I ask because, for me at least, the key to submitting quality content at the higher levels is about three things: proofreading, proofreading, and proofreading. For 4- and 5-star articles, I proofread the heck out of them, usually reading the article twice, then stepping away from the computer for a couple of minutes and coming back to it to read it a few more times. For a 2-star article, however, it may only get a single once-over.

TL; DR version: If submissions are rated at a level lower than what is expected for a 5-star writer, but at or above the quality level requested by the client, does that threaten the ability of a writer to stay at 5-star?

added by: author Golfhaus on 04/09/2011 - 10.36

I too, took the proofreading test on a lark and did not pass. I wouldn't have tried it had I known It would be 3 months till I could take it again. C'est la vie. This is a learning process and I have much to learn. I will just consider this my training period.

added by: author A-068319 on 04/09/2011 - 11.01

What about clients who request a misspelled SEO keywords ? I had a client who requested that I misspell several keywords purposely. I probably won't write anymore of those articles.

added by: author A-064218 on 04/09/2011 - 11.01

I like the process. The professionalism of the editors is great. I have received great feedback on my articles. I have only written 20 articles, due to my work schedule. However, TB is forcing me to proofread better. I have an english degree and several advanced degrees. However, I earned a level three rating. I was bit perturbed by this at first, but I realized why. I have never written a large amount of technical material, and frankly my proofreading skills need improvement. With that said, I believe this will make me a better writer and proofreader. I am considering earning an advanced degree in writing, and this sort of challenge can only help me.

added by: author Yocat on 04/09/2011 - 11.15

I think like several others that you should waive the 3 month time period for the test. I have had many articles rated as a 4 and now I have to pass this test as a requirement as well. It just seems that TB is making it harder and harder to improve as a writer. But, thanks for considering it; that is a lot more fair than the other way.

added by: author Mamamary on 04/09/2011 - 11.36

John Kelly, you can't rely on Word.

After the initial two week probationary period is over, what happens if a 5-star writer makes a mistake? Sometimes mistakes happen; would the 5-star writer get demoted automatically?

added by: author EditingMom on 04/09/2011 - 11.50

"We will continue to honor requests made prior to today's date."

Does this mean the authors who submitted a request for 5-star status prior to this change are not subject to the new consideration process?

added by: author Patricia C on 04/09/2011 - 12.01

It might be worth mentioning that a common and acceptable use for parentheses is to provide a first mention of the abbreviation for a phrase, thus and so:

"The newly constituted Office for Weird Languages (OWL) will open on Monday in the Quad Building; hours will be posted shortly."

This passage appears in the blog posting:

"The proofreading test debuted in January, so the three month waiting period to retake the test should be ending for many authors who didn't pass it when it was first offered."

Later in the posting, this passage appears:

"Authors must wait two months before requesting re-evaluation."

Does this mean the waiting period before an opportunity to retake the proofreading test will be reduced to two months, with the old waiting period of three months temporarily left in place only for those who have already incurred it by having taken the proofreading test once already?

[UPDATE]: Ah. I see from the comment section that this reply from Textbroker may more or less address the issue:

"We will discuss this issue with our software developers on Monday to make sure we waive the three-month wait phase on a one-time basis for everyone who is currently in it."

My very literal mind still doesn't quite firmly grasp whether the new evaluation method will consider the quality of the ten most recent assignments completed by a writer as of the moment of passing the proofreading test, or whether the "level 5" evaluation will consider the quality of a subsequent ten completed assignments:

"We will now be requiring ten consecutive articles rated at 4 stars instead of ten total for consideration, and an author will need to have either ten articles or 10,000 words to evaluate once the process has started."

"Authors who have maintained an author rating of 4 for at least ten articles and have passed the proofreading test are eligible for an upgrade to level 5."

These passages leave open different possible interpretations, at least to my eye. The second passage does seem to imply that the quality of the preceding ten completed assignments will form the basis for evaluation, but an implication is not a firm statement.

Another thought is that some people might wish the opportunity to proofread for pay, but not wish to ride the roller-coaster of high expectations for consistent perfection from "level 5" writers. Is it possible for Textbroker to add a checkbox indicating that a proofreading opportunity application doesn't include the desire to reach for the sky? Some people are content to quietly fill their little bags of coins in the shadows as the eagles soar overhead.

"You will enter a probationary period for the next two months. Any mistakes during this time will lead to demotion. We reserve the right to demote an author at any time without warning after the probationary period has ended."

(Interestingly, I failed the proofreading test badly the first time, which upon post-test analysis appears to have been because I was too strict about acceptable passages. There were in some cases alternate passages that were awkward or odd, but otherwise within bounds; in other cases, I'd simply been unfamiliar with allowable structures.)

It'll be interesting to explore in detail the exact differences between "style" and "tone", which have always struck me as at least a little fuzzy. (Yes, I know, but I like British-style placement of periods and commas in non-assignment writing).

"We look at the author's spelling, grammar, style and tone as well as the author's conduct."

I'll say that my favorite approach to client relations is relentless professionalism. There is simply no reason, ever, to be overtly rude. If a client is being obviously nasty or otherwise difficult, my worst response before quietly dropping an assignment is:

"I'm sorry to say that I am unable to meet your specialised needs. Perhaps another writer will be better able to meet your requirements."

If the client was simply demanding and not rude or mean-spirited, I might add:

"Thank you for your consideration. Perhaps it will be possible later to complete an assignment for you that will satisfy your requirements."

The inspiration for this came long ago from a marvellous scene from the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy book series. ^_^

As always, my main problems are with slippery, evasive commas that absolutely insist on wiggling into the storerooms and making a mess. Sometimes, they're needed; sometimes, they're verboten; sometimes, they're optional, depending on sentence complexity and word choices. Heck, I'm not even sure that last sentence used commas correctly. -_-

My overall impression of the new procedure is that it is stern but fair, with possible quibbles over the content of the proofreading tests. I feel myself the need to study quite a bit more before even contemplating the now-automatic application for "level 5" status that is invoked by success with the proofreading test, but inquiring minds want to know the answers to many questions. :)

added by: author bumpylight on 04/09/2011 - 12.16

Are there materials available for study that can help writers to pass the proofreading test? I have written over 300 articles and am a five-star author with a 0 rejection rate. Except for some minor comments from staff that were very helpful to my later writing, I have had no major negative feedback. Yet, I failed the proofreading test but don't know which questions I missed or why. In order to improve, I would love to use this test as a tool to learn where my deficits lie so I can correct them. Access to study materials would be very helpful.

added by: author A-026972 on 04/09/2011 - 12.47

What about those who already submitted a request to be evaluated? I believe I made my request a couple of weeks ago, although I'm not certain of the date. I'm also in the waiting period for the proofreading test, so thanks for considering that aspect.

added by: author bets on 04/09/2011 - 01.06

Thanks for the clarification. Sounds like a good system. I'm a five star writer, and knowing what's expected makes it much easier to improve my writing. You guys are always very fair to writers and clients, and I think that the new process falls in line with that quite nicely.

added by: author PhilDotree on 04/09/2011 - 02.29

Thank you for this possibility to be rated a 5. My question is about the proofreading test. Have many people passed? I had 80% correct as well. On two of the questions, none of the answers seemed correct to me. I thought it was just me, but it seems other rating 4 writers have had the same experience.

added by: author Susie47 on 04/09/2011 - 02.33

Will the five star writing standards be applied to all articles written by a five star author or only articles posted and completed at the five star level?

Could you explain in greater detail how the demotion process will be handled? Will there be warnings given? Or will the demotion be carried out automatically after a certain number of mistakes in a set time period?

For example, I recently made the same comma placement mistake in several articles. Because articles are reviewed by Textbroker in batches, I didn't have the chance to correct the mistake after the first article. If this happens in the future, will I be demoted automatically?

added by: author A-044867 on 04/09/2011 - 02.40

I put in my request weeks ago, so I'm assuming I'm "grandfathered in" without having to take the proofreading test. It would help a lot of someone from TB could verify or refute that.

Again, assuming I'm understanding this correctly, if I am promoted to a 5 star rating, I have 2 months of probation where any little human mistake such as an omitted letter or displaced comma - at the end of a long day and several thousand words, when I'm tired anyway - will immediately demote me back to my former rating.

After that 2 month probation, it's the same thing. One instance of proving I'm a human, and not a robot, and I'm demoted back to 4 stars.

Are these statements essentially correct?

added by: author Alesia on 04/09/2011 - 02.55

Bumping up the pay scale for consistently effective level 4 authors would be a great idea. Have you ever thought of closing the gap in pay by creating a 4 ½ star status for those of us who’d perhaps be more motivated by this monetary incentive? Compromise is such a tricky thing, especially when it concerns the give and take factor. I sincerely hope that I’m not the only one who niotices the disparity…

added by: author A-047696 on 04/09/2011 - 02.55

I have never received a rating of under four stars.

I have ceased looking at the ratings I receive, other than those few instances where I received a written evaluation from TB.

One of these written evaluations pointed out an incorrect spelling of the word color. I had spelled it colour because my client was from Australia.

There are many articles posted by clients requesting UK English.

How do you propose to handle spellings that vary due to the version of the language spoken by the client?

added by: author A-048997 on 04/09/2011 - 03.08

Authors,

Bear with me since this is my weekend, and I don't have immediate access to my colleagues.

1. Anyone who has requested an upgrade prior to yesterday's date will not need to take the proofreading test. Current 5-star authors will also not need to take the test.

2. A single mistake is likely not going to lead to demotion. We understand that people are human and have bad days, but we reserve the right to make this decision if necessary. One missing comma might warrant a comment, but something truly egregious might warrant demotion. Issuing a warning is a courtesy on our part, and this is something we must balance into the situation. Please take our statement as a warning and know that we will do our best to balance the needs of our authors with those of our clients.

3. The rating level of the assignment is only factored in if your article is rejected. We expect a 5-star author to write like a 5-star author even when writing a 2-star article. How would it look to our clients to see that their 2-star articles were written by a 5-star author yet the articles were full of mistakes?

4. We have access to the instructions when we rate. If the client says misspell the keywords, misspell the keywords.

5. The testing period and the re-evaluation period are two separate things. If you pass the test but do not meet our 5-star requirements, you must wait two months before we will evaluate you again. Once you pass the test, the system will always allow you access to proofreading. If you pass the test and do not wish to be considered, please send us an email. We'll add a note to your account.

6. Several authors have passed the test. Remember that you need to select all correct answers to a question to receive credit. If you are unfamiliar with the AP Stylebook, that could be another obstacle.

I'm sure there's something I've forgotten to address, but thank you all for the comments. We do read your feedback, and I appreciate the polite and professional responses.

Best Wishes,
Keira

added by:  Textbroker  on 04/09/2011 - 03.43

These are excellent questions. Will the answers be posted in here?

It looks like I will have another crack at the test: for those of you still confused, the problem is the test has multiple RIGHT answers, and those of us not knowing this, were searching for only one possible right answer, and this is a bit tricky in a comma test...apparently, from what I discerned...many of us 80% er's were looking for that one right answer!!!!

Enjoyed all the discourse. I love working here. Seems I am not as far away from a 5 star rating as I thought. And this seems fair. Still curious to the answers from our steady four star writer, who doesn't want to loose the 5 rating by becoming tired... I made a similar mistake when I first started almost three months ago, and dropped to a 3, and had to steadily work away and getting it back up...took a long time: SO I AM VERY AWAKE when you guys tell us only one or two mistakes and 5 goes back to 4...cause my 4 went suddenly to 3, and I have had to work with awareness, as it should be.

(fyi it was my own ARROGANCE, being too-used to having high writing ability, I was simply arrogant about my star earning ability, and was forced to brush up on my rusty writing rules!)

And for the 4 star writers, I am beginning to feel this can be good, steady income. With a five star rating, I would not have to work other freelance sites in addition to this one for the great paying articles that are also interesting.

Thanks for this wonderful opportunity to write from wherever I may be on the planet, and get paid from there as well... Sometimes I wonder if folks realize what a privilege this ability really is...

I can travel, stay to play with my grand-kids, or go with my husband to India or South America, and still get paid, still work every day...still be able to enjoy what vestiges of "retirement" are still available to working professionals in our economy of today...sigh...

Not only that, but the lifestyle of a work-from-home freelancer; can be so so so green and supportive to the change in climate and economy. Work-from-home options help children have stay-at-home mothers, which no one understands the importance of anymore (BIGGER SIGH) to be honest, I have contemplated sitting down with my daughters-in-law and making sure their English and writing skills are up to par for this very reason...

kids need moms who are not stressed out, who have time to play and be silly with them in order for us to raise compassionate people who understand that joy and family comfort are more important than wealth and money, which of course most of us do.... fewer are working for the big dream, and more are just doing this...finding ways to live happily and more simply so we can enjoy our families, finally...

5 stars: here I come!

added by: author A-061241 on 04/09/2011 - 04.16

The AP guidelines state "Use the letter s but not an apostrophe after the figures when expressing decades or centuries. " However, when I wrote my article according to those guidelines, referencing the 1900s, I was corrected by the editors and told to use the apostrophe before the "s" even though I was adhering to published AP guidelines.

It is difficult to adhere to guidelines when they are not consistent.

added by: author A-062430 on 04/09/2011 - 04.40

I sent in a consideration request to be evaluated for a 5 star rating 2 days ago. I received a fast response saying that my request would be noted on my account. The blog post came the day after I received the reply.

Did I just make it as far as timing to be under the old evaluation system? How can I find out which rating system I am now under?

added by: author A-053207 on 04/09/2011 - 05.19

Thank you for publishing the requirements. I assume they will appear on the site and not just on this blog post. Like many, I took the proofreading test without taking it seriously. There was no reason to. Now that I have to pay attention, as much as I do with any paying work, I expect I will have different results. Resetting the clock is fair and balanced.

While I am in mid-evaluation for level 5, I don't mind starting fresh on a clear playing field. TB is a good agent that provides me with plenty to do, as well as a steady, low paycheck.

Thanks again,
WK

added by: author W. King on 04/09/2011 - 05.44

I have 90 consecutive articles that have been rated with a 4. I guess I should have tried for the 5 rating well before these new standards went in place. For a few months there were very few 5 articles available so I didn't bother. I write for another professional publication. I won't mention any names, but it's one that requires writers to take their own pictures, write their own headlines, etc.

But anyways, can you post more examples of 5 star type articles? I know some editors that would point out length issues with the San Francisco article. This includes both sentences and listings within that article.

added by: author A-049457 on 04/09/2011 - 05.59

I would like to reiterate writer author A-026972's comments.

I have close to 400 articles without any rejections. I want to keep my 5-star rating, and knowing which questions I missed on the proofreading test would certainly help me improve.

added by: author bdavis on 04/09/2011 - 06.25

The more of these comments I read, the more inadequate I feel for just being a 3-star n00b. Oh well.

added by: author A-056656 on 04/09/2011 - 06.34

Thank you, Keira, for the thoughtful reply to my earlier questions. That's the Textbroker I've come to know and respect. You've always dealt with me as a human being, 'ere now. I'd hate to have to become resigned to being just another number in order to achieve and sustain a 5 star rating.

I'm relieved to have skipped the requirement for the proofreading test. At the risk of understating myself, I hate, loathe, and despise those kinds of tests.

I'm also profoundly grateful for those of you who have the temperament for extended bouts of proofreading. :)

--Alesia

added by: author Alesia on 04/09/2011 - 08.10

Dear Author A-056656,

Quit with the "inadequate/3-star n00b" stuff. It's not like you are in an elite club or something. I'm 4-star n00b myself. Nice to meet you.

Challenge makes us do one of two things; improve or quit. I'd rather be a n00b than a quitter. So would you. So, how about we both suck it up and start pounding that keyboard. If gold medals were so easily won it wouldn't really be much of an accomplishment when someone hung one around your neck now would it?

So scoot over and make room on the n00b bench for me. I think we both may be waiting for that elusive number 5 for a while but that's cool. In the meantime, do you happen to have any popcorn?

added by: author Patricia C on 04/09/2011 - 11.53

Forgive me if this has already been addressed: If you are already a level 5 writer and then take the proofreading test and fail, will you be demoted?

added by: author EditingMom on 04/10/2011 - 12.34

Wow! I just want to say thank you for allowing me to write for this great company. Although I write for two other places, I enjoy the variety of articles that I find at this site.
Thank you for always being professional and courteous.

--Bunny

added by: author Snowball on 04/10/2011 - 02.17

Good day!

Thanks for writing all the details about 5-star ratings. I took the proofreading test and failed it as well, but I am very happy with my 4-star rating and I will stay there as long as Textbroker will have me. :-) If someone has plenty of time alone each day to concentrate on each article, a 5-star goal is great, but if a person works around many distractions every day, such as I do, the 5-star level would be too demanding. ;-)

I still struggle with writing, even though my grammar and spelling, I believe, are great. I have had lower ratings from clients, not real low ("good" instead of excellent) regarding style and tone; therefore, I need to work on that part of my writing as well. There are so many things to learn or do and so little time. Rhett, Rhett, whatever shall I do, wherever shall I go? LOL I will stay at a 4-star rating. ;-)

Happy Sunday!

Regards,
Maryanne

added by: author Maryanne on 04/10/2011 - 10.48

Oh, and the extra payoff day is awesome!! :-) :-)

Maryanne

added by: author Maryanne on 04/10/2011 - 10.49

Thanks for making the requirements for level 5 clear. I had no idea how to apply for level 5. I'm not ready to apply anyway. I am struggling to get my long held level 4 back. I am very uncertain about commas. 95% or more of my feedback from TextBroker has been about commas. The nice people at text broker have provided links to resources which are helping. They sent me a link which has really helped me, and I wanted to share!

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/60/072/

About the other 5%. OK so I haven't quite figured out commas yet, but I'm improving. The other 5% really gets me stressed though, because I usually know better. Here is the list of things I am currently Proofing for. Maybe it will help others.

1. That vs. which: I honestly didn't know there was a rule for "that vs. which" until Textbroker pointed it out. I like the word "which," and am saddened that its use is so limited, but I am trying to adjust.
2. Subconscious mistakes - Freudian slips of the tongue happen to fingers too.
3. Homonyms - I know the difference between "hear and here," and "too, to and two," but sometimes my typing fingers don't.
4. Copy paste mistakes that leave sentences incomplete. This often happens while proofing. Even if you proofread the thing a dozen times, if you change something the last time, read it again.
5. Capitalizing random words - I don't know why this happens, but once or twice I arbitrarily selected a word to capitalize over and over every time it occurred. It's weird, but I have to watch for it. It happened once with a word I most commonly associate as a last name. Another time I had random capitalizations everywhere. No excuse other than insanity on that one. It tends to happen when I am stressed, especially if I find the article subject matter stressful.
6. Awkward wording. For me this usually happens with over editing. I can usually turn a phrase with the rest of them, but between copy paste mistakes, and editing my ideas, sometimes sentences become too long and unwieldy. Other times I end up not making sense because I edited something out.
7. AP style and numbers: I am still working on 2 x 4, 2x4, 2"x4", or two by four lumber... which is right?

Calm down and focus.
I have learned this the hard way, and I still remind myself constantly. Don't panic when you get 25 direct orders in your box at once. Direct order clients tend to be psychic. They all submit their direct orders on the same day, at least mine do. It is hard not to rush when you feel like they are wondering why it's taking so long for you to get to their orders. Proof read every article, even if you have a whole list waiting. Always do your best, and if you are pulling an all night shift, go to bed when you get too sleepy. The articles will be there when you get up.

added by: author Kim Mc on 04/10/2011 - 03.31

Thanks, Keira for explaining the new program to us and what's expected. Although I originally applied months ago for the 5-star program and have heard little, I do plan on writing more for Textbroker now. Being a caretaker takes a lot of my time but we seem to have things under control now. You'll be hearing more from me.

added by: author SandyJames on 04/10/2011 - 07.37

Thanks for your thorough consideration of the 5-star writer designation. I don't believe my question has been addressed here.

You stated that 4-star writers will be considered for 5-star status *when* they pass the proofreading test. I am a 4-star with consistant 4-star ratings who passed the proofreading test a month ago when I started writing here. Will I automatically receive consideration for 5-star status?

Thanks,
Brooke

added by: author Brookelyn on 04/11/2011 - 08.52

Thanks for being so thorough in your consideration of the 5-star program. I find the standards very fair (including the proofreading test requirement). I just hope that we do not end up with too many level 5's for the workload.

The new program rules state that *when* an author passes the proofreading test, she will be considered for level 5 status.

My question is that if I've passed the proofreading test when I first started writing here and am currently a level 4, will I automatically be considered for level 5 status?

added by: author Brookelyn on 04/11/2011 - 09.08

I see that the proofreading test is available again, apparently having been reset for everyone, regardless of time factors. That will make some people very happy! Earlier, you mentioned that those who had submitted a request for level 5 before the new requirements were announced wouldn't need to take the test. Has that changed? Just wondering about the current status.

Thanks -

added by: author bets on 04/11/2011 - 02.42

May I assume that the proofreading test is scored in AP style?

AP has several little quirky things that I find annoying.

One is using numerals with the word century: 18th century, 19th century.
I do not see why it would be wrong to spell out nineteenth century, but AP is fussy that way.

Another place where AP differs from mainstream acceptability involves its rule for commas in a series.
The general rule is that you use commas to separate three or more words, phrases, or clauses written in a series.

AP: The flag is red, white and blue.

Purdue OWL: The flag is red, white, and blue.

added by: author EmilyQ on 04/12/2011 - 08.13

I think the extra pay off is a great idea. Having to wait for 14 days for payment becomes a problem if something comes up and you need money right away. I think it'd be great if there were extras offered each month. Just because there is the offer doesn't mean people have to take it. I'm just saying that the option would be awesome to have! :)

added by: author A-048874 on 04/13/2011 - 09.39

I regret I missed this blog post when it came out, but I have a question I've not yet seen answered - I have already passed the proofreading test and have consistently received 4-star ratings. Am I part of a backlog that will automatically be considered, or do I need to make a request? (If this has been answered, apologies; there was quite a bit of repetition to skim through.)

Thanks! Textbroker is my favorite place to write, and it only gets better.

added by: author Scrivener on 04/30/2011 - 11.13

Well, I have been a level 3 forever it seems because I like my commas and run-on sentences. I suggested this site to a friend of mine who signed on and was rated a 4- jealousy over took me, I can assure you. Anyway, he was level 4 forever and got knocked down to level 3 and hasn't made the higher level cut since then.

I realize he was just venting but in that process, I noticed a few of things he was talking about. For instance, as long as I have written for TB, I have noticed level 4 and 5 articles were few and far between and now it seems that is where all of the articles are and those of us level 3's need to hope there is work elsewhere because there is no money here, not even on level 2. He stated he felt that he was being picked on and only buddies of the editors are on level 4 and that's why all the articles are on that level as well. I am all for a good conspiracy theory but I think that may be a little over the top- he is one of those doomsayer kind of people but now I am worried. Chicken Little, is the sky really falling this time?

added by: author Jericubed on 05/01/2011 - 04.25

I'm happy that the 5-star rating promotion requirement list is explicit here on the blog, but I wish it would be a little more explicit somewhere when we're signing up. I took the proofreading test with no idea it would have bearing on anything else on the site. I, too, got an 8 out of 10, and no, I didn't mistake any instructions; I understood them very clearly: the test was damned hard.

Anyway, I think these guidelines should be posted somewhere else. I'd prefer it as a warning on the proofreading test. Perhaps others would like to see it also as a reminder on the Assignments page.

This is obviously an evolving site, and I think it's bad-ass for what it does now. Here's to progress!

added by: author Paris on 06/19/2011 - 10.59

Becoming a five star author is my key goal. Three-month hereafter I will have a success story to share. - KBri hare. - KBri

added by: author KBri on 07/03/2011 - 09.08

This does not refer to being promoted to a five star rating. I took the proofreading test and did not pass. I'd like to see what I missed. How can I do that?

added by: author A-040114 on 07/11/2011 - 09.26

Honestly, I hate this. I am no proofreader. I know this. I have written hundreds of articles and with one exception, they are all fours. The odd article out was a three, but that was years ago. I don't want to proofread and have no problem with not having access to articles that need to be proofread. I feel like I have to be a copy editor with perfect knowledge of the AP Style Guide to pass. Not to mention yearly changes to the AP guidelines. Without a study guide, I'm lost. At least create multiple versions of the test and show us what we have done wrong. How can we improve if we can't learn? Ideally, separate authors from proofreaders. If someone wants to do both that is fine but don't hinder those of us that don't want to.

added by: author Madalyn on 08/02/2011 - 02.46

I want to be a 5. Most of my work is scored as a 4. Do you suggest study material to perfect my writing? This is becoming a full time job for me now and I need to increase my pay. I cannot seem to pass the proofreaders test.

added by: author A-044784 on 09/21/2011 - 10.56

I agree with Madalyn--let's make two separate proofreading tests. A stricter test for those who want to proofread articles, and those who just want to pass to a 5 star rating. I have failed the test twice, and I have no idea what I did wrong. Study materials would be a great idea.

added by: author Jo Story on 09/22/2011 - 02.53

I agree with both Madalyn and Jo Story. I have no desire to be a proofreader, and don't feel like I should have copy editor level proofing skills in order to be paid more as a writer. That is why copy editors exist...it is a different skill set. That's not to say that writers shouldn't be turning in work that has not been proofread multiple times. Writers should turn in their best work, but not be required to perform the job of a copy editor. I have taken the test twice (once before I knew that it would be related to 5 star work when I got 70%, and then just again, when I actually looked up things I had questions on and got a 50%. The test seems arbitrary, especially given we are not told WHY we are getting wrong answers. I feel either specific study materials or access to correct answers would be great.

added by: author JM Real on 11/22/2011 - 01.33