The Term Paper Artist

          In the Smart Set article, The Term Paper Artist, Nick Mamatas tells us of his past job, writing term papers for college students.  In his article, he tells us of the highs and lows, the diversity of people, and the way of thinking for term paper writing.  Mamatas starts off saying how hard it is to be a freelance writer and all the negative comments he reveived growing up.  It wasn't until he found the Village Voice ad that he could prove them wrong,  "After all, nobody ever puts a classified ad in the paper that reads 'Writers Wanted.' Then, in the Village Voice, I saw just such an ad. Writers wanted."  Now, he was in business. 

          According to Mamatas, there are 3 different kinds of clients.  Dumb clients, the one-timers, and "well-educated professionals who simply lack English-language skills."  The most predominate, the dumb clients.  To no avail, said clients flock in and throw around names they've never before heard, ask for smaller words, and, my favorite, "Produce a section called 'BODY OF PAPER'.  I was also asked to underline this section."  Where would the world be without the notorious dumb people?

          For Mamatas, this is one of the easiest things to do, in his mind,  for extra cash.  "Term paper work is also extremely easy, once you get the hang of it. It's like an old dance routine buried in one's muscle memory."  His suggestion for anyone trying to finish a term paper, "In the paper mill biz, the paper isn't important. The deadline, page count, and number of sources are."  In simplified terms, don't write, fill.  

          Mamatas is sincere when it comes to the clients he encounters.  It's endearing, almost, to read what he has to say about them.  He does make a good point about how students act these days, "I know why students don't understand thesis statements, argumentative writing, or proper citations."  He's right when he mentions this.  Today, a lot of students get off with as little work as possible. 

          It seems as though Mamatas and the company he works for could be jipping these kids from actually learning.  "The students aren't only cheating themselves. They are being cheated by the schools that take tuition and give nothing in exchange."  There is no doubt that Mamatas is right when he says it's a lot eaiser to pay for a term paper rather than re-paying to take that class again. 

          In the end, it seems as though Mamatas may slightly regret taking not only money from the students, but also their ability to learn.