Which are the top 10 websites to write for? (Upfront payment)

Demand Studios pays weekly.

There are a large number of sites that pay upfront for articles. I've reviewed over 30 of them on my blog. Some are better than others, of course.

The best in my opinion are Demand Studios and WiseGEEK. There are many more which DO pay (although some don't pay much) including Need-an-Article, Delegate 2, Consumer Search (they pay $350 per consumer report you compile), About.com, Internet Brands, and Content Divas.

However, many of these sites will NOT accept International writers. Delegate 2 will, but the pay is rather low. Suite 101, while they don't pay upfront, will accept International writers and the residual income is great. You'll need to go through an application process and provide writing samples to be considered. Good luck!

Thanks for the suggestions Willow.

Um, "raw-neck": I hate to be mean sounding, but this is a board for writers, and I know there isn't a spell check here...but using "i" and "goggling" makes me wonder if you're really a writer? Sorry, when I read your post I got this image in my head of a person with big goggly eyes bulging out his head. Made me giggle.

stldenise said:

Um, "raw-neck": I hate to be mean sounding, but this is a board for writers, and I know there isn't a spell check here...but using "i" and "goggling" makes me wonder if you're really a writer?

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That's why I deleted my original response; it sounded kind of snarky but I was thinking the same thing. This sounded more like fishing to me that will be turned into a top 10 list on a blog or something instead of actual interest from someone looking for writing work. Sorry.

About.com doesn't actually pay upfront per article. They pay based on page views, they simply have a minimum stipend to help new writers. The successful guides do much more work during this time than they are getting paid to do.

They also take international people and there's actually a Chinese version of About.com.

Willow: had to add this... I took a peek at your blog and started reading about keywords (something that has always baffled me) and did as you suggested. I ran something I wrote yesterday through Google Adwords, then looked at the Google ads on my article in Suite101. The story is on a park near the Arch where you can get a good view. What's the first ad Google lists? How to BUY the St. Louis Arch. WTF? Wonder if they have any good bridges too?

stldenise said:

Thanks for the suggestions Willow.

Um, "raw-neck": I hate to be mean sounding, but this is a board for writers, and I know there isn't a spell check here...but using "i" and "goggling" makes me wonder if you're really a writer? Sorry, when I read your post I got this image in my head of a person with big goggly eyes bulging out his head. Made me giggle.

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I assume "goggling" was a typo, and he meant "googling." To be honest, I've made that very same typo when in a rush. Your fingers mean to stay on the extra "O" but then slip back to the "G" too quickly. It happens.

As for the lowercase "i," there are several members here at AW who only type lowercase, reminiscent of e.e. cummings. It, too, was probably unintentional on raw-neck's part.

He's also stated that he's not from the U.S., but rather Asian, and I think his written English was rather good.

I'm not jumping on you or anything, Denise, but I'd rather we not discourage someone who wants to write. He may not be as fluent in English as some, but he's got a decent grip on the language. Besides, he could be a writer in his native language, too.

Let's try to stick to the original topic at hand. Thanks!

First, raw-neck, I'm sorry I didn't welcome you in my other post; I forgot because I was responding to another's post.

So, welcome to Absolute Write!

raw-neck said:

Ah great...
Firstly, are there any specific rules pertaining to the language/ grammar that i should be using while posting in a forum?

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No, there are no specific rules pertaining to grammar/language here. I think your English is quite good, by the way. (As I mentioned in my previous post, I have made the same mistake with goggle vs. google.)

raw-neck said:

I used to think forum is a place where you can ask for friendly advices or get your queries answered. Sorry to say, but i am starkly dejected to find that such a reputed forum has people who are more interested in judging what someone has written rather than providing the requisite help...

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I'm very sorry that you encountered judgment on your first post and inquiry here. For the most part we really are a friendly forum. I've been here since 2005, and I love it almost like family. I'm a moderator here, and I tried to come in to this thread and defend your writing, while asking everyone to stay on your original topic.

I'm sorry you've had an initial negative experience here, but I would encourage you to stick around and give us a chance. This really is a great forum. You may want to check out our Newbie Welcome Guide, which features more information about our forum.

Our only major rule is to respect your fellow writer, which is what I'm asking of you and the others in this thread. Just respect each other, and avoid the condescending remarks.

raw-neck said:

@willosidhe - Thanks a lot for your advise... i found your blog genuinely helpful..
@herdon and inkcognito - thanks a lot guys

As for other... i don't need to prove anything to a bunch of judgmental people.

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Just to clarify, I'm a moderator here and I was defending your post, while also trying to maintain some order and let the others know that we need to keep this thread on track.

I'm not asking for thanks like you gave to Willow, Herdon, and Inkognito, but I also do not wish to be lumped into your "judgmental people" title. I wasn't judging you at all. I was asking the others, who mentioned your spelling, to ease up a bit.

I hope you'll read my post again and understand that I was trying to help you. I hope you'll feel welcome to participate here.

So-called writers?

Raw Neck, it's one thing to be upset about the way you were approached. But you were given an apology. Calling names isn't the way to make friends, please understand there was a spammer not long ago that posted almost exactly the same thing you did, over and over.

Most of the people you meet here are not 'so called writers'. The majority of us are published online and/or in print. If someone points out typos, most of the time they think the post they're poking fun at it spam or they're really trying to help by offering solid advice.

Since I'm assuming English is your second language, it's very understandable you have typos. English is probably the hardest language to learn, especially US English.

And welcome to AW, hang around, you'll learn tons!

Yes, as raw-neck requested, please let's stay on topic. Please post only if you have something constructive to add to the conversation. I don't want to have to close this thread for any reason.

Thanks, everyone!

raw-neck said:

what's the difference between these two structures :

I don't want to have to close this thread for any reason.
and
I don't want to close this thread for any reason.

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The connotation (the implied meaning) is different:

the use of "have" suggests that the speaker is forced/compelled/required by an external agency--that is the behavior of members will force a thread to be closed.

Technically, English has only two tenses--present and past--everything else is done by a "helping" or auxiliary verb--which means that there can be very fine, and often tricky, distinctions in implied meanings.

Raw-neck: please accept my appologies, as Julie pointed out we had a "troll" attack a few weeks ago, and unfortunately you looked the part. Newbies who jump right in demanding all the answers handed to them look suspicious.

As a person who had to learn typing on a manual typewriter I have issues with texting shorthand, especially from fellow writers. And the "goggling" really did make me giggle.

Anyhow, to get to the point, Willow posted her website where she reviews freelancing sites. It is very informative and has all the answers you need. Check it out: The Freelance Home Writer

I'm not sure which site to direct you, since many U.S. based sites are only set up for citizens, due to the whole tax issue. In an effort to be more helpful, I searched for "international writers" and found this blog post from The Mom Writes. She lists several pay sites that accept international writers, and Suite101 is at the top of the list. I just started there and it looks pretty good. Give that a shot will a couple well polished 3rd person articles.

www.LoveToKnow.com uses writers from all over, not just U.S. writers. Depending on your expertise and experience, you may find that they are a good fit for what you are looking for.

www.liveperson.com lets you share various kinds of expertise for pay. It's been slow lately though, at least in the counseling section (where I work).