About.com?

Marcelyn · Aug 30, 2009

Thanks. That’s a very informative article. It helps to see an example of something that caught their eye.
Do you have any insights on qualifications? I know it varies with every topic, but if you have work experience and education, is it the writing experience that will pull you down. For example, I have two years free-lance experience and over fifty articles in print newspapers and magazines as well as over 250 articles published online, but no books to my name.
Also, is there a best way to organize the experience in your opinion? I started with a concise, bulleted list on my first application. Then I read that more information is better. I beefed up the next application with several descriptive sentences for each qualification to no avail.
Just trying to get a handle on this application thing. You’re post was incredibly helpful.

herdon · Aug 30, 2009

Marcelyn said:
Thanks. That’s a very informative article. It helps to see an example of something that caught their eye.
Do you have any insights on qualifications? I know it varies with every topic, but if you have work experience and education, is it the writing experience that will pull you down. For example, I have two years free-lance experience and over fifty articles in print newspapers and magazines as well as over 250 articles published online, but no books to my name.
Also, is there a best way to organize the experience in your opinion? I started with a concise, bulleted list on my first application. Then I read that more information is better. I beefed up the next application with several descriptive sentences for each qualification to no avail.
Just trying to get a handle on this application thing. You’re post was incredibly helpful.

Qualifications are going to change from topic to topic and are usually spelled out reasonably well in the list. You have plenty experience with writing, so it is really going to come down to your qualifications for the topic and who else is in the application pool.

And there can be some pretty impressive credits from the applicants. Here's the guy that was recently chosen as the web humor guide:

Lukas Kaiser knows humor on the Web inside and out. He's been a featured writer for comedy sites College Humor, McSweeney's Internet Tendency and The National Lampoon and served as the Director of Original Content for the popular men's comedy website Double Viking for over two years.

Lukas has also written comedy and advertisements for Comedy Central, Spike TV, BBH and Mindshare World.

He's also served as an associate producer for several TV shows and films, including Chappelle's Show and the John Waters film This Filthy World.

Those are pretty good credits for the topic.
Note: I took the article down since I'm not supposed to post stuff both there and other places.

writerbyday · Aug 31, 2009

Hi everyone..Thanks for your responses..
I did check the application tool and it says the topic is not in prep. I also realized that I actually applied in April. It has been 4 months and it is a popular topic. I am surprised that I have not heard anything yet..

nickelnm · Sep 6, 2009

Hello,

Newbie here! I have applied for About.com four different times and have not gotten into prep. I noticed about two months ago that a topic I had applied for was open again (the new guide was only on the site a couple months). Its a regional topic so, that should limit the competition. I do not have very much writing credentials (pretty much none) as most of my writing is completed online. (I promise I do actually have a question!)

I want to apply for the topic a second time and I want to use the same piece I used the first time as my 'example'. I will edit it and update it as needed, but can anyone think of any reason why this would be a bad thing?

In addition to my About.com application, I am trying to bring my blog back to life, and have an active application on VerityMom.com (which is more like running for public office and super intense).

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

Thank you,
Nicole

novelette · Sep 7, 2009

Hi Nicole,

The only reason I can think of not to use that same sample is if they said in their previous rejection that your sample wasn't what they were looking for. You'd have to know why you didn't make it into prep before and you don't always know. Part of getting in is a timing thing -- they take the first 5 qualified applicants so if you were #6, that could be the reason.

I applied for a topic once and used the same sample (a year apart) and didn't get in, although the second time, I applied pretty much as soon as the topic went up. OTOH, both times I made it into prep, I used a sample that had been previously published online and I included the link to it in the app. So that worked for me, but maybe other people had a different experience? I say if you have a sample that's relevant to the topic and has been published before (and you can link to it), that's probably stronger than a random sample.

herdon · Sep 7, 2009

I would advise writing another article. As Novelette said, you don't know why the rejected you the first time. Could have been that they already found five applicants, could have been that the article wasn't what they were looking for in terms of the subject.

I will say that the main thing they look for in the sample is good, engaging writing. It doesn't have to be spot on with the topic, and even if it is perfect for the topic and mistake free, if it's very, very dry it could work against you.

nickelnm · Sep 7, 2009

From reading this forum and watching how the topics I have applied for have progressed; I believe I was late applying each time. They hired someone before they got to my application.

I don't write that much for pay about my local area so, I don't have any articles that have been published anywhere. So, it will have to be something brand new. I think my writing has improved dramatically from where I was a year ago.

I have learned to use Microsoft Word to help 'edit' my writing for passive voice and things that don't make sense to anyone, but me.

Thank you everyone for the feedback. Keep it coming!

Thank you,
Nicole

NancyP · Sep 7, 2009

I'd sit down and write a completely new piece on something mentioned in the qualifications listed on the "Be a Guide" page. Do your absolute best. Don't just dash something off and send it in - work quickly, so your app gets in, but don't do a sloppy job. This is your interview - really - so it's your best chance to showcase what you can do.

Talia · Sep 9, 2009

I think the main issue is that the sample writing piece has to be relevant to the position you're applying for. It needs to show your understanding of and expertise in the topic and that you can contribute the type of articles they require in easy-to-understand language.

K-Mark · Sep 14, 2009

Hi Everyone

About.com is recruiting for a new kind of freelance writing position, which they call Contributing Writers. CWs will be creating content
for GuideSites in topic areas that are even more niche than the GuideSite itself.

They are asking applicants to send a resume and writing sample to
<mailto:[email protected]> [email protected]; an
auto-responder will offer more information and answers to FAQs. The
Recruitment and Training team will evaluate the candidates who apply and be
in touch with those we are interested in putting through CW prep.

They are are recruiting for CWs for these subject areas, which have been
pre-approved. (There are many more topics in the future)

* Playing and Coaching (About Football)

* Antique Furniture (About Antiques)

* Legal Issues (About Single Parents)

* Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Scene (About Manhattan)

* At-Risk Teens (About Parenting Teens)

* XML (About HTML / Web Design)

* South Africa Travel (About Africa Travel)

* Feminism in the 1960s and 1970s (About Women's History)

* Algebra (About Math)

* Medical/Surgical Information for Patients (About Back and Neck
Pain)

They are currently evaluating candidates to write on the following topics:

* Playing and Coaching (About Football <http://football.about.com>
http://football.about.com)

* Antique Furniture (About Antiques <http://antiques.about.com>
http://antiques.about.com)

* Legal Issues (About Single Parents
<http://singleparents.about.com/> http://singleparents.about.com/)

* Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Scene (About Manhattan
<http://manhattan.about.com> http://manhattan.about.com)

* At-Risk Teens (About Teens <http://parentingteens.about.com/>
http://parentingteens.about.com/)

* XML (About HTML / Web Design <http://webdesign.about.com/>
http://webdesign.about.com/)

* South Africa Travel (About Africa Travel
<http://goafrica.about.com> http://goafrica.about.com)

* Feminism in the 1960s and 1970s (About Women's History
<http://womenshistory.about.com/> http://womenshistory.about.com/)

* Algebra (About Math <http://math.about.com> http://math.about.com)

* Medical/Surgical Information for Patients (About Back and Neck Pain
<http://backandneck.about.com> http://backandneck.about.com)

If you are interested in applying for one of these positions or learning
more, please email your RESUME and a WRITING SAMPLE -- both IN THE BODY OF
AN EMAIL -- to <mailto:[email protected]>
[email protected]. Please put the topic you're applying for in
the subject line. Keep introductions concise.

RamJay · Sep 17, 2009

K-Mark said:
Hi Everyone

About.com is recruiting for a new kind of freelance writing position, which they call Contributing Writers. CWs will be creating content
for GuideSites in topic areas that are even more niche than the GuideSite itself.

They are asking applicants to send a resume and writing sample to
<mailto:[email protected]> [email protected]; an
auto-responder will offer more information and answers to FAQs. The
Recruitment and Training team will evaluate the candidates who apply and be
in touch with those we are interested in putting through CW prep.

They are are recruiting for CWs for these subject areas, which have been
pre-approved. (There are many more topics in the future)

* Playing and Coaching (About Football)

* Antique Furniture (About Antiques)

* Legal Issues (About Single Parents)

* Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Scene (About Manhattan)

* At-Risk Teens (About Parenting Teens)

* XML (About HTML / Web Design)

* South Africa Travel (About Africa Travel)

* Feminism in the 1960s and 1970s (About Women's History)

* Algebra (About Math)

* Medical/Surgical Information for Patients (About Back and Neck
Pain)

They are currently evaluating candidates to write on the following topics:

* Playing and Coaching (About Football <http://football.about.com>
http://football.about.com)

* Antique Furniture (About Antiques <http://antiques.about.com>
http://antiques.about.com)

* Legal Issues (About Single Parents
<http://singleparents.about.com/> http://singleparents.about.com/)

* Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Scene (About Manhattan
<http://manhattan.about.com> http://manhattan.about.com)

* At-Risk Teens (About Teens <http://parentingteens.about.com/>
http://parentingteens.about.com/)

* XML (About HTML / Web Design <http://webdesign.about.com/>
http://webdesign.about.com/)

* South Africa Travel (About Africa Travel
<http://goafrica.about.com> http://goafrica.about.com)

* Feminism in the 1960s and 1970s (About Women's History
<http://womenshistory.about.com/> http://womenshistory.about.com/)

* Algebra (About Math <http://math.about.com> http://math.about.com)

* Medical/Surgical Information for Patients (About Back and Neck Pain
<http://backandneck.about.com> http://backandneck.about.com)

If you are interested in applying for one of these positions or learning
more, please email your RESUME and a WRITING SAMPLE -- both IN THE BODY OF
AN EMAIL -- to <mailto:[email protected]>
[email protected]. Please put the topic you're applying for in
the subject line. Keep introductions concise.

I was curious what current guides think of this? I recieved an FAQ on this from a fellow writer and it said the base pay is $500 a month plus growth in page views for the first year. They are asking for a minimum of 12 stories, long and short, a month. Even though I am sure this is an attempt to help the guides get even more content up quicker and to fill the sites out with more quality material, it seems to me this would cause issues with exsisting guides and be stepping on some toes.

I could imagine that it would take away good ideas and content from established guides and possibly even some pay if PV growth also goes to the contributor. It also could create a heck of a lot of crossover on stories on single sites.

Not to mention the pay -- do guides get anything from those PVs or none even though those will help grow traffic on their sites? And[SUB][/SUB] if all you had to do was write and get paid that much it seems like a lot more worth it economically than being a guide. Guides only get a minimum of $675 a month and they have to manage the entire site. Granted the FAQ said that contributor pay dropped to $250 after the first year, but especially for that first year it almost seems more worthwhile to be a contributor than a guide in terms of financial return. Anyway, sorry for the long-winded question here, but I'm really curious as to what do guides think of this?

herdon · Sep 17, 2009

Not to worry, Guides will end up benefiting from the program and Guides will have the say-so on (1) if they get a contributing writer and (2) what subject the contributing writer will write about. It's a great way to fill holes in the coverage the guide will probably not fill themselves.

princessvessna · Sep 17, 2009

I think it could be useful (and we do get some compensation from the PVs too).

For example, I would love a CW who writes about pruning and grafting. I can do it. It's just harder for me (a person living in a townhome, who has to find trees I can mess around with) vs, say, someone from a tree service who could take pics of pruning all sorts of different trees more easily.

Another part of the problem is I cover all trees, but not all of them grow around me....as well as the fact that I need to write basic care sheets about the trees and shrubs more.

In the meantime, I'll just have to break out the pruners and get at it!

RamJay · Sep 18, 2009

Well, if it's up to the guides whether or not a site has one I guess that pretty much answers that. I see how this can help guides. Do you know the PV breakdown? I guess I am still kind of surprised with how much contributors are getting paid to start. I really think the pay to amount of work ratio favors the contributor over the guide, especially in the early phases, and if I was chosing to be one or the other I might think strongly about going the contributor route. Thanks for the responses. It will be interesting to see how it works out.

nickelnm · Sep 25, 2009

Any word on when more topics will be releases for CWs?

K. Marshall · Nov 12, 2009

No one has posted here in a while. Is there anything new? Has anyone gotten into prep lately? I see some topics that have been listed for forever now. Are they not hiring new people right now? I think I see a topic I'd like to try for. Wondering if it is worth the effort--again.

K. Marshall · Nov 12, 2009

Okay, I did it. Send me your good vibes because I really need a break. If I could get this, it couldn't come at a better time.

novelette · Nov 13, 2009

Sending good vibes, Kathleen! I know you've been trying for a while.

K-Mark · Nov 13, 2009

Good luck, Kathleen. As far as I know they are still looking for writers. Nothing has been mentioned otherwise. Hope you get it!

K. Marshall · Nov 14, 2009

Thanks guys.

I really need a break. Something has to give somewhere before I have a meltdown. I'm not going to count on this, or even think about it anymore until I hear from them. But if I could just get into prep, that would at least make me feel better. lol I usually can land some pretty good gigs, but it seems the ones I want the most are just out of my reach. Maybe I need to re-examine my whole business approach (not to mention, spend some time on my lousy website so it is actually worth showing people).

Anyhow, sorry about the ramble. Just very stressed lately. Thanks for the support.

princessvessna · Nov 19, 2009

Just thought I'd let everyone know that About has put out more topics for Contributing Writers. Check them out

http://beaguide.about.com/

K. Marshall · Nov 24, 2009

I'm not sure if this has been addressed or not, but if someone is accepted as a CW, can they still be considered for a Guide position? Just curious.

princessvessna · Nov 24, 2009

Kathleen Roberts said:
I'm not sure if this has been addressed or not, but if someone is accepted as a CW, can they still be considered for a Guide position? Just curious.

I don't know for sure since it's a new program, but I believe you can only be one or the other.

ameliawrites · Nov 24, 2009

I don't know if you would want to try and juggle both, either. Every word I write that isn't related to my site is a word that *should be* going towards said site. I hear my inner critic saying "Why aren't you writing for About"?

Having said that, there is not reason you couldn't keep the CW gig and apply for your Guide gig at the same time. If you got through Prep and got the Guide site, then decide which one you wanted?

Thoughts?

Amy

Crystal Lewis · Nov 25, 2009

The topic I want is available again... Off to reapply... Wish me luck!

About.com?

Marcelyn

herdon

What's up?

writerbyday

nickelnm

novelette

herdon

What's up?

nickelnm

NancyP

Talia

Contract Killer

K-Mark

Philly Phanatic

RamJay

herdon

What's up?

princessvessna

Garden Geek Extraordinaire

RamJay

nickelnm

K. Marshall

K. Marshall

novelette

K-Mark

Philly Phanatic

K. Marshall

princessvessna

Garden Geek Extraordinaire

K. Marshall

princessvessna

Garden Geek Extraordinaire

ameliawrites

Keep on keepin' on

Crystal Lewis

Courageous Dreamer