Do you write on demand?
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
Singapore
September 23, 2008 3:09am CST
I write articles and reviews, but I can't seem to write on demand. I tend to write about things that matter to me and things that I'm currently interested in. But if I go on to write on demand, I would have to face the fact that some of the topics may not be to my liking. That's why I refrain from joining sites like elance. I can't write on demand. But if situation gets desperate, I may just do that, you know. What about you? Do you write on demand? Which sites do you write for?
6 people like this
27 responses
@KATRINKA (1624)
• United States
23 Sep 08
I'm like you. I can't write on demand. I can if the topic is something I care about. I write for Helium, and I check the Marketplace regularly, but I rarely find anything I'm interested in. I did write an article on scabies for the marketplace, and it turned out to be one of my lowest rated articles. My niche seems to be topics that are writing related or author profiles. I was disappointed today. On a burst of inspiration I wrote an article on a favorite author. Thought I'd upload it to Helium. The topic does not exist, so I had to put in a request for it, and if approved, it will take a couple days. I'm not a prolific writer at Helium, as I concentrate on topics I enjoy, plus I'm also working on fiction.
@KATRINKA (1624)
• United States
23 Sep 08
That is funny but understandable. One of my passions is food, but I haven't done anything foodie-related. In my current novel-in-progress one of my characters is studying to be a chef, but that's the closest I've come. Oh. I do have a couple articles on Helium I did for the Marketplace that were on food, but they weren't chosen. Don't you write for Helium? How can I find you?
1 person likes this
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
24 Sep 08
Hi Katrinka,
I only have 2 miserable articles at Helium. I don't pretty much like Helium. But here's my article link.
http://www.helium.com/users/395705
1 person likes this
@shamikabsb (602)
• Sri Lanka
23 Sep 08
I write for the public news paper in my country. It was not really on demand and not for money. I write on a subject I know very well.
I too would write only when something comes to my mind. But I find bit difficult to find topics. Therefore if someone demands from me, I will be able to write on that.
2 people like this
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
23 Sep 08
There are times when I have a dearth of ideas, even though I have an entire list of "in progress" writing to be done. Sometimes I just don't feel like writing those because not in the mood. I guess it may help if I write on demand. I'll be forced to think, research and write. But it really must be something that interests me, still.
1 person likes this
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
24 Sep 08
I love your avatar. Is it in Sri Lanka? If I live in such a place, I would definitely be inspired to write for leisure or on demand. I love beaches!
@shamikabsb (602)
• Sri Lanka
24 Sep 08
Right now, I have the same mentality. I want to write, but not in a mood and nothing comes. If I am demanded to write, I know for sure I can write.
@Ricko82 (584)
• Philippines
23 Sep 08
If the situation really ask for it, I can write on demand. There's a mental as well as physical preparation you should do before you can produce articles like in assembly lines. It's a matter of practice and determination, too - or desperation, who knows. But if you really have to, you can write on demand.
2 people like this
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
23 Sep 08
Do you have any tips on writing on demand - the mental and physical prep you were saying. There are times when I don't feel like writing, although my target is to churn a few articles per month. I think if desperation takes over, I will have no choice and do writing on demand. At the moment, I don't feel the urgency, jsut yet. Who knows in future?
1 person likes this
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
24 Sep 08
Thank you Lisa for the wonderful tips. I guess that is quite true. If I want to write on demand, it has got to feel like going to work and must have a different set of expectations altogether. Will bear those things in mind if I do start to write on demand.
@writersedge (22563)
• United States
23 Sep 08
I write for Helium. I don't write on demand either. I like to write about stuff I like or am interested in. I think there are many sites like Hub Pages where you can write about stuff you're interested in. So you may not have to write on demand. But if you learn to do that, you may be even able to write for a local newspaper or something. My friend did and she got to do interviews. She liked meeting people and writing about local interest stories. Unfortunately, after one year, the local interest stories started to repeat themselves and she didn't want to put a new spin on old stories every year. Unless there really is something new going on with the fire departments field day, redoing the same story differently is boring. Just as an example, she reported on a variety of topics. But the local stories paid $80 to $200 dollars each and she had from 1 to 3 a week to do. Pictures were $25, $50, and once in awhile $75 each. Some weeks she made $100, but others she made 2 or 3 hundred. Plus she tax deducted her camera, travel, and even some of her phone bill when she interviewed over the phone or read the edited versions to people for their OK. My friend moved away and now she can write on a whole new bunch of local interest and get to know the locals better. Take care
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
23 Sep 08
I wrote about two articles on Helium, but did not seem to like how the site works. I may consider that some time later, after I have a few other sites such as Constant Content and Associated Content. Your friend is making good money. I'm considering writing on demand as a way to increase my online earnings. Thanks for your response.
@ersmommy1 (12588)
• United States
24 Sep 08
I have written some articles for Associated Content. I write when I have the time. Or when I feel like it. I wouldn't say it is on demand. I also take the time to do some research before I write and submit an article.
2 people like this
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
24 Sep 08
I have just submitted my third article to AC, after a long while. I hope to get it published and subsequently bypass the editorial team and publish instantly. Certain topics, I just need to brainstorm before writing the article, while others I need a little research. I think research is an important part of writing, esp if it on demand.
@Jenaisle (14078)
• Philippines
23 Sep 08
At times I do write on demand because of deadlines at work. The deadline motivates me to start writing. So I say to myself: "You've got to write ...or else...you won't have a job to report to next week." lol,,,it worked. When I can't really concentrate. I write a few sentences and then do something else and then go back again aftersometime. I keep doing this until I am able to complete the article. Right now, I have to finish something but I feel "blocked" about the topic, so I here I am at mylot spending some minutes before going back. Cheers!
2 people like this
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
23 Sep 08
I used to have to write reports at work and it was a breeze. I did not have any big problems. I just need the time to do it all. Now that I'm longer working, sometimes I feel plain lazy to complete what I have started. I have so many half-written articles in my "In Progress" folder that I feel like purging them all and start all over! What do you think?
@lingli_78 (12822)
• Australia
24 Sep 08
no i don't actually... i'm not actually a writer and i don't write for any site... i would love to try though as i just found out that i actually have a talent in writing... i will never know if i don't try... i heard many people is talking about helium... take care and have a nice day...
1 person likes this
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
24 Sep 08
I only ave two articles at Helium. I don't pretty much like it though. There are other similar sites. PM me if you want to know other writing sites.
@patgalca (18375)
• Orangeville, Ontario
23 Sep 08
No, I have enough trouble thinking up things to write about that INTEREST me let alone have a subject thrown at me that I am not interested in and know nothing about. There's always research but I'm not big on that. If the subject interested me I might do research. I guess that's why I'm not very successful as a writer.
1 person likes this
@patgalca (18375)
• Orangeville, Ontario
23 Sep 08
One of the members in my writing group has been writing more and more for magazines. She thinks my articles on Triond are worthy of being in magazines. She has been forwarding me columns which she thinks I can write for. I wrote an article while bedridden over the weekend. It's a bit of a mess and not really finished but I forwarded it to her and asked her what magazine she thought it would be good for if not Triond. She has five kids so can't get back to me immediately (which is okay because, like I said, it's not complete) but if she really thinks they are good enough, I will try and submit and see what happens. Perhaps one article in a national magazine is all it will take!
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
23 Sep 08
Aww... Don't say that, Pat! You write very well. It just takes time with all the physical conditions you're going through. Writing on demand will just add to your stress. So relax and write about what you like, like me. I wouldn't consider myself successful either, just that I can write a few pieces here and there. If I'm successful, I would have gotten tonnes of money from writing
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
23 Sep 08
This might just be your big break. WHo knows? Since you knwo someone who is already in that line offering you help. I think you should pursue that. You can earn much much more with magazines rather than at Triond. At Triond, if your article is a hit, then there are some lucrative returns. But other than that, it is a trickle. Go on! I urge you to write for those magazines. I have not tried to contact any of the local magazines though. May try!
@derek_a (10874)
•
23 Sep 08
I like to choose what subjects I write about myself as I feel I can't do anything justice unless I know something about it.
I enjoy writing posts of my spiritual awareness blog and Zen blog because I am fascinated by the subject. I have also recently started a piano blog, because I was a professional musician some years ago.
I think it best to stick to the old adage, "write what you know". :-)
1 person likes this
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
23 Sep 08
That's what I feel too. If I were to write about something I don't really know, Imay not write from the heart and the result may just be a mediocre articles, not a great one! That's one of the reasons why I don't write on demand too. Your Zen blog sounds interesting!
1 person likes this
@moneyandgc (3428)
• United States
24 Sep 08
I can write about things that don't interest me but it is never my best work. I like to choose my own topics. I only write here, Associated Content and Review Stream. I submit photos to Triond too.
1 person likes this
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
24 Sep 08
I was afraid of that - that my pieces would not be great! But I guess we all go through times when we feel that an article is excellent while others seem a like lacklustre. So the best way is to always write for something which interests and inspire me. I'm trying to write more for AC. I was just paid by RS, but they kicked me out after that for they think I plagiarised a review. Sigh! I may have to stick to myLOt or sign up under using another email. I wonder if it will work. What do you think? I also write for Triond.
@Opal26 (17679)
• United States
24 Sep 08
Hi Sydney, I also don't do well writing on demand. One of
the reasons I started here at mylot was because I wanted
to practice my writing skills. Well, it didn't work! I have
tried writing for Review Stream only twice so far. The first
article sold for $2. The second would have gone for the
bulk rate, but I got so upset that I just stopped writing
and haven't done anything since. I need to get myself going
again so that I can try more than just one site and then
maybe I'll feel more secure about my writing once I really
get going. There are so many sites to choose from. I have
gotten some advice from mylot members so that when I'm
ready I will speak to a few members here and see which ones
they think are good to get started with.
1 person likes this
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
24 Sep 08
I think the most important thing when we stick to a site to write for would be that we are comfortable with it. There are some sites which I don't really like but others find very attractive. Review Stream just kicked me out. They think that I must have plagiarised a review. I have to write to them to explain I guess.
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
24 Sep 08
I think the most important thing when we stick to a site to write for would be that we are comfortable with it. There are some sites which I don't really like but others find very attractive. Review Stream just kicked me out. They think that I must have plagiarised a review. I have to write to them to explain I guess.
@icegermany (2524)
• India
23 Sep 08
even i think the same, there are people who can overcome their interest and also incultate interest even if they dont like it but i cannot do that, i always go for the thing which interests me and morever if its out of my interest its really difficult for me to workout and i always select the one which interest me.
i write reviews only and thats set. i had taken a look over the demand list but till i find one which interests me among them and then write it usually takes time and i dont have so much of time to spend. hence i go for the one which i like and hence write on that topic.
i write for review stream, how about you for which website do you write reviews and for which website do you write articles, is it working for you and from which had you got paid?
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
23 Sep 08
Me too! I write mainly for Triond. I'm trying out AC. There are Calls for Content which I browse from time to time, but have not seen anything interesting. I'm also trying to write for Constant Content these few months to see if I can sell any of my articles. I write reviews for Review Stream too and trying out Ciao! at the moment. I have been paid regularly by Triond (minimum payout 50 cents) since Mar this year and just received first payment from Review Stream. Yippee!
1 person likes this
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
24 Sep 08
I have written for Triond the most. There are times when my article was popular and received a lot of pageviews. My earnings increased tremendously. That is when I feel that it's worth it. But my other articles are just getting a few cents here and there. Writing sites which depend on pageviews such as Helium and AC, may not see a significant increase in earnings unless you write a lot of articles. At Helium, you can try to write at the Marketplace, but I have never tried that. At AC, you can try Calls for Content. I'm outside US, which means that I don't enjoy the perks of upfront payment at AC unfortunately. Review Stream does pay and I think is a good way to earn extra money if you're patient enough. If you can constantly write a few categories which always get full rate, you can do well at Reiew Stream. I have not really explored Constant Content much. It is a place where you can sell your articles. Quite interesting to me.
I can't tell what would suit you best. It's really a lot of trial and error. Some people like Triond while others hate it. Some like Helium and others don't. It's a matter of personal choice. Here is an article I wrote about paying sites to give you more ideas.
http://www.writinghood.com/Online-Writing/Nine-Legitimate-Writing-Sites-Which-Pay.199101
@icegermany (2524)
• India
23 Sep 08
i dont know about triond and onstant content, you have been working for that can you tell me more about it like their pay structure and the amount we need to write.
you have been doing for reviewstream, triond,ciao, AC and constant content, tell me which is really best and which is worth it and where can we do much better and more.
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
24 Sep 08
elance is a marketplace bringing buyers and writers together. Actually not only writers, any service providers for that matter. Buyers will post what they want done, then service providers will bid for the job. Buyers then choose a service provider to complete the task and get paid in a secure environment. You can check it out at elance.com.
@geminipunk (573)
• India
24 Sep 08
Ohh well i dont write on demand but i would love to write on demand. I mean if you see me write and stuff like that. I would write some preety nice work and all. But then i tried once on a site where i had to write on demand and all. That was like 2-3 months back and guess what i got soo nervous and all that nothing actually came in my head and that was like soo sad . Well i do hope to make my mind firm in the near future and all and when it does become firm , i would go for like alot of writing and stuff like that "On demand ". I would love to do that. Be it for money, be it for humour , or be it just for satisfaction. I would love to do that one day in my life. Well anyways happy mylotting to you :)
1 person likes this
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
24 Sep 08
Me too! I would love to write on demand one day. My sole motivation would be for the money I guess. Being a stay at home mom, the internet is my sole source of income. Writing seems to work well for me.
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
24 Sep 08
That's wonderful that you can write on demand. I write for Triond mostly and trying out other sites as well. I write about things that interests me at the moment. You can check out my articles at Triond here.
http://www.triond.com/users/Sydney+Hazelton
Thanks! Where do you write?
@Pose123 (21635)
• Canada
23 Sep 08
Hi SydneyHazelton, I too love to write but I cannot write on demand, I have to be inspired. Sometimes I go for days and weeks without writing anything, and suddenly the juices start to flow again, and I have to start writing immediately before the thoughts are gone forever. Blessings.
1 person likes this
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
24 Sep 08
I know what you mean. I have a target of writing 15 to 20 pieces every month. But I'm definitely not keeping up. Like you, I need to be inspired. If I find some thing interests me, I can write an article within a few minutes. But if it doesn't really interests me, it will be put off to a later date called "never".
@revellanotvanella (4033)
• United States
24 Sep 08
I am a writer that destructively relies on moods so if the mood is right Im game but if not I only want to write what I want and theres always people who will do the work others refuse. I could do it I think if the money was right but I would definately have to keep my mind in that mode by having books all around me pertaining to writing and nothing distracting because when I am interesting in a subject I just devour it and its hard for me to get away from it, even when Im doing my classes, phew.
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
24 Sep 08
I know, sometimes we all need to be in a certain mode. It's probably like revising before and exam, whether you're in the mood or not, you just need to plough through. Writing on demand is something like that, I guess. Which sites do you write for?
@Bluepatch (2476)
• Trinidad And Tobago
23 Sep 08
I can do this but I will need time to think of things.
I find that when you relax and think for a while things come to mind that solve this problem.
At first you are indeed deterred but when you relax and think this problem goes away.
1 person likes this
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
24 Sep 08
You have pointed out an important advice. I must learn to RELAX! I'm sure I will be able to write somethings on demand. At the same time I'm writing this, I'm checking out Marketplace at Helium, Still can't find a topic of my liking though...
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
24 Sep 08
HI muelitz, if you do eventually find out about those sites, may be you can highlight them to me. Thanks for your response!
@syankee525 (6261)
• United States
23 Sep 08
i can do it, i also write songs and i can take an idea from someone else and write about it. same with peotry or stories.
1 person likes this
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
24 Sep 08
Wow! You must be a real pro to be able to do all that. You're definitely talented!