Associated Content for freelance writers.

written by Julie R. Neidlinger      1 comments      link this post     


In the past, I'd occasionally run into a few articles on the Associated Content (AC) web site during random searches for information. I decided to check it out and see what AC really was, in terms of its purpose and how it would be useful to writers.

At first glance, I wondered if it were similar to citizen journalist web sites like Now Public or NewsVine. It doesn't appear to be exactly like that, however, in regards to content. Essentially, AC is a web site for freelance writers to ply their trade and possibly make a little money. AC also accepts video and audio. Though there is obviously news-worthy content (like the citizen journalist sites), there are also informative articles in a similar vein to those that you might find in a topical magazine.

In general, the average article on AC seems to bring in about $5-6. It might not seem like a lot, but if you are a blogger, consider what your average blog post brings in -- nothing. AC has a kind of Google Adsense feel to it in that you also receive money for page views and other various programs. This is likely why, as I touch on in the next paragraph, people write for search engine optimization (SEO), and why there are accusations of key-word mining.

I've seen discussion of both sides on the web, with some people saying it is merely a trick to put out key-word-laden content with some sort of connection to Google, and nothing more. Some have referred to it as little more than a pay-for-blogging site which, essentially, does the same thing: tries to grab Google searches. For supposedly being design for that, if that be the case, I have to admit it doesn't do a great job in as much as the searches I've done on Google. I have only fallen upon a few articles in past searches, nowhere near the amount of a successful "mining" web site. Admittedly, in nearly every unofficial how-to article that talks about promoting your AC content, the idea to load your writing with key words seems to be paramount. That could be just traditional SEO advice given for any writing on the web, however.

I went and set up my own free account just yesterday, and though I don't have anything there quite yet, the setup process was easy. I'm still familiarizing myself with the web site and the methods AC uses to both put out calls for work on certain subjects as well as let people supply material and articles on topics of their own choosing. I'm curious to know if this is just a gimmick or if it works.

UPDATE: The submission process for my first article was easy, but in no way random. There were opportunities for links, bylines, categorization, highlight quotes, etc. All materials are supposedly reviewed, so my article is not available yet. In my account and content areas, however, I see that I can track how each article performs (views, payment, etc.)

Promote your AC content:

Links:

UPDATE: My first article was accepted for exclusive, up-front payment for around $4. I decided to resubmit and try for performance payments, instead. I may not make as much money off of the article, but the idea (which reminds me of Google Adsense) suggests that there is the possibility there to earn more than the $4. In the AC email that announced the article was accepted for that payment, it said that it could earn more money off of performance payments. I decided to take that option, instead, and see how it would compare in the long run.

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Copyright (c) Julie R. Neidlinger      12/29/2007 10:42:00 AM      (1) comments      Links to this post    

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1 Comments:

Welcome to AC. It is what it is. I agree. It beats blogging for free, but I don't use it as a blog though some do. Give thebarefoot.wordpress.com/ac-getting-started/ a browse before you get much deeper.

By OpenID Barefoot, at December 30, 2007 9:20 AM  

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