Web Content Writing

I first "found" that web content writing was an option for me back in December of 2008 after I lost my job. Deciding that I needed to do something while the next job opportunity came along, I found eHow. I remember how naive I was getting excited over the idea that eHow "accepted" me to write for them. Little did I understand at the time that anyone could write for eHow. Through eHow I began to "meet" many different writers and I developed a few very good friendships. It was Dena Bolton who most influenced me. Dena was a giving, kind soul whose generousity was known by many online writers. She encouraged me to branch out, believe in myself and write on other sites. Because of her, I applied to Associated Content (now Yahoo Voices) and earned the title of Parenting Expert. We both wrote on multiple sites and had a routine that allowed us to focus on several sites, making the most of our time. Dena suddenly passed away a little over a year ago and her death hit me hard. I began to question everything and I had a hard time moving forward. It also became a time where I questioned having my "eggs" in too many baskets. Online web content writing changed around the time Dena passed and that was also another reason why it was time for me to re-evaluate what I was doing. I learned that on many sites, the more often you contribute, the more money you would make. Ultimately it isn't always about how good your content is; it is how much you participate. Web content writing in itself is not a get-rich-quick-scheme. It is discouraging for those who write with the thought that they want to produce great content that the site they are submitting to allows pure garbage on it. I have been disgusted by bad English, really bad writing and obvious keyword filled "articles" on several sites. What has also disgusted me is how some sites are set up. I decided to check Helium today as I have not participated there in a few months. With over 300 articles I have not reached minimum payout ($25) since I wrote there last. I clicked on a few of my #1 articles only to have annoying videos on each one. I was disgusted. Personally I don't want my brain to compete with an annoyingly loud advertisement while I read an article. My advice for newbies is to really check out sites that they think they want to write for. Sites like Helium (in my opinion) are deceiving. Any site that you need to log into daily and sumbit content to in order to make payout feel like a scam. Again, my opinion. Personally I am giving Squidoo a more concentrated effort and holding my breath waiting to see if what everyone says is true. I should know by summer if my efforts pay off. In the meantime, I have my blogs, my online stores and my part-time retail job. I have plenty to do.