I saw an ad for a remote proofreader - editor at flexjobs. I applied on their website and had to pass a short grammar test within a limited time. Some of the questions were easy, and a couple were difficult (or not very relevant), but I passed, and I was invited (via automated email) to do a mock editing assignment. I accepted it, and I got four pieces to be edited (an academic essay, scientific document, fiction, and ESL cover letter). It was supposed to take three hours, but it took me more like 6-7 because the level of writing was terribly low. These are example sentences:
"Hibernate group hibernated forcibly (7% for two month) with cold brain and control were prevented from hibernated."
"Within, 10 trials to keep, and the results were at the same high level of correct decisions as in the pre-test, which we did before and et. Al. did in one pervious research."
"Because you matter you need the best company for your painting and that is me ---- just call me your Painter. Consider me please I need work."
"Therefore, t is than that Grendel’ discovers that Beowulf’s grip is stronger..."
As you can see, the level of English is terrible. I am not a native speaker, but I do have a doctorate degree and I can tell you, I have never seen papers written this badly. You can't even figure out sometimes what the author is talking about (or describing). How can you edit that without communicating with the author?
As a PhD graduate, I suggest that if you love editing, tutoring or helping others, stay away from Scribendi. They are doing a disservice to a profession which was built on certain ethics. What they offer is trying to repackage garbage and sell it as something grand.