Do you write mainly for your readers, for yourself, or just to make money?
@justdroppingby (296)
Philippines
April 23, 2010 8:16pm CST
Hi MyLotters! I have just joined writing sites like Helium, AC, Triond and Bukisa - all at a good friend's insistence. I enjoy writing down my own musings and thoughts, and she suggest why not make money from them too.
When I joined theses sites fellow writers were mostly helpful. After browsing through their forums (as well as some of the threads in MyLot as well), and reading about how everyone urges writers to write for SEO, Google Trends and such, I can't help get the feeling that doing so would strip me of my initiative and independence as a writer. I feel like I'm giving up a part of myself, both as a writer and as a person, when I write just for the sake of SEO, and just so that more traffic would be directed to these sites.
Right now I'm faced with a semi-dilemma : do I write according to what these writing sites dictate to me, or should I just follow my heart and write what I please? I used to hold this belief that writing should serve some higher purpose like enlighten another soul or be a part in bringing about healthy debate and perhaps change. Browsing through the sites though kind of made me rethink my writing philosophy.
So I'd like to ask you, fellow MyLotters: what is your biggest motivation when you write? Do you write with your readers in mind [i.e., you want to address a problem or clarify an issue, etc], or do you write mainly just to entertain or indulge yourself? Or do you write simply with making money as your main and sole motivation? I'd like to hear your thoughts on this... Thanks!
3 people like this
15 responses
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
24 Apr 10
I must say that I'm writing for the money 90% of the time. I'm terrible. But I guess it helps to motivate me to express myself and expand my knowledge through research prior to writing. I do both online and offline writing for money. It's my supplemental income, I need it.
My second motivation is to reflect. I do this in a personal secret blog. I opened it with my husband, as an avenue for us to express ourselves, present our thoughts and try to improve on our relationship.
Writing for these sites does not mean that you need to restrict your independence as a writer. You can continue with your thoughts and musings even when writing for them. What I like about these sites is that you can write about anything and everything. Sometimes I even write first and then look for a suitable category to suit my writing genre/topic.
My suggestion is not to restrict your creativity and open your mind to possibilities. If you can write what you want, the money is just bonus for you.
@justdroppingby (296)
• Philippines
24 Apr 10
It's not that terrible, really... My guess is that that's just reality, you know, with the economic crisis and all... so I can understand your motivation.
I like the "secret blog" idea. Much like a secret diary...I wonder where it is... ;)
Thanks for the advice :)
@SydneyHazelton (4586)
• Singapore
25 Apr 10
The secret blog is very easy to create. I created one with Blogger. Then you proceed to the settings to ensure that no one can read it, except for specified people. No one can edit it or comment on it, except for those specified people. Then your secret blog is on the roll.
Abt the avatar, gee thanks 
@merlibradley (407)
• Philippines
25 Apr 10
I haven't been here @ mylot for a long time already. I wanted to do a lot of things but I always love writing. I write mostly for entertainment and to feed my passion. Few weeks ago, I started writing a chemistry book. It is the time when I started thinking about my readers. With the current project that I am doing, considering the readers is very important. For me, it depends on what I am actually writing. If I am just writing to express myself, then I can dwell on the emotional side of mine and think only of the things that I want to write. However, when I am targetting a specific audience, I should consider them when I am writing my piece.
@merlibradley (407)
• Philippines
26 Apr 10
It's my first big writing project. I have written some chem workbook and edited lab manuals before but this one is a lot more exciting. I am hoping that it will turn out good.
Thanks for appreciating my jewelry pieces. Have a nice day.
@justdroppingby (296)
• Philippines
25 Apr 10
Wow. You're writing a chem book, like a textbook? That's impressive. I'm a self-confessed science geek, never though of writing something like that though :)
Btw, I checked out your blog.. nice jewelry pieces you have there :)
@chenxiaoyue_713 (2165)
• China
24 Apr 10
This is a good topic, friend. To follow our own hearts or to follow a site's instructions, that's a real dilemma. In my eyes, it depends on different situations. Take mylot for example. We're here to exchange views with others, not to write something that should meet their needs. No one will criticize you for writing something that is not their cup of tea. We're free to let our imaginations soar. So i see no need to follow any instructions here except our own hearts. But if you're writing for professional sites like Ap or helium, you have to follow strictly their instructions to get your articles approved. Hope you'll get it.
@chenxiaoyue_713 (2165)
• China
25 Apr 10
So i see you can handle it perfectly. But i have one doubt. Is it difficult to get articles published in AC or helium? I know many people write for these sites. I have the thought of trying but i'm afraid it may be too hard for me since i'm not a native english speaker and my english may seem coarse to some people. So are there any techniques to follow? Thanks for sharing.
@justdroppingby (296)
• Philippines
24 Apr 10
Thanks for the encouragement :)
(I've managed to publish several articles in AC and Helium... There's a link to it in my blog (which is in my profile), just in case you'd like to take a peek.)
Yeah, at the end of the day, MyLot is where I go to for a pick-me-up after I write and post on other forums and sites :)
@dvirtualist (399)
• Philippines
24 Apr 10
i write if I want to say something and can't voice it out. I write also for my viewers, like tutorial stuff.
@AjaySinghBaghel (5506)
• India
24 Apr 10
I write for all the reasons you mentioned. Its a good way of expressing me, same time others can express their view and I get to learn few more, ultimately I can earn some money. These discussions help me to tell things that I want to share with you all and get replay many discussion of my interest.
Happy MyLotting :)
@tomitomi (5429)
• Singapore
24 Apr 10
I write based on my life's experiences and the experiences of friends or stories i've heard or a small tip or knowledge to share with. I write as a tool to stimulate my brain, to learn, to share and to grow. I write for the joy of writing. The money here is not great. But it's one great bonus to keep on writing. Thank you myLot!
@justdroppingby (296)
• Philippines
24 Apr 10
Wow...that's kind of inspiring...I'm just curious, do you have a personal blog?
@justdroppingby (296)
• Philippines
24 Apr 10
scratch that. I just saw the link in your profile.
You have an interesting page :) Now I know a little Bahasa... Selalu di hatiku (correct me if I'm wrong in assuming that that's Bahasa Indonesian?)
@Wanderlaugh (1622)
• Australia
24 Apr 10
I'm a pro writer. I write for contracts in Australia, the US, Canada, and Belgium on multiple sites. I've also written for sites in the UK and China. I have to say that the best mix is a combination of what you like writing and what pays the bills.
If you want self indulgence combined with enlightenment, write a book. I've written 12, all self motivated, hardly sold anything, but I wouldn't change a thing. I'm happy with the content.
The fact is that a writer is like any artist. The value is in individuality. If you're not motivated, writing will be tough. If you're motivated, it's easy. My record at the moment is 8000 words original content in one day, on a contract. Wasn't even tired afterwards.
Your writing will tell you literally in so many words where you want to go, and why.
@justdroppingby (296)
• Philippines
24 Apr 10
Wow. I think that's great, doing something that you love and earning a living from it too. I'm not a pro writer, but I do admire people like you. I never had the patience or the attention span to actually sit down and write a book :p
Do you have a link to a site that showcases your books? I'm just curious...
@ElicBxn (63233)
• United States
24 Apr 10
since I mostly write here, and I mostly write what I think is interesting and what my friends will think is interesting
I tell stories about things in my life, my cats, my mis-spent youth, and, my opinions, when I have one.
it seems I have friends that think my little tales are interesting and they then might tell me about something in their lives and mylot is kind enough to give me some change for doing so - so, life is good!
@justdroppingby (296)
• Philippines
24 Apr 10
Yeah, I used to keep my writing to myself, in fact I kept volumes of my diaries since fifth grade. An entire world opened up for me when I started blogging and posting my musings online. I was surprised to discover that other people might find my random rants and musings interesting too.
...Just like in this discussion I started. Thanks for sharing your thoughts! :)
1 person likes this
@JAYMAR777 (840)
• Philippines
24 Apr 10
I really like your thoughts on this one. I too have the same dilemma. You know I started writing (doing blogs and articles) not because I like to write. On the contrary I use to think that writing is not my best asset, speaking is. In fact I am too lazy to write, plain and simple. What motivates to start writing is money. They say that if you make blogs, they are forever in the net and you will be earning forever. Now this maybe true. But what I noticed is that a lot of people just copy and pasted somebody's work, or they revised it to make it their own. I really don't feel good about it. I hate to think that somebody is stealing my idea for profit...it is like piracy. Anyway I still write; about my ideas, my thoughts on an issue, if I have nothing to do, and also earn from it. The key is discretion. I think a book is better to pour out your ideas on a topic at least it is copyrighted.
@justdroppingby (296)
• Philippines
24 Apr 10
Plagiarism is an especially thorny issue among online writers. It's kind of sad when it comes to a point that it discourages writers [and other content creators] to share their ideas and thoughts. In fact, I think that it creates another dilemma : how do you keep thoughts and ideas free flowing and available to all without impinging on the rights of the 'original' author?
Hmm... Should thoughts and ideas be branded or owned or be the exclusive content of somebody in the first place...?
(I'm starting to ramble, sorry...)
@Hatley (163781)
• Garden Grove, California
24 Apr 10
hi justdroppingby I am a fiction writer, unpublishe of course,but I write to please myself andto please anyone elsewho might read it,if I ever got it published,but right now I would love to write something, anything and get paid for it as I do need money now. I am not an article writer but if push came to shove of course I could to that. for money yes, as its needed badly.
@justdroppingby (296)
• Philippines
24 Apr 10
Wow.. It's one of my frustrations, writing fiction. I remember when I was in third grade I kept a notebook where I wrote all my magical little-girl stories. It got lost though, and after that I never really got my fiction mojo back. Sometimes growing up can kill your enthusiasm for story-writing. That's why I never got past the angsty poetry I started writing in high school ;p
Do you post your stories online? I'd love to read them... :)
@zeethegr8 (785)
• India
24 Apr 10
I usually write to make a reputation right now. So you can basically put it up as I write to be read by my readers. Its tough writing something which will get people interested. So being visually expressive also matters. And if that visual appeal can be put in words, that piece of writing is perfect.
@scheng1 (24650)
• Singapore
24 Apr 10
Hi justdroppingby, think of it this way.
You write for yourself and your readers. However, you use the seo techniques to write the articles. View the seo techniques as no difference from using computer or pen to write.
The ideas and thoughts are yours. The only difference is that you emphasize the keywords slightly more than writing offline.
Actually seo is just a technique to draw in more readers. If you do it right, more readers will get the benefit.
@justdroppingby (296)
• Philippines
24 Apr 10
Hmm.. I never thought of it that way. Thanks for bringing that up.
I took a peek at your Helium and AC profiles...you're such a prolific writer! Would you mind if I add you as a friend on these sites? Thanks.
@standbymeforever (887)
• Australia
24 Apr 10
On here? i honestly write just for the money. Dont get me wrong I still love to do this. I really enjoy making discussions, responding to them and reading what other have to say but the truth is I probably wouldnt have joined this site if it did not pay. I was looking for sites and this one came up so thats why Im here for the moolah!
@justdroppingby (296)
• Philippines
24 Apr 10
Yeah, sometimes I think that the reason why MyLot is such an active community is because of the cash incentive... and I'm not really sure if that's a good thing or not...
@ordecai (46)
• Philippines
25 Apr 10
I suppose to join some sites by contributing my write ups.. but seems i read your insights that they dictate you of what to write that is awful.As writer i think they composed to write of whatever they in their mind.Thats what we call creative writing,,i guess we write what we please of what motivates us,, beyond our imagination of thoughts.I write articles,especially poems when i find myself please in a situation where I am inspired,,not just someone force me to do so without my willingness,,i lost my concentration and not by someone dictate me of what to write,,, thanks man by telling this,,, you somehow open my view,,,,follow your passion ,,the topic of idea...
@lightknight60 (561)
• India
24 Apr 10
I write for both money and pleasure of writting..mylot is awesome .I'd like more sites to come up similar to this .
