Predatory Employment - Anonymous employee CBR Employee Review

1.0
Jan 5, 2025
Anonymous employee
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

You can get some professional editing and writing experience. Some of your coworkers are nerdy like you, and that can be really fun.

Cons

You work for a company that is always trying to find ways to pay you less. They care about quantity more than quality, and they aren't afraid to make you work overtime without compensation (there's a reason they pay salary instead of hourly). If you absolutely need some experience so you can move on to a good career in writing or editing, it can serve as a small stepping stone. But don't let yourself expect anything grand or long-term here, as they have a tendency to throw out even their most loyal employees like trash. Read Popverse's coverage on all the firings in 2023 so you can be somewhat educated before you take a job here.

Explore other reviews about CBR

5.0
Dec 30, 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Closely working with editorial team whose goals are to ensure work is of high-quality that's been a rarity in my 25+ years of experience writing professionally. Creative freedom for covering subjects relevant to our readers in thoughtful ways that highlight individual opinions without resorting to snark or sensationalism. Atmosphere fosters a sense of teamwork even with remote workers, especially if colleagues have questions or need help. Sensitive support and consideration from superiors when real-life issues arise. Recognition for successful work both internally and publicly. Freedom for diversity of opinion amongst writers covering similar projects, so readers get a variety of critical opinions both positive and negative. Editorial feedback focuses on constructive critique to ensure that articles both meet formatting/content value standards, while keeping the focus primarily on high-quality writing. Editors are extremely open to original and sometimes unorthodox ideas, shaping them to ensure they meet CBR standards while maintaining the unique point of view of the writers. Editors also offer a steady stream of ideas for topics of interest to readers, often tailored to individual writer strengths while still leaving room for the stories to reflect specific opinions. Culture values civility and kindness between colleagues and superiors overall.

Cons

Quota-based writer positions no longer seem to have paid time-off (though accommodations can be made for personal/family emergencies). The bespoke content management system tends to run slowly which can at times be frustrating for timely submissions. (Though, this could also be my machine rather than the system itself). Formats/guidelines can sometimes change with little warning and aren't always immediately reflected in training/reference materials. While not my experience, some of the editors seem to have dealt with significant frustrations from parent company demands and felt their feedback was ignored.

2.0
May 31, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Position allows free entrance to conventions like NYCC or SDCC as long as you report on them and direct contact with established industry names.

Cons

Low pay for the amount of work you do, unclear communication, very little stability behind the scenes. They will do their best to pay you as little as possible.

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