Writing at Associated Content **October Edition**

[wfuteach]

Come and join us!

Visit the orginal thread here -- http://www.mothering.com/discussions...d.php?t=647439

PLEASE READ BEFORE POSTING!
From Heather's Original Thread for AC:
In accordance with the UA, please adhere to the following rules: Please do not post links to your Content Producer page or your articles, in your posts or signature. Please do not spam users in private with these links unless they have asked. If someone asks you for a link, send it to them in a private message. Swap links only in private and when solicited.

You may tell us when you have a new article posted and what it is about, but again, do not link it. There is no need to say "See my CP page for it" or "PM me for a link" and so on to self-promote, because we all know that we can check your CP page or PM you. Keep self-promotion to a minimum. All we need to know is that you wrote something new and what it's about, and if people want to, they will take the initiative to find the peice and read it. Telling us the exact name of the piece is not recommended, because that's about the same as posting the link.

I am going to create a list of the MDC mamas and their AC links. If you wish to be added to it, please PM me with a link to your Content Producer Page. If you would like an updated copy of the list (which isn't available just yet, lol) just ask. I will try to send out copies to a few people so that I'm not the only one who knows.

Please do not post here if you advertise to your articles in your signature (unless you've purchased an advertising package).

Mods, I hope this is ok. If you want me to amend these rules please let me know. (Although none of us benefit enough from the bonus to afford, in six months, to pay for an MDC advertising package much less profit after doing so.)

[ErikaLeigh]

I'm ready for October, just gotta get my laptop fixed so that I can write even more!

going to answer the last few things in the last thread, and get started on my goals here!

[wfuteach]

OK, it's October! Yay!

How was September for everyone? What are your plans for October? Anyone else itching for the PV update, like, yesterday?

September was a great month for me. Though my offers are lower, I am writing more, still writing well (I think) and am able to write more frequently and quickly. So, I might only be averaging $5 a piece, but they are taking me half the time. Only fair, I suppose. I am working on a piece right now that I am pleased with. Randy is going to take a look at it for me to help with my keywording, which, up until now, has been pretty mediocre. Wish me luck.

I met my Sept. goals, and mentioned that I am upping my October goals. I want to write 7 articles a week (last week I DOUBLED that, though!) and earn $125 this month. I think it's an attainable goal. If I do it, I will have paid for the calendars I made for grandparents/aunts/uncles on kodakgallery for Christmas. So, that's my goal.

Hope everyone is doing well!

[ErikaLeigh]

I still haven't set any goals, but I guess I need to get on that.

[queenbean]

I wrote all of about 3 articles in September, and they haven't been reviewed yet. I need to start writing more. I'm going to set aside half an hour each day for writing -- I may not get an article done every day, and I may spend that half hour doing research instead of actually writing, but I need to get myself into a reasonable routine so I can get some things written.

I still don't know what to do with that article I wrote a while back that got such a low offer. I deleted it from the system and was trying to beef it up a bit, but I really don't know if I can. I think I'll add a little bit and publish it, even if they give me a low offer -- the information is too important not to share with my readers, and it would be 3 bucks I didn't have before.

I haven't been commenting on all your articles, but I have been reading. Nice work, everyone! Keep it up!

[evies_mom]

I continue to have no goals other than to enjoy writing. For now, I am focusing on topics of which I have a passion for- mostly breastfeeding, genealogy, and parenting in relation to my girlies. My offers have all been between $7-$8. I keep expecting them to drop based on what I have read. I am guessing they won't hold that high for much longer.

I do have a question about clout- I know it's an acknowledgement of PV's and number of submissions. However, does it GET you anything? Like possible featured or something like that? Many of you have mentioned writing "simpler" pieces in order for your clout to increase. At this time though, I am getting more enjoyment from spending my writing time on topics that really interest me. Should I be writing more, for lack of a better word, mindless pieces (meaning ones that don't necessarily stimulate me intellectually)?

As far as topics that I am going to explore: I really want to write a piece on the emotional scars that I carried from my c/s and the lack of understanding I received from others. Not sure if I am "ready" to write it though. Conversely, I also would like to write about my VBAC, and again the US societal perceptions of VBAC and lack of support there is. I plan on exploring more genealogical topics as well as different spins on natural birthing. Other thoughts were some book reviews of non-fiction books.

The one thing I must say is that I feel good supporting other moms in this endeavor. I may not comment on everyone, but I do view all the writings that I have subbed too. If I haven't subbed to you yet, please PM me your link.

Enjoying writing and reading this coming month!

[queenbean]

As far as I know, clout doesn't get you anything but bragging rights. There has been talk of somehow rewarding higher clout, but nothing has been done yet. I would just keep writing what you enjoy. The clout will come naturally if you write good content and draw pageviews.

[evies_mom]

Originally Posted by queenbean

As far as I know, clout doesn't get you anything but bragging rights. There has been talk of somehow rewarding higher clout, but nothing has been done yet. I would just keep writing what you enjoy. The clout will come naturally if you write good content and draw pageviews.

Good to know. I will stay the course then.

[Twocoolboys]

My goal for October is to write 20 articles again. Only 10 will be for AC and most of the rest will go to Suite. I may try sending one to my local newspaper.

Eviesmom- If you are making $7-8 an article, then definitely keep doing what you are doing! For me, clout is nothing more than a tool to help me set goals.

I'm anxiously awaiting a pv update.:

[MamaPam]

I have my first article done for the month. I'd like to exceed my goal though the more I think on it. I have a few pending review from last month that I'm waiting for offers on.

Goal update 1/20 articles

[evies_mom]

Originally Posted by Twocoolboys

For me, clout is nothing more than a tool to help me set goals.

Gotcha.

I think once my offers start dropping then I will explore doing more product reviews and such. For now, I try and milk the money train. lol

EDITED: for an incredibly stupid spelling error.

[wfuteach]

Jenny, it sounds to me like you are writing about areas that haven't been hit on in the way you are hitting them. I'd suggest sticking with it. Maybe the offers will drop and they were just high as a "hook" to get you, like my $10 first offer, or maybe they are consistently $7-8 because they don't have anything similar in their database and they won't drop. It sounds like the second choice, to me. They are nicely written pieces, for sure!

I am really enjoying the writing, without a doubt. It's something that had been missing from my life, and I didn't realize how much I missed it until I started doing it again.

[rainbowmoon]

Jenny- I notice your topics are very specific. maybe that is why you are getting higher offers? just a thought! whatever it is, I hope it continues for you because you are doing awesome! :

[evies_mom]

Originally Posted by wfuteach

Jenny, it sounds to me like you are writing about areas that haven't been hit on in the way you are hitting them. ... They are nicely written pieces, for sure!

Thanks flor the cmpliment.
I definitely do a search on AC before I write. If a topic is overdone, I try and put a different spin on it. For ex: my bfing one on constipation, there was plenty on the topic there, but little on the topic of understanding the difference in infrequent stools and constipation.

I am curious how my next piece in the queue will do. It's an article on how to make styling your toddler's hair a little easier. It's the first piece that I've brought a glimpse of my family into it. Most of my other pieces are largely factual.

Yet another question- how do pieces that are geographically specific fair? I was thinking about doing some pieces on some local attractions around Boston that are kid-friendly, but was wondering if that limits the audience too much. Thoughts?

[rainbowmoon]

btw my queue is almost empty : just have 1 processing! need to fill it back up! I just hate it when it's empty!

[evies_mom]

you'd better get to work, chickie!

And I also wondered if the higher offers were a reflection of the specific nature.

I wish there was some sort of formula that let us know how they determine offers.

[Twocoolboys]

Originally Posted by evies_mom

I wish there was some sort of formula that let us know how they determine offers.

Me too!

[moonfirefaery]

AHHH, it's October already!!!

Time for Halloween articles...

[moonfirefaery]

Say, you know, I think since the first thread was started, there may be a few of us who actually DO profit enough from PVs to pay for an advertising package now and still have a bit left over. We've come a long way, I think, all of us.

[MamaPam]

Having goals for what I want to spend the money on has helped motivate me to make the time to write regularly. For example right now everything I am making on AC is earmarked for Christmas stuff. What do ya'll use your money for AC for? Is it for extras or do you make enough regularly now to cover certain monthly expenses? Just curious.