Demand Studios websites

[NewKidOldKid]

Also, t he first time I had to do a re-write, the CE was very professional and kind and simply just pointed out what to do differently.

Today I encounter my 2nd re-write since joining the site and this CE was very rude and unprofessional. Luckily, from past bad experiences, I am past the crying stage in writing and now have the writer's tough skin and can shrug it off. Just think it's an interesting observation how different each CE is.

You'll get over it. We all do. :) Better to ignore them and just on your merry way (whether you choose to do the rewrite or not). Some CE's are horribly horribly rude, by the way.

[Wired]

Has anyone worked for DS as a copy editor? I just sent in my CE test yesterday and am waiting to hear back, but I was wondering what experiences others had as a CE.

Thanks!

[cool_st_elizabeth]

Also, the first time I had to do a re-write, the CE was very professional and kind and simply just pointed out what to do differently. Today I encounter my 2nd re-write since joining the site and this CE was very rude and unprofessional ...

That must be the same copyeditor that tried to rip me a new one last weekend. In my article I mentioned an online game that s/he had apparently never heard of, and since s/he evidently knows all there is to know about online games, said my statements were "bogus," misspelled the name of the game, and inserted extra words into my article, making my grammar incorrect. I did a rewrite as requested and the bitch rejected the article anyway, along with a few more nasty comments. I appealed the rejection following the new process but I haven't heard anything back yet. :rant:

[Amelia23]

Hi Colorado Mom,
Just wondering if you got your $25 bonus. I wrote my 5 articles and they were approved before the end of the month. I haven't received mine yet.

[tpridgen]

That must be the same copyeditor that tried to rip me a new one last weekend. In my article I mentioned an online game that s/he had apparently never heard of, and since s/he evidently knows all there is to know about online games, said my statements were "bogus," misspelled the name of the game, and inserted extra words into my article, making my grammar incorrect. I did a rewrite as requested and the bitch rejected the article anyway, along with a few more nasty comments. I appealed the rejection following the new process but I haven't heard anything back yet. :rant:
:censored
Ok, that would have had my head spinning 360 degrees around my neck. I would have had to unplug my keyboard and hide it for a few hours.

[mommyjo2]

How do you find out about bonuses, etc.? It seems like I see things HERE first (i.e., two paydays a week, etc.) Is their email alert just slower than the awesome AW grape vine?

Not related to Demand Studios, but I had a editor that INSISTED I use "their" incorrectly, i.e., "Each contestant must prove their mettle..." It drove me insane.

[blueobsidian]

Not related to Demand Studios, but I had a editor that INSISTED I use "their" incorrectly, i.e., "Each contestant must prove their mettle..." It drove me insane.

I actually agree with the CE on this one. The style guidelines specify not to use "their" in a third person singular situation. You should alternate between he and she instead. Because of the word "each," your example reads (to me) like a situation where a singular pronoun should be used. Or it could be changed to "Contestants must prove their mettle..."

[NewKidOldKid]

To find out about bonuses, special assignments, etc. you need to go to the forum. There's a subhead called Studio News, where you'll get all the info you need.

[Amelia23]

In exploring the DS site I wandered into my scorecard. How much emphasis is put on that score and how can one improve it? They never tell me what my grammar mistakes are or were. Frustrated and wondering about this as I don't want to be booted off. It means too much to me.

[joyce]

In exploring the DS site I wandered into my scorecard. How much emphasis is put on that score and how can one improve it? They never tell me what my grammar mistakes are or were. Frustrated and wondering about this as I don't want to be booted off. It means too much to me.

I think as long as you are in the passing range you are ok. If you are scoring a one, you probably would have all your articles sent back for a rewrite. If your articles are passing through the system, then you should be ok. Most of my CEs don't let me know what I did wrong so I can improve upon it. They just pass the article. I know weeks back I was under some serious stress and both my scores dropped. I knew I was just trying to write, but then writing for me is something I cannot force. I stopped for a week, cleared my head and jumped back on the horse. In one weeks time I raised my score back up. I know DS takes into consideration if you are new and trying to get the hang of everything. Don't worry if all your scores are in the passing range and your articles are not getting rejected.

[Words Are My Life]

So for those have you that have been on DS for a while...

which is worse...doing a re-write and then having it rejected? Or just not doing the re-write?

[cool_st_elizabeth]

Even if your scorecard gives you 4+ in both grammar and research, you could still get one of the insane copyeditors at any time ... which has taught me not to rely too heavily on the income from DS.

[Words Are My Life]

Even if your scorecard gives you 4+ in both grammar and research, you could still get one of the insane copyeditors at any time ... which has taught me not to rely too heavily on the income from DS.

Yeah, I think we need to remember that the CE's are freelancers too and just like there are many great writers using DS...there may be some newbie or not so good writers that some how got accepted. The same can go for the CE's. There may be some really amazing ones, but there could also be people who slipped through the cracks and are not too experienced or professional and now we have to deal with them approving our content.

[joyce]

So for those have you that have been on DS for a while...

which is worse...doing a re-write and then having it rejected? Or just not doing the re-write?

I try to do any rewrite I get if I think it can be done. I've also passed on several because either the CE wanted too much or I could just feel it was going to be rejected even with a rewrite. Personally, the rejections scare me more than an abandoned rewrite. I try to limit my abandoned rewrites though. I guess if every rewrite you received was abandoned, it would eventually count against you, especially if there was a ton of them.

[SouthernFriedJulie]

I lost my temper in the DS forums. It's ridiculous how many so called 'writers' whine and moan about the CE's there. Waaaa waaa waaaa, so and so is editing my work...and more. My lord, I'm so glad that there's AW, because even though there are good, professional people at the DS forums- I feel I'm mingling with the grown-ups here.

I'd be willing to bet most of the whiners have only ever submitted to Associated Content or maybe HubPages and had no direction from an editor before. Nor knew that a CE was supposed to do a real job.

Bah. I'm being reminded why there are people out there that get away offering $1 per article, it's these people (the whiners and idiots that can't follow directions) that make it possible.

/end rant.

[joyce]

I lost my temper in the DS forums. It's ridiculous how many so called 'writers' whine and moan about the CE's there. Waaaa waaa waaaa, so and so is editing my work...and more. My lord, I'm so glad that there's AW, because even though there are good, professional people at the DS forums- I feel I'm mingling with the grown-ups here.

I'd be willing to bet most of the whiners have only ever submitted to Associated Content or maybe HubPages and had no direction from an editor before. Nor knew that a CE was supposed to do a real job.

Bah. I'm being reminded why there are people out there that get away offering $1 per article, it's these people (the whiners and idiots that can't follow directions) that make it possible.

/end rant.

I so agree with you, Julie. I've never seen so many whiners in my life! Every time I visit the forums over there it seems like the same people are always whining or complaining. I've actually developed a dislike of some people over there due to their posts in the forum. I know that sounds stupid, but I just can't help it. I feel the same way about AW as you. When I come here I feel like I'm dealing with adult people who can hold an adult conversation. It seems like no matter what DS does to improve their system, these same people find something else to whine about. Thank goodness I'm not working in a building together with them....I'd probably get fired or attacked when I told them all to shut up. :)

[SouthernFriedJulie]

The problem is, just like with a lot of online writing sites- DS is riddled with work at home types that saw an ad.

"Yes, ANYONE can write from home!"

I see it all the time on other forums I drop in on and even in some IMs from newbies (not newbies from AW). They have no clue how 'real' writing works. Nor do they want to know. It's all a bunch of whining and needing their hand held.

I have a ton of respect for people who start out, read everything they get their hands on, or every link they can, and don't stress over such stupid little things - I even read where one person swears that ONE CE has a vendetta against them!

You can't even tell which CE is which! These people with 5 million re-writes or every article rejected, sorry to say it, but they're probably just not doing it right.

I know that for a fact, heck, I had to do a total rewrite on one I did because I had two titles mixed up in my mind, I did the History of Recycling instead of the Environmental Effects. Duh moment! Stupid mistake. Didn't whine, just re-did it. Letting them slide through robs me of a payment, not to mention the CE of theirs. The least I can do is try again.

[tpridgen]

I haven't hung out in the forums on DS much yet. I scanned through the thread about updating headshots and bios and it was 95% "This is a horrible idea - you should pay me more if you want me to do that" and 5% "Okay, no problem!"

It's nice to know there are some CEs that are a bit crusty, but I'm glad the work gets reviewed.

BTW, how many titles do you need to submit before you stop getting the "Congratulations, your first article has been approved!" email? I've had ten pieces published in the past 3-4 days. Maybe I'll stop getting that at number 11?

[SouthernFriedJulie]

I haven't hung out in the forums on DS much yet. I scanned through the thread about updating headshots and bios and it was 95% "This is a horrible idea - you should pay me more if you want me to do that" and 5% "Okay, no problem!"

It's nice to know there are some CEs that are a bit crusty, but I'm glad the work gets reviewed.

BTW, how many titles do you need to submit before you stop getting the "Congratulations, your first article has been approved!" email? I've had ten pieces published in the past 3-4 days. Maybe I'll stop getting that at number 11?

LOL! I got that for my first 8. Not sure why.

[Anastacia]

Eh.

Demand Studios doesn't even pay .5 a word. In the "real world" of writing that's laughed at by most freelancers. Especially given that they buy all rights AND want frills such as pictures and links and some of those topics are so esoteric you could easily spend hours researching a single article.

This isn't a high paying trade magazine nor is it a highly prestigious outlet you could add to your resume for bragging rights.

They're a content mill good for a quick paycheck and that's about it.

Let's be honest about it on both ends. Grown ups and adults actually expect to earn a living wage not a mediocre paycheck for highly skilled labor.

[joyce]

Eh.

Demand Studios doesn't even pay .5 a word. In the "real world" of writing that's laughed at by most freelancers. Especially given that they buy all rights AND want frills such as pictures and links and some of those topics are so esoteric you could easily spend hours researching a single article.

This isn't a high paying trade magazine nor is it a highly prestigious outlet you could add to your resume for bragging rights.

They're a content mill good for a quick paycheck and that's about it.

Let's be honest about it on both ends. Grown ups and adults actually expect to earn a living wage not a mediocre paycheck for highly skilled labor.

I admit some of the titles are ridiculous. I guess I've been really lucky because in the year I've been there I find articles right down my alley of expertise all of the time. I write basically for Trails and GardenGuides and the articles I choose don't require me to do a bunch a research on. I work out of the house four days each week and only write for DS part time. I'm still happy as a squirrel with a bag of nuts, writing for DS. I make good money there each week with very little time or effort put into it. DS has saved my household from financial ruin this past year so I can only be grateful. If I can pull in $400-$500 each week writing about how to catch a fish or put up a tent, I'm smiling all the way to the bank. Yes, it's low pay compared to many places, but right now those "many places" aren't paying my bills and DS is. I still think that if the people writing over there are so miserable they need to stop writing for DS and go somewhere else and make those "big bucks". It sure would free up a bunch of articles for everyone else. Just my humble opinion. :)

[mommyjo2]

It's low pay, but the payment is prompt and timely and you know what you're getting. If you choose your titles according to your expertise, there's no need to spend hours researching. I spend about 30 minutes researching and another 30-45 minutes writing, which works out to an ok hourly wage, especially considering I don't have to leave the house, can work around my family's schedule, and don't have commuting, daycare, etc. costs.

[blueobsidian]

Let's be honest about it on both ends. Grown ups and adults actually expect to earn a living wage not a mediocre paycheck for highly skilled labor.

I make at least 50% more per hour working for DS than I did at my last day job, and I had been there for years. They now pay twice a week and I don't have to spend any time chasing down a check. DS allowed me to quit working and write full time. Then, it allowed me to go back to school and not completely drown in debt because I can work around MY schedule, and not what some "highly prestigious outlet." Some of us prefer paying the rent to hoping for acceptance from something prestigious.

There is an easy solution to the "esoteric" titles -- don't write them. I haven't spent more than 40 minutes completing a title for DS.

[SouthernFriedJulie]

Eh.

Demand Studios doesn't even pay .5 a word. In the "real world" of writing that's laughed at by most freelancers. Especially given that they buy all rights AND want frills such as pictures and links and some of those topics are so esoteric you could easily spend hours researching a single article.

This isn't a high paying trade magazine nor is it a highly prestigious outlet you could add to your resume for bragging rights.

They're a content mill good for a quick paycheck and that's about it.

Let's be honest about it on both ends. Grown ups and adults actually expect to earn a living wage not a mediocre paycheck for highly skilled labor.

Maybe so. But a living wage depends on where you live and your situation.

And no, it isn't a trade magazine nor a national glossy. But, it fills in the gap between gigs. They're also very serious about plagiarism, which is a good thing.

Just yesterday I had a potential client offer to pay me far less than DS does per Fact Sheet. I can crank out 20 Fact Sheets a day, easily. Most on topics I know and am expert enough that I don't need to add in all of the links for references and such.

That's $150 for a day of work. For a 5 day workweek, that's $750.

In the 'real world' as another person pointed out, there are clients, even national publications that you have to chase for your pay. DS hasn't stiffed me, but clients that were supposed to be respected HAVE.

In essence, you're knocking everyone who writes there. Mediocre pay or not, if something pays the bills without needing to be threatened, I'm down with that.

[Words Are My Life]

I agree with everyone defending the site. I really think it is a good place to write. Sure there may not always be the most exciting topics (but not everything you have to write about if you worked at a corporation is exciting either). And sure sometimes the CEs piss us off (but again, working in an office, someone there would eventually piss you off too).

Say you do a 15$ article and it takes you an hour (which is something I can do if I pick topics that make me comfortable). People who make $30,000 a year, their salary breaks down to 15$ an hour. It's an honest wage, there are plenty of people out there who only make 30k or even less at their full time job.

I think being that DS is totally web based, it's great that they pay on time. There are so many scams out there. It's nice to find a legitimate website to write for that you know won't screw you over.

[Bluebug32]

Has anyone written for LiveStrong.com? I'm particularly interested in this one. Or do you think I have a better chance of applying in general? If I apply in general, will I be able to choose LiveStrong assignments?

[Words Are My Life]

I try to do any rewrite I get if I think it can be done. I've also passed on several because either the CE wanted too much or I could just feel it was going to be rejected even with a rewrite. Personally, the rejections scare me more than an abandoned rewrite. I try to limit my abandoned rewrites though. I guess if every rewrite you received was abandoned, it would eventually count against you, especially if there was a ton of them.

Cool thanks for your advice.

I ended up doing the re-write and it got approved :)

[Words Are My Life]

I just noticed some $20 articles in there called "lists". Is this something new?

[caromora]

I just got my acceptance email from Demand. :) My other freelance work has been slow recently, so I'm hoping this will help me pick up some extra cash for Christmas. I've been reading through this thread while waiting for my bio to be approved, and the information has been so helpful. Thanks, all. :)

[joyce]

I just got my acceptance email from Demand. :) My other freelance work has been slow recently, so I'm hoping this will help me pick up some extra cash for Christmas. I've been reading through this thread while waiting for my bio to be approved, and the information has been so helpful. Thanks, all. :)
Congratulations! I hope you enjoy it over there. I know it's going to help my Christmas be a bit merrier. :D

[tpridgen]

Congratulations! I hope you enjoy it over there. I know it's going to help my Christmas be a bit merrier. :D

I've been thinking about using some DS $ to start a little vacation fund. I'd love to take a cruise in the spring.

[SouthernFriedJulie]

I was just approved with Garden Guides. Had to go through the HelpDesk because there's something buggy going on with my account.

I really, really used to loathe DS. Someone told me when I first started with them was when a lot of changes to the system was going on. I have to say that I am very happy with them these days.

I'm saving up for a super special Christmas :-)

[joyce]

I was just approved with Garden Guides. Had to go through the HelpDesk because there's something buggy going on with my account.

I really, really used to loathe DS. Someone told me when I first started with them was when a lot of changes to the system was going on. I have to say that I am very happy with them these days.

I'm saving up for a super special Christmas :-)

Congratulations, Julie. It seems when the DS computer system is working, it's working great. When that bad boy starts going crazy....well it's as messed up as some of the people on their forums. :D

Yes, Christmas just might be a good one this year. I'll just keep my fingers crossed the cars keep working and nothing major breaks in the house to suck me dry. My inanimate objects seem to know when I have a couple of dollars stashed.

[tpridgen]

What do you all do when you get a rewrite request back that asks you to further elaborate on statements and by doing so would put you waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay out of the suggested word count for the article?

It's a "how to" article, not a dissertation, you know?

[mommyjo2]

Just got a rewrite request back saying my article is in the wrong format. How can that be when I used the DS template? Says it looks like a list but should be an about. But it's "about" parts of a machine. How can I write about the parts of a machine without listing the parts of the machine?

It's my first rewrite request, not sure how to ask for a clarification of what the CE wants to see.

[joyce]

What do you all do when you get a rewrite request back that asks you to further elaborate on statements and by doing so would put you waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay out of the suggested word count for the article?

It's a "how to" article, not a dissertation, you know?

If you are afraid the rewrite will get you rejected, send it up to the editorial team before you do it and ask for clarification. They have always been really good in getting back to me. Good luck.

[joyce]

Just got a rewrite request back saying my article is in the wrong format. How can that be when I used the DS template? Says it looks like a list but should be an about. But it's "about" parts of a machine. How can I write about the parts of a machine without listing the parts of the machine?

It's my first rewrite request, not sure how to ask for a clarification of what the CE wants to see.

Did you add a description of what each part might do? I don't know, I haven't done Abouts for a little while. I mainly do lists. Before I did the rewrite I'd send it to the editorial team and ask them for clarification. They will explain what they see that needs to be changed or tell you if nothing needs to be changed. Since you only have one chance without being rejected, I'd try them first. The only other choice you have is to not do the rewrite. Good luck.

[tpridgen]

If you are afraid the rewrite will get you rejected, send it up to the editorial team before you do it and ask for clarification. They have always been really good in getting back to me. Good luck.

I wish I would have. It got rejected (due to something that got added during the rewrite)! I'm appealing it because it just seems really petty that I would be asked to pad in 200 words and then get it axed because of an error that isn't really an error. At the very least, that could have been fixed in copy-editing or I should have been allowed a light rewrite to get rid of the unclear reference.

I might just grab the article and publish it somewhere else. It was totally bastardized by the CE's "add this" suggestions and at least two hours of my life. I think this is one of those rare occasions when it would have been better to have it edited by someone who DIDN'T know anything about a topic. Only a true layperson could read and go, "Yeah, that makes sense" whereas if you think you know something about a topic you'll start editorializing.

It seemed like the CE wanted to write the darned article herself.

[tpridgen]

Since you only have one chance without being rejected, I'd try them first. The only other choice you have is to not do the rewrite. Good luck.

This rubs me the wrong way. I know that's their policy, but it's definitely not collaborative and in the spirit of publishing good writing. If you do an extensive rewrite and send it back for it to get rejected for a typo or length issue when the writing itself is solid and research good, that seems like a waste. Some things can easily be fixed by the CE taking 5 seconds to ask, "Tiff, what the hell is this line?"

[joyce]

I'm sorry you got rejected. I've only had a few rewrites where I just left them to die in the queue. The CE and I were just on two different planets and I knew that even with a rewrite I would get rejected. I just had it happen a couple of weeks ago. I did what the CE asked and the article was still rejected. I could have kicked myself because I had that bad feeling before I did the rewrite. When I have a feeling the article is just going to die no matter what I do, I've been not doing the rewrite and then putting it on eHow. It hasn't happened but a few times, but I could just feel the rejection coming even if I had Jesus helping me write the stupid thing.

[tpridgen]

I had that feeling, too, Joyce. I could just tell that the CE thought she knew a little something-something about the topic and no matter what I did to it it was going to be rejected. It was a $15 article, so I thought I'd try, though.

I tried to be diplomatic in my appeal request, but we'll see.

[mommyjo2]

Is anyone else totally annoyed by the new photo thing?

And why are the pictures so WEIRD?

[joyce]

Is anyone else totally annoyed by the new photo thing?

And why are the pictures so WEIRD?

So far I haven't done articles that require them. I basically do How to's and List's. I do have a feeling there isn't going to be good pictures to choose from. For a lot of my articles I use my own pictures, so this new picture thing will probably suck.

[caromora]

Is anyone else totally annoyed by the new photo thing?

And why are the pictures so WEIRD?

I still haven't figured out what to put for photo captions, so I haven't used one yet. :o

My first article got approved. :) I really like the fact sheets so far. They're fast and easy to do.

[tpridgen]

Demand's rejection appeal system sucks. Basically, as the writer you get blamed for your imperfection and you get told that they can't reverse it "due to the system."

Alright, then.

Anyone ever successfully appealed a rejection? I mean, it just seems so petty sometimes. I'm not looking for a fight, but it chafes me that they wouldn't want good writing because of their "1.5 strikes and you're out!" methodology.

[caromora]

That sucks, tpridgen. :( Maybe you could redo the article a bit and put it up for sale on some place like Constant Content? I make pretty good money at CC.

Just a thought. :)

[gjerdej]

I read somewhere that if you appeal a rejection they will sometimes send you a very similar title or the exact same title so you can do it again.

As far as the new photo system. It sucks. I don't know why DS can't create a search function that works properly. I always get a bunch of really scandalous and/or irrelevant photos. I kind of want to just use one that's completely inappropriate, just for kicks.

[tpridgen]

As far as the new photo system. It sucks. I don't know why DS can't create a search function that works properly. I always get a bunch of really scandalous and/or irrelevant photos. I kind of want to just use one that's completely inappropriate, just for kicks.

I did a fact sheet on sperm today. Fortunately, none of the images were crazy, though they were a bit too abstract for an informative piece. Probably could have done without a photo, but I thought I'd test out the new system!

[mommyjo2]

I did an article on carpal tunnel - all the wrist photos were gory/suicide/amputations. Seriously, why would they have a PHOTO of someone slitting their wrist (it looked like stock photography, and I'm sure no one was maimed in the making of the pic, but still.)

I did one on bentonite detox - and the pics were female mud wrestlers.

I did an article on sewing machines - and I got a pic that wasn't R-rated! Yay! My caption was really long. I don't know what they are looking for there, either. Keywords? Repeat of the title? Pithy? Witty?

[plaidearthworm]

I came into this discussion too late to be of help, but when I've written an article exactly to the title and the CE wants a whole different format or take, I go straight to the Title Clarification board. It's faster than Help Desk. I've gotten answers within five minutes to a couple of hours.

[kiyasmom]

I just got on with Demand Studios after a long hiatus. I started with them in 2007 but that didn't last long... I look forward to working with them even if it is just a "content mill". I can use the money while I prepare for Nanowrimo.

[Words Are My Life]

Another question about rejections.

I am pretty new to the site. My first five articles have all been fine. Then I just got a rejection today.

It was an about article about nutritional info. at a certain restaurant. After the first draft, where I wrote every section about calories, fat etc. I was told it sounded like a list.

So I re-did it to include other facts about the foods and restaurant and got rejected because I "veered too far from the title".

Am going to be banned from the site b/c of this one rejection?? In their forum, a lot of posters make it sounds like you get flagged if your rejection percentage is high...but when you only have a few articles so far, even one reject makes your score high.

[SouthernFriedJulie]

Another question about rejections.

I am pretty new to the site. My first five articles have all been fine. Then I just got a rejection today.

It was an about article about nutritional info. at a certain restaurant. After the first draft, where I wrote every section about calories, fat etc. I was told it sounded like a list.

So I re-did it to include other facts about the foods and restaurant and got rejected because I "veered too far from the title".

Am going to be banned from the site b/c of this one rejection?? In their forum, a lot of posters make it sounds like you get flagged if your rejection percentage is high...but when you only have a few articles so far, even one reject makes your score high.

Banned? I very seriously doubt it.

Appeal the rejection because you can't be rejected for following directions and if the rejection was not based on the original rewrite comments.

[SouthernFriedJulie]

Looks like someone is piggy backing off of writers weekly.

http://ds-forumdrama-exposed.com

And it looks like someone is just trying to get drama started in here, too.

I have to say, I've lost all respect for Writer's Weekly now. That was a very biased article. I am one of the people who wrote to her with a positive experience. From what I see, only negatives were posted.

I'm an 'average' DS writer. And to say that we're pathetic for taking low paying articles to supplement our income or to make it through rougher times when regular work is low?

Bite me, Ms. Hoy.

Calling your readers pathetic...to their faces...just to prove you have the balls to do it is sad. It isn't a way to encourage new writers or ANYONE else to do better for themselves. It only proves you are crass, rude, and have no idea what it is like to be in the trenches /TODAY/ when the economy sucks rocks and every clients from big name glossies to a Craiglist poster is ripping you off.

Grow up and stop insulting your readers to get traffic.

Maybe your problem is that Demand went to FWJ for partnership or that she had an offer for her network. Work on the layout of WW, drop the snide 'I'm better than you low on the rung writers' attitude and get it through your head that you're not a freelancer's lawyer...you're a drama queen.


Now, I wonder if the troll that posted this will carry it back to WW so she comes and reads it.






Also- whoever owns the site linked too is too pathetic to reveal who they are. I took the liberty of checking out the WHOIS- hidden behind a privacy company. At least Angela Hoy can own her words while this piece of trash has to hide.

Here's the info in case anyone wants to send love letters to the privacy company.

WHOIS information for ds-forumdrama-exposed.com :
[Querying whois.internic.net]
[Redirected to whois.dotster.com]
[Querying whois.dotster.com]
[whois.dotster.com]

The information in this whois database is provided for the sole
purpose of assisting you in obtaining information about domain
name registration records. This information is available "as is,"
and we do not guarantee its accuracy. By submitting a whois
query, you agree that you will use this data only for lawful
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[Nefertiti Baker]

Looks like someone is piggy backing off of writers weekly.

http://ds-forumdrama-exposed.com

Yeah, that would be you. Have a little more style if you're going to steal people's comments off of a PRIVATE forum for your blog, huh?

I notice you're advertising Examiner. Nice. That's means you'll get a kickback off of everyone who clicks that ad and signs up.

Taaaaacky.

[trishabartle]

And it looks like someone is just trying to get drama started in here, too.

I have to say, I've lost all respect for Writer's Weekly now. That was a very biased article. I am one of the people who wrote to her with a positive experience. From what I see, only negatives were posted.

I'm an 'average' DS writer. And to say that we're pathetic for taking low paying articles to supplement our income or to make it through rougher times when regular work is low?

Bite me, Ms. Hoy.

Calling your readers pathetic...to their faces...just to prove you have the balls to do it is sad. It isn't a way to encourage new writers or ANYONE else to do better for themselves. It only proves you are crass, rude, and have no idea what it is like to be in the trenches /TODAY/ when the economy sucks rocks and every clients from big name glossies to a Craiglist poster is ripping you off.



Exactly. It'd be one thing if she just talked about what was good and bad about DS. Fine, that's her opinion. But she focused on US, the writers. When you review a company or product, and instead just bash the people who use it, you've got a problem. That's not how you review something.

[joyce]

:hooray::hooray::hooray:Well let me start the jumping for joy! I'm so dang happy when I pay my light bill, mortgage, buy food and find myself able to pay for my life, that I'm one of those horribly unhappy DS writers (just being sarcastic there). Sure I'd love to be writing for National Geographic, but unfortunately I'm not. DS is a good steady flow of cash for me and I'm still grateful. Where I live there is no place I could go and make anywhere from 20 to 30 to 40 dollars an hour unless I was removing someones brain or heart. There have been a few people in my life I would have like to have tried......but I never had a sharp knife on hand and beside the pay would have been really low.:D

[SouthernFriedJulie]

I think she's just burned that Deb Ng is getting a ton of readers, offers, and whatnot. The whole focus of the article was Deb. I counted 'Deb Ng' 9 times, hm...maybe some keyword stuffing?

Deb Ng is a keyword. Put it on your article enough times and you'll jump up in Google searches. If she wasn't using it that way, why not just say Deb or Mrs.Ng a few times?

She's burning on Deb, but yet...Deb's sent a ton of readers to WW. It isn't backstabbing, it's a slap in the face for making something popular. Might also have something to do with FWJ being the number one source for freelance writers now?

The whole post reeks of snark and high school drama. The former Lead Cheerleader (or whatever it's called) crying foul and sniping the new one.

[tpridgen]

Yeah, that would be you. Have a little more style if you're going to steal people's comments off of a PRIVATE forum for your blog, huh?

I notice you're advertising Examiner. Nice. That's means you'll get a kickback off of everyone who clicks that ad and signs up.

Taaaaacky.

Thank ya. I tried to respond to that last night, but my iPhone wouldn't let me. I guess it wanted me to keep the snark to a minimum.

But really, if you're going to come up in here and drop a link to your own controversial website, don't do it on your first damned post. Free advice. ;)

[tpridgen]

:hooray::hooray::hooray:Well let me start the jumping for joy! ... DS is a good steady flow of cash for me and I'm still grateful.

This.

The US Government appreciates that I'm repaying them their student loan money courtesy of Demand.

[WriterKM]

I'm not the owner of the site. Stop the accusations.

He just posted a new post on editors, so it isn't all about writers

http://ds-forumdrama-exposed.com/2009/10/16/why-one-writer-quit-demand-studios/

How do you know it's a he? I don't remember reading anything that indicates this person's gender....

[SouthernFriedJulie]

I'm not the owner of the site. Stop the accusations.

He just posted a new post on editors, so it isn't all about writers

http://ds-forumdrama-exposed.com/2009/10/16/why-one-writer-quit-demand-studios/

It's been noted by others that this poster has been a busy little bee signing up and spreading this link all around.

Really, how much money do you think you'll get from Adsense? Or from Examiner sign ups? Or- are you a virtual assistant? I can bet you keyed' Demand Studios' into Google and have been hitting every forum popping up.

I posted this in the DS forum, too, so maybe someone will recognize the writer's style or wording and the f*nut can be kicked out of the joint.

ALSO- this could be considered spam since the poster did nothing but link to a website on their first posts. Glad the mods keep an eye on this. We'll eventually find out who this is.

[Nefertiti Baker]

Ooooh. See, I didn't want to place this link on the forums, because it'll just get him hits :( Meh on that. Whatever it is, someone's trying to pull a really undignified Jerry Springer with a bunch of people trying to freaking earn a check.

I'll say it again. Taaaaaacky.

[tpridgen]

I don't see anything wrong with it. He is bashing the company and the writers that are rude in the forum.

Don't you think it's fair that people know what to expect before applying?

Why is the link spam? I thought people would appreciate the articles. You don't even know if the person is a writer or just someone who got posts from other writers. For all of you that are happy with DS some people aren't very happy with the rejections.

It's spam because there's a certain decorum people expect in these types of forums. We introduce ourselves, explain why we're here, so on. We don't jump in immediately and paste links to websites that are adversarial.

And regarding rejections - who would be happy with a rejection? Frankly, I don't care if this post gets copied and pasted all over the internet. I've probably complained about every job I've ever had. I've done food stamps casework where I came home every night and complained about the job. Did that mean I was going to quit the job? No. Last time I checked, complaining is a right. Complaining is some peoples' way of finding ways to cope with a situation.

[SouthernFriedJulie]

I don't see anything wrong with it. He is bashing the company and the writers that are rude in the forum.

Don't you think it's fair that people know what to expect before applying?

Why is the link spam? I thought people would appreciate the articles. You don't even know if the person is a writer or just someone who got posts from other writers. For all of you that are happy with DS some people aren't very happy with the rejections.

I guess you missed the part where the writer was bashing anyone that enjoyed their work. Oh and where he/she/it stated that most of us would only see a stove or pregnant belly when we looked down?

Not only is that a slam on DS writers, it's sexist- completely demeaning to women that decide to stay home with their children or happen to have husbands they enjoy cooking for.

I guess this twit decided that if you have a vagina and write from home, you're a lemming or worthless.


Another thing that's hilarious is the Examiner sign up everyone points to. So hardcore on real money and all [ the drama writer reject from ds] - but affiliate ad from a place that freezes payments for someone who's done the work. At least DS pays and even offers revenue no matter how long you're idle.

[mommyjo2]

Don't you think it's fair that people know what to expect before applying?

I'm not understanding how one doesn't know what to expect from the Demand site. It seemed pretty clear to me. And, in fact, one thing I appreciate is knowing exactly what's expected and exactly how much and when I'll get paid. Is it the highest paying gig in the univeres? No. Is it steady work that can pay some bills? Yes.

[mommyjo2]

Reading some of the forum posts, I’m not sure these women have seen more than a stove and a pregnant belly when they look down.

That's what an ignorant, ad hominem attack looks like! Can't actually participate in a debate on actual issues, so we'll call all the writers housewives with nothing better to do.

Sadly, it's not even an imaginative insult. I'm beginning to see why "admin" is stuck posting on a website that is advertised in the most spamalicious manner.

[Nefertiti Baker]

Ladies and germs, let the troll wallow in his slime and don't egg it on. I know that I have to juggle the baby and my huge, pregnant stomach, and I don't want my bare feet to sink into the mess he's leaving behind. It's tough being stuck at this stove, y'know!

[Cassiopeia]

It's the weirdest thing to read someone claiming not to have been paid by DS. I've always been paid. Sometimes sooner than I expected.

Now, I'm not going to say I'm chuffed that when I do write, I only get $15.00 but I chose to do it. And times are tough and if writing for DS when other freelance positions are scarce is what pays a bill or two, well then that's great.

I went to that link and right away it stood out that this person is advertising for examiner. It's a no brainer to figure out their motive.

[SouthernFriedJulie]

It's the weirdest thing to read someone claiming not to have been paid by DS. I've always been paid. Sometimes sooner than I expected.

Now, I'm not going to say I'm chuffed that when I do write, I only get $15.00 but I chose to do it. And times are tough and if writing for DS when other freelance positions are scarce is what pays a bill or two, well then that's great.

I went to that link and right away it stood out that this person is advertising for examiner. It's a no brainer to figure out their motive.

I wasn't paid- but that was a long time ago. I gave them another chance after bad-mouthing them for a long time. My bad buzz only revolved around my experience, never anyone else's. What this person is doing is hideous.

It is taking the light away from the issue- Angela Hoy and her biased piece.

Which in turn is really taking away from the real heart of it all:

We work, we get paid, and we're settling, but we're not settling for the bottom barrel rates. Not like we're cranking out articles for pure revenue share from some start up.

I guess it will be this way the entire road. Every rung on the ladder talks about the one under it. Some of us have our feet on two different ones and our hands reaching to two more. There are those at the top throwing us ropes and others trying to tip the ladder. You can guess which of those camps that I think the people who call anyone working their way up names are.

:-( It's a shame when those we look up to turn out to be such losers in the humanity department.

[Cassiopeia]

I wasn't paid- but that was a long time ago. I gave them another chance after bad-mouthing them for a long time. My bad buzz only revolved around my experience, never anyone else's. What this person is doing is hideous.

It is taking the light away from the issue- Angela Hoy and her biased piece.

Which in turn is really taking away from the real heart of it all:

We work, we get paid, and we're settling, but we're not settling for the bottom barrel rates. Not like we're cranking out articles for pure revenue share from some start up.

I guess it will be this way the entire road. Every rung on the ladder talks about the one under it. Some of us have our feet on two different ones and our hands reaching to two more. There are those at the top throwing us ropes and others trying to tip the ladder. You can guess which of those camps that I think the people who call anyone working their way up names are.

:-( It's a shame when those we look up to turn out to be such losers in the humanity department.Let's face it. We all have disappointments. What we say, think and do about them is all about us. Angela Hoy is losing credibility by the blog click. There's a time and a place to vent such issues and her using "this person said this and OH, this other person said that" is hearsay and if she's not careful, she could end up with a slanderous or libel case against her. It's one thing to say, "this happened to me." It's another to go around making the claims she is.

I'm in the camp of, here...Let me give someone a hand up camp and let's forget the bad, and push forward for the good.

I'm more interested in all of us finding work for more than 15 dollars a pop. Until we find it, DS is the ticket.

[joyce]

Have you read the latest post? He addresses the poor payments and the fact that DS isn't paying their writers accurately. Obviously he copied and pasted a forum post, but it's not lies. It's the truth. The poster complained about payment and no one answered.

I read the DS forums all the time and I don't see all these people complaining that they don't get paid. Most of the time the people have not read the DS announcements on changes and just freak out. Sure there's mistakes on pay and it isn't just DS where that happens. I'm sure that happens at every company in country at one time or the other. I've always seen DS respond when someone has a problem that they will fix it, but they need the person to contact them privately. Besides, who gripes about their short paycheck on a forum looking for it to be resolved? Whiners. Wouldn't any intelligent person go straight to the source and contact the powers in charge instead of crying on a forum? Oh, I forgot....I'm just a spayed and neutered woman who loves cooking (my butt shows it) and who happens to be making a decent living at DS, so I guess I'm too ignorant to know any better. :evil

[SouthernFriedJulie]

Let's face it. We all have disappointments. What we say, think and do about them is all about us. Angela Hoy is losing credibility by the blog click. There's a time and a place to vent such issues and her using "this person said this and OH, this other person said that" is hearsay and if she's not careful, she could end up with a slanderous or libel case against her. It's one thing to say, "this happened to me." It's another to go around making the claims she is.

I'm in the camp of, here...Let me give someone a hand up camp and let's forget the bad, and push forward for the good.

I'm more interested in all of us finding work for more than 15 dollars a pop. Until we find it, DS is the ticket.


Absolutely.

I find more than $15 a pop work all the time. But I'm sick of waiting 30-90 days after publication, only to have been forgotten.

I'm pretty sure that all of the other (or most of) writers for DS are like us. Well aware that DS isn't the end-all, be-all of freelancing. But like we've all said, it pays bills in full for some, in partial for others, and gives the writers working there a sense of security they don't have with Craigslist gigs.

I hope they move on to some other writing joint soon. Like O-Desk or Textbroker.

[tpridgen]

And you're establishing this "minority" based on a very limited sampling of responses. Hmm. I would imagine that people who have no problems wouldn't bother posting about their lack of problems.

[JillZ]

I have been writing for DS for over 1 1/2 years and have always been paid on time and accurately. I certainly don't think that writing for DS is the ultimate when it comes to writing gigs and I wouldn't mind getting paid more, but it works for my situation. I work part-time as a public relations writer. In my spare time, I don't want to send out queries and conduct interviews. I have done that before and I don't want to worry about sources not calling me back when I'm under deadline pressure or not getting the info I was expecting from a source.

Writing is what I do to pay the bills and while I won't go any lower than what DS pays, I am glad that there is a company that provides steady work and twice weekly pay days.

[joyce]

Everyone has different experiences, but it doesn't mean the posts aren't true. Obviously, someone isn't getting paid and complaining. I agree that complaining on a forum is not the right thing to do, but it's also a good heads up for others to check their payments. If it happens to one person, it's probably happened to another.

I only see 2 people here saying they got paid fine and one person said it happened to her before, so obviously forum drama is right. I just checked the blog again and someone posted that they had been shorted also. So, you're only 1 person who has said everything has worked out fine while 3 other people have said they didn't get paid properly. You are in the minority.

How can I be in a minority over there when I barely ever post. I only post to help someone out with a question. There are a ton more people writing for DS than what you see posting in the forums, so obviously they are either happy or handling their problems in the correct way. The regular posters at DS are a slim minority and quite a few I basically see crying all the time. If there are (let's estimate here) 500 writers who work steady for them, but only 20 are whining regularly about something, how can I be in a minority?

Besides, don't people check their paychecks at any company they work for? Mistakes happen. I was just shorted hours at a major company I work for outside of DS (a real job). I spoke, they listened and the problem was fixed. If they don't check, well they're just plain stupid if you ask me. I check to make sure all my articles were paid every payday. Any problems I've had are directly related to an editor, not DS in general. I'm not saying that everything is pudding and cream cheese over there, but it's also not that way at any company. Get real!

I don't call 50 people regularly posting on a forum the majority. So I can only assume the other 450 or more are either too sensible to whine on the forum about pay, or are handling the problem in a correct fashion. I don't see on this forum a bunch of people crying about be screwed by DS. Julie had a problem once, but now everything has worked out fine. Most of the problem posts are about an idiot editor.

Estimating a problem on 3 problems and 1 non-problem is not correct statistics anyone should go by. Enough said, I'm now going back to write some articles for that horrible, non paying, screw you over DS. It's just like I feel about life.....you only hear about the ass wipes of society because they are the ones crying out for attention by doing bad stuff and people thrive on bad. You never hear about people doing good or being happy, it just does not make a good news story.

People who are unhappy at DS....please just leave and go somewhere else. Free up the articles for those of us who really want to write. It's stupid. Am I going to continue to eat liver when I hate it, just because it's high in iron? Hell no, I'm going to choose another food product.

[SouthernFriedJulie]

Whoa- I said that it happened a long, long time ago.

Don't put words in my keyboard, bub. [or bubette]

Once, during a changeover of software and editorial staff- a lot was going on. I was also given full rights back to my work, an apology, and since then I've made more than double what I was owed. Ironically- by the same company- Demand Media's rev share on eHow- which is where I posted the articles after getting the rights back.

I've worked for companies that never fixed a problem in a paycheck-offline. I resigned. If DS didn't pay me now, I wouldn't BE there. Simple as that.

As for the editors there- they do what they can with the limited communication system. I've had ONE article rejected because the CE and I both were confused with what we should do on the topic. The CE regretted needing to reject it based on what her superior told her [i'm just using her, could've been a he] and said so in the comments.

There's unhappy people in every job. When I worked in nursing homes, I didn't care for being literally up to my elbows in poop, but I loved what I did-caring for others to make their life better at the end. Writing, I [and many, many others like me] get to share our expertise on subjects to the masses. The way we are encouraged to write on DS is friendly, open, and in a way even some of the people that have a hard time learning can understand.

You're not going to get a clear step by step in a magazine for someone like that-unless it is a targeted niche mag.

Anyone, genius or far lower, can get the information they need for free from what we at DS supply. We get paid for THAT. I don't give two flying froggy fornications if the revenue is from Adsense or other ads. Even educational television has advertisements, but it's available to everyone. [sponsors such as home improvement companies and so on]

So, don't like it? Find another job. That's what we grownups do.

[SouthernFriedJulie]

So, because the ce was "confused" you worked an article and lost money? I guess you learn something every day. I guess "confused" is a reason to not pay someone. I'll remember that next time.

Go away. No one cares anymore. You're just trying to keep stirring up drama. If you're not happy working for them- don't. If you don't work for them, then get over it.

Anyway. Time to stop feeding the troll.


SO- Here's a topic change away from bottom feeders...


If you're working for Demand to have a little extra holiday cash, what are you planning to do with it? Any wishlists you're fulfilling?

Me:
For my 3 year old-
Kota! (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0016H1OPQ/ref=s9_simz_gw_s0_p21_t1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1ENGDP8BRPT2SQ2MPPGV&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846)



For the girls- T will get Butterscotch, Ambi will get Smores-
Ponies (http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss?url=search-alias%3Dtoys-and-games&field-keywords=buuterscotch+pony&x=0&y=0)!


For the baby...not sure yet


For hubby-
Xbox360 Modern Warfare 2 Edition
(http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-360-Modern-Warfare-Limited-Console/dp/B002I0HDLE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1255806884&sr=8-2)


And for me:
Yes, you're all welcome, ladies (http://daddycatchersrealm.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/daniel_craig_shirtless_2.jpg)

[plaidearthworm]

Thanks for asking, Julie. I'm actually writing toward several goals right now--all have to do with getting ready for winter. This winter may be even worse than last year, so a new generator is on the list, along with ample supplies in case we lose power again. I'm also working toward a new laptop, and some nifty holiday gifts for the family. Hubby's loving the GPS function on his Blackberry, so I'd love to get him one of those in-car GPS gadgets. My stepdad's recovering from lung cancer surgery, and the doctor said he needs more exercise: I'm wondering if he would use a Wii Fit. I've set a goal of five DS articles a day to accomplish all this, and have room for my other freelance writing, which pays less frequently and much slower, LOL.

[Cassiopeia]

Everyone has different experiences, but it doesn't mean the posts aren't true. Obviously, someone isn't getting paid and complaining. I agree that complaining on a forum is not the right thing to do, but it's also a good heads up for others to check their payments. If it happens to one person, it's probably happened to another.

I only see 2 people here saying they got paid fine and one person said it happened to her before, so obviously forum drama is right. I just checked the blog again and someone posted that they had been shorted also. So, you're only 1 person who has said everything has worked out fine while 3 other people have said they didn't get paid properly. You are in the minority.There is no obviously about it. You can not count the offending blog as an accurate accounting as the author is spreading hearsay.

What you DO have is three of us here, saying we are being paid. One had difficulty a while ago but it has been remedied. Therefore we are in the majority. Who here is NOT being paid now? Answer that for me, if you will please.

[Cassiopeia]

I'm actually not able to write for DS at the present moment. And yes, they keep emailing me asking me to come back and get busy but between school and the launching of my new business and site, I'm a bit swamped under. I was doing a bit of title editing too in those moments when I sit in front of the TV and relax. It's easy work but I'm not as fast as I could be at it so I only make about 12 an hour doing it. Still, I made enough to pay two utilities. :)

And LOVE the Daniel Craig photo. *sigh* It's always a good day when we see him. ;-)

[peep_show]

So, because the ce was "confused" you worked an article and lost money? I guess you learn something every day. I guess "confused" is a reason to not pay someone. I'll remember that next time.

You are right on! Thank you for that link! I bookmarked it!

Don't pay any attention to these people. They are only defending their bread and butter, so you can't expect them to agree. You will get more followers. Just hold out and don't let them bother you.

[Cassiopeia]

You are right on! Thank you for that link! I bookmarked it!

Don't pay any attention to these people. They are only defending their bread and butter, so you can't expect them to agree. You will get more followers. Just hold out and don't let them bother you.

Thank you. I appreciate your kind words.
ahahahaha!

thanks for the giggles. ahahaha

[tpridgen]

If you're working for Demand to have a little extra holiday cash, what are you planning to do with it? Any wishlists you're fulfilling?


Dunno about Christmas yet! I think we may just skip the gifting this year and put the money towards a Disney cruise for March. Those suckers are 'spensive! But, oh, the all-you-can-eat shrimp! nomnomnom.

[WriterKM]

Thank you. I appreciate your kind words.

Oh, this is rich. First you pretend that the blog that you're promoting isn't yours. Then you make up another user name to compliment yourself on a blog that you claim isn't yours. And then you say thank you in a response that would only apply to you if it were your blog, which you claim that it isn't.

This is amusing as hell.

[tpridgen]

Don't pay any attention to these people.

Last comment I'm making on this (I swar!).

If you fling yourself into a conversation where people are already discussing a topic OBVIOUSLY you're interested in paying attention to those people. Otherwise, you wouldn't be here. See how that logic works?

Ye be a troll until you introduce yourself in some way. Till then you're going to get picked apart.

Just sayin'.

[SouthernFriedJulie]

Thanks for asking, Julie. I'm actually writing toward several goals right now--all have to do with getting ready for winter. This winter may be even worse than last year, so a new generator is on the list, along with ample supplies in case we lose power again. I'm also working toward a new laptop, and some nifty holiday gifts for the family. Hubby's loving the GPS function on his Blackberry, so I'd love to get him one of those in-car GPS gadgets. My stepdad's recovering from lung cancer surgery, and the doctor said he needs more exercise: I'm wondering if he would use a Wii Fit. I've set a goal of five DS articles a day to accomplish all this, and have room for my other freelance writing, which pays less frequently and much slower, LOL.

Hubs just caulked our windows. Seems the old stuff had flaked away in areas. Going to be a bad one here, I want a wood stove for the basement.

Have you decided between a Garmin or a Tom Tom? Or something else?

Not sure about a Wii Fit, but I heard someone talk about a treadmill and dvds that had 'walks' recorded.




I'm actually not able to write for DS at the present moment. And yes, they keep emailing me asking me to come back and get busy but between school and the launching of my new business and site, I'm a bit swamped under. I was doing a bit of title editing too in those moments when I sit in front of the TV and relax. It's easy work but I'm not as fast as I could be at it so I only make about 12 an hour doing it. Still, I made enough to pay two utilities. :)

And LOVE the Daniel Craig photo. *sigh* It's always a good day when we see him. ;-)


Heh, he's schmexy.

Launching? I think I missed any links, so I'll check your signature when I'm done yapping.



-peeshow- we're not stupid, it's obvious you're the same troll or a buddy. Bread and butter, lol...what you idiots aren't getting is that for most of this- DS is extra income. And yes, I left the other P out on purpose.

Whoops, I think I hit the ignore button...

[President_Obama]

Looks like someone is piggy backing off of writers weekly.

http://ds-forumdrama-exposed.com

I would also like to thank you, sir. Your countrymen thank you for the work you have done exposing DS writers.

[fairy86]

If you're working for Demand to have a little extra holiday cash, what are you planning to do with it? Any wishlists you're fulfilling?

Me:
For my 3 year old-
Kota! (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0016H1OPQ/ref=s9_simz_gw_s0_p21_t1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-2&pf_rd_r=1ENGDP8BRPT2SQ2MPPGV&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=470938631&pf_rd_i=507846)



For the girls- T will get Butterscotch, Ambi will get Smores-
Ponies (http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss?url=search-alias%3Dtoys-and-games&field-keywords=buuterscotch+pony&x=0&y=0)!


For the baby...not sure yet


For hubby-
Xbox360 Modern Warfare 2 Edition
(http://www.amazon.com/Xbox-360-Modern-Warfare-Limited-Console/dp/B002I0HDLE/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=videogames&qid=1255806884&sr=8-2)


And for me:
Yes, you're all welcome, ladies (http://daddycatchersrealm.files.wordpress.com/2009/06/daniel_craig_shirtless_2.jpg)

I'm saving up for vacation at the end of November. Right now, I'm doing 8-10 articles Mon-Friday. I'm hoping to start doing 12 or more each day.

Oh, and I've always been paid on time. :)

[tpridgen]

I'm saving up for vacation at the end of November. Right now, I'm doing 8-10 articles Mon-Friday. I'm hoping to start doing 12 or more each day.

Oh, and I've always been paid on time. :)

Jeebus, woman! I'm having a hard enough time doing 3-4. Maybe it's because I cut back on caffeine. I get easily distracted and it's hard to do the writing.

Maybe it's because I write on pretty dry stuff like hormones and conception, though. All that medical research. Eek.

[tpridgen]

I would also like to thank you, sir. Your countrymen thank you for the work you have done exposing DS writers.

Excuse me, waiter - can you get me an I.P. ban, please? And a refill of my drink?

[paralulzagram]

I would also like to thank my_fingers_hurt for his fine work on a spectacular blog. I don't think the girls in this thread think clearly.

[paralulzagram]

Excuse me, waiter - can you get me an I.P. ban, please? And a refill of my drink?

I am from the United Emarites nation and I am appalled at your racism.

[tpridgen]

I am from the United Emarites nation and I am appalled at your racism.

WTH are you talking about?

And how come you don't know how to spell "Emirates"?

[SouthernFriedJulie]

I put this together for the brand new posters here in support of my good friend, my_fingers_hurt (http://juliesmusicblog.blogspot.com/2000/10/love-ya-baby.html)

*
*
wait for it
*
*
*
*

[tpridgen]

by the by, I reported the troll...:) Best thing to do really when faced with such silliness. ;)

But...but...I was working on my post count. Now what am I going to do? :cry:

[Cassiopeia]

But...but...I was working on my post count. Now what am I going to do? :cry:*falls off her chair laughing*

And JULIE! Shame on you! bwahahaha

[SouthernFriedJulie]

:thankyou:*falls off her chair laughing*

And JULIE! Shame on you! bwahahaha

[Cassiopeia]

You are very rude to my friend my_fingers_hurt. I am from indonesia and I will not stand for your meanness.

Yeah, Julie...meat_plow won't stand for your meanness. You better repent right now! Or ...Or...

oh heck...I can't stop laughing now.

this isn't getting my homework done.

[tpridgen]

You are very rude to my friend my_fingers_hurt. I am from indonesia and I will not stand for your meanness.

What does you being from Indonesia have to do with anything? Is that meant to be some sort of threat?

Anyway, welcome to the AW Forums. Nice to meet you. What kind of writing do you do other than blog trolling?

[joyce]

Well, at least this thread has had its first three year-old cry baby on it. Maybe its got poopy in his pants (sorry, didn't mean to call out a gender there). Now I'm waiting for George Bush to sign on. When will people ever learn....don't screw with strong minded women cause we'll stuff a tampon down your throat.

Christmas...I love Christmas whether I've got money or not. I love all the obnoxious lights and decorations. My husband lost a crown yesterday, so maybe santa will bring him a tooth, though chicklets are about all I can afford at the moment.

Kid...well she wants a new dog but I don't think that will be a happening event.

Dogs...they'll get their usual treats and toys.

Me...a camping trip to Montana would be great, but I don't think that's a happening event either. I'll settle for peace, love and a few beers.

[trishabartle]

Holiday gifts from extra DS money? Well, my family agreed we'd give homemade gifts this year. I make these awesome bedside pockets, so I'll give those.

As for extra money, there's tons of stuff I want to buy myself. I'll just be getting my own presents this year. ;)

[tpridgen]

I'll settle for peace, love and a few beers.

MMmmm. I need to call my doctor and ask her if I can have a beer for Christmas.

[Cassiopeia]

Well, at least this thread has had its first three year-old cry baby on it. Maybe its got poopy in his pants (sorry, didn't mean to call out a gender there). Now I'm waiting for George Bush to sign on. When will people ever learn....don't screw with strong minded women cause we'll stuff a tampon down your throat.

Ooo...trollers beware, now you have joyce in on it. she'll teach you a thing or two. ;)

[trishabartle]

Christmas...I love Christmas whether I've got money or not. I love all the obnoxious lights and decorations.


Me too! I've actually got 3 Christmas trees. Small, medium and large. And I'm 26, so it's a weird thing for someone my age to do.


(Also, I think the person is saying the different places they're from to somehow prove that it's not all the same person. Pretty transparent.)

[tpridgen]

meat_plow, we have no idea what you're talking about. What exactly are you asking for? Criticisms?

[Cassiopeia]

Do no mack MR fun man. I am fun man but I do not tolerate american rudeness. Please I will like to have forum posts now please.And I don't really care. I don't tolerate trolls and people looking to stir up trouble.

And you make NO sense when you ask for forum posts. What do you mean by that?

[Cassiopeia]

The demand studios forum posts on blog. I will like to contribute. please post them in this thread or in my new thread.

if I do not require posts, I will dosYou will what?

[joyce]

Do no mack MR fun man. I am fun man but I do not tolerate american rudeness. Please I will like to have forum posts now please.


I am American Indian woman and I'm plowing through your meatless fun because I just reported your stupid a#@! Go away and bother someone who is illiterate.

[Cassiopeia]

I am American Indian woman and I'm plowing through your meatless fun because I just reported your stupid a#@! Go away and bother someone who is illiterate.This person is actually threatening us with a dos attack I believe. huh. Such blatant carelessness. To type the threat in open forum.

[Cassiopeia]

i am not indian I am indonesian. do not mock. I hve good english.Clearly not good enough to explain what you are asking for and you should know that threatening people on an open forum where it's logged, is an international offense.

[joyce]

i am not indian I am indonesian. do not mock. I hve good english.

I'm American Indian....sorry, I forgot you were stupid.

[Cassiopeia]

I'm American Indian....sorry, I forgot you were stupid.*spits her soda out all over her brand new screen*

joyce! you slay me.

[cool_st_elizabeth]

:roll: Too funny!

Hey, meat_plow, I've just written an article for Demand Studios on "How to Find a Hacker's IP Address". LOLOL

[Cassiopeia]

:roll: Too funny!

Hey, meat_plow, I've just written an article for Demand Studios on "How to Find a Hacker's IP Address". LOLOL
:) LOL.

so really, did you? ;)

[Stew21]

Ok, meat_plow, President_Obama, paralulzagram, peep_show and my_fingers_hurt are all banned - or I should say s/he is banned because it's all the same person.

:Shrug:

[tpridgen]

Can we put this opera on hold until I get home? I'm parked in the grocery store lot waiting for my huz. Don't want to risk my iPhone getting some sort of textually-transmitted disease. ;)

[joyce]

I just feel like singing...Kokaberry sits in the old gum tree, eating all the kokaberries he can see, laugh kokaberry, laugh kokaberry, gay your life must be.

[tpridgen]

Ok, meat_plow, President_Obama, paralulzagram, peep_show and my_fingers_hurt are all banned - or I should say s/he is banned because it's all the same person.

:Shrug:

Aww, that means I'll have to do actual work when I get home. :(

[joyce]

Ok, meat_plow, President_Obama, paralulzagram, peep_show and my_fingers_hurt are all banned - or I should say s/he is banned because it's all the same person.

:Shrug:


Thank you very much. It was getting my Indian all riled up and I was getting ready to go on the war path, but my pony had left the building.

[cool_st_elizabeth]

:) LOL.

so really, did you? ;)

Yes, it's still under review at the moment though :D

[Misa Buckley]

Ok, meat_plow, President_Obama, paralulzagram, peep_show and my_fingers_hurt are all banned - or I should say s/he is banned because it's all the same person.

But I'd just made popcorn!

[plaidearthworm]

Holiday gifts from extra DS money? Well, my family agreed we'd give homemade gifts this year. I make these awesome bedside pockets, so I'll give those.

As for extra money, there's tons of stuff I want to buy myself. I'll just be getting my own presents this year. ;)

Okay, now that I'm not spending my afternoon filling up my Ignore list, I can stop and ask...what is a bedside pocket? I'm intrigued.

[cool_st_elizabeth]

Thank you very much. It was getting my Indian all riled up and I was getting ready to go on the war path, but my pony had left the building.

Yes, thanks from me also ... it was entertaining, but was seriously wasteful of AW's resources.

Hey, Joyce, this Cherokee gal was getting riled up too!

[SouthernFriedJulie]

Well, there goes my fun.

I bet you cold, hard cash that we get a post all to ourselves!

[plaidearthworm]

The irony? I've been going back and forth between writing my DS stuff and checking this thread.

[not_a_troll]

:roll: Too funny!

Hey, meat_plow, I've just written an article for Demand Studios on "How to Find a Hacker's IP Address". LOLOL

Put your money where your mouth is and come get me. My IP is in Italy at the moment. Dumbass.

[tpridgen]

So, anyway, how do you guys stay motivated to meet your own quotas? I have a dollar amount I try to fulfil each day, but since there's no supervisor cracking the whip on me I find myself procrastinating. A lot. I'd like to increase my output.

[not_a_troll]

Ok, meat_plow, President_Obama, paralulzagram, peep_show and my_fingers_hurt are all banned - or I should say s/he is banned because it's all the same person.

:Shrug:




You cut me ms mod. You cut me deep.

You have been banned for the following reason:
trolling

Date the ban will be lifted: Never

[Stew21]

:)

persistent little shit, isn't he.

[princessvessna]

I've gotten a paycheck every week, whether I do writing or keyword QA work. Is it the most scintillating work ever? Not exactly. I'm excited for the day when I'll be able to write for my one favorite site :) It's coming, and I am excited. But in the meantime, I have these things called bills, student loans, etc that I'd like to have gone. I also prefer to do this thing called "eat" once in a while :)

I'm off to do some QA stuff. I just got paid yesterday and I'm looking forward to getting some more on Tuesday!

This thread has made me laugh today. Oh, and by the way....yes, I am a woman. I'm not pregnant, and I'm a genius. And yet I still decide to write for DS. How fascinating.

[Cassiopeia]

:)

persistent little shit, isn't he.

indeed. if I didn't know better (and maybe I don't) I'd think I'm acquainted with him. a comment of his reminds me oh so very much of....hmmm...nah can't be.

btw, is chapter 11 up? ;)

[princessvessna]

So, anyway, how do you guys stay motivated to meet your own quotas? I have a dollar amount I try to fulfil each day, but since there's no supervisor cracking the whip on me I find myself procrastinating. A lot. I'd like to increase my output.

I'd love to know too. I've worked out how much I owe on student and car loans, etc, and translated it into a daily goal. But sometimes I start getting writer's block bad, so I want to save my mojo for About. I'd really love to be able to just write a ton for even just a few weeks and get wads of cash to start paying things out.

[plaidearthworm]

So, anyway, how do you guys stay motivated to meet your own quotas? I have a dollar amount I try to fulfil each day, but since there's no supervisor cracking the whip on me I find myself procrastinating. A lot. I'd like to increase my output.

I have a quota each day, but daily life tends to intervene. And I get distracted easily, which this thread isn't helping today, LOL. I usually keep a few Fact Sheets in my queue for those days when it's hard to get going, because Fact Sheets are really easy.

[Cassiopeia]

I don't know how you guys find fact sheets easy. I did three of them and got told to give them more info so it worked out to 500 words for fact sheets and I'm not doing that for $5.00. I was so annoyed.

[tpridgen]

I don't know how you guys find fact sheets easy. I did three of them and got told to give them more info so it worked out to 500 words for fact sheets and I'm not doing that for $5.00. I was so annoyed.

I've done some fact sheets that took me an hour or more! A couple I had to scratch because I was thinking, "Nuh uh - minimum wage." If it takes more than 45 minutes or so, it's not worth the $7.50, IMO.

[cool_st_elizabeth]

Put your money where your mouth is and come get me. My IP is in Italy at the moment. Dumbass.

You're not seriously trying to scare me, are you?

:roll:

[fairy86]

So, anyway, how do you guys stay motivated to meet your own quotas? I have a dollar amount I try to fulfil each day, but since there's no supervisor cracking the whip on me I find myself procrastinating. A lot. I'd like to increase my output.

I work from 10 to 4 each day with a 30 minute lunch break. I'm going to try to add another hour of work next week. :)

[princessvessna]

I don't know how you guys find fact sheets easy. I did three of them and got told to give them more info so it worked out to 500 words for fact sheets and I'm not doing that for $5.00. I was so annoyed.

Fact sheets are 7.50 now (except some older ones still hanging out at $5). I think it depends on what the topic is. I pick a lot where it's "Basic Plant Facts" for a certain plant. It's easy enough to just list the classification, location, sun and water needs, and a few other things. I think mine end up around....200-300 words. I just checked one, and it was 220.

[joyce]

I have yet to tackle a fact sheet. For some reason I just feel like I'll be rejected or put too much time into it. I guess I need to see one to see what it really requires. If I did not waste so much time lolly gagging around on the computer, I'd probably get more done. I was accepted for Overstock and I've written 3 articles and every one came back with a rewrite. I'm steering clear of those for a little bit. So far I've been able to bang out the Garden Guides articles. Of course it probably helps that I owned a Garden Center and Landscaping business for 15 years.

[joyce]

[QUOTE=cool_st_elizabeth;4158910]Yes, thanks from me also ... it was entertaining, but was seriously wasteful of AW's resources.

Hey, Joyce, this Cherokee gal was getting riled up too![/QUOTE

Chippewa, Dutch and German here. The German and Dutch make be stubborn enough to really use my tomahawk and to keep good accounting records while I'm doing it. Momma was the Chippewa and nobody screwed with her! She scared the crap out of me. :D

[plaidearthworm]

Looks like my last post got lost, right before the forum crashed on me. Anyway, someone one mentioned that fact sheets were like mini-Abouts, which really helped me get my mind around them. I think of them as outlines, with key info in one to two sentences for each sub. I'll select them in clusters with a similar theme, so I can do them together, and finish them faster. I prefer Strategy, but the selection has been thin in the last few days, so I'm taking any titles I feel comfortable writing.

[joyce]

Looks like my last post got lost, right before the forum crashed on me. Anyway, someone one mentioned that fact sheets were like mini-Abouts, which really helped me get my mind around them. I think of them as outlines, with key info in one to two sentences for each sub. I'll select them in clusters with a similar theme, so I can do them together, and finish them faster. I prefer Strategy, but the selection has been thin in the last few days, so I'm taking any titles I feel comfortable writing.

Don't you have to list a source for your fact on each line your fact is listed? Or do you list your resource somewhere else?

[SouthernFriedJulie]

This is how I do fact sheets:

Choose something I know quite a bit about (or even in passing with some things)
Once they're all in queue, I find pics for each-draft
Keywords to each-draft
Overview to each-draft
Scan for the best references and a great resource- draft

Then it's just filling in the fact. 2 sentences max and all of that can take me one morning for 10 if they're hard or 2-3 hours if they're not.

[princessvessna]

Here's one of my fact sheets.

http://www.ehow.com/facts_5318115_sundew.html

I usually just list a couple of sources for the article in the slots, and mention that I have a degree in Horticulture. Pretty much all I need most of the time.

[plaidearthworm]

Joyce, you just need a reference for the article as a whole; you can list up to three in the references section, then you have the resources section that gives the reader more information. Once I learned that CEs have to go through every reference and resource I list, I've cut down on them and just list the essential reference info to fact-check. I usually try to pick titles that I already have some experience or knowledge with, especially topics dealing with the Internet.

[trishabartle]

Okay, now that I'm not spending my afternoon filling up my Ignore list, I can stop and ask...what is a bedside pocket? I'm intrigued.


Thanks for asking. ;) A bedside pocket is this little flap that you put between your mattress and bedspring so a portion with pockets is hanging out the side. Then you can put books or booklights or naughty bedroom things in it. The kind I make have two pockets on one thing. Of different sizes. I'm thinking of making some really nice ones and selling them on Etsy, but who can find the time?

[tpridgen]

I'm curious - what do the CEs do when they can't access a reference item you list? Like, if it's a real-I-can-touch-it book instead of a web reference? Do they just take your word for it, or are they scanning Google Books or something?

85% of the time, I prefer to use books for references because they've been through extensive editorial and I know the facts have been checked up, down, and backwards.

[joyce]

Here's one of my fact sheets.

http://www.ehow.com/facts_5318115_sundew.html

I usually just list a couple of sources for the article in the slots, and mention that I have a degree in Horticulture. Pretty much all I need most of the time.

Thank you my fellow gardening woman. I had no idea they were so easy. For some stupid reason I thought I would have to write something like....Barak Obama, who posted on the AW forum is diagnosed an idiot, per the Mayo Clinics 2009 report on "How to Tell and Idiot When You See One".

Thank you everyone else, perhaps I'll have to give them a try.

[tpridgen]

Thanks for asking. ;) A bedside pocket is this little flap that you put between your mattress and bedspring so a portion with pockets is hanging out the side. Then you can put books or booklights or naughty bedroom things in it. The kind I make have two pockets on one thing. Of different sizes. I'm thinking of making some really nice ones and selling them on Etsy, but who can find the time?

I could totally use one of those for my glasses, the remote, and my phone (which I use as an alarm clock).

I smell an AW Forum Festivus Gift Swap!

[plaidearthworm]

Trisha--that's very cool! Definitely put some of those up on Etsy, because I've never seen one. I like the idea, though.

TP, I've listed several books as references, and I've never had an offline reference kicked back. I imagine the CEs may check with Amazon or Google to confirm the book exists, but I don't know that they would pursue it farther than that.

[plaidearthworm]

Yay, gift swaps! The last one we did in Freelance Writing was so much fun! :)

[joyce]

I'm curious - what do the CEs do when they can't access a reference item you list? Like, if it's a real-I-can-touch-it book instead of a web reference? Do they just take your word for it, or are they scanning Google Books or something?

85% of the time, I prefer to use books for references because they've been through extensive editorial and I know the facts have been checked up, down, and backwards.

I use books as references for my gardening articles all the time. I've yet to have a CE kick one back at me. I just try to list them like the powers to be like them listed.

[trishabartle]

Trisha--that's very cool! Definitely put some of those up on Etsy, because I've never seen one. I like the idea, though.


This is a very grainy picture of the bedside pocket I made for myself, since I like pink and frilly lace.

http://www.makeupfiles.com/wp-content/uploads/bedsidePocket.JPG

As for book references, I sometimes include video game instruction manuals into my references without a link (since there is none). I've never had a CE complain about that, even if that is my only reference.

[SouthernFriedJulie]

You guys wanna try the gift swap again? I still have my email list thing from the other.


And Trisha- love the pockets! You know there's a section on here where you can sell/auction...I can bet a lot of AWers are like me and read in bed. My husband would love a Star Wars one...

[fairy86]

You guys wanna try the gift swap again? I still have my email list thing from the other.


And Trisha- love the pockets! You know there's a section on here where you can sell/auction...I can bet a lot of AWers are like me and read in bed. My husband would love a Star Wars one...

If you guys do the swap, I'd love to participate!

[Cassiopeia]

Oh my gosh, totally brilliant idea, trish. Thanks for posting the picture. You can bet with my closet full of fabric (yes I aspire to the notion that she who dies with the most fabric wins) that I'll be making these up for Christmas presents. GREAT idea. :)

[tpridgen]

You guys wanna try the gift swap again? I still have my email list thing from the other.


And Trisha- love the pockets! You know there's a section on here where you can sell/auction...I can bet a lot of AWers are like me and read in bed. My husband would love a Star Wars one...

I'm game. I love getting mail that isn't store circulars or bills.

[mommyjo2]

Hate to be the downer on this thread, but my DS money is going for bills. Husband is laid off and someone's got to keep the lights on (literally, in TX you get no leeway. 10 days late on one electric bill and they cut you off!)

But, if I make enough I totally want that new game where you control the ball with your mindwaves and make it float. And, I have in inkling it just might do wonders for my sp. needs son's focus probs!

I'm glad meat_plow was banned - I don't wanna see Julie's poster for that one!

[mommyjo2]

Oh yeah, I remember what I (s)trolled over here for. DS seems to have paid me $25 too much. Is there some kind of bonus program? I did 10 article in the last couple of weeks, and it's my first month as a writer there. I can't figure out where the money came from because it's not an amount divisible by $15.

[SouthernFriedJulie]

Hate to be the downer on this thread, but my DS money is going for bills. Husband is laid off and someone's got to keep the lights on (literally, in TX you get no leeway. 10 days late on one electric bill and they cut you off!)

But, if I make enough I totally want that new game where you control the ball with your mindwaves and make it float. And, I have in inkling it just might do wonders for my sp. needs son's focus probs!

I'm glad meat_plow was banned - I don't wanna see Julie's poster for that one!


Wha? You'd think I have a rep or something.

And ditto on the bills, but we got lucky. Hubs was out of work and just got on with his painter friend. If you can, grab a ton of fact sheets and go through them. I listed how I do it and seriously, it does make it go faster.

Oh yeah, I remember what I (s)trolled over here for. DS seems to have paid me $25 too much. Is there some kind of bonus program? I did 10 article in the last couple of weeks, and it's my first month as a writer there. I can't figure out where the money came from because it's not an amount divisible by $15.

Yep, it's a bonus program for people that signed up in September. Congrats :-)

[joyce]

Hate to be the downer on this thread, but my DS money is going for bills. Husband is laid off and someone's got to keep the lights on (literally, in TX you get no leeway. 10 days late on one electric bill and they cut you off!)

But, if I make enough I totally want that new game where you control the ball with your mindwaves and make it float. And, I have in inkling it just might do wonders for my sp. needs son's focus probs!

I'm glad meat_plow was banned - I don't wanna see Julie's poster for that one!


Sorry to hear this. It was last year this time that my hubby was laid off and it sent me straight to DS. I guess that's why I defend it sometimes, even if the place has more glitches than my mind. It paid the bills and the house I've lived in for 30 years didn't get foreclosed on. It makes me forgive them, even when all their changes make me go insane at times.

Best of luck and I hope he finds some work soon. I know it's horrible where I live on the east coast of Florida. People who were engineers at NASA are now bagging groceries just trying to get by....if they can even get that job. I feel like Donald Trump having the luxury of being able to sit here and make a buck or two.

[TemlynWriting]

Oy. Sorry I missed this earlier, everyone! I just got home a little bit ago with my laptop, which was having a part replaced at the Apple store today. Although I don't think I'm too upset about having missed out on all the drama, because just reading the reported posts e-mails got me a bit stressed!

Thanks to our other mods for cleaning up this mess for me while I was out of pocket for the day!

[cool_st_elizabeth]

... I totally want that new game where you control the ball with your mindwaves and make it float.

What game is that? My husband would love it!!!

[cool_st_elizabeth]

What is your problem? Other than the fact that you're asking for interpol to hold court on your stupid ass. Don't you know you're traceable?

[plaidearthworm]

Trisha, that is so neat! I sense a business opp in the making for you!

MommaJo-I'm so sorry things are tough on you right now, but I'm very glad you received your DS bonus. At least you can get paid twice a week. DS has bought my groceries many a week, and it helped pay for a very large bill earlier this year.

I had been planning a blog post on that experience since several friends asked me about it, but now I think I'll wait quite a while until all this silly drama across the writers' communities is over.

[mommyjo2]

@cse

http://mindflexgames.com/

Watch the video - so cool!

[mommyjo2]

I saw the troll's new "handle" and thought, "Oh, my second grader is posting on AW?!!"

[tpridgen]

@cse

http://mindflexgames.com/

Watch the video - so cool!

OMG, that game would probably have me swearing in languages I don't even speak. I'm so "mental" when it comes to games! I probably wouldn't even be able to get the ball into the air.

[joyce]

I saw the troll's new "handle" and thought, "Oh, my second grader is posting on AW?!!"

:roll:When I saw the name I went looking for my dog. I though maybe he had gotten onto the computer in the other room again.

[caromora]

This is how I do fact sheets:

Choose something I know quite a bit about (or even in passing with some things)
Once they're all in queue, I find pics for each-draft
Keywords to each-draft
Overview to each-draft
Scan for the best references and a great resource- draft

Then it's just filling in the fact. 2 sentences max and all of that can take me one morning for 10 if they're hard or 2-3 hours if they're not.

Thank you for posting this. I tried this tonight and was able to get through a ton of fact sheets in very little time.

I'm using my work with DS to buy Christmas presents. And also, if I do well enough, I'm rewarding myself with a netbook. I've got a picture of the Acer Aspire One that I want taped to the front of my monitor. Whenever I need inspiration or a nudge to get back to work, I just look up at it. :)

[DTNg]

Maybe your problem is that Demand went to FWJ for partnership or that she had an offer for her network.



Actually, that's wrong. Demand didn't come to me for a partnership. I believe in them so much, I went to them. I felt out DS offered the most positive experience to their writers and reached out to them first. I told them I like what they do so much I wanted to endorse them.

Julie, thanks for your support throughout the years. It means so much. The FWJ community rocks.

[Maggie_H]

Hi everyone! I've been writing for DS for over a year. For the most part I like it and I'm grateful for it. It's helping me pay my bills and so far this year I've paid off 4 credit cards :) That's always a good thing, right?

[downtherabbithole]

DS has been a godsend for me. I'm teaching right now and able to save money. I bought a ticket to the USA and am able to pay for a nice vacation to Paris (I'm an American citizen btw, just living abroad for a little bit).

I am, however, curious about something. I was asked to re-write an article about Removing Sidewalk paint. I listed several chemicals you could use and told the reader to go to your hardware store to receive specialized instructions on using each chemical. There are over 30 and some of them involve the use of heavy machinery which I can't accurately train people to do in a 500 word DS article. It would be irresponsible. However, I was asked not to tell the to go to the store and receive special training, but just describe how to use the chemicals....wtf? That seems incredibly irresponsible. Maybe I don't have much faith in human kind, but I can see some dumb person just attempting to use the chemicals without proper training.

Also, has anyone else had a high re-write score for October, or is it just me? Overall, my rewrite score is like 25% or so, but for October it's about 36%! YIKES!

[SouthernFriedJulie]

Actually, that's wrong. Demand didn't come to me for a partnership. I believe in them so much, I went to them. I felt out DS offered the most positive experience to their writers and reached out to them first. I told them I like what they do so much I wanted to endorse them.

Julie, thanks for your support throughout the years. It means so much. The FWJ community rocks.

No problem at all, Deb.

When I see something like that, I get riled. It's well known here how mad I can get when another writer is getting taken apart for no reason.

You sent her traffic more than once. It's very clear to see what is happening there. FWJ is attacked by V.F.'s all the time. But, she used you as a keyword and pretty much is being a...yeah.

And sorry- I thought DS approached you. I stand corrected.

[SouthernFriedJulie]

Hi everyone! I've been writing for DS for over a year. For the most part I like it and I'm grateful for it. It's helping me pay my bills and so far this year I've paid off 4 credit cards :) That's always a good thing, right?

It's a great thing- no matter who you worked for to do that.

4? That's great!

[cool_st_elizabeth]

@cse

http://mindflexgames.com/

Watch the video - so cool!

Thank you mommyjo2! If the universe keeps on being good to us for a little while longer, hubby's gonna get a new toy for Xmas.

[tpridgen]

Also, has anyone else had a high re-write score for October, or is it just me? Overall, my rewrite score is like 25% or so, but for October it's about 36%! YIKES!

Dunno, I'm afraid to look at my scorecard. :)

[mommyjo2]

However, I was asked not to tell the to go to the store and receive special training, but just describe how to use the chemicals....wtf?

Hmm, I do that same thing. I write about alternative health, and some products (like detox formulas) are all different. I just listed the main types and wrote to follow the directions on the bottle, or follow the dosage on the package.

Can you appeal it or get a title clarification? Take it to the title clarification and find out if it's supposed to be a broad overview of removal methods or very specific instructions for ONE method (needing special training.) Then let the CE know the clarification. I'm totally shooting in the dark here, that's just an idea.

[joyce]

**GRIPE ALERT ONLY** and my name is not Barak, Farts Smell Like Flowers or Pain in The Arse



Well, I've given up doing one more Overstock article. I did four this week and three were sent back with some crazy rewrite. I'm not even going to do one of the rewrites because I smell rejection a mile away. If I complete them like the CE wants the article will be about 100 words long. These were the first four I've ever done and I give up. I must admit I've just waited for each one to get thrown back at me.:Shrug:

I was feeling down until a couple of my gardening articles just were accepted and I read the comments. I was told to write more gardening articles because I was writing exactly what they were looking for. My gardening articles seem to fly through with no problems, as do most of my Trails articles.

I give up....no more Overstock articles. Heck, I didn't even ask to be accepted to the stupid site, they approved me on their own. I thought I'd try and now I'm not going to try anymore because it makes be want to scream.

**GRIPE ALERT OVER NOW**:D

[DTNg]

No problem at all, Deb.

When I see something like that, I get riled. It's well known here how mad I can get when another writer is getting taken apart for no reason.

You sent her traffic more than once. It's very clear to see what is happening there. FWJ is attacked by V.F.'s all the time. But, she used you as a keyword and pretty much is being a...yeah.

And sorry- I thought DS approached you. I stand corrected.

It doesn't matter who approached whom. The bottom line is I'm proud of my affiliation with DS and I won't back away from that. They're a good business and they treat their writers well. I feel I made the best decision for me and my community.

And to be honest, though her delivery needed work, Angela Hoy wasn't wrong about two things, I do enjoy a partnership with Demand and I did post to the DS community about sending their experiences to Angela Hoy.

However, this is what I said when I posted the original call on the DS forum:

"Angela Hoy at WritersWeekly.com is investigating Demand Studios in her series about content writing sites. She's asking for writers from DS to send her a note detailing how long it takes to write each article, your hourly rate, and in general, if you're having a positive experience.

Weigh by sending your note to angela@writersweekly.com. "

Makes a difference, doesn't it? There was some coversation before I made the comment about the "disgruntleds."

and this is what I said at FWJ:

"Do you write for Demand Studios? Writer's Weekly is looking for experiences from DS Writers. Tell your story to angela@writersweekly.com. While I believe everyone should be honest in relaying their experiences, I will say I don't believe it to be fair to compare DS to sites such as AllVoices and Examiner (previously profiled at Writer's Weekly) which pay their writers very little residual income. Angela is looking to learn how much you earn and how long it takes you to write each article. She wants to know your hourly rate per article. Edited to add: Please don't send any more emails regarding DS to Angela Hoy. She's been inundated with responses and has everything she need"

It doesn't matter what Angela Hoy says about me, but I do take issue with how she treated the DS writers.

[Words Are My Life]

**GRIPE ALERT ONLY** and my name is not Barak, Farts Smell Like Flowers or Pain in The Arse



Well, I've given up doing one more Overstock article. I did four this week and three were sent back with some crazy rewrite. I'm not even going to do one of the rewrites because I smell rejection a mile away. If I complete them like the CE wants the article will be about 100 words long. These were the first four I've ever done and I give up. I must admit I've just waited for each one to get thrown back at me.:Shrug:

I was feeling down until a couple of my gardening articles just were accepted and I read the comments. I was told to write more gardening articles because I was writing exactly what they were looking for. My gardening articles seem to fly through with no problems, as do most of my Trails articles.

I give up....no more Overstock articles. Heck, I didn't even ask to be accepted to the stupid site, they approved me on their own. I thought I'd try and now I'm not going to try anymore because it makes be want to scream.

**GRIPE ALERT OVER NOW**:D

Yeah as I start to do more and more on DS...I am finding out there are certain categories of articles I nail head on...and certain kinds I am bound to wind up in re-write land. I am thinking of just sticking to the types I am good at. At first I wanted to go more outside the box...but it just seems like faster money and less of a headache if I stick to only certain kinds.

[joyce]

Yeah as I start to do more and more on DS...I am finding out there are certain categories of articles I nail head on...and certain kinds I am bound to wind up in re-write land. I am thinking of just sticking to the types I am good at. At first I wanted to go more outside the box...but it just seems like faster money and less of a headache if I stick to only certain kinds.

I'm thinking the same thing. I just did my first fact sheet and it seemed almost too easy. I'll wait to see what comes of it. If they are as easy as they seem, I'll add them to my list of articles to write. Overstock....goodbye and best regards. I'm obviously not an Overstock.com writer.

[tjwriter]

Nothing is ever truly deleted, I believe. The mods have awesome powers.

[SouthernFriedJulie]

Ok- mods- could you do a 'soft' delete of my post? I don't want the others to be uncomfortable and it's making me sick to see it, too.

[dpaterso]

No worries. Kept for posterity. Just not viewable any more.

-Derek

[SouthernFriedJulie]

Thank you. :-)

[Cassiopeia]

Ok- mods- could you do a 'soft' delete of my post? I don't want the others to be uncomfortable and it's making me sick to see it, too.
ooo i missed something, did i?

well that's okay. i decided last night the best thing for me to do is ignore the troll. :)

[joyce]

Too bad there's not some way to send an electronic charge through the wires to his computer and just blow the thing to bits. I'm sure our little troll will be back.....where the heck is billy goat gruff when you need him?

[Cassiopeia]

He's using a simple tool of spoofing his ip address to get on to the forum. it's easily done. unless someone can do a trace route while he's online and posting, there's not much to be done. He's probably hoping 2 dozen servers just to do it.

He's harmless, annoying but harmless.

ETA: I didn't see the photo but Julie let me know what it was. Right then, I hope the forum powers-that-be will track him down and get him prosecuted. I'm so sorry Julie.

[joyce]

He's using a simple tool of spoofing his ip address to get on to the forum. it's easily done. unless someone can do a trace route while he's online and posting, there's not much to be done. He's probably hoping 2 dozen servers just to do it.

He's harmless, annoying but harmless.

ETA: I didn't see the photo but Julie let me know what it was. Right then, I hope the forum powers-that-be will track him down and get him prosecuted. I'm so sorry Julie.

I couldn't believe it when I saw it and reported him/it/thing right away. I still can't help but believe it's some youngster that needs their ass beat. The photo did bring back some bad memories for myself. I'm not one that wishes bad on someone, but I hope this little troll gets their fingers burned so bad they won't be able to punch a keyboard ever again. (Ok karma fairies, I only say this in defense of someone I happen to like)

[tjwriter]

He quoted me in the examiner thread with that same pic and he's back for another round with a lovely video this time.

Sore loser, huh?

[joyce]

He quoted me in the examiner thread with that same pic and he's back for another round with a lovely video this time.

Sore loser, huh?

Some guys just don't have a life and are likely to never get one. I guess he's got his little Vienna sausage all in a twist.

[tjwriter]

I hadn't heard that one before! New one to add to the vocabulary.

[SouthernFriedJulie]

Eh, just going to call up the drama blog's IP privacy registrar tomorrow, report this, then watch the site come down. Take away their pathetic idea of revenue. Eventually they'll be outed on DS and Examiner and everyone will forget their little day or three of internet infamy.


Because these types talk all 'I'm a badass, I don't care, I am the shit, nothing bothers me" when in reality- they are so empty inside. Nothing. They're lonely and other people hate them or they THINK everyone does. They can't make friends- the ones they do have they suspect of talking behind their backs.

Maybe they tried really hard to do a good job at DS and had too many articles rejected. It bothered them because the only thing left was AC or some other revenue site. Or setting up a brand new blog in hopes that someone would agree with them and drive up their revenue or Examiner affiliate earnings. It must literally suck to be this person.

It's really sad when the only life you have is running around causing junk online. Someone must have really hurt this person's feelings bad for them to have nothing else...I mean, you should feel bad for this person, really. He/She will only live to be forgotten.

[Maggie_H]

DS has been a godsend for me. I'm teaching right now and able to save money. I bought a ticket to the USA and am able to pay for a nice vacation to Paris (I'm an American citizen btw, just living abroad for a little bit).

I am, however, curious about something. I was asked to re-write an article about Removing Sidewalk paint. I listed several chemicals you could use and told the reader to go to your hardware store to receive specialized instructions on using each chemical. There are over 30 and some of them involve the use of heavy machinery which I can't accurately train people to do in a 500 word DS article. It would be irresponsible. However, I was asked not to tell the to go to the store and receive special training, but just describe how to use the chemicals....wtf? That seems incredibly irresponsible. Maybe I don't have much faith in human kind, but I can see some dumb person just attempting to use the chemicals without proper training.

Also, has anyone else had a high re-write score for October, or is it just me? Overall, my rewrite score is like 25% or so, but for October it's about 36%! YIKES!

Don't try to make sense of the rewrites. Sometimes they're great and helpful and sometimes they're just plain weird. However, when writing about anything that may be potentially dangerous, I always write a disclaimer at least in the tips or warnings section.

The number of rewrites tends to fluctuate every few months when DS hires a new batch of CEs. I don't know that they have this month, but it may be the reason for your high rewrite percentage.

Btw, somtimes you just have to ignore the scorecard, or it might drive you crazy.

[downtherabbithole]

Don't try to make sense of the rewrites. Sometimes they're great and helpful and sometimes they're just plain weird. However, when writing about anything that may be potentially dangerous, I always write a disclaimer at least in the tips or warnings section.

The number of rewrites tends to fluctuate every few months when DS hires a new batch of CEs. I don't know that they have this month, but it may be the reason for your high rewrite percentage.

Btw, somtimes you just have to ignore the scorecard, or it might drive you crazy.

Good idea. I got some advice just to remove it altogether and then place it in the tips so that people have the option to receive specialized training. You CAN remove Sidewalk Paint without the chemicals, so I guess this is okay since only professional people will use chemicals and hopefully not some idiot who got the idea off of eHow. I'm not sure if it will be accepted...I'm 50/50.

I keep getting told not to surmise in my intro....I have no idea what this means in the context they're trying to say it in. It's driving me nuts. Anyone else? Oh DS...love/hate relationship. All of these recent edits are driving me up the wall, but I can't take a break and breathe now because i've got to pay off my vacation. Taking a break does help sometimes, but sometimes you just can't afford to do it.

[DTNg]

Eh, just going to call up the drama blog's IP privacy registrar tomorrow, report this, then watch the site come down. Take away their pathetic idea of revenue. Eventually they'll be outed on DS and Examiner and everyone will forget their little day or three of internet infamy.


Because these types talk all 'I'm a badass, I don't care, I am the shit, nothing bothers me" when in reality- they are so empty inside. Nothing. They're lonely and other people hate them or they THINK everyone does. They can't make friends- the ones they do have they suspect of talking behind their backs.

Maybe they tried really hard to do a good job at DS and had too many articles rejected. It bothered them because the only thing left was AC or some other revenue site. Or setting up a brand new blog in hopes that someone would agree with them and drive up their revenue or Examiner affiliate earnings. It must literally suck to be this person.

It's really sad when the only life you have is running around causing junk online. Someone must have really hurt this person's feelings bad for them to have nothing else...I mean, you should feel bad for this person, really. He/She will only live to be forgotten.


People enjoy drama, or rather, they enjoy causing drama. It makes them feel as if they have a purpose in their sad, tired, lives.

[tpridgen]

Eh, just going to call up the drama blog's IP privacy registrar tomorrow, report this, then watch the site come down. Take away their pathetic idea of revenue.

Please let us know what the registrar says. This sounds like a freelance article idea in the making. I hope you're making good notes. :)

[mommyjo2]

One rewrite I got seemed to be because I made my own subheads instead of using standard subheads. I changed that, rearranged some text, and didn't change a single word or letter and it passed.

[tpridgen]

I realized last night that a fact sheet I just submitted is probably going to get tossed back at me because it's rather list-like. The topic, however, asked for a list and I didn't think to clarify it before writing. It would be *really* awkward with the standard headings. If it comes back for rewrite I might have to let it die.

*sigh*

Oh well.

[stldenise]

I do not need this garbage. Is there anyway to block this moron?

[tjwriter]

He keeps changing his IP address, letting him back in. He's going through a lot of trouble to keep coming back here and stirring up trouble.

A complaint to the website's hosting company should shut down the site. Threats of legal action do amazing things.

As far as this guy, I wonder if we should take the festering zit approach and just leave it alone. It keeps coming back every time we pick it, perhaps it will go away if we let it run it's course. The picture and video are offensive, but I can tolerate them for a few days if that makes the zit go away.

[stldenise]

I didn't see his post the last time he showed up, so I wasn't prepared for it this time. He has problems.

[tjwriter]

He's been here all weekend long, on and off.

[dpaterso]

Needless to say we're deleting these posts and banning the usernames as soon as we see 'em.

-Derek

[tpridgen]

Anyone else can't get into DS right now? I'm getting an error message.

ETA: I'm in now, after fidgeting for about 20 minutes.

[Starhorsepax]

Is there a place to see sample articles? I can't find one on their site. Otherwise it looks interesting.

[downtherabbithole]

This guy needs to save the drama for his mama.

You can put my name into eHow and look at the articles I've written there for samples if you wish :)

[Stew21]

did a little tidying up. I've put your posts in moderation, they're still there, just not visible. No reason to feed the troll, yes?

[Stew21]

Ken, I've hidden those posts.

[Cassiopeia]

Ken, I've hidden those posts.I don't believe a single thing this person is saying Trish. I think it's all the same person. I wouldn't click on a single link they post.

[Maggie_H]

Is there a place to see sample articles? I can't find one on their site. Otherwise it looks interesting.

You can use my name, too. It's Maggie Hira. I have like 900 articles up. Hope it helps!

[FreelanceKen]

I understand that and I appreciate it. However if you could email me. I have legal issues going on with this person and need all information regarding ip addresses and email addresses.

[tpridgen]

Hey, Ken, I'm going to PM you over at DS.

[Cassiopeia]

I didn't think it was Ken. I've actually emailed Kenneth Crawford through DS to see if it's him.

[TemlynWriting]

Locking for a bit.