Do contests motivate you to writing?
By calajane
@calajane (1003)
Poland
July 17, 2008 12:02am CST
This discussion was inspired by the Helium Reward-athon.
For those not writing for Helium it's a contest where apart from the usual rates, you get paid for every article you submit to the titles listed. It's a great way to expand your portfolio, but at the same time it can be pretty exhausting (I wrote four articles in a day, where usuallyI can do ont-two articles a day max).
But my question is.
Do contests and challanges motivate you? Are you more likely to write about a topic if there's a prize involved somewhere?
For those not writing for Helium it's a contest where apart from the usual rates, you get paid for every article you submit to the titles listed. It's a great way to expand your portfolio, but at the same time it can be pretty exhausting (I wrote four articles in a day, where usuallyI can do ont-two articles a day max).
But my question is.
Do contests and challanges motivate you? Are you more likely to write about a topic if there's a prize involved somewhere?2 people like this
4 responses
@babostwick (2036)
• United States
17 Jul 08
Yes it does do that. It challenges me greatly and tries to have me come up with more material by the minute and the day. It's all about coming up with ideas and I think to myself, how can I better myself. Earlier in the year, sometimes I did about 7 a day and other times 10 and that's not very easy. It wasn't rushed so much. It was tough but rewarding in the end.
2 people like this
@calajane (1003)
• Poland
18 Jul 08
wow. I don't really think I'd be able to write so much in a day. Sure, if apart from one or two articles I write smaller reviews or something then yes. But usually I"m scared that the quality of my work will suffer if I write so much in aday..
Thank you for responding 
1 person likes this
@babostwick (2036)
• United States
18 Jul 08
No problem. That type of thing is very difficult to pull off. Coming up with ideas like crazy isn't something I would say would be easy. It's not something I would recommend doing unless you think you're up for the challenge. It's very hard and believe me, I had to really sit down and think on what to write about and then go from there.
1 person likes this
@biggerb (2024)
• India
17 Jul 08
Hi!
Contests do motivate me to write.Either one has to get paid or win a prize.When something like that comes up i sit down to do it.If its just giving an article to be published I never get motivated.i am so crazy about contests infact i'm hooked on to it.I have been thinking about signing up for Helium which i have not done.i should try my hand at it.Enjoy your writing its great fun.
@calajane (1003)
• Poland
17 Jul 08
Helium reward-athon lasts till the endof Summer, so maybe you should think about signing up. In fact, I'd love to refer you . But only if you don't mind, heh. I could help you get started no matter fi you're my referral or not though :) I really like Helium and think people thereare awesome ;)
And on the plus side, the articles will keep earning for you even after the contest is over.
Thank you for your response!
. But only if you don't mind, heh. I could help you get started no matter fi you're my referral or not though :) I really like Helium and think people thereare awesome ;)
And on the plus side, the articles will keep earning for you even after the contest is over.
Thank you for your response!2 people like this
@anawar (2404)
• United States
18 Jul 08
I used to write for Helium with limited success. I think certain writers work well within the structures of that website. After a few months of frustration, I decided I was not cut out ot be a helium writer.
I write for another site that is for creativity, not money. There are contests and prompts there, but I can't work from them. The stories I write come from me and I'm not looking for stars.
Congrats on being able to write so much for helium. I wish I could. Something seems to be missing in the gift of my writing, or my style, because I would participate more if I could.
They are running another reward-a-thon and they paid out immediately last time they ran one.
At least we know its an honest website.
1 person likes this
@calajane (1003)
• Poland
19 Jul 08
I suppose everybody has different expectations and different things work for different people. I think one should write for reasons they think are worth it. I'm writing because I like it and I know I'm good enough to get paid for it.
I'm glad you were able to find a site that is good for you and works for you.
Also: You're right about Helium. It's always good to know that the site you spend so much time at actually isn't a scam.
I'm glad you were able to find a site that is good for you and works for you.
Also: You're right about Helium. It's always good to know that the site you spend so much time at actually isn't a scam. 
@edgyk8inmomma (2157)
• United States
18 Jul 08
Contests, rewards, bonuses, anything extra always motivates me. However, life is extremely full, so I may or may not work on the reward-a-thon this time. Last time I worked my butt off and lost my one hard earned writing star just days before the contest ended. I would have made a decent payout, nothing elaborate, but loosing my star and the timing just discouraged me. So I have saved some titles I know I can do, and if time permits I will add to them. But I'm not letting it take over my life like last time:)
1 person likes this
