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1st Floor, University of Reading Library, Whiteknights, PO Box 223, Reading, RG6 6AE
( 0118 378 4242/4614 : www.reading.ac.uk/library/study-advice twitter: @unirdg_study
Please note that I now work part-time and am not usually on campus on Mondays.
On this topic – do we also need to be self critical here? - do we also have to ask questions of ourselves, or rather our institutions – as to why some students may feel this route is attractive due to the lack of support/appropriate support available at their institutions (both with regard to their course, assessments and writing support there – and with regard to support services such as ourselves)? Never mind the wider contexts of intensified competition etc (and attendant consequences) that are inherent in contemporary UK HE?
Work like you don't need money
Love like you've never been hurt
and dance like no-one's watching
"Education either functions as an instrument which is used to facilitate integration of the younger generation into the logic of
the present system and bring about conformity or it becomes the practice of freedom, the means by which men and women
deal critically and creatively with reality and discover how to participate in the transformation of their world."
Paulo Freire (Pedagogy of the Oppressed)
I’ve been working with our SU VP for Education and Welfare on this, she contacted one of these businesses whilst with me, very similar outcome. There are 100s of them though, so the practice rather than the individual firm is what should be highlighted to students. One thing I’ve noticed is that the home page is usually reasonably grammatical, deeper into the website it starts to fall apart. I can’t remember if we’ve already shared this link, but very funny to see someone contacted a consumer page to complain about the standard of one of these firms.
https://www.theguardian.com/money/2016/jul/09/essay-bought-online-errors-refund
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www.theguardian.com
The piece was riddled with errors, and the revised version was no better. Now I’m £200 down I decided to buy a legal essay from an online essay-writing service ...
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Regards
Janette
I work at SGUL Tues-Thurs
Dr Janette Myers SFHEA
Senior Lecturer in Student Learning and Support,
Institute of Medical and Biomedical Education,
6th floor Hunter Wing,
St George's, University of London
Cranmer Terrace
London
SW17 0RE
020 8725 0616
From: learning development in higher education network [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Kim Salmons
Sent: 01 December 2016 12:47
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: RefWorks tweet promoting custom essay writing services
Perhaps we should all converse with them. Putting this organisation in the spotlight might make them rethink their practice.
Dr Kim Salmons, FHEA
Learning Development Lecturer, Arts and Humanities
St Mary’s University, Twickenham, London
Ext: 4377
From: learning development in higher education network [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of Emma Coonan (LIB)
Sent: 01 December 2016 09:35
To:
[log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: RefWorks tweet promoting custom essay writing services
That is an … astonishing exchange with the customer service operative. Beautifully handled on your part, Martin - I almost feel sorry for the guy! (Almost.) I’m not sure whether the complexities of copyright allow it, but I’d love to see that whole exchange blogged or otherwise made public … ?
Best wishes,
Emma.
Dr. Emma Coonan, FHEA
Information Skills Librarian
Library, University of East Anglia
Norwich Research Park
Norwich NR4 7TJ
“Learning is a subversive act, and so must teaching be ... If learners are to move from what-we-know into what we do not yet know—from recall to emergence—or more importantly, from oppressed to liberated — then teaching must also deal in what we do not yet know. It must deal in the stuff of real struggle.” (Sean Michael Morris)
From: learning development in higher education network [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
On Behalf Of McMorrow, Martin
Sent: Wednesday, November 30, 2016 5:39 PM
To:
[log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: RefWorks tweet promoting custom essay writing services
Thanks everyone. I'll check with our counterparts in Australia about their knowledge of this organisation. There are equivalent ones here in New Zealand - it's a bit hard to know how seriously to take their claims of numbers of students etc. Does anyone know of any estimates of use of paper mills like this? When I contacted one of these mills, I was reassured, by the very poor quality of sample essays they provided.
I thought it was interesting how the Aussie essays website blends the discourses of sales and learning support. It was interesting how you can order three different levels of essay: standard, premium or platinum. I'm kind of intrigued to know the difference. I think my local car wash has the same options, but I've always found the premium rather flatters my aging Nissan Micra. Platinum, oh please!
Here are a few interesting phrases I came across on the site:
We make sure the essay you receive is perfect. (what, even the standard package? In that case, is the premium even more perfect?)
You will receive a custom-crafted paper that’s not only unique, but also conveys your personal point of view (mind-readers too!)
If we simply wrote and didn’t give you the proper support you wouldn’t be able to relax. You’d always be wondering whether we’re working on your essay or not …. If you’re feeling stressed, please get in touch with us. (stressed? what, even when someone else is doing the work? I have a cure for that - do it yourself!)
Our writers are determined to maintain their positive reputations and good names. (Have a look at my interchange with 'Mike' from customer support in the 'ask us any questions' box on the website):
1:04 AM
Mike
Hi there! Do you need help with placing your order? I will be glad to assist you!
1:04 AM
Visitor
Hi MIke, can i know the names of some of the writers for Aussie essays. I'd like to check their qualifications. Thanks.
1:05 AM
Mike
We do not provide the names of our writers due on confidentiality.
1:15 AM
Visitor
Oh, why is that? It says on the site that they want to maintain their good names and reputation. I thought they'd be fine about it.
1:14 AM
Mike
We do not put out the names of our writers. Same thing with our clients.
1:17 AM
Visitor
I just don't get it. It's not like the writers are doing anything wrong. It says they're experts and want to keep up their good name. Why shouldn't I be able to verify those claims?
1:20 AM
Mike
Part of the confidentiality clause.
1:20 AM
Mike
Is there anything else that we can help you with today?
1:21 AM
Visitor
I'm sorry, I really don't get it. If they're proud of their work, why can't I know who they are? It's like I'm being asked to pay for a service from a complete stranger. Can you explain?
1:22 AM
Mike
We just simply dont give out the names of our writers.
1:22 AM
Mike
That's just it.
1:23 AM
Mike
You would know after you palced the order and paid for it successfully but you would only know them by their ID numbers and not by their names.
1:25 AM
Visitor
That's not an explanation though! How can you expect me to pay for a service from someone who I have no actual way of knowing is the expert they claim to be?
1:24 AM
Mike
That has been part of our service for more than 15 years due to confidentiality.
1:26 AM
Visitor
Is there any way I can know if the claims are true? How can I check?
1:25 AM
Mike
How do you mean?
1:27 AM
Visitor
How can I know that your writers really are experts and that they can write an excellent essay for me - for instance at postgraduate level?
1:26 AM
Mike
Most of our writers have PhD level of education and we have provided reliable writing service for the past 15 years.
1:28 AM
Visitor
Yes, I'm just asking for a way of checking that claim.
1:26 AM
Mike
there is no way for you to check it.
1:29 AM
Visitor
So, what reason can you give me to pay my money for this service?
1:29 AM
Mike
I do not have to give you one.
1:29 AM
Mike
I can only tell you about our service.
1:29 AM
Mike
90% of our writers come from the US and UK, the remaining 10% are all native-english speakers. Most of our writers have PhD level of education and we have provided reliable writing service for the past 15 years
1:30 AM
Mike
We use a precise writer matching system to assign the best possible writer to your order. You will have to provide us with detailed instructions, and we will find the appropriate writer for you. After submitting your order, you may start using our interactive web features to upload files, as well as to communicate with your writer and our customer care representatives using the messaging system.
1:32 AM
Visitor
But these are just claims, Mike. As I'm sure you know, the internet is full of claims by companies asking for money, but most of them are false. All I'm asking is for some evidence so that I can do some simple checks. Can you give me any evidence that I can check?
1:31 AM
Mike
Check our website.
1:31 AM
Mike
Check it over the internet.
1:31 AM
Mike
Simple as that.
1:31 AM
Mike
We are not forcing you to give any money to us.
1:32 AM
Mike
If you need our services,then we will help you do your academic papers.
1:33 AM
Visitor
There isn't any on your website. That's why I'm asking you, Mike. It's a simple and reasonable request that any potential customer might ask of any service.
1:32 AM
Mike
If you do not, that is alright.
1:32 AM
Mike
Thanks for contacting us. Please do not hesitate to contact us again if we can be of further assistance.
The operator has ended the chat. Thanks for contacting us
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