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Taiwanese people don't seem to drink with the frequency of other Asian countries or Americans, but good god when they drink it's like a marathon to puke town. The local bar's urinal is stained with goon vomit (you know who you are) and no one minds. They only drink beer by downing small cups of it rather than casually sipping it and everyone is on your rear end to drink as many cupfuls in a row as you can. There's a peer pressure mentality that I rarely see outside of college parties. Few things seem to make guys happier than to watch you collapse in the booth while the party rages on around you. In short, I love these people and I love this country.
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# ? Apr 14, 2012 06:13 |
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# ? Jun 5, 2024 05:56 |
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Haraksha posted:Taiwanese people don't seem to drink with the frequency of other Asian countries or Americans, but good god when they drink it's like a marathon to puke town. The local bar's urinal is stained with goon vomit (you know who you are) and no one minds. They only drink beer by downing small cups of it rather than casually sipping it and everyone is on your rear end to drink as many cupfuls in a row as you can. There's a peer pressure mentality that I rarely see outside of college parties. Few things seem to make guys happier than to watch you collapse in the booth while the party rages on around you.
Random side note: when clinking glasses, you generally clink with the lip of your glass slightly below theirs - don't clink with the lip above the other person's glass, and don't tap the bottom of your glass to the top of theirs; the clink height is like saying "you're above me/below me", and you should tend towards being humble. VVV: as long as the level is reasonably close, it's not a big deal, also it's usually the person who first moves their glass to drink that'll do it anyway. Basically, the thing to avoid is tapping the bottom of your glass to the top of theirs. (also not a big deal if you're drinking with people you know and/or non-assholes) duckfarts fucked around with this message at 10:18 on Apr 14, 2012 |
# ? Apr 14, 2012 08:45 |
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But if both people try to be humble won't they end up spilling their beers?
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# ? Apr 14, 2012 09:54 |
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duckfarts posted:
My wife is Vietnamese, and this is HUGE in Vietnam. Like, they know their glass clinking hierarchy as beer seems to be drunk with almost every meal. When asking some random Taiwanese friends/coworkers, they said I was crazy and they never heard of that. Just hit dem glasses.
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# ? Apr 15, 2012 03:59 |
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Yeah, if there really are rules that strict no one I know has ever abided by them. Just clink and drink.
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# ? Apr 15, 2012 14:40 |
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Nah, the glass height thing is totally a thing. It isn't even Taiwan specific - they do it in HK too. Dunno about the mainland though. It's not really something I think many people are conscious of, but it's definitely a thing. If you're just out drinking with the boys/girls/whatever, though, no-one really gives a poo poo. It mostly comes into play in situations where face is an issue. And on the "competing for the lower position" thing, in my experience it's been the person who first raises their glass in any particular instance that gets the top position where there's no clear/relevant hierarchy in place. sub supau fucked around with this message at 14:47 on Apr 15, 2012 |
# ? Apr 15, 2012 14:44 |
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TetsuoTW posted:Nah, the glass height thing is totally a thing. It isn't even Taiwan specific - they do it in HK too. Dunno about the mainland though. It's not really something I think many people are conscious of, but it's definitely a thing. If you're just out drinking with the boys/girls/whatever, though, no-one really gives a poo poo. It mostly comes into play in situations where face is an issue.
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# ? Apr 16, 2012 17:12 |
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Haraksha posted:I know of another spot open in Sanxia, this one less terrible than the last. M-F 3:30-8:30. It's 62000NT a month. It's a chain school, but a franchised one where a very good friend of mine basically runs the show. You should be afforded a decent amount of freedom. Email me if you're interested, same as my user name at gmail. I've been lurking this thread for a while, what qualifications would you need to get a job like this? I have some money saved up and just got my passport a few weeks ago so I was thinking of just flying to taiwan and walking around until I found a decent teaching job instead of doing the Hess route.
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# ? Apr 17, 2012 03:05 |
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Do you have a 4 year degree in something? A 2 year diploma and a tefl/tesol certificate? You qualify. If you do not have either of these, are you married to a Taiwanese woman or man? If the answer is yes to one of these three you qualify. Otherwise you don't.
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# ? Apr 17, 2012 04:41 |
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thegoat posted:Do you have a 4 year degree in something? A 2 year diploma and a tefl/tesol certificate? You qualify.
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# ? Apr 17, 2012 05:05 |
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Does it actually have to be a four-year degree, or just a baccalaureate? Because those two things are not necessarily the same thing.
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# ? Apr 17, 2012 05:28 |
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thegoat posted:Do you have a 4 year degree in something? A 2 year diploma and a tefl/tesol certificate? You qualify. Yes I just graduated with a 4 year degree last year. So the overall opinion of Tefl is that its nice to have but not really necessary?
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# ? Apr 17, 2012 05:53 |
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If you have a 4 year bachelor you don't need a tefl and I would consider it a waste of time. When I came to Taiwan 9 years ago, I flew here and just cruised around until I found a job I liked. This is the only way I would want to do it. If youre American I would recommend you get a two month visitor visa rather than the thirty day landing visa. If youre Canadian you get a three month landing visa. Either way two or three months should be enough time to find a job.
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# ? Apr 17, 2012 08:32 |
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dundun posted:Yes I just graduated with a 4 year degree last year. So the overall opinion of Tefl is that its nice to have but not really necessary? The position is still open, you just need a 4 year degree, don't bother with a TEFl. Shoot me an email, user name at gmail and I'll see if I can set you up.
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# ? Apr 17, 2012 08:35 |
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dundun posted:Yes I just graduated with a 4 year degree last year. So the overall opinion of Tefl is that its nice to have but not really necessary? In Taiwan, regarding 99% of cram schools, it doesn't even qualify as "nice to have." A baccalaureate is fine for immigration, as to being qualified I suppose that depends how enlightened the cram school manager is regarding international education standards.
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# ? Apr 17, 2012 10:58 |
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Haraksha posted:The position is still open, you just need a 4 year degree, don't bother with a TEFl. Shoot me an email, user name at gmail and I'll see if I can set you up. Man, don't keep posting this, I'm really getting tempted to move to the Sanxia area but I'm trying my bestest to honor my contract and not lose my deposit on my apartment here in Tainan.
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# ? Apr 17, 2012 15:35 |
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Haraksha posted:The position is still open, you just need a 4 year degree, don't bother with a TEFl. Shoot me an email, user name at gmail and I'll see if I can set you up. Thanks for the offer! Right now I'm just weighing a few options because the job I was supposed to start in NY has just been put in indefinite limbo. My brother has been teaching in Korea for about 4 years now and seems to enjoy it, but I don't really find Korea as interesting as Taiwan.
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# ? Apr 17, 2012 22:33 |
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I've only read the OP saying that Taiwan isn't a great place for a vacation but I thought I'd come grab some information off people if they can help! I'm from Australia, serial traveller and I'm looking for another trip, maybe only for two weeks or so before Christmas (university holidays). I understand this probably works out favourably for more comfortable temperatures in Taiwan. The reason I'm thinking of going to Taiwan is quite simply I've been almost everywhere else in South-East and East Asia (some countries on several occasions) and I want to add another country to my list of experiences. It's not a massive flight away so I figured I'd see if it can keep me entertained. I want to travel again but to be honest I can't be hosed doing a 24 hour return journey to somewhere else, I only just did that a few months ago and I'm sick of it for a year or two. I'm really into hiking, peace and culture, especially in East Asian nations. I really loved Japan, China and Hong Kong for these reasons. Is Taiwan similar in experience opportunity? How much would I expect to spend in $US per day for budget travel? I like the idea that the country has efficient rail transport, it makes travel in East Asia and Europe so much more enjoyable. Hopefully it's the same in Taiwan? Obviously I can't speak the language, how much of an issue is this? Is it ok to play charades and be obnoxious or should I try to learn some of the language? So there it is. Is Taiwan worth my time and money?
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# ? Apr 18, 2012 11:03 |
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PaoFerro posted:I've only read the OP saying that Taiwan isn't a great place for a vacation but I thought I'd come grab some information off people if they can help! Other than that, Taiwan's reasonably English friendly and you can get away without knowing Chinese, moreso in the north than in the south, and of course more in scenic/tourism areas. Generally, the prevailing opinion/feeling is that Taiwan is really friendly, so as long as you're not a dick*, people are generally helpful(it's a "friendly helpful people at 7-11" vs "rude soulless people at 7-11" place). Last, Taiwan's pretty safe, and it's hard to think of places "you shouldn't be in". * OK, sometimes you may need to be a dick
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# ? Apr 18, 2012 11:40 |
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dundun posted:Thanks for the offer! Right now I'm just weighing a few options because the job I was supposed to start in NY has just been put in indefinite limbo. My brother has been teaching in Korea for about 4 years now and seems to enjoy it, but I don't really find Korea as interesting as Taiwan. Yeah, my friend wants to have this positioned filled within like a month because it starts in June. If you're not able to commit by now, it probably won't work out.
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# ? Apr 18, 2012 11:42 |
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PaoFerro posted:I've only read the OP saying that Taiwan isn't a great place for a vacation but I thought I'd come grab some information off people if they can help! The OP also thinks food in Taiwan is awful, so he doesn't know what he's talking about. Come to think of it, that OP is really a big disservice. Here's a good starting guide to read up about vacationing in Taiwan http://wikitravel.org/en/Taiwan SnowWolf fucked around with this message at 14:41 on Apr 18, 2012 |
# ? Apr 18, 2012 14:37 |
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PaoFerro posted:I've only read the OP saying that Taiwan isn't a great place for a vacation but I thought I'd come grab some information off people if they can help! Just expanding on what duckfarts already said, I think for someone in your position you should absolutely come to Taiwan. I'd recommend against traveling on the HSR unless you have tons of $$$ to burn, and want to get around quickly. I personally am partial to using the bus as its cheap and Taiwan has an excellent city to city bus system. You can also take the regular train, but can be slower than taking the bus. Absolutely use the MRT in Taipei during any time you spend there. As for hiking/naturey type stuff. I'd recommend traveling down the East coast of Taiwan. There are much less people on that side so the crowds won't be so bad. If you can try renting a scooter, and just driving up into the mountains. Just be wary of buses, and crazy (drunk) blue truck drives coming down the (single lane! )mountain roads. Some spectacular views up there though. Most of all be sure to try talking with some local people if you can. Like I said in the OP Taiwanese people are some of the friendliest people you will ever meet, and easily the biggest reason I enjoy living here.
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# ? Apr 18, 2012 15:15 |
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SnowWolf posted:The OP also thinks food in Taiwan is awful, so he doesn't know what he's talking about. Come to think of it, that OP is really a big disservice. I never said the food was awful. Its just that I find Taiwanese food gets boring if you eat it for too long. I've tried asking my co-workers why they don't try something different (like Thai, Vietnamese, Japanese, etc.. food) than the same lunch boxes/fried whatever they eat almost everyday at work and they just get confused. That or their Mom does all the cooking for them, and of course they don't get much choice then. Still point noted, and I took a minute to update a few things in the OP: * Change some wording in the food section * Hopefully got rid of all the "your/you're" grammar errors * Added a small school section Sorry I haven't updated it more. Was busy with ME3, and now busy trying to put together a business plan :/.
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# ? Apr 18, 2012 16:17 |
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There is lots of boring food in Taiwan. This isn't to say that the food in Taiwan is boring. I have to agree with HappyHelmet completely when he says that his coworkers eat the exact same piece of fried meat every single day, sometimes multiple times a day. The most common food is not sauce heavy. It's fried and seasoned with mixed vegetables, rice, and some tofu. There are small variations. Sometimes the fried meat is pork. Other times it is fish. However, there is a huge range of food available. There is lots of great poo poo to be found if that's your thing. It's just that most local people don't seem to go out of their way to get it.
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# ? Apr 19, 2012 03:17 |
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Haraksha posted:There is lots of boring food in Taiwan. This isn't to say that the food in Taiwan is boring. I have to agree with HappyHelmet completely when he says that his coworkers eat the exact same piece of fried meat every single day, sometimes multiple times a day. My wife's coworkers eat lunchboxes twice a day, every day, forever. When we told them we went to Tasty the other day (500nt/person, steak + a ton of courses place), they just divided it out and said "That's like the cost of 8 meals for each of us!!! Why would you ever do that!!!" I do however like the Taiwanese black pepper steak for ~200nt. Noodles, egg, random veggies with a steak on top, with the sizzling black plate it's served on. UGH so good and well priced.
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# ? Apr 19, 2012 05:06 |
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Ravendas posted:
I can get (almost) the same thing in a box for 60NT.
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# ? Apr 19, 2012 05:46 |
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GoutPatrol posted:I can get (almost) the same thing in a box for 60NT. Steak for 60NT? Is that like .5oz of steak?
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# ? Apr 19, 2012 06:17 |
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Ravendas posted:My wife's coworkers eat lunchboxes twice a day, every day, forever. When we told them we went to Tasty the other day (500nt/person, steak + a ton of courses place), they just divided it out and said "That's like the cost of 8 meals for each of us!!! Why would you ever do that!!!" GoutPatrol posted:I can get (almost) the same thing in a box for 60NT. on second thought don't answer that
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# ? Apr 19, 2012 06:26 |
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duckfarts posted:FYI: That's kinda high priced, probably from being in a convenient location or having good service or quality; standard is something like 150ish(see most food courts), night markets sometimes have 120 or 100NT ones, includes fill it yourself tea if you like that kind of thing. Ravendas posted:My wife's coworkers eat lunchboxes twice a day, every day, forever. When we told them we went to Tasty the other day (500nt/person, steak + a ton of courses place), they just divided it out and said "That's like the cost of 8 meals for each of us!!! Why would you ever do that!!!"
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# ? Apr 19, 2012 07:12 |
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It should also be mentioned that Tasty is disgusting. You couldn't pay me 500nt to eat a steak there
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# ? Apr 19, 2012 07:28 |
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thegoat posted:It should also be mentioned that Tasty is disgusting. You couldn't pay me 500nt to eat a steak there also you could totally pay me 500NT to eat there, PM me if you're interested
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# ? Apr 19, 2012 07:32 |
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It's like a slightly higher-end Noble. The one down on Chongqing is alright too. Nothing outstanding, and for the price it could and should be better, but it's not that bad.
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# ? Apr 19, 2012 07:34 |
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Thanks for all the replies regarding holidays in Taiwan. Just a couple of more specific questions? I'd be travelling with my girlfriend, we're happy to eat cheap and off the street but we'd like to stay in accommodation that is half decent. Happy with double rooms in hostels or good value 3-4 star hotels or guesthouses. Just don't want to sleep in dorm beds. We aren't big drinkers or into crazy nights out, nor do we want to shop. How much would we be likely to spend in two weeks there? If someone could tell me some sort of daily budget (per person) for us considering we'd be sharing some costs. Also, are parts of Taiwan comparable with any other areas of Asia? For example, is Taipei like Tokyo or more like Hong Kong or more like Guangzhou? Does the countryside resemble southern China or Northern Vietnam or something totally different? Just asking because I know nobody who's been there and there's not many world famous areas or landmarks that stick out in my head when I picture Taiwan. Final question. What are the opportunities for hiking like in Taiwan? I know there's a bunch of different mountains there, but are they good for exploring? Thanks in advice and for the quick replies on my previous post! Great thread and detailed contributors.
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# ? Apr 19, 2012 08:27 |
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I'm loving it when I convert these prices to JPY. I think I'm going to enjoy Taiwan very much Anywho, are there any holidays where business shut down for more then 3 days consecutively besides Chinese New Years? Putting together a business plan and from what I can find there seem to just be a bunch of one off holidays, which is hard to believe.
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# ? Apr 19, 2012 08:30 |
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PaoFerro posted:I'd be travelling with my girlfriend, we're happy to eat cheap and off the street but we'd like to stay in accommodation that is half decent. Happy with double rooms in hostels or good value 3-4 star hotels or guesthouses. Just don't want to sleep in dorm beds. We aren't big drinkers or into crazy nights out, nor do we want to shop. How much would we be likely to spend in two weeks there? If someone could tell me some sort of daily budget (per person) for us considering we'd be sharing some costs. quote:Just asking because I know nobody who's been there and there's not many world famous areas or landmarks that stick out in my head when I picture Taiwan.
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# ? Apr 19, 2012 08:48 |
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Money question. I have a friend of a friend who wants someone to look at a college essay. It's 15,000 words. How much would you charge to correct just the grammar and the fluency? It's for a UK masters program, so I have to assume that their English is pretty good (the person being Taiwanese), but I wouldn't even know where to start negotiations. Also, it's the kind of family where money really isn't a problem.
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# ? Apr 20, 2012 14:51 |
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Haraksha posted:Money question. I have a friend of a friend who wants someone to look at a college essay. It's 15,000 words. How much would you charge to correct just the grammar and the fluency? It's for a UK masters program, so I have to assume that their English is pretty good (the person being Taiwanese), but I wouldn't even know where to start negotiations. I'd just clock it and take my hourly rate.
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# ? Apr 20, 2012 14:58 |
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Well, my guess is that 15,000 words is like 35 pages. God knows how many hours that's going to take me, but even if it was 3 hours that would still be like 2000 dollars at my hourly rate. It's entirely different work, and frankly seems more taxing than teaching kindergarten.
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# ? Apr 20, 2012 15:01 |
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Haraksha posted:Well, my guess is that 15,000 words is like 35 pages. God knows how many hours that's going to take me, but even if it was 3 hours that would still be like 2000 dollars at my hourly rate. It's entirely different work, and frankly seems more taxing than teaching kindergarten. Then go up to 800 or 1,000 an hour. 1,000 is like top shelf one-on-one tutoring, as I recall, and I think you're good enough with language to be well worth that price for editing work.
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# ? Apr 20, 2012 15:04 |
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# ? Jun 5, 2024 05:56 |
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Haraksha posted:Well, my guess is that 15,000 words is like 35 pages. God knows how many hours that's going to take me, but even if it was 3 hours that would still be like 2000 dollars at my hourly rate. It's entirely different work, and frankly seems more taxing than teaching kindergarten. I would suspect it'll be more than 3 hours. At 30 pages that's 5 minutes a page to do both the reading and revising. In addition you'll want to check your work either page-by-page or at the end. More pages would only increase the pace. I'd call it 5 hours in all, maybe with some stipulation for more if the writing is really crappy. If the writing is already good though I doubt it'd be more taxing than kindergarten. Totally unrelated: 15,000 words just to get into a school? Will admissions counselors even read that?
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# ? Apr 20, 2012 15:22 |