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Topic: writing for eHow or about.com
| Author | Message |
| mytype | Posted – 11/13/2007 12:01:49 AM | show profile Anyone write for these sites? The 'writing test' is extensive. Wondering if it's worth it. |
| writesonwater | Posted – 11/13/2007 4:32:21 AM | show profile there was a thread about this within the last six months, I think ... |
| writesonwater | Posted – 11/13/2007 4:44:16 AM | show profile http://www.mediabistro.com/bbs/cache/t26940_1.asp This isn't the one I am thinking of but it's a start. There was extensive debate about whether it was worth all the effort. For me, the audition process isn't worth it -- pitching is a pain and this is much worse than pitching. Spread over a year or two, it probably pays as well or better than doing a book for hire on the same topic ... |
| maphop | Posted – 11/13/2007 12:40:34 PM | show profile This was a big topic on another BB for writers and at a major writing conference recently; general agreement was that unless you didn't have other work going on, the qualifiying tests and jump-through-hoops application process wasn't worth the average income each month assuming you even got the gig. Frankly, you could do one magazine feature and make more money than a month's worth of posts and updating. |
| mytype | Posted – 11/13/2007 12:50:30 PM | show profile thanks--i've been approached a couple of times with these tests. i was wondering if i was missing something. i don't see the benefit of doing the test, especially when i have tons of writing experience. was also wondering if they use the 'tests' as content for the site. |
| basenji | Posted – 11/14/2007 2:00:24 AM | show profile I had wondered about the same thing -- worth it or not -- regarding the about.com sites. One thing I have noticed, though, is that part of the pay might be the exposure. I see a couple of the more widely read about.com authors getting nice coverage in other publications (as interviewees). I can see where this might drive more business to you if you are considered an expert in a certain area or own another related business. It would certainly provide some leverage as far as proving that: 1) You know the topic 2) You can write consistently good, compelling copy. And this, I suppose, could lead to other assignments -- at higher paying gigs. However, is the time spent per month enough to justify the pay? I suppose it might earn you more $$$ than just putting your own blog out there in cyberspace. These are factors I considered when evaluating whether to go for it or not. I chose "or not" because I had a flood of new work that came in recently. And also, I write a weekly newsletter already for a news outlet. There is something to be said for having an anchor client, a consistent amount of income per month -- even if that amount is not really high. In my case with the newsletter, having that gig was my saving grace during the last couple months as things slowed down assignment-wise. It covers rent and my car payment, and knowing those are covered every month (particularly as a relatively new freelancer) is a big comfort. So I'm willing to trade slightly lower pay for greater security. My 2 cents .... |
| writesonwater | Posted – 11/14/2007 3:51:26 AM | show profile The professional in a field is precisely who stands to benefit from this gig. Look at a pediatrician -- to get his articles into a magazine he may have to buy the space (an ad) or buy the space and then get advertorial concession for it. (Happens). In comparison, to be cited consistently as a national expert on childhood medical needs and get paid at least $700 for doing so (instead of shelling out for ads) -- brilliant. They certainly see no down side to producing tons of copy for pennies per -- it all makes them look good. This is what About.com seems to prefer -- subject matter experts who can also write. |
| Stanley_Milgram | Posted – 11/14/2007 9:05:35 AM | show profile Good thread topic. I, too, have encountered these types of site/deals. Most recently, for Personal News Network. The pay guarantee there is less than at about.com, but there seems to be much more freedom (you're essentially paid a small stipend + traffic bonus for running your own blog) and less hassle getting into it. Still, it would be nice to hear from someone who is actually doing it. |
| westsidestory | Posted – 11/15/2007 12:09:44 AM | show profile I did some stuff for about this summer - the topics were easy and up my alley, and took perhaps three hours each to research, write, and polish. I found the editing rather heavy handed, and the topics not exactly pulse-pounding, but enjoyed the challenge in exchange for a reasonable rate. I'm not sure if I'd do it again - sponsored articles are generally not the kind of cutting edge stuff I like to do. But I did find the group professional, and they paid on time. (My 2 cents) |
| uneedabob | Posted – 11/15/2007 1:01:00 PM | show profile | email poster I wrote for eHow for about six months, ending in March of this year (before new management took over). I churned out over 200 pieces at $75 apiece, none of which took more than a half hour to write (and post), a nice $150/hour gig. And most of my stuff was featured on the home page. Then the new folks took over and tried to convince people to write for free. I hope those writers see this post and find out just how much they're being lowballed... |
