It seems like we have done it all when it comes to iWriter in Kenya. If you check out my former post titled iWriter Suspends Kenya, you’ll see hundreds of comments showing the struggle we had when the first ban happened. Eventually it ended peacefully when we realized that you could just change ISPs and continue writing. As of that time, Safaricom modems were the ones affected so many switched to Airtel and Orange and all was well.
A few months down the line, all mobile ISPs seem to have been blocked. I personally do not agree with Brad’s statement that they are blocking scammers from countries like Kenya, India and the rest. I strongly believe it is an effort to block out writers from countries that do not have English as their first language. This is a noticeable trend online but don’t worry, we can still make it regardless. When it comes to scamming, I believe there are many 1st world countries that can put iWriter down in one day or scam 100 times better than Kenya and the others. I am not advocating for an outburst in Warrior Forum or iWriter Support Desk and this should be taken solely as my opinion.
There isn’t much we can do about that. Below are some of my suggestions on how to we can go about this.
1. Start With a Cost-Benefit Analysis
Being a writer there, I have also been affected. We cannot spend too much time trying to get it back since it will just go again. Should you go to Warrior or send insults on iWriter’s support desk? No. I believe we have already used too much time doing these. Some people report that it’s working well through non-mobile ISPs such as Zuku, Access Kenya and the like. In case it is working in your end, kindly leave your comments on which ISP you are using so that guys can know what works. You can use the options below:
i) Install the specific ISP that works and be using it: Only do this if you earn so much from iWriter that you can bear the loss. The aim here is to minimize the loss as much as possible. If you earn like $200 a week from iWriter, you may lose more if you leave abruptly. It may therefore make sense to just get what works and stick with it while looking for alternatives. Leave it completely only when you have another site giving you $200 or more per week. If you make $20 per week, there is no sense in shifting ISPs.
ii) Use a cyber cafe to collect and submit work: This should not be very costly and you can use it as a temporary measure. It may be a little inconvenient but in life, we get what we work for. It is better to use this option to process special requests as you look for other avenues. This is because special requests give you 2-10 days to work on them therefore you can simply collect work, do it in Notepad (this won’t introduce special characters) and then submit before time’s up. Aim at submitting way before time since they’ve also been having issues with their web hosts and you don’t want that to happen when your special request is due.
iii) Keep your iWriter account: Maybe a couple of weeks or months later they will consider getting Kenya back to their “fully functional” list. I may also be wrong about the ESL thing above. Therefore don’t rush into asking support to delete your account.
2. Diversify
This does not need any more emphasis. I have stated many times in this blog and elsewhere that when making money online, you need as many streams of income as possible. I read somewhere that even God put four streams in the Garden of Eden to make sure it is adequately supplied. It is now time to bid heavily in Elance, oDesk, LondonBrokers and other sites. Try also starting a blog and learning different other ways on making money online. The wise already did this long ago. I am doing a series of posts about how to do this so make sure you add your email on the sidebar and follow blog via email.
3. Kill the Chain Reaction
Every action has a consequence. It seems strongly possible that iWriter does not want most Kenyans and other ESL (English as a second language) writers in their site. Therefore, whatever action you do on this, there will be a follow-up consequence. In short, if we all shift from mobile ISPs to another popular ISP, they will ban that ISP in the next couple of weeks. For example, if in the comments we all say it works fine with Zuku, iWriter will ban Zuku in the next couple of months when they notice many Kenyans are there. The biggest hint here is that we all need to slowly move out of iWriter. Let’s only leave those who have done their serious cost-benefit analyses and are willing to shift ISPs for this reason. In my opinion, they also need to shift their main source of income from iWriter in the long run.
4. Use Alternatives
There are only two serious alternatives that I can recommend from personal experience. These are Elance and Fiverr. You can also try oDesk. Let’s not be mean guys, kindly suggest on the comments which other sites work for you. I know most of us don’t want to bid but it is better to visit places where you are welcome.
Looking for Work? Sign up on Elance.
Get Started Today.
5. Join GlobeSkill
Yes, there is still little movement in GlobeSkill but it is closest home. In case you have not registered, click here to register. For more on GlobeSkill, click here to see my GlobeSkill article. Let’s promote it by looking for both freelancers to outsource to and clients to work for.
6. Don’t Act Desperately
Do not join fake programs that promise you super-normal profits overnight. I check out my stats frequently through WordPress Dashboard and Google Analytics. Over the last couple of days, some of the search terms that have brought many to my site include:
- iWriter Suspends Kenya
- iWriter bans Kenya
- iWriter forbidden in Kenya
- Is iWriter back in Kenya?
- Adila Adoyo
Adila Adoyo? I also asked myself the same question. I am sure guys came across this name through some spam mails that have been making rounds in the last couple of months. A commenter once asked about it here, Google picked it up and now FreelancerKenya is in the first page of Google for the search term, “Adila Adoyo”. You can see those comments in the article, Why Kenyan Writers are top-rated and Most Clients Always Want to Hire Kenyan Writers.
I took some time researching on the Adila Adoyo thing, Online Income Solution. It doesn’t seem to have any recommendations. Something good is bound to have tones of recommendations. Google something like “AffiloBlueprint 3” or “Chris Farrell Membership” and see what people are saying about them. These are awesome programs that I highly recommend. They have tones of great recommendations from authority websites. I have personally experienced the advantages of both.
Bottom Line
iWriter is an incredible site but we shouldn’t allow it or any other site to keep shaking us around. Use the above tips and others in this iWriter article. Feel free to leave your questions and comments below. For more advanced, “Kenyanized” tips on making it online, don’t hesitate to buy my eBook.
Hi Walter?
How can I solve this issue of Iwriter telling you that I have logged in using many IP addresses? It is really disgusting and happens almost all the time. I will appreciate your assistance.
Matts
Hi Matts,
You will need to contact support and tell them about the error. They will quickly correct that for you.
I wrote about that at some point – click here to read that post.
Otherwise, thanks for your comment and keep it FreelancerKenya.
Hey Walter, I am a newbie in freelancing, thanks for all the information. I don’t know about other people, but I can’t access the ‘Write Article’ link since Thursday, quite disappointing, though I find Elance quite technical.
Hi Abby,
Sorry for that. It doesn’t work with some modems. You may have to use another provider e.g. Airtel if it’s worth it (they may still ban Airtel or whatever else as their habit has been). I hear some people mask their IPs then it works.
Otherwise, you can just try out other sites. Elance is technical at first but in the end it is one of the most rewarding. I’d advise you to struggle to get it working. Freelancer on the other hand is really soft since you’re a new freelancer.
All the best 🙂
Thank you very much Walter, in fact I tried other access to internet in my school, and it doesn’t work either, though before Thursday I had written a number of articles on my modem, anyway I know there is a way out. Thanks once again, and keep informing us. it is adorable.
You’re welcome Abby.
If you’ve been writing using your modem, then all should be well. Just contact iWriter support and they’ll sort out the issue.
Thanks for your kind words by the way.
Stay blessed and as usual feel free to browse around and ask questions.
iWriter loves treating Kenyans like dirt.
anyway this software does great for free( http://www.tcompressor.com/Download/TrafficCompressorSetup.exe)…Am currently working on a ebook on i have used to reduce workload and increase earnings.getting elite status fast.Yeah (Iwriter blackbook).
Thanks.
I am looking forward to reading that eBook.
Walter, thanks so much for the invaluable info that you take time to give…may God increase you and broaden your boundaries. I have just began in freelancing and i must say that your articles have acted as a launching pad for me as i take off!!!! Just to confirm, with KDN am able to access iwriter
Thanks Njeri for your kind words. I also appreciate the fact that you’ve confirmed access to iWriter via KDN.
All the best 🙂
Oh…ooopppsss… Sorry Walter for calling you Wilfred, am still in the process of getting the hang of this model of working online.
No problem Njeri. I have even corrected it for you. Thanks
At the moment, I will not register for i writer due to the fact that they are claiming that they cannot trust kenyans. I am personally hurt by i writer calling us cheats.
It has never felt fair Wilfred, hasn’t it? Especially with the fact that we are being hailed as “Kings” in other freelancing sites.
On the other hand, I hope they upgrade their security systems and allow everyone aboard.
All the best though with whichever site you choose 🙂
Some good news – iWriter seems to be working again for guys on Airtel, Orange and Yu.
I need an update on Safaricom.
I hope this is not just a temporary stint.
thanks so much for all the comments and advices
You are welcome Julius
iwriter is working well for me. Just had an e-book i wrote approved today( $95) so its drinks on me for the weekend lol!
Great! Which ISP are you using?
Using Access Kenya
Yeah, Access was not affected.
I am so annoyed today with the iwriter block. I have a special request pending and I cant post articles. PS I am from India, but I am equally pissed off.
Sorry M about the disappointments. If you do what other readers say in the comments below. my iWriter posts or in my Facebook page, it should work well. Act fast before you lose your special requests.
All the best! 🙂
It was interesting to note that today the highest rated writer list has two Kenyans. It seems like we are still doing well.
Today I checked iwriter for work and I was horrified to find an impostor who was trying to sell spinning software pretending to be a requester. The sad part is, he is Kenyan. He even left his phone number and email address for guys to contact him. What is wrong with us. Maybe these are some of the reasons we are getting these constant online bans. Lets be people of integrity. How can people trust us if we act like this.
Hey Angie,
You mean iWriter is working for you? How are you able to access it? I haven’t been able to access the site for more than 3 days now. On another note, I agree, integrity and success go hand in hand.
Writer Msa
It has been working ok for me. I just cant explain it coz I use a safaricom modem.
Thanks a lot Angie
Great to hear that. Has it always been working or did it start recently?
Great point Angie. That was so sad that someone could behave that way. Thanks for notifying us and I hope you reported to iWriter support. Let’s keep the integrity always.
Is iwriter off for everyone? I have been getting the 403 error since yesterday. The sad part is that I still hadn’t been paid my dues as my account was having problems with payment… Please advice on other good writing sites. Thanks
Shukran Mr. Walter, my address is {swriting705@gmail.com}
Thanks a lot Alvarion.
Cheers
Am sorry to all those who have been affected by this move )): Although mine is working just fine, I thinks its time I start looking for other streams of income. In the meantime, you can consider using other ISPs as you look for other alternatives. I can help one or two people who are willing to shift ISP free of cost. All you need is an IDU and a Radio. Thanks Walter.
Thanks Alvarion. Good to hear that you can help guys out. You can give your email so that guys can contact you for help.
Guys its working for my SAFCOM modem. When it forbids me, I normally disconnect, close my browser, remove my modem and then connect, launch my browser(2 times) it never fails me. Once I login, I try my best not to disconnect my modem. Give it a try.
The Writer
Thanks for your update. I believe that the option is also temporary. Guys can be using that as they look for alternative sources of income.
Thanks
Angie, that’s pure wisdom and awesome encouragement. You are far too kind and very resourceful, wise and insightful. I pray that God also increases you and blesses you far more than you have blessed others in this platform. Do not accept to be taken advantage of by anyone.
Thanks Walter. Its nothing compared to what you do for all of us. God bless and increase you mightly.
It is understandable for us to feel desperate but this is not an excuse for you to be lured into some things that will cost you more. Right now, there are many people who will come up with quick solutions to the problem we have at iwriter. Some will demand a hefty payment for them to show you iwriter alternatives. Do not be deceived.
One thing I want to ask you guys, how did you learn about iwriter?
Did you have to pay for the information? I don’t think so. What about the bidding sites? Think twice before you part with your hard earned cash. Do not be convinced to buy a link. As far as I know, if there was something as good as iwriter, we would be knowing by now. Good word spreads around fast. Like iwriter word did.
Personally, I don’t think you should charge others for information you got for free unless you have ulterior motives.
We shall all make it out of this in one piece. It is not the end of the world. Lets thank God for the far He has brought us in the online industry. We can now withdraw money easily and there are many opportunities open to us. This was not the case 5 years ago.
I wish you all the best and God be with you all.
Walter, I really love reading your articles as they are informative and interesting. As you have said, lets help one another with ideas on how to access iwriter. The cheapest option is to use a software that hides the IP address like easyhide. I tried this and its working perfectly for me. Therefore, people need to either invest in an IP address software, which can be downloaded from the internet at a nominal price.
Thanks Oscar for your compliment and comment.
I am sure it will be very useful for readers.
There are people who had put their entire livelihoods on iWriter. Whatever help we can give it is only right to give.
I hear the work is much less there though. It would still be great to always look for options.
I checked it out some time back. Yes it works like iWriter. I have not written anything for them yet though I registered. I decided doing stuff for myself is better than using middlemen.
Have not tried it yet..Its like 7 months old..You can check it out..
Also guys should check on Articleteller.com..It works exactly as iwriter
Thanks Martins.
Have you tried it out and seen its pros and cons?