In about January I started writing for Helium.com. I was elated when my very first submission through their market place was purchased for $24.0. Encouraged by this I submitted about half a dozen more articles. However, they were not purchased and eventually 'transitioned' into Helium. The transitioned articles earned a pittance but the last time I was able to access my account, the balance showed $24.9 against the minimum requirement of $25.0 for disbursal.
This is when a lot of hue and cry was being raised about thier rating system. I had pointed out a specific instance where substandard articles written by the same individual from the same location was rated on top when much better material was lying at the bottom. I got a terse mail saying that individual cases cannot be publicly referred.
The next day, when I tried to log in I received a obit looking message proclaiming that Helium is no more in a position to provide the same experience to all its users worldwide and would concentrate presently in servicing only its US audience.
Peeved at the developments, I sent in several complaints including a long series to their steward Barbara Whiltcock. This individual sounded very helpful and sympathetic all through and finally stated that she had escalated the complaint to Helium's vice president. According to Barbara, Helium was too busy handling an avalanche of complaints like mine. This happened about 45 days back and since then there has not been a whisper even from any source.
I know the money is too small, but from what I gather from the web, this is indeed a cheat company and needs to be brought to book. While every penny is important, fortunately, I am at a stage in life, where I would happily gift that money to anyone who can join forces for a collective action against such fraudsters positioning themselves as market leaders.
Markcon
Hyderabad
India
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