Forbes investigating “contributor” who asked for money for story

Forbes has launched an investigation after a freelance journalist who claimed to be a contributor to its 1,800-strong digital network offered to write a company profile in return for money payment from its PR agency, reports John Plunkett of The Guardian.

Plunkett writes, “The journalist, who has not been named, asked for ‘someone to fund my time’ saying they were ‘only paid a very small sum by Forbes which doesn’t stretch far.’

“The request was turned down by Rich Leigh and Company, a Gloucester- and Manchester-based PR company, which posted the email on Twitter.

“The freelancer said the payment would help make a ‘better, more in-depth article I think that tells the founder story in detail, explores the market and discusses current and future trends.’

“The suggested £300 payment, or £30 an hour for 10 hours’ work, would ‘cover spending 1-2 hours talking to founders by Skype or in person, then researching and writing a draft, sharing with subject to check accuracy and facts, editing and finally publishing final draft to Forbes (presumably where you’d like the post to go?).'”

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