I just received some sad news that Kenya has been suspended from iWriter.com on 10th July, 2012 until further notice. The reason given by their support team is the fact that they have had a lot of hacking, breaking accounts and stealing money attempts from IP addresses that seemed to come from Kenya.
This is sad news indeed as I had already pitted iWriter.com as the best article writing website. It is my sincere hope that they will sort out the problem soon. In case there are Kenyans out there trying to hack into their accounts, I hope this habit stops when they see what it has led to.
Meanwhile, I would advise everyone to spread their wings. Try using sites like Fiverr, Elance and any other legit freelancing sites. I would like to hear what you have to say about this so feel free to drop a comment below. Also as I stated in another post, try diversifying ways of making money online so that if one is affected, you can gain from another. It is my sincere hope that all will be well soon.
The following are real time updates on actions that were taken by both myself and other readers. Eventually, iWriter officially came back though partially.
Update (11/7/2012 – 2:11pm)
iWriter is back on for Kenya. I hope it will remain this way. Note that it is not back for everyone in Kenya. Keep looking out.
Update 13/7/2012
iWriter is now back for most Kenyans. There are still sections of the country where it is still banned. I believe soon the ban will be lifted everywhere.
Update 14/7/2012
iWriter is now not working again for Kenyans, only very few. It is fully back for India. I don’t know about the rest of the countries. From research, the following countries were also banned Litvia, Russia, Pakistan, Ukraine, Malaysia, Czech Republic.
Advice: Continue advocating for it to be back especially through Brad’s Warrior Forum iWriter thread by following the link below:
Use only 5% of your energy on this, 95% of your energy should be spent looking for something else and setting up your portfolio elsewhere. Think positive and remain optimistic for better opportunities. Click on “Follow Blog via Email” on the sidebar for more updates on how to make it online as a Kenyan. Kindly don’t talk dirty either here or on Warrior, it will do you no good. Just one post there is enough. After all, he is the owner and reserves the right to do what he wants.
Update 15/7/2012
Thank you for taking my advice and trying to persuade Brad to get us back. Let us remember that iWriter is Brad’s website and he reserves the right of admission. If he says we go, we cannot force him to let us stay.
Advice: Please let’s try to focus our energies on something else for now. Any more about him on Warrior Forum will just sound rude and defaming. Remember the goal is not to paint a bad picture of him, but try to get Kenya back on HIS system. I have posted my last comment there about Kenya and I have also refocused on other systems. For those who iWriter works for them, enjoy it when it lasts. If it doesn’t work for you, I am very sorry. Keep checking back every few days and maybe it may come back. Check my other posts below on what you can do to make it in the long term.
6 Freelance Writing Tips That No One Else Will Tell You
4 Surefire Tips for Securing Your Online Writing Business
Why Kenyan Writers are Top Rated and Most Clients Always Want to Hire Kenyan Writers
Here is Brad’s last response to Ndege, a Kenyan writer in iWriter. Let’s respect his wishes and ownership of the site, having already said what we feel (WSO means Warrior Special Offers):
__________________________________
Hi ndege, I agree. Trust me, if it were possible to allow you to write, we would. It is not possible.
Again, it is a case of dishonest people ruining for honest people like yourself. There is nothing more we can do now or in the future. And I’ll leave it at that. I’m sorry.
There are other writing sites that I would suggest you pursue. You can Google to find them.
If you have further questions regarding this, please use the support desk, and we will be happy to respond. Again, I’m very sorry.
Support Desk
I will no longer be commenting on this topic in the WSO.
Brad
__________________________________
He will no longer be responding as stated above. On masking IPs, contacting support or commenting to the forum, feel free to make your personal decisions but my opinion is LET IT GO. We’ll make it or make it, nothing in between. All the best guys
Update (16/7/2012)
iWriter is officially back in Kenya. This has been confirmed by Brad Callen in Warrior Forum and also by most writers in the comments below. There are a few IPs that are still not working. Brad claims that in case there is a spammer in your IP class, the whole IP class will be off. Otherwise, most writers are fully back on iWriter. Time to get writing!
Update 12/10/12
iWriter seems not to be working for guys using mobile ISPs. This is soon after guys were happy it was back. This seems like a deliberate effort to block out most Kenyans. Let’s keep looking for alternatives to avoid losses.
Update 15/2/2013
iWriter is now working for guys on Airtel. I hope it will come back to all other mobile ISPs. The problem though is that there seems to be very little work on the queue.
Update 16/10/2013
iWriter is still working perfectly for people on Airtel. Other mobile ISPs still seem to have problems but most non-mobile ones work fine. Workflow is also great and there have been no other bans on Kenyans for over one year. Enjoy writing on iWriter.
Hi Walter,
I woke up this morning, only to be surprised by this popup after trying to login into my iWriter account
“Due to high rates of fraud from similar IPs, this account has been closed.”
Is there any way to get my account opened again?
Hi Victor,
Sorry no. They suspended accounts from many countries.
Follow my guide here https://freelancerkenya.com/money-online/how-to-make-money-online-in-kenya-as-a-freelance-writer/ for better ways to earn as a writer.
Hi, Walter. Is it possible to find out why iwriter is back to closing accounts from Kenya? Are you able to persuade them not to do it indiscriminately? Collins.
Hi Collins,
Sadly it is. I suggest you stay away from this site. Use better options. Follow this guide https://freelancerkenya.com/money-online/how-to-make-money-online-in-kenya-as-a-freelance-writer/
Hi Walter how long does it take for support to resolve an issue on payments these days on iWriter? i.e. if the money was deducted from the account but never reached my paypal account. Should i expect the issue to be resolved ama its gone for ever?
Hi P.K
Instant to a few days.
How did this go?
Hi Walter, i need help,is there a penalty after you cancel so many orders? Also , does iwriter have issues with the IP address, lets say when they note you are logging from Kenya, can they block your account? or they accept writers from all over the world?
Hi Nish,
No penalty for cancelling.
They accept writers from all over the world. Some IPs e.g. Telkom may bring issues. If that happens you can switch IP or use ZenMate for Chrome.
Walter, you just saved my life and I thought you should know.
You suggested the use of ZenMate. I installed it and now I don’t get the 403 error which says that I am not authorized to view their index page.
Anyway because you have a lot of experience with iwriter, I thought I should ask, how many star ratings does it take for an account to be banned from accessing iwriter?
I have heard that it is 3.4, how true is this?
Thank you in advance.
Thanks Mathenge. Happy to help!
Check their FAQ page here http://iwriter.com/faq.php
There they state how many poor ratings it takes for one to be banned.
hello, how can i open an iwriter account? im using Telkom (orange)
Hi Gayo. You sign up at iWriter.com
I wish I had come across this site before writing at Iwriter. I had lots of trouble getting jobs since I am using a VPN and an orange line. Now I’ll be suspended since I was unable to submit an article because of the same issue.
Hi Gad. Not sure why you are saying you’ll be suspended. You can easily change your ISP in case you’re unable to access with Orange. But that’s not ground for suspension.
What happens when you do not submit an article and the stipulated time elapses?
It times out and goes back to the queue. No penalty for that.
Hi Walter, Thanks for the updates. I can access my account but it seems like the articles have become very few for standard writers.
Hi Margaret. Unfortunately they’re very few for Standard writers. You can get work between 9pm and 6am.
block account because of low score. I have only written 6 articles. When will I be allowed to log in again?
Sorry Terere. If it is blocked for low score, you just have to create a new one. I’d advise you strive to improve your writing before doing so.
Hi Walter,
My iWriter account has been blocked/banned, how do i contact support.
They say its cause of low rating, i don’t understand why they don’t warn you in advance or at least make sure to wire the money in your account especially if i was still working on an article when i got blocked,
Please guide me on how to recover my money that is currently in my iWriter account.
Thanks a lot my friend, appreciate every bit of your selfless effort as always.
Esther.
I feel saddened every time a writer has been blocked by iwriter.com. Most of the time, these are hardworking, intelligent and straightforward writers who have worked hard to build their ratings on the site. I advocate for all online writers to switch to other more lucrative deals. Don’t just rely on writing articles alone. There are other things you can do without risking much. If you want to get financial freedom and work when you want to, start thinking outside the box
Very true Angela. That’s some great advice.
Hi Walter, I have an account in iwriter, and my first payment was not sent. I set it to be on Tuesdays, but they didn’t send the payment. The money is still pending in the account. Advice please. Could it be an effect of new accounts?
Hi Austine,
I am also in iWriter and it works fine. Did you put the correct PayPal address?
Thanks.
japheth kiprotich too. i love writing articles and poems .i would like to make money for my upkeep in campus . please i need your help. email me japhethkiprotich@gmail.com
Hi Too
Thanks for this.
You can send me an email from the contact page. I will give you some great ideas on how to earn money writing.
Thanks
Hi Walter. I came across your blog after I had already bought an orange modem. From the comments posted, the only mobile IP modem that seems to work for guys is Airtel. Before I go out to get one, could you kindly tell me if it still works?
Hi Mike,
Thanks for your comment.
Yes, the AIrtel modem still works fine.
You can go ahead and purchase one. Especially if you live in an area with good network.
Thank you very much!
You are welcome Mike.
For those of you who cannot still use some modems or providers to get into iwriter, i can help you overcome that.
…Help us bro!
Thanks for the updates on iWriter Walter. Great info!
You’re welcome Brian.
Hi Walter? First of all I wanna commend you for the work you do, Your really are the person people should emulate. About iwriter, am using an airtel modem, why am i still getting the error 403 message? Kindly help.
Hi Victor,
Thanks for your compliment.
That’s strange about the Airtel modem. I am not sure why you’re still getting that. Where are you based?
Iwriter gets hacked again. This time round not by a Kenyan but a muslim article requester!! http://craizienairobi.blogspot.com/2013/09/ooops-iwritercom-gets-hacked.html
He he he…interesting piece.
who can tell me how cloudcrowd works
Does it really work? I have not heard of anyone who’s made money from it. I personally don’t endorse it.
@ Walter,
Hi, would like some help form you. Kindly write to me using alexbut1984@gmail.com
Hi Alex,
Kindly feel free to send me an email via my contact page.
Best,
Walter
Please no Jobs around. Help! help! help!!!
Hi Alphonce,
Sorry for your situation.
No jobs where? iWriter? You can try ArticleTeller and ContentCurrent.
All the best.
hey guys has iwriter been blocked again
Hey Muthonie,
It’s working fine.
Mine was blocked once and for all. I was new to it and I had around $ 40 yet my paypal was set to transfer funds from $50. I guess I lost the money.
Sorry to hear yours was blocked.
No, you’ve not lost the cash. Just contact support and they’ll sort you out.
hi walter,
you are the Kenyans we need, and people that the world needs.
Cheerz.
Wow!
Thanks Edie. I can also say that bloggers need people like you, you encourage me and others to go on.
Cheers 🙂
Hi Walter, there is a job I want you to to do for me. Kindly send me your mail at seowriting705@gmail dot com so I can contact you during the weekend. Thanks in advance.
Great! I am sending you the email now.
hi Walter,
seems you are pretty dedicated to what you do. i hope all freelancing Kenyans depicted such a spirit in their work, and stopped spoiling freelancing for those of us yet to embark on it.
Grateful for you.
Wish you blessings too.
Regards.
Hi Edie,
Thanks a lot for your comment. I always do my best to help others make it. It has always been my hope that this site will help many Kenyans get out of poverty.
Thanks,
Walter
hi walter,
its great following your comments. recently heard of iwriters from a colleague and i wanted to join.
However every time i try accessing the site i get a 404 error; forbidden. any ideas how i can accomplish that?
thanx.
Edie,
Thanks for your comment.
You may have to use the Airtel modem.
Thanks
Walter,
I am using orange. Now I cant even log on to the site.
Hi Suzan,
How is it now? It seems most guys from Orange cannot access the site.
Let me know if things change.
All the best
Hi Walter,
I can actually log in but I am can’t select an article to di. It sends an error message. Is it also the same case with you.
Hi Suzan,
Which internet service provider are you using?
Thanks
That is another method of blocking writers from a certain IP address. Bugs are inserted in the “Write Article” links
It seems like iwriter has today banned other ips like access kenya..too bad if that’s the case..shed some light to this Walter if this is true..
Check this link and give these sites a try.
http://www.kenyanreviews.com/2013/03/get-paid-to-write-content-mills-for.html
Good Luck!!!
Thanks for the link Reed.
Hi Alvarion,
There is no ban. The site works perfectly. They were just shifting servers.
Cheers 🙂
Apparently you can now access iWriter with your Safaricom modem without having to download any masking software. It still goes and off and you’ll still frequently get the forbidden thing.
Cheers 🙂
Go to piratebay and download a software going by the name “HideIpEasy.” Make sure you check rating to avoid installing a virus. Follow the installation guide to crack it. This will allow you to anonymize your IP address and access any blocked website including iwriter. You can thank me later.
If it works for you can send a donation of any amount to Petkimemia (at) Gmail (dot) com
@ReedFanuel..Spotflux is not working.ERROR 404/500.It seems most IP masking services are somehow providing our locations or something coz,the VPN I use is US based.I am able to access certain sites that can only be acessed from the US.I can log into i writer when I use this VPN over an Orange line but I CANNOT WRITE! I am using Airtel for the time being but Orange is much more convenient for me.
Use spotflux with an orange or safaricom internet connection. its working with me well.
how does it work guys….spotflux i mean
Hi Walter.It seems that on Orange IP is still blocked.Even when you use a VPN service,you cannot write any article or even edit your details!!!!Any Way to bypass this?
Hi Jared.
Yeah, I heard it is still blocked. You may have to either change to Airtel or try out other masking methods.
I advise though that you try out other sites. No need to chase it too much since other options may also not work.
All the best 🙂
Hi Jared. I can help you access iwriter.com. Go to http://www.spotflux.com and download the software under the “PC” option. Install it and run it. It functions with an internet connection. Therefore, in order to access iwriter.com your internet connection must be active and the software enable. If you need help just post it here.
Thanks Reed,
Feel free to try it out Jared and tell us how it goes.
Thanks
Yes, it’s without a doubt that we risk losing a lot if US is to impose sanctions on Kenya. For people writing for iwriter for instance, they will be affected since iwriter only pays through paypal. Our brothers in Zimbabwe and Iran cannot access their paypal accounts currently.
This is what they get “Error 3028. You have accessed your account from a sanctioned country. In accordance with international sanctions regulations, you are not authorized to access the PayPal system. For more information about your PayPal account status.”
Only hope is our shield):
Hi Alvarion,
I doubt that things will go the sanction way especially after the statements by the US officials.
Let’s remain hopeful and peaceful during this election period.
Walter
Hi Walter, What if America is to impose sanctions on Kenya for electing who they think is the best in the coming general elections? Do you thing the online community, who many of them get paid by the dollar will be affected? Thanks.
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.
Guys,
Just following up to see whether you have settled anywhere else other than iWriter.
On another note, kindly check out my post my new post about exclusive Payoneer benefits on the link below:
https://freelancerkenya.com/withdrawal-methods/benefits-of-the-payoneer-card/
Thanks
Hi,
Thanks for your comment.
Have you confirmed that the link is legit? I have checked it out and it looks like some common scams.
Thanks
I agree with Kennedy. The new look is awesome.
It seems like most people have moved out of iWriter though.
Cheers!
Great new look and awesome post Walter. I especially love your new posts.
Now, I am wondering, iWriter is not banned in Kenya right? Just mobile ISPs. So I suppose it should be okay to use IP masking software. Just wondering.
Thanks again Walter.
Thanks a lot Kennedy.
About the masking software, I leave the decisions up to each reader. Nevertheless, you are right that it is not banned in Kenya.
All the best 🙂
Hello Walter, could kindly explain what spam article is. Thanks in advance.
Hi Alvarion. Spam is generally something unwanted that is sent to many people. In iWriter, there are people who try to cheat the system by taking articles, putting in something that does not make sense and then sending it to the requester. The aim is to take advantage of the 3 day auto-approval setting. In case the requester does not reject in 3 days, you get paid for a fake article. If the iWriter system detects that you are doing this, you get automatically banned from iWriter..
I like the new look of this website. looks more profesional.
Thanks a lot Wanda.
I have been working on this design for sometime and recently rolled it out. I am glad you like it.
Whoever this “prodeeds” guy is..he surely can’t be trusted. His grammar says it all, yet he claims to be a writer; not unless he hires writers.
certainly hope he isnt a writer. its people like him who make us get blocked and such
tttaa,
I agree that we should always be careful when dealing with such guys.
Thanks
I am getting some questions on my mail on whether guys should trust prodeeds. As stated below, I cannot guarantee safety of your money when dealing with people from comments. I therefore would advise everyone to proceed at their own risk. There are people who take advantage of others in a crisis and there are also others who help out.
In case there are any issues, feel free to contact me at akowally@gmail.com. Meanwhile, I wish everyone success as you look for iWriter alternatives.
this guy prodeeds,.ati jst the url 10k.
Drive,
Thanks for the update. Imagine paying 10k then it does not work out.
Some of us remember vividly when Eazy-Pay was trying to con guys out of their PayPal cash. People always take advantage of desperate situations.
Be careful where you spend your hard earned cash. Nothing against Prodeeds but just protecting readers.
On checking I think the Iwriter ban has affected many countries because many of the writers cannot access the sites and in results the work should be more but since the ban in Kenya the work has reduced and this can only mean that it has also affected requesters from other countries. all i can advice writers affected with the ban to diversify from other writing companies that are more professional. If you need help contact me jonathanjoro0@gmail.com for a small fee
you dnt have to worry Kenyans I have a solution for you for more sites that pays well and no bidding involves and this will go for a charge to keep off jokers and hackers who have spoil for it for most Kenyans who were fully independent to iwriter I have also method you can access I writer but i bet it is not going to be a long term for more info contact me at jonathanjoro0@gmail.com
Hi Prodeeds
I hope your solution works well as Kenyans are really in need for one. As always people need to be as careful as possible when dealing with individuals.
Otherwise, all the best in everything.
Thnkx Walter I have a solution only for the best professional writers whereby they can make from 4 usd to 24 usd per 500 words no kidding no bidding this is what i have been doing for the past 7 mnth now and it is working great for me and also have a solution for those who might wish to continue with Iwriter but for sure that might not be for long term
OK Prodeeds. I wish you all the best in that. I can’t wait to hear the good reports from guys after they work for you.
Hey. Am a premium writer. I can still access iwriter. However am worried by the number of jobs being posted to my board. At most all i get is 3 pages. even at 2 am. Anyone else experiencing this?
That’s really strange about jobs being few. As always, I advise writers to do their best to get their own personal clients instead of depending on brokers like iWriter. If you market yourself well, you can end up with great Kenyan clients looking for content and paying you directly.
Thanks The Writer,
Make sure you do your research before joining any systems. Check out my new post on how for more insights:
https://freelancerkenya.com/article-writing-websites/another-iwriter-ban-affecting-even-more-ips/
Copy paste that to your browser address bar and check it out.
Hi guys, I’ve come across this link while looking for alternative ways to earn online. Kindly follow it and try your luck. Thanks. (http://cash111.com/ref.php?page=act/ref&invcod=80437)
cza’s comment is located in the post:
https://freelancerkenya.com/advice-on-online-jobs/iwriter-is-back-in-kenya-the-lessons/
It says:
The accounts have not been suspended. What they have done is to bar access to the accounts by banning IP addresses for Mobile ISPs in Kenya. There are several ways to circumvent this blockade including the use of purchased IP addresses from USA, UK etc. The easier way out is to visit a cyber which is powered by ISPs who are using the ADSL (fixed lines telephone lines) routers. I use a Livebox from Orange and I can access my account.
Just thought I’d add that.
Thanks
Hi guys,
Sorry for the experiences with iWriter. It is truly disappointing to keep going through this. Thanks cza for the clarification.
Praxids, thanks for informing us about londonbrokers. Guys should try it out together with others detailed in this site and in my eBook. Keep suggesting more sites. We can’t keep begging to be included in iWriter when things keep going like this.
What are you getting from support desk?
Guyz you can try londonbrokers .net it work like iwriter but mostly deal with UAWs.
applications are closed
Reed, which applications are closed?
Application for londonbrokers.net was closed about a month ago. The other thing is that they seem not to accept African writers. I had an account there but it was closed after i uploaded my ID. You can as well try your luck when applications will be opened.
Sorry about your account being closed. There are many writing sites that do not accept ESL (English as a second language) writers. You can check for this before signing up to avoid disappointment.
Otherwise all the best and work hard to get out of article writing and move to more professional writing. Look out for my post on that shortly.
Iwriter is working for me.
Which internet are you using?
Can anyone out there please advice me on other credible writing sites that i can diversify to when we are experiencing problems such as we are doing with iwriter now? I love writing articles and it is causing me much grief that I am not able to work now. Please, any useful info will be appreciated
Try others like:
Elance,
oDesk
GlobeSkill
Londonbrokers
it is sad indeed that Kenya’s accounts have been suspended by iwriter. What could be the reason this time?
It is devastating that once more, Kenyans are not able to access iwriter account from yesterday. We have our money there, the special requests are coming and it is like us writers, we are losing our credibility with our special clients. Is this a problem with the writers or just a few individuals? And why can’t iwriter tighten their systems so that such kinds of frauds do not occur?
Joseph
All modems are now not working
Hi guys. I have noticed the problem also. It seems we may have to wait it out. After the fluctuations that have been witnessed in iWriter, many guys have sought alternatives to avoid losing income. I advice everyone to get an alternative and go slow on iWriter till it stabilizes. Otherwise for those with special requests and regular requesters, I pray that it works out before they time out.
All the best 🙂
My end too has a problem..I guess its time to start talking with Brad “Again” I no longer understand what happening
Hi all, It seems that I cant log in to iwriter with airtel either. Its saying 403 forbidden!. Anyone else with this issue. Sir Brad, please save us from this coz we really love iwriter and it seems impossible to not have it 🙁 🙁
Hi guys, anyone having trouble logging in to iwriter using airtel?
Am having a problem, it says the “forbidden…” thing
is anyone having problems with iwriter today? seems not to load
Drive
Thanks buddy. You are always resourceful.
Hi WriterMsa,
It has been having such problems of late. It should come back soon.
hey guys,
Has anyone been experiencing problems with iWriter? It doesn’t seem to be loading well on my end.
Thanks for the information Brad.
Brad Callen and his group had also put that up in iWriter. In case anyone wants to see how much time is remaining, just visit iWriter.com and you’ll be able to see it. As of now it shows
iWriter is closed for maintenance. We’re sorry for any inconveniences this may cause, we will be back online in 21h 14m.
Of course this will change every minute.
Cheers.
iWriter is closed for maintenance. We’re sorry for any inconveniences this may cause, we will be back online in 24 hours.
Hello freelancers, i need two writers to help me in writing articles of 200-250 words for certain clients in the USA. I will pay 100ksh per article. Payments will be made once in two weeks via Paypal or mpesa. Whoever who is interested should contact me through my email address(reedfanuel@gmail.com). Only two writers will be taken and be sure to provide your credentials and certificates. Inquire much from me. Thanks.
All the best reedfanuel. I will only stress on professionalism on both sides. As I always say, FreelancerKenya is not responsible for any losses accruing from such jobs.
Stay blessed 🙂
thanks Walter.
Hello everyone, iwriter is not accessible today and it seems like the problem may take a couple of days before it is resolved. This is what Collen said to all writers at warriorforum.
‘A quick update, though, we are moving to another webhost, as our server upgrade is causing other issues, which I’m tired of dealing with. Iwriter will load for some, but not for others. The move should be complete in a couple of days. If iWriter loads ok for you, then count yourself as one of the luck ones. haha… Thanks for your patience.’
Thanks.
Hey Steve,
Thanks a lot for updating us. As earlier advised, it is always advisable to have multiple streams of income.
Thanks again
Yeah iWriter was down many times last week, especially during the daytime and I guess it’s because of numerous people trying to access the site. Thank God for this platform where we get informed on what’s going on.
Writer Msa,
It still seems to work better at night. You’ll even find better articles at night which by morning will have all been done, leaving the more difficult ones.
Thanks for your kind words about this platform Writer Msa. I thank God for his wisdom. Stay blessed.
iWriter is down once again. Its very frustrating working under such conditions yet Brad keeps insisting that everything is fine.
Hi,
Sorry to hear that. It seems of late it’s having a lot of hosting issues. I hope they sort it out soon.
All the best
Hi Walter, safaricom internet was never actually banned. It was a bit hard to access the site using it. I never had to change to Airtel. If you encounter the 403 error, just disconnect then connect again. Sometimes you may have to do it up to 5 times but it works perfectly.
Hi Angie,
Thanks for the information. I totally couldn’t access with Safaricom and it seemed to be the same for many writers. I am glad it worked fine for you. I guess for now it works perfectly for everyone.
Kind Regards
Am glad too many can be able to access iwriter using safaricom. And thanks for the good work you are doing here Walter.
Most welcome Angie. Stay blessed.
Hi All,
Just wanted to update you that you can now access iWriter via Safaricom Internet. I have managed to do that a couple of times.
Cheers
Thanks a lot guys-(am so glad we have this freelancerkenya site)…and Walter, i think Airtel Ke just fixed the data bundles problem, i was experiencing the same problem since tuesday.
Most welcome Kasuku. Big stuff coming to the site. Keep it FreelancerKenya.
I am glad Airtel fixed their issue. I’ll get back to them once my Saf bundle runs out.
Happy writing.
The site is fine now. Thanks Walter.
Great. Thank you too Steve. Have a great afternoon.
Yea you are right Walter, its a web hosting issue. Brad has just confirmed that.
Steve
Thought so. It happens once in while. It will be back up soon.
At Kasuku, its the whole world and not just you, lets wait. You can visit warrior forum and read about the error.
Thanks Steve. I guessed so too.
Anyone one else experiencing problems with iwriter? I have been trying to access the site today but its showing me an error Mysq, old authentication, SET PASSWORD and such…and am using Airtel KE. Advice please.
Kasuku,
Thanks for notifying us. I am currently using my Safaricom modem since Airtel had some issues with their data bundles which are being sorted out. I haven’t checked iWriter for quite a while. Perhaps it is just a web hosting issue which will be sorted out in no time. It happened a few days ago but was no biggie.
All the best
Same here, Kasuku, its really frustrating
iWriter iko down kiasi yake…..it’s not loading.
Are you using a Safaricom modem by any chance? You may need to switch to another ISP.
Hello everyone, Am writing to encourage you guys to apply for payoneer card and start withdrawing your money after a month of shipment. I hope this message is helpful to you all.
Thanks Steve. I have been sending the same message in most of my posts.
Cheers 🙂
Hi guys,
Just wanted to give a heads-up to those of you using Nationhela. You can no longer withdraw from PayPal as this option has been disabled. I found out this morning when I tried to withdraw some cash I had in PayPal.
Well,I might just as well bin my card since I only acquired it for PayPal purposes.
Yeah Lucy, it was disabled since last week. At least for those who are yet to receive their Payoneer card E-Pay walipunguza rates kiasi, almost equivalent to Nationhela’s and they’re working on reducing them further I have gathered.
Benleem,
Thanks for your comment.
Good to know that ePay-Kenya are planning to reduce further. They have been the most trusted and stable in the Kenyan PayPal withdrawal field.
Hi Lucy,
Thanks for your comment. I sent out a post immediately when that happened. Follow the link below to check it out.
http://freelancerkenya.wordpress.com/2012/09/12/epay-kenya-reduces-its-paypal-withdrawal-rates-nationhela-suspends-paypal-withdrawals/
Regards, Walter
anyone see the difference in the size of the draftbox? The font looks smaller than usual, or its just me?
Drive
True,
The font size is smaller. I can see something below that for spell checking, I don’t remember seeing it there before. I guess the differences will just keep popping up.
Brad should start a blog where he can inform users of the changes that are being made. It is advantageous for any website to keep its users informed.
Anyway, lots of great articles to write today.
Enjoy your writing 🙂
new to this.very resourceful.double thumbs up
Thanks a lot Nic.
Few steps to go:
– Enter your email address on the sidebar and follow blog via email.
– Like the Facebook page
– Enter your email address in the “Join My List” tab of the FreelancerKenya FB page [www.facebook.com/freelancerkenya]
Thanks guys for your comments.
Yes, it went down at some point yesterday night and is back up right now. I believe there’s a lot of work since it was down worldwide so get writing before others pick the good articles!
Benleem, thank you for being the bearer of good news in FreelancerKenya. I do wish you all the best in everything you do. Good always begets good.
Happy writing 🙂
iwriter is back and with new features….they were adding some features on the interface…can see how may tips a client has given and the average approval time
Already accessed iwriter.com. The issue has been dealt with I guess.
Thanks STV for the update. lets wait and see.
Apparently, a majority of brads IM portals are down >saw a thread on warriorforum
With the current situation on iwriter.com, do not idle around as there are other sites you ca n join instantly and continue your freelancing. Read this article and if you find it cool you can join the site:
http://avertiserchoice.wordpress.com/2012/09/10/writearticlesgetpaid-com-earn-money-today/
I wrote for those guys and they paid for a few weeks. However, with a balance of $50 in my account(and that means that I wrote 540 articles) They never paid despite approving them and there is no support system to channel my problems to. I do not even kno0w where my $50 went to and I cant ask anyone.
Also having the same problem. Ope it is because of the upgrading.
hi Kaz,
been experiencing the same problem too since yesterday night. Seems like a technical issue, hope they get it sorted out soon!
Hi; is anyone getting an error message on iwriter > mmysql……..user/ ….on prt 10 ama ni mimi peke yangu
I am also getting the error, It goes something like this: Warning: mysql_connect() [function.mysql-connect]: Too many connections in /usr/www/users/linkmetr/iwriter.com/admin/config.php on line 10
Critical database error: Connection was refused by server
Please try again later
The error is the same even if you try to access their support site.
Hope its temporary though.
Brad had a plan to upgrade and add more features on the site. Last week they sent emails to all writers to make proposal of some features they wanted to be added on the site. May be the situation as per now is as a result of the upgrading but am not really sure because they could have given a maintenance notice.
Hello,
is it just me or is anyone else experiencing problems accessing iwriter.com?
iwriter! Is anyone experiencing problems with an error message.
Sorry, you logged into iwriter with so many accounts
Sam,
Sorry about that disturbing error message. Check out the post below:
https://freelancerkenya.wordpress.com/2012/06/20/sorry-you-have-logged-into-iwriter-with-too-many-accounts/
Thanks
Finally I have done the post on NationHela. You can check it out through this link.
https://freelancerkenya.wordpress.com/2012/09/01/nationhela-review-is-this-the-paypal-withdrawal-method-kenyans-have-been-looking-for/
Remember to share it in your social networks for all your friends and their friends to see.
Thanks
Who has the Payoneer Us Payment service registration form ani sambazie. Been requesting the form from them but no luck so far (email: easypoetry (at) gmail (dot) com
no need of a form. click this link to register from their site.
https://payouts.payoneer.com/partners/Default/ordercard.aspx
Hey thanks for replying. I already have the Payoneer card. I only want to get the US payment service account… Thats all
Hey,
Here is the link to the US Payment service:
http://www.payoneer.com/USPService.aspx
Hi,
I also bought the card and having lots of issues,i also found out *348 is a chargeable service. Charges start from onset of card activation so if you do not have phone credit,you cannot activate your card. It seems the mobile phone charges are unmentioned and will apply each time you dial 348 for your card transactions. Am surprised that am starting to find hidden charges very early.
I still feel payoneer card will remain the best option.
Hi,
348 charges do not apply to Airtel so if possible guys need to register with Airtel. It is sad that it is not mentioned. Payoneer still seems way better.
All the best 🙂
Am I doing something wrong or does NationHela only allow deposits of up to 100 dollars ata go? Moreover, does it work instantly or do new users have to wait the three business days after registering the card? I do not know why, but their website keeps changing all the time. Bought the card yesterday and having a myriad of issues already.
I believe you can deposit much much more than the 100 dollars. They advise you wait at least 3 days. As a new venture, they have kept changing their site. I agree with you that they need to stick to one plan for some time before changing.
Hi freelancers, can anyone tell me which card is suitable for Paypal verification between the KCB card and the I&M Bank card ? Another question is that I&M Bank offers two safari cards; one for M-pesa services and the other i did not bother to inquire about it. Can both cards be used on Paypal?
Hi reedfanuel,
You can use any Kenyan VISA card for PayPal verification. There is no need to pay an additional Sh. 1,000 to get any of those prepaid debit cards. If you have a Co-op, Barclays, Equity, KCB or any other normal Visa ATM card, go to the bank and ask them to grant your card online access for free then use it for PayPal verification. If you wish to purchase the I&M or KCB prepaid debit cards, both will work fine. For more, click on the link below to see my post on PayPal withdrawals:
http://freelancerkenya.wordpress.com/2012/04/24/how-to-withdraw-money-from-paypal-in-kenya/
All the best 🙂
yeah Walter. And now,I just contacted the Nationhela guys and they told me that the card can also be used to verify a pay-pal account.
Thanks for the update writerguru. Keep sharing any new insights 🙂
Thanks Walter.Indeed you are doing an awesome job.We are waiting for the post eagerly.
Thanks Lilian 🙂
It will be worth the wait.
I hope you have put you are following the blog via email. You can do that by entering your address on the left sidebar where it says follow blog via email.
Thanks and have a blessed weekend.
I like the current development we are experiencing as freelancers. Walter good job here. We are eagerly waiting for that blog post. Thanks.
Thanks George. I want to make it as detailed and accurate as possible so stay tuned 🙂
@Lilian -where are u getting that information from? Do you have the facts?
Actually, i am all for it to work properly, i mean who does not want a convenient way to withdraw from PayPal? My comment came from my observations as i visited their site and read all their info, i went further to email their customer care to inquire about PayPal withdrawals and the manager replied my email that indeed it works.
Forgive me but i haven’t bought the card just waiting to see how well it all works out, though i managed to visit their site and calculate the PayPal sending rates. As of yesterday they had edited their site and all info regarding PayPal had been deleted.On clicking send money tab, no PayPal shows just the debit/credit and bank transfer option. Earlier on the PayPal option was present. Even as i write this the PayPal option is not there.But i noticed the edited their home page to include PayPal transactions today because yesterday there was no mention of PayPal.
Maybe it is a temporary thing,but i hope it all works out fine. As of now am not seeing the PayPal payment mode under the sending options,so am wondering how the withdrawals from PayPal are currently being done? Am also curious to know those who withdrew yesterday, yet there is no option for PayPal withdrawals except for debit/credit and bank transfer, how are they doing it? Check under the send money tab if you see PayPal withdrawal option, please enlighten me, i might have missed something, i don’t mind being corrected. After all, if it works out well its all for our good.
Am also hoping its all a temporary hitch,as i had plans of buying the card too.
Hi Lilian,
Go to the NationHela homepage and click on “Send money here”. Fill in the required fields and follow the procedure till when you get to payment details. PayPal is there.
I am doing a comprehensive blog post on this soon.
Thanks
Hi,Nation hela guys have just removed the PayPal services from their website.This will be disappointing to those who have just acquired the cards for PayPal use.
What? Yeah, that is sooo unfortunate. I hope it is something temporary.
I am seeing PayPal is still there. Just confirmed. Where did you get that information?
Lilian, That is not true. After I read your comment, I tried to withdraw some 42 dollars that I had in Paypal and the transaction went through.. I think you must be having the wrong information
Hi, I bought the card but I cannot be able to register online. I was able to activate the card and even have the online password. I can log in but I cannot be able to go further than that. Am I doing anything wrongly. And is the card pack number the whole of the 11 digit number at the bottom? I will appreciate your help.
Lucy
August 22, 2012 at 6:00 pm
Hi Stv,I think that Payoneer still remains the cheapest.
Here are the N-Hela rates:
$50-$99- ($6.50)
$100-$249 -($10)
$250-$349-($12.50)
$350-449- ($17.50)
$450-$500 -($22.50)
I had to manually enter the amounts in their system to get the rates.
Also bear in mind that there are other charges involved when withdrawing eg Mpesa,ATM charges. Here’s a link to these charges:
http://www.nationhela.com/?pg=tarrifs
Their charges are still much better than E-pay but their system is still not fully functional(Maybe there’s an overload). Withdrawals from PayPal are taking close to or at times even longer than 24 hrs.
Anyway,hope this helps.
Totally helps. Yeah, their charges are much much higher than Payoneer which by far remains the best. I have also tried checking manually in their system and confirmed those figures. It seems withdrawing less than $50 is either not charged or the charges are not written. Have you tried that out? Thanks a bunch Lucy for your great help in this issue.
Thanks
Yeah,I’ve actually withdrawn less than $50 and I was only charged for depositing the amount to my Mpesa.
I guess that’s where they have an edge, for withdrawals of below $50,
Thanks Lucy for your valued information. I’ll write about it soon after I have the facts right.
Hi Stv,I think that Payoneer still remains the cheapest.
Here are the N-Hela rates:
Amount Withdrawn Transaction Fees
$50-$99 $6.50
$100-$249 $10
$250-$349 $12.50
$350-449 $17.50
$450-$500 $22.50
I had to manually enter the amounts in their system to get the rates.
Also bear in mind that there are other charges involved when withdrawing eg Mpesa,ATM charges. Here’s a link to these charges:
http://www.nationhela.com/?pg=tarrifs
Their charges are still much better than E-pay but their system is still not fully functional(Maybe there’s an overload). Withdrawals from PayPal are taking close to or at times even longer than 24 hrs.
Anyway,hope this helps.
This nationhela thing looks promising. Lucy, could you please update us on the paypal withdrawal charges for amounts above the 50 dollar threshold
Hi George,
To withdraw cash from paypal:
1. Go to the NationHela Homepage(you don’t have to sign in)
2. Click on the send money here icon and fill in the details such as amount and your full names and mobile number. (please note that this is the mobile number mapped to your card) and continue to click on paypal.
3. You will then input your paypal details including the amount and confirm.
Hey guys. You can try contacting them for fastest response. Here is their contact link
http://www.nationhela.com/?pg=contacts
Hello, I bought a NationHela card and it seems promising. Anyone with an idea on how to withdraw money from PayPal to the card?
Hello everyone, I obtained a NationHela card today from DTB. Can anyone please explain a step by step guide on how to transfer cash from your paypal account to Nation Hela? Thanks in advance.
reedfanuel,
I have just checked out my transaction history. The withdrawal charges have always been $2.15 and not $3. Go to your Payoneer account, log in and go to account information > view transactions. You’ll note that the figures are different.
Here is what I get charged according to my transaction history (trx means transactions). It still corresponds with my previous link.
ATM withdrawal $2.15 Per Trx When withdrawal is requested
ATM withdrawal Decline $0.9 Per Trx When withdrawal request is declined
Monthly card account maintenance $3.00 0-2 trx/month From available card balance each month
Monthly card account maintenance $1.00 3+ trx/month From available card balance each month
Receiving Cash From PayPal 1% of the cash sent
Hi, I have received my payoneer card and am planning to use it this week. I have a question though. When you withdraw your cash from Kenya, do you stipulate the amount in USD or KSH? Do you have to approximate the amount to withdraw or the card reflects the highest you can get? When withdrawing, does payoneer factor their withdrawal fees or you have to do so yourself? I cannot wait to get this ball rolling..
Hi Andrew,
I am happy you’ve received the card 🙂 Now on to your questions:
“When you withdraw your cash from Kenya, do you stipulate the amount in USD or KSH?”
You withdraw in KSH if you are in Kenya. If you are in any other country, you withdraw in their local currency.
“Do you have to approximate the amount to withdraw or the card reflects the highest you can get?”
Check your balance online then approximate. For example, with the current dollar rates of 83.95 (19th Aug, 2012), the trick is to multiply by 80. For example, if you have $100 and the rates are still at approximately 84, (you can use the Windows 7 currency converter desktop gadget or just Google “1USD in KES”), go to the ATM and withdraw 8k. It works for me all the time. Remember if you try withdrawing more than you have, the ATM will decline and you’ll be charged $0.9. Therefore stick to slightly less than the exact conversion rate.
“When withdrawing, does Payoneer factor their withdrawal fees or you have to do so yourself?”
Payoneer automatically deducts the $2.15 when you withdraw.
“I cannot wait to get this ball rolling”
I understand the excitement, especially the low charges and excellent dollar rates 🙂 Happy freelancing and blessed Sunday 🙂
Hey thanks for the clarification. On the payoneer fee question, I wanted to know whether they will deduct their fees from the amount I withdraw (like ePay does), or if they deduct it from the remaining card balance. Thanks again.
Andrew,
The $2.15 will be deducted from the amount you withdraw.
Thanks.
Thanks for brother. I have confirmed you are right.
Most welcome. Thanks too for keeping me accountable on that. That’s what friends are for 🙂
Am so proud for the information guys. Its good to hear that there are other cheap ways of withdrawing money in Kenya, Am on my way to tao come Monday.
Reed,
Where did you get those figures? Check this link out for fee details. The loading fees don’t apply for US Payment Service, they apply when you receive cash from a site such as Freelancer, Elance e.t.c.
https://payouts.payoneer.com/partners/Default/Fees.aspx?pid=BfLuk8%2bZovpa6njeNk1iMA%3d%3d&langid=1&bhjs=1&bhqs=1
.Check out this link :https://payouts.payoneer.com/partners/Default/Fees.aspx?pid=PWHa%2fejvywrMrcHbAxQPMg%3d%3d&langid=1&bhjs=1&bhqs=1
Let me comment on link you have provided, for those people who use payoneer to withdraw money from paypal, the charges are as stated above(in the link). Your charges are for those you receive direct payments from freelancing sites that partner with payoneer.
Thanks reedfanuel for the link 🙂
I think the only one that is missing there is the $1 maintenance fee (3 transactions and above) or $3 for less than 3 transactions.
Anyway, it is great to have guys like you who are available to provide such valuable information.
Reed
The maintenance fee that I’m talking about here is the monthly one. I can see it in my account history.
Anyway Payoneer are doing a great job 🙂
Lucy,
I have just checked my Payoneer account and I’m seeing they charge a monthly fee of $1 on some months and $3 on others. The other charges are as above. Looking forward to your comparison.
Hi guys,
Thanks for the updates. I am also very much interested in knowing the Nationhela rates as I joined Payoneer the other day but wouldn’t mind moving if I got a better deal elsewhere.
Writer Msa,
Thanks for your comment. I always advise that one gets all the good available options. This way you are okay both when you have an emergency and in your regular withdrawals. I agree that it is great akina Lucy are giving us updates on how N-Hela works.
Hi,
I finally received my cash from N-Hela last night and withdrew via Mpesa.However,I was not impressed that it took 24hours for the cash to reflect in my account. The DTB guys should do something about that.
Walter,I’m not in a position to compare the N-Hela fees with Payoneer since I’ve not used the latter.You said that Payoneer charges $3 for every transaction. Does this fee apply regardless of the the amount you’re withdrawing? If that’s the case,then Payoneer would still remain by far the cheapest. I’ve applied for it and I’m waiting for approval.
Lucy,
Payoneer charges $2.15 per withdrawal regardless of the amount. It also has a $30 yearly charge also regardless of how much you have in a year. There is also a monthly charge of around $4. Whenever you receive cash you’re charged 1%. It is good for someone who works online a lot. The more you earn, the more negligible these fees will be. As per my research, the average freelancer earns 30k-100k per month so you don’t even notice them. Assuming you were on epay, you would be charged more than 12 percent of the cash which is humongous. More on my link below:
http://freelancerkenya.wordpress.com/2012/04/24/how-to-withdraw-money-from-paypal-in-kenya/
Another upside is that the dollar rates are really good, actually the day’s rates. There are guys who say N-Hela’s rates are bad. I hope this is enough for a comparison.
PAYONEER FEES
Annual card account maintenance $29.95 Per Card From available card balance each year
Card replacement $12.95 Per card One time – when issuing a replacement card
ATM Cash Withdrawals or Transactions
ATM withdrawal $3.15 * Per Trx When withdrawal is requested
ATM withdrawal Decline $1.00 Per Trx When withdrawal request is declined
ATM Balance inquiry $1.00 Per Trx When inquiry is made
Purchase Transaction Free * Per Trx When a card is used for purchases.
Clarification:
This means they charge $29.95per year for you card maintenance and this fee if automatically deducted from your balance in the card. For any successful withdrawal no matter the amount, the fee is $3.15 and for any unsuccessful withdrawal the fee is $1.00. To check tour balance the charge is $1.00.
This is the cheapest way a Kenyan can withdraw money from PayPal.
Thanks reedfanuel for clarifications. Yeah, Payoneer has been the cheapest way of withdrawing. I’d like to see how that compares with N-Hela.
Wait guys,last night I received an email informing me that my NationHela a/c had been debited with the cash that I withdrew from paypal.
I hadn’t actually checked my N-Hela balance. The amount is not reflecting in my a/c but I’ve spoken to their customer support. I’ll let u know once the whole issue is sorted out,there’s a bit of a hitch with their system.
so,hold your horses till then………
Lucy,
Thanks for your comment.
Please keep us updated on how it works out.
Thanks 🙂
Relax Lucy. Apparently for online transactions the card must be activated by a certain pin you receive about 72 hour or less on your phone. But for other transactions you can use it instantly after activation. I have bought one and spoken to the DTB dudes (all of them are wearing the blue Nationhela Tshirts!). I love the way they take security seriously and the future looks great. I give glory to God. Just wait till Monday or Tuesday and after that you will be able to use the card hata kama ni Weekend ama Holiday. Otherwise keep updating us as you promised. Lovely time!
Benleem,
Thanks you too for your kind follow-up on this. The efforts both of you are making don’t go unnoticed.
It has already been established that their rates are lower than ePay. I would like to know how they compare to Payoneer. I guess that must be the biggest question our readers have since most have moved to Payoneer in the last couple of months.
Thanks and thumbs up for your efforts.
That Nationhela thing is the best. I used ePay for long but their services were too expensive not to mention their exachange rates. So I shifted to nyumbanipap.com but although it is cheaper than ePay, it still is too costly. That is why am on my way to tao to get that nationhela card mara pap
Writerguru,
Thanks for your comment.
Yeah, it seems to be working well for guys. It is good to have more options.
All the best 🙂
Hi guys,
I bought the NationHela card jana and I’m so glad that I did. I activated it and withdrew some kidogo cash that I had lying around in paypal and my transaction was actually successful.Their rates are awesome,they don’t charge when you withdraw up to $49 from paypal. Charges begin when you withdraw $50 and above. Of course there are charges for transferring the cash to M-pesa or wherever,but its less than Ksh 100 which is quite fair.
All in all,its much cheaper and more convenient than Epay,which charges approx $8 even for withdrawals of $30.
Wazi Lucy! Awesome you are. I will be purchasing the card today and withdraw a couple of dollars and I will see. Glad you are successful. I could not believe the card works instantly after purchase and activation but you just confirmed it. They also have a very prolific and efficient customer care who even call back in case your credo dies while conversing with them! Thanks again.
Hello Lucy, What’s the process of withdrawing money from PayPal using NationHela? I can’t figure it out……. Thanks.
Hello Walter,
Your website is an immensely rich resource and encouragement for Kenyan writers. Thanks you so much for the wonderful work you are doing. I would like to join you in encouraging writers from Kenya to spread their wings and diversify! Diversify; Diversify; Diversify! This is how you can protect yourself from all the changes that inevitably will happen when writing for websites.
Walter, I hope you don’t mind me sharing with your readers a link on my website to a comprehensive list of Best Upfront Pay Writing Websites and Blogs writers can apply that I compiled from years of personal research. Most of the sites I list I have worked for and have found they can provide steady freelance work. I think the list will go a long way in helping our writers from Kenya to diversify their writing. Here’s the link:
http://webwriterspotlight.com/best-upfront-pay-writing-websites-and-blogs-101
Writers, check it out and apply where applicable. I am sure the list will help you protect yourself from unfortunate situations like happened with iWriter.
Thanks David for your kind words and the link.
We are slowly getting there and i hope it happen soon. I will personally inquire more and let you guys know. Thank you.
Guys, I am kindly suggesting that from now on we post anything about PayPal withdrawal on my PayPal post. Here is the link.
http://freelancerkenya.wordpress.com/2012/04/24/how-to-withdraw-money-from-paypal-in-kenya/
It will really help readers that way.
Thanks in advance.
@Epay response- I totally appreciate your services from the bottom of my heart. However, I wish they had a better way of addressing concerns raised by their customers instead of condemning them whenever an issue like that is raised. We all know that no one can satisfy everybody. Even so, it is important to work on such areas in order satisfy their clients . As for KENYAN 85, and EPAY, you should learn to respect each person’s opinion as this may not be a very good way to respond. To close this discussion, my wish is for Epay to continue serving our beautiful country for many years to come. Thank you.
I just stumbled upon this site:http://nationhela.com/. They say they are owned by Nation Media Group Limited and I found what they say about their services really interesting. Copypaste from their site:
“Unlike other money transfer services, with NationHela, you conveniently send funds online, directly from your Paypal account, Debit or Credit Card.
What’s more, recipients back home get the funds that you have sent straight to their NationHela account, in Kenya shillings, which they can access via a NationHela prepaid Visa card and/or via their mobile phone.”
Perhaps we are getting there faster than we thought!
I have reviewed the NationHela website, looks promising, but still needs to be tested. I would like to know more on how they process the transaction directly from paypal. Will visit DTB personally and inquire about the matter. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Benleem about your update on NationHela. I have just checked with domaintools.com and seen that their registered owners are Nation Media Group. I hope it works out well with PayPal.
Thanks ePay for coming to make things clear. I must admit that I love your customer care. Kenyan85, I always love your point of view. We all have the freedom of choice.
Once again I would refer readers to the post on the link below for further information on these two:
http://freelancerkenya.wordpress.com/2012/04/24/how-to-withdraw-money-from-paypal-in-kenya/
The main advantage of ePay is you get your cash in minutes while the main advantage of Payoneer is that their rates are extremely low. Both offer great services and have great customer support. I hope Njagi is now fully answered.
All the best 🙂
Guys, here’s the deal. It’s a free country, and we as human beings have choices. I have been using Epay Kenya for close to a year now, and I am OK with their high fees because they give me something I need most – Convenience. Begrudging the Epay Kenya rates is like going to Westgate and asking why everything is so expensive, when you can go to Uchumi or Naivas. I love the Epay team, and they’ve always delivered and are reliable, not forgetting secure. That’s how life is : there is a hierachy in everything, and not everyone is going to be OK with their rates. We all have choices in this world, and no-one is forcing anyone to stick with a service that they aren’t happy with. Cheers guys.
This is what Mr. Caesar had to say when I asked about the issue.
“Our exchange rate is always conservative because we do not receive our money from our partner gateways as fast as our customers receive from us. It takes one month before I can receive the money I send to you today. This has an impact on our cash flow already and the worst that could happen is a negative fluctuation in the exchange rate. We have been adversely affected by this in the past and that is why we choose to be on the conservative side in order to cushion ourselves from any unforeseeable appreciation of the KES. Our banks are also not that generous in their rates as you have indicated. Please understand that we do not have such a comfort zone when dealing with forex as the banks. I hope you understand. Regards, Caesar.”
I personally don’t agree about the cautioning especially when this involves our hard earned cash.
I believe with the mechanisms they use, there is little they can do about that. That’s why we can choose from the two options. It is like the Safaricom/Airtel competition, when one doesn’t deliver, you choose the better one and forget about the other one. You can register with both and only use ePay with emergencies.
I have gone through the issues touching on ePAY and I totally understand your basis for being critical. The one thing I would however like clarify is the notion of ‘taking advantage.’ This has never been and will never be part of our business strategy as are aware that it does not work. In any case this can only work in a monopoly which is not the case as we acknowledge the existence of competitors who are offering similar services and at even cheaper rates than ePAY. Wisdom has however taught us that cheap can sometimes be very expensive. As Wally correctly put it, one has the freedom to choose the provider who gives him/her the perception of value, whether it exists in real sense or not. We believe that given our cost structure, we are giving the best value to our esteemed customers and the only way we can afford to reduce rates is if and when we get a reprieve from our current cost structure and those who have been with us longer are aware of our efforts towards this end. And as Njagi has correctly observed, other companies have come and gone and whenever they go, there are always a few casualties who loose what he described as hard earned cash, all in pursuit of cheap alternative providers. Yes we have many customers who believe in our brand. These are customers who believe that the ePAY experience is not just about cheap rates but has everything else to do with the safety of your paypal account, reliability and never running out of funds, quick response to customers’ queries, secure transactions having implemented a truly international KYC (know your customers) policy and the list is endless. What value do you give to peace of mind? As for the exchange rate, yes it has been a while since we adjusted it and would appreciate if our esteemed customers can be patient and allow us to make decisions that are mutually viable. Late last month we run a promotional rate and offered better rates than the banks were offering. How I wished Njagi pasted the email we released announcing the promotion to this blog.
useful and clear to the point. Thanks epaykenya.com
I might be the oldest user of Epay services around and I know where we have come from, the teething problems we underwent since the days of Epesa, through terrible disappointment of Paypal refusing to release our money for various reasons. At one time they almost lost thousands of dollars before Paypal finally gave us some breathing space. I’m sure from all the challenges Epay has gone through and the platform they have created a time will come when the rates will go down and Paypal would have trusted us more to allow withdrawal into local banks. Otherwise, all I know God listened to our prayers in 2010 and paypal allowed us to send and receive our money and the same God will do more in the near future. I can feel it :).
Good to know you’ve been using their services for that long. They’re great and may God keep blessing them over and over again.
Yes, we listen to our customers and take action as appropriate as we can given the circumstances. We are happy to announce that effective 13/09/2012, the deposit commission rate will go down from 10%+1.5 to 8.5%+1.5. The Withdrawal fee will remain the same (USD 3). This is more so in appreciation of your loyalty over this period of excitement. As has always been our tradition, all our rates are published on our website, meaning no hidden surprises. Our calculator has been revised to reflect the new rates. You can count on our commitment to continue serving you diligently.
ePAY-KENYA Team
Thanks Esther for the update. Very timely indeed.
Yes reasons, how about exchange rates? Can you explain that kidogo.
I can’t tell why they choose those exchange rates. What I know is that they try to make the most profit. They’ve been in business for three years and have their faithfuls who are okay with those prices. The only other option is Payoneer for those who are not.
Hi Walter, these guys are taking advantage of the situation. av been submitting many tickets to see if they can at least reduce their charges. Aside from charging high transaction fee, their exchange rate is also questionable. Such companies have existed in the past and today they are no more. Am not ashamed of my remarks.
I am sure they must have their reasons for charging what they charge, especially due to the fact that they are using third party gateways (chuchihosting) while Payoneer is direct to your virtual account. Try Payoneer and you won’t be disappointed.
Hello Walter, can you please tell us weather there is another way of withdrawing money in Kenya aside from epay? Their exchange rate is questionable not to mention their charges which is very high.
I would also love to know if there are other withdrawal options. Although Epay Kenya is efficient, I think they are taking advantage of the situation. Applied for a payoneer card, got accepted, and still waiting for the card to arrive. When it does, I will definitely switch.
Payoneer.com. you can join and follow all the instruction needed but it takes along process. You will have to wait for long, i do not know how long. I have never heard of anybody using it. They will send you their visa card that you will use to withdraw funds. Card maintenance is $20 a year and withdraw fees is $3 per every transaction. To assure you the only ways are epaykenya.com and payoneer.com. For sure writer for iwriter.com and using epaykenya.com its a hell of great loss. The charges are too high and the exchange rate is………The only help we can get, that is if it ever happens, is a from any Kenyan bank will provide paypal services.
Hi. I agree ePay charge highly. Payoneer is by far the best as stated above. Andrew, just wait for the card to come. Reed, it is not a Visa but a MasterCard. Check my post on that on this link:
http://freelancerkenya.wordpress.com/2012/04/24/how-to-withdraw-money-from-paypal-in-kenya/
I am seeing lots of comments about CloudCrowd and guys sharing referral links. It would be great if someone posted a user review. The guys I know who have actually tried it from Kenya have not had much success in terms of actually getting jobs done. It is important to note that if you refer someone to a site where they’ll not get jobs done, you won’t get any referral commission.
Since I have only gotten one real user review via mail, here is what they said:
“It is hard to pass the credential tests that they have even if you are a super writer in other platforms. Most well paying jobs require you to pass the credential tests. Most people get rejected in writing tests due to the fact that they are English as a second language (ESL) writers.”
I may not get time to write a whole post on CloudCrowd unless Kenyans start making significant cash from it. Therefore, you can take your time and read these useful resources about it and then decide if it is worth your time. In case anything above or below is not true, feel free to inform us here. All the best and stay blessed! 🙂 🙂
http://www.cloudcrowd.com/support/worker-faq
http://getpaidtofart.blogspot.com/2010/08/cloudcrowd-review.html
http://freelancewriterroad.com/2011/04/cloud-crowd-review/
http://freelancewritingjournal.wordpress.com/2011/08/03/cloudcrowd-review-legitimate-freelance-opportunity/
http://reviewopedia.com/workathome/cloudcrowd-reviews-legit-or-scam/
Feel free to do your own search and get well informed so that you can be successful and tell us about your success. Best of all, give us real user reviews of your successes and challenges. Cheers!
Hey guys,
I agree with Walter that we are simply wasting our time if we endorse sites that are not beneficial to us. 🙂
On Martin, Halo Walter, Halo Martin, so long. If you cancel an ebook, it will negatively affect ratings for the next two weeks. Be careful what you pick. eBooks can be discouraging somewhat.
Hello Njagi.
Thanks for the update. I never knew that. Feel free to always update us on such.
I totally appreciate 🙂
Damn iwriter can be frustrating. i work my a** off to get from standard to elite in a week n then they shave off 0.5 off my rating coz i canceled an ebook project(30 seconds after i picked it). sucks that there isn’t a site like it that doesnt aim to punish writers with bad rates and a rating system that doesnt work…nitapeel back their mask kama miguna alafu nipotelee canada nkt
Hello Martin,
Sorry for your frustrations. I have never experienced such. I have cancelled so many articles without any lowering of my rating. You can confirm to see if there is any recent rejected article that lowered your rating.
As I always say, the Miguna thing or these shame games will just affect your credibility and possibly mess up your future. I normally sort out issues with Support directly in case it’s so bad.
All the best 🙂
Hi everyone,
Cloudcrowd is really great,as long as you ensure that your credibility is good. This basically means ensuring that you carry out your tasks perfectly,since rejected tasks lower your credibility.
I’m yet to write an article on this app,though I know that they pay around $0.03 per word,which means you can earn around $15 for a 500-word article!! You can also review articles written by other writers and get paid for it. Other menial jobs such as research and categorization are also available,and they help you make petty cash when you’re feeling lazy.
I think that it is worth mentioning that they really do send you your payments the very next day,regardless of how little!!
Anyway,do try it whenever you get time.
https://www.cloudcrowd.com/i/hgmw66
Thanks guys for your recommendations and feedback. Keep updating any new great sites, you are really helping others more than you know 🙂 Stay blessed
I just checked cloudcrowd and it looks very promising. They pay on a daily basis. Thanks Lucy and Andrew.
It’s a great plan B in case iwriter messes us up. Just check it out here https://www.cloudcrowd.com/i/5ovaw1
Hey guys,
I joined cloudcrowd as recommended by Andrew and its working out great,their rates are awesome!
Try it out https://www.cloudcrowd.com/i/hgmw66
It’s nice to know that all is working for you Lucy. Clowdcrowd is a jewel that people should ty out. I am trying to venture into academic writing. Anybody knows of any good sites? Apart from Academia Research of course….
you could try 4writers.net, allwriting.net, essaywriters.net, awriters.net, thepensters.com…they are so many.But the jobs are seasonal…kumekauka these months
Has anybody written for writersdomain.net. I need help. Reedfanuel@gmail.com
hi, Walter, someone i know just suggested to me to try “constant content”- a site that is like ‘Helium’ i guess, but better. Have you ever had of it? I am sorely tempted to try other sites especially after iWriter blacklisted Kenya for a while. But i am not sure if i will get my funds though they stipulate that they all pay through Paypal. I have heard that there are sites e.g. ‘associated content’ which swear to you that they will pay you, but once you have submitted all your articles, suddenly let you know that they do not deal with writers outside the US.
Hi Elodie,
Thanks for your comment.
I have heard of constant content but haven’t tried working with them. As for Associated Content, yes they only work with Americans.
You are doing the right thing, keep checking out other sites and come post back here. It will help us all.
Thank you
Hey, many content mills that I know of are experiencing a dry spell at the moment. Tyr ecopywriters.net. I have an account there, but have never written a single piece though. You can also try cloud crowd, it is a Facebook plugin that has assignments at times. The good thing with them is that they pay as soon as the article gets approved. You only have to adhere to a strict writing guide. Finally, you can try contentcurrent.com. However, you will have to write a 500 word sample that they do not pay. The approval process can also last for eternity. Good luck.. If you need more sites to try just holla!
Thanks for your comment Andrew.
It is great to give guys alternatives to use.
I guess the bottom line is, have you made serious money on any of these sites? That will take us to the next level where you give us tips on how you made it.
Thanks
Guys,
I hope you have seen the updates on changing your ISP. I really feel for Stv who has been instrumental on everything but her iWriter account still had issues.
@Stv, Which ISP do you use. Personally I use Airtel and maybe that explains why mine was never affected. They are currently running an offer for Sh. 999 per modem and 2999 for the high speed one. I find Airtel the best in Kenya since they have fast and stable unlimited internet for 3k per month or 750 a week.
Anyway, guys keep posting updates on how you got your iWriter accounts back.
As for the scammers, kindly find something better to do than messing up other Kenyans.
Regards,
Walter
Yah, guys u can use a different ISP to sort out the situation but PLEASE PLEASE, no short cuts this time round. We cannot have a certain Mbugua giving a certain Otieno special requests! PLEASE guys just work hard and you’ll succeed. I guess this is the reason why some IP’s were been banned.
I received this message from Brad concerning my IP (41.90.207.216), “While most of Kenya has been reinstated, we still have a handfull of IPs that are blocked, and your IP is on that black list. Sorry about that, the IP will not be unblocked very soon.
Brad”
Two points stand out clear:
1.I had enquired about my account and my IP-his feesback was on IP.
2. My account is ok, just the IP.
2. Change baby change to another IP–tomorrow God willing I’m getting Orange 3G modem.
Otherwise I have been working in iwriter.com for a long time now-still I’m-and I have no intention of stopping. I have also been around for so long and this is not the only issue that has challenged my online career. We worked without Paypal,we prayed to the Almighty God and in a Whisker, it started working for us. That was a miracle that literary convinced me God is still involved intensely in the affairs of men.
My IP is above, compare it with yours and in case we are in the same class, then do not discard or sell your account-listen to Walter’s advice above-simply change your modem or something.
I see something big coming out of all this debacle and I’m praying to God to open our eyes and bless our industry.
Love you good people.
Daima Mkenya.
Hi benleem,
Have you changed to Orange already? Is it working?
I like the fact that you are depending on God for all this. It is true that we’ll have different challenges in our online careers but with God we’ll overcome them all.
All the best and keep us posted
Yes mine works too, already done four articles and all is still well. Had problems with Safaricom, but when I switched to Orange my problems ended. Thanks for the moral support guys.
Vipi Walter. I decided to try Airtel, the cheaper modem and it is at par with my safcom modem of all wonders! I can connect to iWriter without any issue. Bottomline: Most, if not all, Safcom IPs are the issue. Sorry for the late reply.
Great to hear that 🙂
I guess right now the only way to get it back is to change internet providers.
I hope all have theirs back.
All the best in your writing!!!
Hey Walter, it has been revealed that the whole thing was a cleverly executed marketing trick. Brad did it with a purpose to boost the popularity of the site. That is why he strategically posted in Warrior forum knowing that people from the affected countries will find the thread there. It is said that after the thing was resolved, the popularity of iWriter had grown because they registered over a hundred new clients and in Kenya only, there were over a thousand new writers who signed up after reading posts such as this one. Good thing that it is back though.
Hi Wanda,
Thanks for your comment.
Who has revealed all this information?
change your network: wireless, saf, zain….once you change it’s working.
Is this problem still persisting for any other individual, or am i the only one suffering?; i was able to write a few articles on monday before the error 403 thing came up: i think relocating is the best option, guys would appreciate some info on other locations outside nairobi where iwriter is functioning. Thanks
@Martin,
I don’t think going that way may be a good idea. If what you are talking about is buying an account, then you may just bring more problems to Kenya in case this gets found out. Remember everything online is public.
@All
I do not endorse exchanging accounts or having someone else run your account. Just putting up a disclaimer that anyone engaging in that should be doing it at their own risk.
@walter, i too don’t think people should buy accounts as the process lowers writing standards badly. Look at it like a subletting arrangement that does not in any way violate iwriter terms of service since its impractical for legit writers to simply pack up and move to unaffected areas so they can write. i do get your point and want to state clearly that am not suggesting some fishy deal but a clean way for legitimate writers who were caught up to regain their livelihoods
OK Martin. I hope it is as you say. All the best 🙂
woie walter,
i finally gave up on my iwriter account…. its not been working and i can tell it won’t be working anytime soon… owing to my ip class and all… nway lets wait n see…
hi guys, i personally know it sucks big time losing a Writing account after investing your time and resources with the hope of improving your situation. i think i can help as the area where i am right now iwriter still works and i consider it a big waste giving up on an elite or even premium acc. whoever wants me to run his/her account can contact me and we can work something out. good luck with all your endeavours
Sorry woodshoe450. I know it must feel bad but don’t let it put you down. Continue trying out other things detailed in this site. The loss may be a blessing in disguise.
Hi writermsa, you can try out the Craigslist US cities writing section for now. If I hear of any recruitment drives, I’ll let you know. Thanks
yeah,i just confirmed. I hope Brad finds a way to sort out the issue with the rest of the iWriters, in the mean time heed to Walter’s advice and seek greener pastures
hello, iwriter is not working for me bt on other computers its going through.
Alphan
Sorry man. I hope that soon everyone will able to access.
Don’t give up, try out other sites and use other tips on this site and you’ll make it. All the best 🙂
they have deposited bro
has anyone been paid today? i see my iwriter account is now at 0$ but not yet deposited in my paypal account
Drive, same here, my account is now at $0 and i haven’t received anything on my PayPal account??
ok, lets wait. incase u recieve anything let me know.
Hi,
iWriter typically zeroes out my account at 12.00 to 12.10 pm (Philippines Time), and then the payment is reflected in Paypal 1 to 2 hours later. It has never been this late, and it is now 6 pm. So 6 hours late today??? Im twiddling my thumbs and hoping for the best, I have about $300 sitting in there. Does anyone else have the same issue?
Wazalendo wenzangu i would like to advise you to first of all read this blog post about Tifanny: http://www.tiffanydow.com/blog/iwriter-why-marketers-and-freelancers-alike-should-avoid-it/ .
I used to work for a iwriter more than 3 months ago before Brad and team closed my account and froze over my $250. If you doubt this you can ask Charles Livingstone since I used to use one PayPal address otybabah@gmail.com. This was one of the most trying moments in my life since I had spent many spleepless nights writing these articles. I took seriously the advise that I was given by Charles look for another site to write on. I decided to concentrate on odesk. You do not have to lick anyone’s boots. It is your right to write for iwriter just go through the terms and condition and you will see this clause. If the issue is persistent hide your ip and work!!!
Walter,
A little quiz here pal, if you attain a elite status then it later happens that your ratings drop bellow 4.6, do you loss the elite status?
Kitui,
Unfortunately yes. If you go below you’ll lose the status.
It’s finally back. Hope the bad moment is over. As for the hackers, let them know that nature is cyclic; whatever goes around comes around.
Thanks to Brad. We’ve got to repay him via honesty and trust.
Wow. I am so happy for you Simon. I totally agree that the hackers should stop shaming the nation. Happy writing!
The site is on and off. I opened my account, wrote an article and i could not submit it. Anyone able to work effectively? As for spammers, how do i know whether my IP or whatever is hacked? Hope to be back on our feet again as this was working well as a supplementary working site.
Sorry about that Ken Moses. The first thing to do is to contact support for the first advice. I hope it all goes well for you.
Walter,
Thanks a lot for the good work and the concern you have for Kenyans. I am glad mine is also working since i can pick and write articles.cheers
Hey Alex,
I am glad it’s back.
Happy writing!
Hi pals, nice to hear it’s back for you. However for me it’s not yet back…still the same error
Sorry man :(. Have you tried contacting support?
I have tried accessing the site in cyber at Donholm, but still nothing. I left my computer in Kisumu so will try logging when I get back there. Happy that some of you can finally write.
Hey Haballa,
All the best. I hope it works out.
Happy writing!
Thanks Walter! I’d be happy to do a guest post. I just wanted to give some hope to those Kenyans who have taken the first step in conquering the online market ; the amount of money you can make on this kind of platform is amazing, as long as you have the patience and follow your passion. I hope that the iwriter debacle gets sorted out soon, because there are those of us who are honest, hardworking and good at what they do.
All the best to everyone, maintain your focus, and other doors will open up.
Good Luck.
Joe,
I am sending you an email right now about the guest post. Kindly check the mail you have used to comment in a few minutes.
Thanks again.
Hi Joe,
I for one didn’t know that it’s possible for Kenyans to write on “native English speakers” sites hence steered clear. Are there any that you would recommend? Thanks in advance.
I just wanted to say this ; there needs to be a radical shift in the way we Kenyans act, as it’s now seeping into out reputation (Nigerian mentality,anyone?). I am gonna call it as I see it – it’s plain and simple moral corruption. People with seared consciences who don’t even think twice about hacking accounts have successfully managed to mess up the chances of other honest writers. I work for a writing outfit online, and the policy of the admin on there is not to let anyone in who’s not a ‘Native English Speaker’. I’ve recommended a couple of Kenyans to join the site, but all four got rejected. Reason? NOT DOING THE RIGHT THING. When working with Americans, please understand this :Americans have a strong sense of justice (right/wrong) and they absolutely do not tolerate cheating the system. For them, there are NO SHORTCUTS IN LIFE. Sorry for using caps, but I just wanted to make sure that my message is heard as clear as the day is long. From Kenyans being deported from Dubai, and others being locked up in Indian jails due to drug trafficking, it’s evident that most of us refuse to do the right thing. The world works like clockwork, and most systems in ‘advanced countries’ are watertight.
I have worked with my company for 6 months, and earned a friggin good amount of money through :
-discipline
-honesty
-patience
-persistence
-passion
-following instructions
I have written more than 350 articles so far, and I am thinking of getting published very soon. At the same time, I now know that I am a born wirter, and this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. Writing is my passion and calling in life ; it’s what I do best. Listen to your inner voice, and your intuition? What’s your passion? You don’t need an AHA moment, you instinctively know you passion ; it is part of your very being.
Parting shot? There are no shortcuts in life. Do the right thing. Kudos to all those Kenyans who have the discipline and foresight to do what’s right. You guys rock.
xx
Thanks Joe for your comment. It always pleases me to see passionate people making it online. Your words can make a great guest blog on FreelancerKenya if you want to. It is true that shortcuts are not really short. You are very kind and inspirational. Kudos and all the best in your writing 🙂
Hi guys,
I was offline for most of the weekend but down here in Coast iWriter is up. My heartfelt gratitude go to Stv, Walter, Charles and Brad and all the rest who helped in one way or another. Keep it up guys.
Hey!!!!
Good to know that you are up and running buddy 🙂
All the best in your writing.
Probably guys are quiet now coz there is too much writing to do to fill in the gap.
Hey pal!
Thanks a lot. Yeah guys have probably gone quiet cause of the many jobs that were pending. I hope we will remember to say thanks to Brad on the forum for reversing his earlier decision.
I tried saying thanks on the forum but my thank you post was removed. I’ll try again later in the day.
Sorry writermsa, it was not removed but rather not yet posted. I have just seen it there. It is always great to say thank you to such things.
Am i the only person who cant access my iwriter account?; this is frustrating!
Stv, I am very sorry that after the great input you gave us, your account is not yet back. Kindly submit a ticket to support and ask what the problem could be. All the best.
It’s not yet back here in Nyeri. Holding our hands
Sorry Simon. All the best out there in Nyeri. Keep us posted.
It is now working for 6. I think it is now high time I pushed out a fresh post stating that it is back. I also hope it will be back for good. In case of any issues, feel free to email support.
@Kitui
Brad specifically mentioned in an email that the reason that they are looking for solutions is that they were trying to make it better to everyone prior to the warrior forum posts. They can’t pay VeriSign e.t.c. since they get a small cut from iWriter on projects. In short he is saying that the solution was not pushed by the forum but rather to be fair to everyone. The same has happened to other countries in terms of iWriter being back on to safe IP classes.
You are all welcome. I also thank you all for the collective effort and concerns. Keep spreading your wings though so that this does not happen again.
Keep updating about other websites and iWriter status.
Blessed Sunday night
You guys rock! I like the “Haki Yetu” spirit on warrior forum 🙂 Brad must have been scared of the image he will leave behind if he didn’t respond. Thanks all you guys and special thanks to Walter for your blog. You literally saved my @$$!
Its also working for me, I’ve just picked an elite article. Hope it’s going to last forever. I’ve also started using vworker.com
Hello Walter. It’s back! thank you so much for all the efforts.
woie walter imagine its still down for me… what’s this thing of ip class anyway? please break it down for me coz i really don’t get it!!!
Hi Shiko,
Pole sana about yours not being back. I am not well-informed when it comes to such stuff. The best I can tell you is that there is someone in your area that was suspected of trying to mess up with iWriter. This has therefore led to blocking of all the IPs in the area. Other techy guys can give a better response.
Try contacting support and let us know how it goes.
hey walter,
I have contacted support and even politely asked that they manually check my ip to see that i have nothing to hide… nway charles told me that there is nothing he can do about the whole issue… soooo here i am applications sent out to many other sites waiting against all hope that i get a positive response…. gosh how i wish summer would just end so i can get back to my academic writing… i have four accounts with little to no work 🙁 and don’t get me started on knoji.com am actually a knoji expert but the payout is so miniscule gosh!!! cents!!! i can’t believe it! nway on that note… please hala at that brad guy…. eish nimeanza kumchukia aje???
Pole sana Shiko,
That’s sad indeed. I hope they’ll get another fix to help you out. Remember they still said they cannot do anything about Kenya e.t.c. Probably something will come up soon.
All the best as you try out other sites. I hope you get a better one and tell us all.
It is now working for 3 guys in this group so far, myself, Kasuku and Mose.
Thanks to this whole thing, I am in direct communication with Brad over the issue. He contacted me via email (not support ticket) to inform me about iWriter being back in Kenya as above.
Simon, I have edited out that part about top writers since I have just received confirmation from Brad that it does not matter what rating the writer has, what matters is if there is a scammer in their IP class. Apparently the whole IP class will be banned if one scammer is found there.
Thanks guys for your updates.
by the way am premium at 4.52, so I think I can count myself among top writer coz in my thinking elite writers are very few
not really brother there are so many elite writers i held 5 elite acccounts and at the moment i hold 2…
Hi Walter, I don’t think it is back for the top writers coz at least the others would still be accessing the site. What amazes me is the fact that when i use unsecure wireless internet here in school, I can access the site though i still cannot write. However, if I use a modem…..can’t access the site unless i mask my ip.
Could hebe trying to kill time we forget?
I hope clients complain of delay in turnaround as there are so many articles yet ni wkend….am sure tomorrow they will be hundreds. If they complain, he may relent and allow us back.
Hey guys, mine is back too, many thanks to STV and Walter, Charles of Brad support team had requested for my iwriter username and password ..and in no time my account was back and i can now pick and Write articles. Again many many thanks to you Walter for this great site which has enabled us Kenyan writers to voice our opinions and get our demands met. I would also like to advice you guys to spread your wings and sign up to sites like Konji.com, Triond.com, texbroker.uk, interactmedia.com, oDesk.com, mediapiston.com, vworker.com, and hubpages.com this are just some of the sites i have successfully signed in[some require an original sample of your work]. Lets do this Freelancers! GoodLuck!
Thanks a lot Kasuku for your list of sites. We need to keep updating each other as we start earning from other websites.
Also keep checking Internet Marketing forums and put your portfolios there. It may take time but you may be picked by a client who you can pay you a lot higher rate than all the article writing websites.
Note that when you get a direct client, charge extra high and ask for 50 percent upfront. For example, if you normally charge $5 per 500 words, Charge 10 and ask for 50% deposit. In case he runs away with the rest of the cash, you will not be affected.
Thanks Mose for updating that yours is back. Kindly guys keep updating. I will do a post on it only after I confirm that it is working for everyone.
Another email from Brad confirms that it should be back in Kenya. He says he will check with his developers to see if there are areas that are still not back on.
Special thanks also to STV for introducing us to the Warrior Forum post!
yepeee! mine is back, hope its for real. I can now pick articles, thanks to warrior forum and special thanks to to Stv who suggested it in the first place. give it a try guys.
@George and Njagi
I wouldn’t give you guys false hopes after all that we’ve done. Kindly follow this link and see the last post straight from Brad.
http://www.warriorforum.com/warrior-special-offers-forum/446377-iwriter-com-only-1-25-article-1-hour-turnaround-articles-ebooks-rewrites-7.html
I am just confirming from guys that this is true before I do a new post. That’s why I used this comments feed to say the truth about the mail I received and the Warrior Forum post.
@All
The reason I haven’t made an “iWriter is Back” blog post is because I want to make sure that it is really back from you guys here in the comments before I post that. My account is working fine and was affected only for a few hours in the first day. I therefore rely on you to tell me when yours is back on since you are my only source of info.
Kindly update us when yours is back.
Steve,its mediapiston.com,sorry for the error.
Walter,I’m still getting the same error on iwriter. We’ll just have to be patient. I’ve just registered with fiverr,hope all goes well. Might need a few tips on how to market myself on the site.
Walter my friend, pliz don’t make fun out of the entire situation. We believe in you and weve always thought to be in this mess together. We’ve come along way since day one of this whole situation. You have always motivated Kenyans. That is what we want to believe. So pliz stop posting false information.
anybody getting anything positive. plz holla
Hello Walter, is it really working? I am still trying but in vain. No offense, but I hope you are not putting our hopes up for nothing and only posting in order to get more traffic.
You can see Brad’s official response in Warrior Forum about Kenya by visiting this link:
http://www.warriorforum.com/warrior-special-offers-forum/446377-iwriter-com-only-1-25-article-1-hour-turnaround-articles-ebooks-rewrites-7.html
___________________________________
Here is the copy-pasted text from Brad:
Good news! I have spent the past 48 hours with our entire development team and have figured something out to allow Kenyans to continue writing. Please do two things:
1. Login to your account and make sure you have access. You should.
2. Look for other writing and income opportunities, as relying solely on iwriter (or any other single source) for your income is not a smart move.
We will always do everything we can to allow everyone to write, but some thing are simply out of our control. You can thank the dishonest people of the world for that.
Anyway, I hope this message finds you well. Have a great Sunday!
Brad
____________________________________
Take his advice on not using one source of income i.e. iWriter. Anyone who has been into any hacking and stuff should be warned in advance. I also hope there was no discrimination on the side of iWriter. Meanwhile, there is a lot of work on the site.
GET WRITING
Please log in to iWriter right now and tell me how it goes. I have just received a mail from Brad Callen stating that it should be working right now for Kenya. Thanks for the hard work you have put in getting it back.
Hi Lucy? thanks a lot for your contribution. Is it pistonmedia.com/.net/.uk or is mediapiston.com?
Hey guys,
I posted a thread on Warrior complaining about the iwriter ban on Kenya using the name Shiko,but it has been removed. Things are just getting worse each day,now I’m getting a totally different error when I try to login
Warning: require_once(/usr/www/users/linkmetr/iwriter.com/admin/scopbin/91550597.php) [function.require-once]: failed to open stream: No such file or directory in /usr/www/users/linkmetr/iwriter.com/admin/config.php on line 11
Fatal error: require_once() [function.require]: Failed opening required ‘/usr/www/users/linkmetr/iwriter.com/admin/scopbin/91550597.php’ (include_path=’.:/usr/local/lib/php’) in /usr/www/users/linkmetr/iwriter.com/admin/config.php on line 11
My dear fellow Kenyans,its time to try out different sites. Texbroker.uk is OK and I’ve had Pistonmedia is also good. They don’t require any bidding,and they might just be your lucky break.
Thanks for sharing Lucy. Let’s keep sharing ideas on what works.
You can actually get writing jobs from WarriorForum also. I will also write a post about how to get jobs from forums securely.
One thing I want guys to note is that WarriorForum is a great forum for anyone who wants to make money online. They frequently ban members who they find inappropriate. Even if you get tempted, don’t mess up with your WarriorForum account. Imagine being in the same forum where Brad markets his stuff???? Look at the bigger picture. I will do a comprehensive post about it soon.
I posted an update late yesterday night about not focusing all our energies on getting this back since at the end of the day it’s Brad’s website and decision. If you have not read it, check it out up there. For those who have already started bidding and registering on other sites. Please tell us your experience so that we know where the next best place will be. I am trying out vWorker.com and will share the experience. Fiverr.com so far is working great for me, pushed me off iWriter most of this week even before the ban.
Thank you
Even after masking my IP I still couldn’t get an opportunity to write…Any more tips out there?
Is there anyone who’s able to write articles on iWriter at this hour?? Am in Uon and it’s completely impossible to write articles here. Walter, is yours still working?
Hi James. Mine is still fine somehow. I am sure there are other Kenyans writing but quiet. I sure hope they get it back on for everyone.
Walter are you still able to pick and write articles?
Alex,
Mine has been okay from day 2. I can pick an article and get to the writing box. I have been handling clients off iWriter this week so haven’t written and submitted, just been checking in and out. Anyway, yes, I can still write articles without masking or anything.
I strongly believe that this is a move to block non-natives from working in iwriter. But hellooo, why not block new registrations and impose stiffer penalties on article spinning e.t.c?
He can’t really block new registrations because both writers and requesters use the same registration avenue, and he doesn’t want to lose potential clients. His smart move must have been to allow everyone’s access but deactivate the “write article” radio button for some writers like us.
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Default Re: iWriter.com : ONLY $1.25 an article! 1 hour turnaround! Articles/eBooks/reWrites!
Hi Brad, I am a Kenyan writer at iwriter. For the last few days I can’t access the site and when I can, I can’t write as a message “write article is not compatible with your country”.
On contacting support desk, I was told that Kenya has been banned coz apparently, hacking attempts were made from here.
Now my genuine question is, if indeed your site is at threat from Kenyans, why is it that I can log into my I account, request articles and do everything……. THE ONLY THING I CAN’T DO IS WRITE ARTICLES? This is absolutely unfair for hardworking Kenyans who work day and night at iwriter in pursuit of financial freedom.
Brad, am sure your statistics show that Kenya is possibly the country with, by far, the highest number of writers from Africa. By banning Kenya you are thus being unfair.
Lastly, I think it is better to improve the security instead of banning a whole nation. Moreover, we can access the site but cannot write articles……why is it so?
Kindly address this issue in the best possible manner.
Thank you
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Unread 07-14-2012, 08:24 PM #302
Brad Callen
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Default Re: iWriter.com : ONLY $1.25 an article! 1 hour turnaround! Articles/eBooks/reWrites!
Hello, I’m very very sorry to those writing in Kenya. I wish there were a way to allow you to continue writing, but unfortunately this is the classic case of the bad people ruining things for the good people. We have exhausted all options, as this decision was not made by myself only. It is a company-wide decision based on months of analysis and testing various scenarios. I’m again, extremely sorry, but there is nothing else we can do at this time. It really saddens and frustrates me that this is our only option, but it truly is.
Brad
Hi Simon,
Sorry this was thrown into spam by the system I have just un-spammed it. Just seen this and also saw your post on Warrior. Thanks for representing your country powerfully.
Hi guys. This iwriter saga is really hurting after all the effort we have put. I have posted a complaint to brad at warrior forum and it seems he will only reply on Monday. Just hoping for the best while expecting the worst
I am suggesting we don’t relent even if it means threatening to tarnish his image as it is purely discriminatory. Lets unite and demand for justice.
The link is
http://www.warriorforum.com/warrior-special-offers-forum/446377-iwriter-com-only-1-25-article-1-hour-turnaround-articles-ebooks-rewrites-6.html
This is his reply:
Hello, I’m very very sorry to those writing in Kenya. I wish there were a way to allow you to continue writing, but unfortunately this is the classic case of the bad people ruining things for the good people. We have exhausted all options, as this decision was not made by myself only. It is a company-wide decision based on months of analysis and testing various scenarios. I’m again, extremely sorry, but there is nothing else we can do at this time. It really saddens and frustrates me that this is our only option, but it truly is.
Brad
I am not really for tarnishing anyone’s image. If you try tarnishing his image it may tarnish yours instead. Let’s just do everything diplomatically and pray that it will go through. Meanwhile, be doing your best to get other avenues. Don’t focus too much on the closed doors. I hope you have gotten time to check this out:
http://freelancerkenya.wordpress.com/2012/07/14/why-kenyan-writers-are-top-rated-and-most-clients-always-want-to-hire-kenyan-writers/#comment-469
There is so much that you can do. iWriter is Brad’s and unfortunately he can’t be forced to put us back unless he gets to a point where he genuinely wants to.
HI, am also locked out off iwriter, kisa na maana, My IP class has been blocked. Guys, please keep us posted if iWriter resumes working on your end. Its #%$###! so frustrating!
Kasuku,
Thanks for your comment. Stay tuned to FreelancerKenya for the latest updates.
Thank you
Mose and Mkenya I salute you for standing up on behalf of your fellow collegues, God bless you.
I think you should create an account and talk to Brad, I already did my part. I am having a beacon of hope though, I could not log into my account for the past two days. Now I can log in, fiddle around the site but cannot take article. I have never seen these much standard article at iWriter. Tonnes and tonnes of pages. i believe if Kenyans could take the articles, there could be less to none. I think Brad should think business here. He should tighten the noose to filter the scammers and let hardworking Kenyans do their thing. All the best guys.
Cant we writers join hands by pulling resources together and compete with this so called website? In my opinion yes if we want to get somewhere.
Hi Njagi,
That’s a great proposal for sure. I know it needs some financial and technical muscles. If anyone comes up with something, let’s support.
Thanks
Hi Aeonia,
What are those VPN tricks you are using please? I have tried an IP masker but am afraid of my log in info security plus some radio buttons do not respond.
am simply using maskmyip about 5mb….from http://www.maskmyip.com…its free and it has been workng well for me…no issues whatsoever…i suggest u use it to schedule a tuesday payment or even work…on android droid vpn works great in redirectting my ip to US servers and i can log in with opera mobile,dolphin e.t.c
Thanks man, I have downloaded it, works well but when I click on the “write article” button this is what it brings “The requested URL /404_not_found.php was not found on this server”
Any idea?
I installed that but when I click on the “write article” button it returns an error!
any idea??.
Still forbidden for me…luckily that I.P vpn is working great ..so i can still write articles and get paid!!!! loads of articles there almost 9 pages at night…scheduled payment for tuesday…just incase…if you are using Android…try DROID VPN works great…
Aeonia,
Keep us posted. We’re still trying to push Brad to let all of us back in. I hope it works :). Meanwhile also work on spreading your wings.
Thanks Andrew, Shiko and Mose for your comments.
Mose, if you hang around the internet long enough, you come to know these things. There is not much about them on the internet but they do happen. I don’t advocate for conspiracy theories though so we’ll stick it out the hard way and hope to make a statement.
Andrew and Shiko. I have also commented as akowally, which doubles as my iWriter username. I am sure akina Brad and Charlie are reading this and may ban my account also. My iWriter account has been fine since day 2 and I can write articles and stuff but I wouldn’t want to let my country down. As you can see above, my motto is to Make Kenyan Freelancing Millionaires.
For those who are brave enough to stick this out, let’s continue advocating and see what happens.
Don’t worry guys, Kenya, Litvia, Russia, Pakistan, Ukraine, Malaysia, Czech Republic and other countries are large outsourcing markets. We’ll soon be able to own our own stuff. I pray that when we make it we won’t press down other upcoming markets.
Meanwhile check out the article below:
http://freelancerkenya.wordpress.com/2012/07/13/4-surefire-tips-for-securing-your-online-writing-business/
And go for plan B’s, C’s e.t.c. something will work out.
Well, I think I am getting the point here, what this Brad guy is trying to do. I have a few questions though;
1. Why is it that only third world to near third countries has been blocked from iwriter.com, Kenya, India etc?
2. Why isn’t there any country from the so called developed continents like the USA and the UK banned?
3. Does Brad mean there have been no scam attempts (if there was any at all) from these so called developed countries, no…..continents that he happens to come from?
4. IF there was any hacking or scamming of iwriter.com, what are the chances that it might have come from the banned countries, Kenya for example? Given all the hacking, phishing, cracking and scamming technologies and know how in the “developed continents”?
5. Ok, if hacking was the problem, why is that we can still access the site but only the “write article” section is restricted? Must you access the “write article” section for you hack iwriter.com?
Well, here are my theories;
1. If you are very keen you will realize that Kenya, India and such other banned countries are highly populated and very hard working, on iwriter.com or otherwise. This means you guys are dominating iwriter.com and hindering other “suitable” writers, possibly from the “developed countries”.
2. This Brad guy would have wished to reduce this competition you are imposing on his preferred writers but could not single out a few writers to block. What next? Blocking the entire countries then seemed like brilliant idea.
3. Then again, he must have realized that this was a wrong move, given the current trending negative reviews in a lot of forums and blogs, especially from his requesters in these banned countries. Next move?
4. He would have as well lifted the ban from these countries and blocked any new registrations of more writers from these countries, but that could as well block potential requesters.
5. Now the best option for him as far as things stand is to allow everyone access to iwriter.com but instead sieve off any writers from his countries of choice. By this, he is now able to maintain his loyal requesters from these countries while reducing competing to his preferred writers.
6. Point is, there are too many writers at their disposal and so they can as well choose to deal with native English speakers only, or choose to deal with writers from a particular region and still manage the available requests.
Ok, those are just but my theories or maybe rumors, but remember there is a degree of truth in any rumor. If it happens that this is not the case and maybe just a technical hitch, then I take back my words.
Sorry guys, let’s just wait and see what next.
“” if ‘plan A’ didn’t work, there are 25 letters in the alphabet, stay cool”” ….
Nice weekend guys!
This should be the thread, right?
http://www.warriorforum.com/warrior-special-offers-forum/446377-iwriter-com-only-1-25-article-1-hour-turnaround-articles-ebooks-rewrites-6.html
We can all register with http://www.warriorforum.com and express our concerns. I hope this will help.
Thanks Stv
yap that is what we should do… i have just registered and have not hesitated to leave a small bit for mr.callen myself! so please follow suite and cross your fingers that he actually listens to our pleas… in the meantime get registering for other sites and seriously check out walters article on
http://freelancerkenya.wordpress.com/2012/07/13/4-surefire-tips-for-securing-your-online-writing-business/
Hey guys; apparently, the indians got reinstated after publicly talking with brad callen about the issue at ‘warriorforum’ where brad callen is trying to rope in more clients; i thnk he was trying to save face. Guys, this might be our only chance to get our livelihood back!; please google ‘iwriter bans kenya’ in the results list you will see something like ” get your articles written for as low as 1.25 dollars….’ THATS IS THE THREAD THAT BRAD CALLEN IS CURRENTLY ADVERTISING ON!. The website is warriorforum but dont google it because ul have a hard time tracing the thread brad callen is advertising on. In the early stages of the thread, there are potential clients asking brad questions but while you browse down the thread, you will see several indians accosting brad on the issue of iwriter banning india after which brad informs them that the ban has been lifted on india; guys, this is our only chance! Lets not sit back thinking that someone else will do it! This is our livelihood; lets go to that thread n accost website, thats the only remaining option!!!
Stv
Thanks for your comment. It would be easier if you gave us the link to the post. Just copy it from the address bar of your browser and paste it here.
Yes i saw the link and read it. You can simply jump the first few pages, go to the sixth page, that where the heat is. There was another warrior form thread by a lady called Shiko that has since been pulled down. A memeber of warrior forums should start a thread that we can all contribute on. Still lookin for brads link, if I get it will let you know
Same thing can’t write any work
Whisper,
Sorry for what you’re going through. Kindly update in case the status changes.
hey guys,
i have also received the same message from Charles at the support center saying that there is no way they can lift the ban in my area coz all the hacking attempts came from the “same ip class” nway guess we shall have to look for plan B’s coz we are screwed!
walter good to hear you are my neighbor because i come from Donholm. the world is really small.This also explains the issue of banning some specific locations is invalid because there is a small difference in ip address between your place and mine.i really cant understand what is happening.
The ip thing seems fake. There must be another way they are using to seive people. It may be best to avoid writing there till the dust settles. Check this post out for other options of making it online:
http://freelancerkenya.wordpress.com/2012/07/13/4-surefire-tips-for-securing-your-online-writing-business/
Amazing what iwriter has done when I was just starting to get settled in. But all is not lost, as some other writing sites out there still need our expertise 🙂
Writermsa,
I thought your iWriter is working fully. Does it still have problems?
Am in Mombasa as my name suggests, yet can’t write any articles. Was writing articles very well up to this evening. I think they should just ban us altogether than let us log in and yet do no work.
Are you able to write articles Walter?
What??? This must mean that the same will happen to everyone eventually. Mine has been fine. I have tried writing one right now and it is totally okay. Like you have seen on my latest post, http://freelancerkenya.wordpress.com/2012/07/13/4-surefire-tips-for-securing-your-online-writing-business/, I don’t only write for iWriter. I realized that sometime back when I was totally messed up by clients. I now have many clients looking for me as Walter to write for them without necessarily going through a website. That said though, I have not written for iWriter this week. Just been logging in and out to check if it’s working
Unfortunately it seems like it is still not up for everyone. Funny how there is now a new problem in writing articles after “successfully logging in”. Mine still works perfect. I have just done an article on other options that you need to check out to free yourselves of such horrors in future. Follow the link below to check it out:
http://freelancerkenya.wordpress.com/2012/07/13/4-surefire-tips-for-securing-your-online-writing-business/
Meanwhile keep updating. I hope it will be back soon and this will be a thing of the past 🙂
where are you located walter?
Near Umoja Estate
Huku nje ya nairobi (ronga) things are the same, this iwriter is now proving unreliable. gez we need plan Bs.
What is going on in Dandora? the case is just the same here. I have been working since yesterday. Now I can access but I cant pick an article.
same to me in utawala, i cant pick an article
I am currently in Kisumu and is in the dark as well.. So frustrating
Guys,this whole issue is frustrating. I can access iwriter but I can’t actually write any articles. coz I’m getting that error about it being incompatible in my country.And I’m nowhere near Kasarani,maybe its time to look for greener pastures.
am also getting the same
Same problem am having lucy. I can access with my login details but when i want to write an article this message appears.”Write articles on iWriter is not compatible with your country/location at this time” what is really happening surely!!! I writer has stared behaving weirdly after the successful profits we have been reaping from it. i think its time they should be investigated. Allover sudden problems after problems.
Trust me Lucy, it is always time to look for greener pastures.
Hi Andrew, I just got this message through the support system: Sorry, but the ip of your area has been banned. There is no way to lift this.
This means that I am screwed for real or what? I can’t believe this is happening right before my eyes! I have money in my account…..
Yes I got it too so guess am screwed. Bye bye iWriter
Oh my…i just logged in!!!!!! Good news but am still skeptical of it happening again.
not too first….can’t pick an article….it says ‘Write articles on iWriter is not compatible with your country/location at this time.’
This is just so screwed up!!!
Peter Kanai,
Sorry my man,
That is just so sad :(. Especially looking at how you were happy after logging in.
Keep us posted.
I have just receive a message from Charles Livingston, the support specialist at iWriter. He says that they have totally lifted the ban. I think those who cannot log in have a technical glitch. I would suggest that you write a polite request to Charles, and request for him to review your account manually. That what I have done and hoping for the best. Fingers crossed…
Hi guys….since Monday I have not been able to access my account. I submitted an article on Monday morning and right after that wanted to pick another but got the …ERROR!! can’t access on this server…..now i don’t understand this because I have seen the error before but somehow it fixes itself. Sometimes I log in but when i navigate around the site….i get the same error. I sent a ticket which is yet to be replied leaving me in suspense considering the possibilities I am reading on these comments.
This is a wake up call for people like me and others who over-rely on one online income stream. I am really hoping that my account works soon…’fingers crossed’…am in a fix wondering what now???????
What surprises me is how other accounts are working and others are not like mine……iwriter should step up their online security coz when its compromised…innocent writers who work hard like me are the ones suffering.
🙁
Do not worry Peter, all will be well. Just another hurdle that i believe we will pass. Same here, at times I can log into mu account, even pick an article and write. But I linger around for some time, I get the error. I believe they are fixing the issue. If not, many of us will be gravely affected. At least Brad should consider that many of us do not rely on the “Omba Serikali” crap. We are hard working Kenyans who work, claw and tooth, to earn a living online. Why other accounts are working and not others? Well that is a mystery that plaques my mind too. Good luck.
Okay, after encountering the dreaded “Forbidden, You don’t have permission to access / on this server” error, I started to think that the guys at iWriter had blocked my IP address. So I stashed away my laptop away and fixed a desktop computer that i used ages ago. The good this is that i had never used it to get access to iWriter. After a bit of dusting and connecting. I finally got it to work. I then plugged the modem and tried to access the site. In the beginning, I was able to get access to the site. I fiddled around the user interface to see which requesters had missed me the most. However, after two or so minutes, I encountered the error again. As a result, I disqualified the chances that they had specifically given my IP the boot. Although I do not believe that they can ban a specific area, my curiosity could not leave me at peace. So I took a mat to the town center and tried to access the site in a cyber café. The result was the same, nothing. Thus, those who can use the site may have some privileges. Maybe they are élite writers who bring big business or something of the sort. I only started writing for iWriter the other day and needed one more rating to meet their 4.0/30 rating threshold to enjoy premium status. I now leave it to them to decide what they want to do with my account.
Thanks for your update Haballa. I guess the lifting of the ban then is user specific. This makes economic sense since they may lose a lot of cash from Premium and Elite writers who have been making cash for them for long. Also, clients who were sending special requests to these writers could easily lose their trust and start looking for other sites.
If the IP thing does not make sense, then this must be the case.
Sorry about your situation once again and I hope they get you back soon. Try contacting the support for more info on why others are working and yours is not.
I am tired of support, I have to submit a ticket and wait for over twelve hours to get a reply. I just cannot deal with the anxiety during this lag period. Anyway, no sweat, when they finally re-plug their waves, I will be waiting. At the moment, I will dedicate my time in another content mill.
This has brought me to terms with the fact that kenyans are well sought out by clients, By the way in freelancer.com we are normally referred to as native writers. My next investment will be a script like I writer, with more advanced features like: you can see if the client is online, and give him a chance for revision, withdrawals can be made via skrill and paypal. Then, to catch a good number of clients, My site will be launched on a uk server. No copyscape fees since there will be a pre-installed CS like software (like the one on http://www.essaywriters.net) and security will not be a problem since payments will be processed manually on weekly basis…………………..please help me modify my Idea….challenge it as well.
Hi Peter,
Sorry WordPress sent this comment to spam. I just unspammed it.
Great idea man. It would be great to have our own site with absolutely no discrimination.
Go for it. We are behind you.
Guys, ur really cracking me up with the ip addressing thng; jst to clarify a few points: if ur using a modem the IP address is usually dynamic and changes every time u disconnect and reconnect the modem; so the issue of iwriter blocking your ip address is jst comical; the second thng, an ip address has some numbers which identify the country you are logging in from; when you mask your ip, the ip is not actually masked but is redirected to a proxy server using a virtual private network to a server in another country e.g usa, canada. The iwriter system assumes ur frm ths countries n lets you access the system. TOR is on software that can be used to masl your ip: on the issue of iwriter tracking users who have masked their IP, its not logical; consider this, there are approximately 250,000 writers in iwriter, each writer might log in and out around 4 times a day. In 1 week the iwriter log sheet has over 7 million entries!; the point is, iwriter does not have the time nor the resources to do this kind of thing; and also they cant block a specific area e.g kasarani from their systems; there is no information contained in the IP adress that indicates a person is from a specific location eg kasarani; anyway, i stand to be corrected
Thanks STV for your comment.
We need more tech guys like you to be able to decipher some of these things.
What can you advise those who are still blocked? How come some Kenyans are fully back while others still can’t access?
Thanks
I just want to add that in case anyone contacts Drive, let it be at their own risk. I am not affiliated to him in any way. Not to say that what he is offering is bad, just putting out a strong disclaimer in case of any losses or consequences.
Again if you bold enough and want to use a proxy software that will protect your identity, contact me.
Drivesky16@gmail.com
hey walter,
i just got bad news from the brad callen support team that they have lifted the ban only in some parts of kenya… apparently the area around kasarani has been totally banned and it looks like it will not be lifted. well too bad for poor little me as i live in this area and have been denied access to my account. i think it is really stupid for them to ban a whole area instead of just beefing up their security. its a lazy move that has cost many of us our livelihoods. all i can say is ” brad callen, you have really let down one of your top writers” that is that and i have officially decided that iwriter.com sucks!
Hey Shiko, I live in Roysambu and I have access to my account. I do not think that they have blocked the whole Kasarani area.
Thanks Wanda for your update. I believe they’ll reinstate every area.
Shiko,
What? Ati Kasarani area? This whole drama is just interesting.
I still think they should beef up their security instead of banning areas. Can you ask support if they can reactivate your IP? If they need to they can check for suspicious activity from it.
I am very sorry for how things are going. Take heart, soon it will be back for all. Meanwhile I hope you are diversifying so that you don’t lose out in total.
Which areas have been totally banned? I was able to log into my account at night and do an article. Now its gone again.. Too bad
Andrew
Shiko says Kasarani. Which area are you in? Have you contacted support over this?
Thanks
Hey guys, i have just been contacted buy a friend who works for brad,.they lifted the suspension on kenya so they can trap the ones masking their IP addresses, especially if you used it at one point and ceased after you heard it was back on..
Drive……………… they claim that hack attempts were made using Kenyan IP addresses, so, they must be having the actual ip addresses, that were in use when attempting to hack their site. That’s a good guess from you, though I don’t see the facts behind it. The procedure is just as simple as securing their system. When a thief tries to break into your house and you are alert, do you go chasing after the thief at dawn the following day or do you fence and secure your compound? They should sign up with a securit firm like verisign.
I totally agree Peter. They should beef up their security and everything will be fine.
Drive,
Thanks for your comment.
I believe the problem is not those who masked their IPs but those who tried to steal e.t.c. Glad that they lifted their ban on Kenya.
hey walter,
i just got bad news from the brad callen support team that they have lifted the ban only in some parts of kenya… apparently the area around kasarani has been totally banned and it looks like it will not be lifted. well too bad for poor little me as i live in this area and have been denied access to my account. i think it is really stupid for them to ban a whole area instead of just beefing up their security. its a lazy move that has cost many of us our livelihoods. all i can say is ” brad callen, you have really let down one of your top writers” that is that and i have officially decided that iwriter.com sucks!
I also was shocked yesterday and after I contacted them, they told me that they had blocked Kenya until further notice. However. when I logged in in the evening, It was back.. I am writing now
Yeah, great to have it back :). I hope they don’t do that again.
I am happy that it is back for Lucy and Simon. Shiko, keep us updated on when yours will be back. I want to be sure that it is back for everyone before I do a follow-up post informing everyone.
I agree that it is important to diversify. Eventually, work on getting to a point where people look for you as Shiko, Simon, Lucy instead of working under a site. That’s how my favorite writer, Kristi Hines, makes her money. Google her for more info or check this post out:
http://freelancerkenya.wordpress.com/2012/06/27/6-freelance-writing-tips-that-no-one-else-will-tell-you/
Anyone else with a problem?
It is possible to have your articles rejected on sites like iwriter, and maybe you don’t have a chance to make corrections and submit article at the same site. You can submit your articles here: http://www.triond.com/users/gituhu they pay you per articles view, and believe me, you can make unlimited cash from that rejected article. You also have a chance share adsense revenue with triond and I guess you know how hard it is to get an approval for an adsense account on your own…………………….. Try this ou
I highlighted that on one of my articles. It is important for every freelance writer to set up an account with web 2.0 sites like Triond, HubPages e.t.c. so that they can continue earning even for articles that have been rejected.
Iwriter is fully back to normal. Thank God. A point to learn out of this: work for more than one site, it will come in handy on lean days like the past two. It’s good the ban was temporary. Had it been permanent, probably hundreds of us could have suffered.
lucky you simon and lucy, i’m still in the dark and cannot access my account
is anyone else still having the same issue?
Shiko, is iWriter now working for you?
me too since Monday morning after submitting an article, am so disappointed cz i wake up everyday to write n this was a shocker!
Iwriter is back,and there are so many articles! I guess the ban was lifted
I totally understand the devastation that this move has made to all of us. Shame on the Kenyans trying to sabotage our efforts at making an honest living and making sure that our children get to go to school… tsk tsk what a shame… i hope that the site will be back soon for me as well.. i had tons of special requests to work on… hope my clients don’t think that I’ve absconded my work though 🙁
Shiko
Yes, it was totally devastating. Please let us know when it is back in your end as for me it has been working since yesterday 2pm.
Otherwise pole sana about your special requests. I would advise you message your clients when it back and give them a link to this post so that they can see evidence that there was a problem in Kenya.
All the best 🙂
What a rude shock. I had invested a lot in network installation. I just cant imagine the website is gone. Too bad. It’s very unfortunate that we have a bunch of ‘dont cares’ who dont bother to put into consideration the harm they cause to innocent Kenyans with such acts. Those trying hack iwriter system are a disgrace to all Kenyan iwriters. I hope Brad will understand that it’s just a few bastards causing all these and give us back the opportunity to earn a living through his site.
George,
Don’t worry, they’ll be back soon.
Kindly tell me when they get back up on your side. For me it is is working well.
Thanks
absolutely diverstating! i still cant believe it myself. absolutely heart breaking i cant believe it myself. am still coming to terms with iwriter on what just happened my God! one morning you just wake up and find out that things are different! ope they will overturn their decisions. God bless genuine hardworking Kenyans.
I am very sorry Njagi for how you are feeling. That reminds me how I felt yesterday night when I received the news from a follower of this blog. He even forwarded me his conversation with support.
Take heart though, it is slowly coming back. Very soon you’ll have it back as usual. Check these posts out for what you can be doing to spread your wings.
http://freelancerkenya.wordpress.com/2012/04/13/verified-sites-where-you-can-make-money-online-in-kenya-by-walter-akolo/
http://freelancerkenya.wordpress.com/2012/06/27/6-freelance-writing-tips-that-no-one-else-will-tell-you/
All the best 🙂
I also feel the same njagi..personally I haven’t been able to access my account since Monday after submitting an article! am so disappointed but I’ll be patient….
I here India is fully back on line. But I believe Brad should step up his security rather than burning countries, coz a serious hacker will still mask his/her IP and do the same malice. Nway, hope it will be OK for us soon.
In other news, be cautious with using masked IP though, if iwriter tracks account activities and IP addresses you can easily be burned. I gez lets just be patient.
Thanks for your comment Kitui. I am glad to hear that it is going great in India. Kenya should be back soon also. I agree totally about Brad working on his security since Kenyans are still working smoothly in other sites without interruptions. Also I believe that guys shouldn’t just mask their IPs, it is better to wait it out.
Hi, Thank you all. Kindly suggest any other site(s) that are as easy as iwriter to get a job…..without bidding. It’s so frustrating with the likes of odesk and elance
Hi Simon,
Thanks for your comment.
It is relatively easy to get clients on Fiverr.com without bidding. Just make sure you create a great gig and market it well.
its not only in kenya india and pakistan countries have also been affected. they are also complaining about the problem. hope everything will be okay because i could also not log into my account the whole of the afternoon.Anyone with other good sites similar to iwriter?
I received a Tweet today morning informing me that the same had happened to India. So Pakistan is also in the loop. For now I can advice you try out Fiverr.com, Elance.com and interactmedia.com.
interactmedia.com send me a reply in the middle of my application saying “We do not require your services at this time, but will let you know if and when things change”. the other sites you have to try your luck by bidding all the time which is frustrating.
Alex,
I didn’t know that happens in interactmedia. Sorry for that.
I know it can be frustrating to bid all the time. This may only be hard in the first months but after you get some regular clients, you will not need to keep bidding. Most good clients will even ask you to go long term if you provide them with quality work.
Fiverr does not require bidding. Just check out the top earners there and try to emulate their style.
I still cant access it,so frustrating!
I believe it will work out soon. Thanks for updating.
Guys, please post a comment here when you can fully access iWriter. Thanks
Yes…u can also use http://www.slyuser.com to change ur ip…its now working
All the best with that option. I believe it will soon be up for everyone. It doesn’t make much sense to ban a whole country/countries.
does http://www.slyuser.com provide different ip addresses every time you use it, and does iwriter track records of ip addresses?
Alex, I believe if they have security threats, then they will track IP addresses. Like many others, I’d advise you to just be patient. It is back on my end and will soon be back on yours.
Mine is still not back…its saying…You don’t have permission to access /view_listings.php on this server….patience peolpe
I believe it should be back shortly. I hope it stays on for good and also they step up their security like its peers Freelancer.com, Elance.com and others which never went down for security reasons.
I have masked my IP and logged in successfully. I will schedule my withdrawal for tuesday and see if they will send funds.
OK. I hope all goes well for you. It is also working well for many without having to mask. I believe it will be up soon for everyone.
I also get so many notifications about withdrawal attempts from my instaforex trading account………..Kenyans please learn to work hard and stop creepy shortcuts, they will only lead to more trouble.
I totally agree about the shortcuts Peter. I am sure it also happens with guys in other countries. Note that iWriter may have been wrong and Kenya may have not been the culprits. Anyway, everyone should work hard and make an honest living.
with over $700 as balance in my account. I will file a claim to the support. They should release the fees before the suspension results to be permanent status. On the other side, They can be scamming us just to loot us money. I like freelancer.com and elance. You can also sign up with scriplance.com although they are now bought by freelancer.com
Hi Peter,
I understand you about the cash. Don’t worry, you won’t lose it. According to support, you should get it on your next payment date. Anyway, it is now back up for some. I can personally access it on my end.
I have used Freelancer.com and in my experience, most clients pay up to $2 per 500 words. Elance is a bit hard to go through but once you get through, you can earn 100s of dollars.
All the best 🙂 and feel free to continue sharing ideas. It will be great to have people making millions through freelancing 🙂
Brad Callen had employed me for the a very good part of this year. he has sustained through this economic hardships. My hope is that those neanderthals trying to hack and steal should try to work hard. I am saddened by this news.
Thank you Brother for the information nimerudi mjengo.
Hi James,
I am very sorry for what you are going through. It is indeed difficult after working there for a long time. I also hope those guys are either stopped or blocked from accessing the site. I also hope iWriter stiffens their security such that they will not close out countries in case there is such a problem in future from Kenya, India, US or anywhere else.
You are most welcome na usirudi mjengo, websites ni mingi.
Sad news indeed, I have been taken aback by this news. I cannot understand how they can punish the entire nation just for the mistakes of a few individuals. We just hope that they’re going to lift this suspension soon.
Yes, I am also concerned about the whole nation thing.
So now what will happen to cash in our accounts? This is very disappointing!
Hi Susan.
Thanks for your comment. The cash that is in your account will be sent to your PayPal on the next schedule.
Sorry for the disappointment. It is a great time to spread your wings.
It is disappointing for all of us. It is so discouraging working as a Kenyan.
Juliana, sorry for what you are feeling.
Kenya is not the problem, probably a few individuals. Anyway, worry no more as the site is back on for Kenya.
All the best 🙂
Hi Walter, what do you mean by ‘its back on’? i still cant access it.!
Hi Susan,
I can access it fully. I guess it’s coming back slowly to different users. Another user here has stated it’s back on for him also. I’ll update that it’s not yet back for everyone.
I’m grateful that they have lifted the ban, I can now enjoy making money there.
Sure, enjoy making that cash.
hae walter,do you know of any other best writing site apart from iwriter?
Hey,
I don’t know of any as good as iWriter. I hear ArticleTeller and ConstantContent are great but I’ve not used them.
You can try Elance. You may find the work below useful:
https://freelancerkenya.com/freelancing-websites/500usd-per-month-on-elance/
Thanks