My best ever day on Helium!
@Sandra1952 (6047)
Spain
June 15, 2010 3:11pm CST
As you all know by now, I love Helium. I'm earning well, I love writing, and I have lots of friends over there - many of them from right here on MyLot. We support each other, and help each other, so writing on Helium isn't a lonely experience.
Today, when I clicked on the front page, something caught my eye. It was my name, and I didn't just have an article on the front page, I was the featured writer! This may not mean much to some people, but I was really made up. I've been smiling all day, and I've had lots of congratulatory emails from my friends on Helium. I feel like a celebrity!
It doesn't end there, though. I'm leading a contest by a big margin - it's still got a week to run, so things may change, but it's nice to be out in front, even temporarily.
And then, about half an hour ago, I was invited to join the 'How To Guide' writers, as I was 'a top notch writer.' I know my writing is good - I wouldn't post it otherwise - but it's great when a fellow writer offers an unsolicited opinion, especially such a complimentary one.
Don't get me wrong - Helium isn't all smiles - there are bad days there as well. Generally, though, Helium is a great writing experience. What happened on your best - or worst - Helium day?
8 people like this
18 responses
@Sandra1952 (6047)
• Spain
15 Jun 10
Come on Dawn, you've done the Helium voice joke before! Seriously, I think you'd do well there - you have a great writing style, which comes through in your discussions. Even your responses, which are often even shorter than this one, show that you have a great way with words. Come on over, my friend!
5 people like this
@bounce58 (17387)
• Canada
15 Jun 10
Hi Sandra. Just checked the site, and saw your pic for the featured writer. Congratulations! I would like to join Helium someday, as I think I could write a few interesting articles if I wanted to. Just couldn't find the time right now.
Anyway, when I grow up (or when I finally win the lottery, whichever comes first) and I finally have a lot of time for myself, I would join and start writing a few articles.
Again, congrats! 
@Sandra1952 (6047)
• Spain
15 Jun 10
Hello, Bounce, and thanks for the good wishes. Helium is addictive - the more you write there, the more you want to, or at least that's how it is with me. As a bonus, I find I learn a lot researching the articles, and I don't spend all that long every day writing. I'm lucky in that I don't work, and I don't have a family at home, apart from my husband. I love writing, and it's great to be paid for doing something you enjoy.
3 people like this
@AnythngArt (3302)
• United States
16 Jun 10
Wow, great news. Sometimes I really stop and read the front page, and other days I just breeze past it (like today). I'll go over after this and have a proper look. I think that writing in general is such a solitary pursuit that it is nice when things really work out. We all appreciate a little recognition now and then, and I am happy that all the stars lined up for you today. Of course, we think you are a great writer every day!
Good luck with the contest and the "how to" articles (hope you will tell us more about that over here on MyLot.
Enjoy your celebrity status!
@Sandra1952 (6047)
• Spain
16 Jun 10
Hello, Art, and thank you for those lovely words. 
I'm the same as you - sometimes I just skim past the front page, and I was doing just that when I caught my name out of the corner of my eye. It's nice having an article featured on the front page, but this is even better! I still haven't stopped grinning, and I don't think I will for a while.
I'll fill you in on the 'How To's' when I understand how it all works myself. I'm waiting for more information at the moment, as I don't want to take on something I can't manage - that would be letting everyone down, including myself.
I'm the same as you - sometimes I just skim past the front page, and I was doing just that when I caught my name out of the corner of my eye. It's nice having an article featured on the front page, but this is even better! I still haven't stopped grinning, and I don't think I will for a while.
I'll fill you in on the 'How To's' when I understand how it all works myself. I'm waiting for more information at the moment, as I don't want to take on something I can't manage - that would be letting everyone down, including myself.2 people like this
@Sandra1952 (6047)
• Spain
18 Jun 10
Hello, Art. I decided not to go for the 'How To' guide option. It's a rigid format, and other writers can do light edits, and that's the real problem I have. If my name's on it, I don't want other people editing it. Perhaps I'm a bit hypersensitive, but I just don't like the idea. I've left the door open, though, as I never say never.
@ladym33 (10979)
• United States
15 Jun 10
I have not done great on Helium although I was able to cash out there. My How to Cook a Turkey article was featured on Thanksgiving one year. I also made a nice chunk of money from an article about how to make some extra money when you are unemployed, those were probably my highest Helium points. Congratulations on the feature that is really cool. I have missed winning contests by one person like 5 times, I have yet to win it seems like someone always comes up from behind me at the last minute and passes me up. I will go to Helium and see if I can find your feature. Congratulations again.
@ladym33 (10979)
• United States
16 Jun 10
That's true. I get so frustrated with Helium. I had one article that has been the number one article for a while now and I just looked and it is 8 out of 10 now. I have read the other articles a couple are not too bad, 2 are kind of off topic, and I am the only one that has any actual experience about what I wrote about. Their whole voiting system frustrates me because I doubt most people who are reading read past the fisr paragraph because they are more or less forced to read things they actually have no interest in.
2 people like this
@Sandra1952 (6047)
• Spain
16 Jun 10
Hello, Ladym, and thank you. That's awful that you've missed contests by such a narrow margin. It would be better to come nowhere! As a consolation, I do find that a lot of the contest articles seem to earn better than the others.
2 people like this
@Sandra1952 (6047)
• Spain
16 Jun 10
I think you're right about rating - that's why I always aim for a strong first paragraph, and if I do a leapfrog, I make sure I change the first paragraph. I think people would rate more if there was a small reward for it, but I don't know. Some people just don't want to read other people's writing.
Personally, I enjoy it, as it gives me ideas and pointers for my own work. Still, it would be a big improvement if we could provide interests like we do here, so that we were only asked to rate articles we were interesting. I think that would help the writers as well, as people would read more than they do now.
1 person likes this
@reene0225 (351)
• United States
16 Jun 10
Congratulations on being a featured writer on Helium. I've not heard of the website, but will check it out. It sounds like something I'd be interested in. I love to write about things. I'm not sure if I'm really that good at it, but it's worth a shot. I hope you win the contest. I know you are just thrilled to be featured and so far winning the contest. Again congratulations.
3 people like this
@Sandra1952 (6047)
• Spain
16 Jun 10
Hello, Reene, and thank you. Yes, Helium's a great site, and it's a good place to improve your writing, as there's a great support network there. Writing can be lonely sometimes, but it's never lonely on Helium.
@mturacom (632)
• India
16 Jun 10
Its nice to see someone getting success. I would have really tried Helium but it doesn't allow users to sign up from my country India. I don't know why they don't. I have heard that due to poor English writing skills, some countries were banned by Helium and I am from one of those countries.
Anyway thanks for sharing!
@Sandra1952 (6047)
• Spain
16 Jun 10
Hello, and welcome to MyLot. Yes, I think it's unfair to have a blanket ban on certain countries. Helium has a big staff who monitor quality, and there's a system for other writers to report substandard articles, so it would be easy to remove writers who didn't come up to the high standards demanded at Helium.
1 person likes this
@Sandra1952 (6047)
• Spain
16 Jun 10
Hello, Trenna. I'm still waiting on more information, but I'll let you know. I do think it's unfair that good writers should be prevented from writing for Helium because of geography, though, if that is the case. I'd like to know more about that situation.
1 person likes this
@scheng1 (24650)
• Singapore
17 Jun 10
Hi Sandra, that's a marvelous achievement.
I seldom pay attention to the home page of helium. I guess most of us writers just login, check the payment, check the forum for any update, then rate the articles.
I hope you win the contest. The money is really good, far better than the stock content.
2 people like this
@Sandra1952 (6047)
• Spain
17 Jun 10
Hello, Scheng. Yes, I used to do that, but somebody mentioned it was worth checking the front page, as if you write to the titles there, your page views are often better while the title is on the front page, and you often get under 5s to write to as well, which saves you looking for them. So now I skim through the front page at least once a day.
I didn't see my picture at first, but my name caught my eye, and I thought I had a front page article. As you can imagine, I was delighted to be a featured writer, and it helped my page views, as well as bringing me into contact with more writers on Helium, so increasing my network of friends and associates over there.
1 person likes this
@Canellita (12029)
• United States
26 Jun 10
I think I remember that feature day! I wish you'd come back to the hobbies and games channel with some new articles!
1 person likes this
@Canellita (12029)
• United States
27 Jun 10
Just think of hobby stuff -- leisure time activities. Gardening has its own channel but there's card games, making stuff, recycling stuff into new stuff, collecting stuff...
@Sandra1952 (6047)
• Spain
27 Jun 10
Hello, Canellita. I will, I promise. Sometimes, it's a job to find anything to write to, but just lately, the titles seem to be falling into my lap. I'll be there soon.
@teenymarie (107)
• United States
16 Jun 10
Congratulations on your feature! I've been on Helium for a few months, I've only written a few articles but have done fairly well. I'm going to go check out your article after my kids lay down for their nap.
2 people like this
@Sandra1952 (6047)
• Spain
16 Jun 10
Hello, Teenymarie, and welcome to MyLot. Thanks for your good wishes. It's worth putting in the time to build up your writing portfolio at Helium, as it raises your profile and you earn more.
1 person likes this
@Janey1966 (24170)
• Carlisle, England
16 Jun 10
Hi Sandra!
I don't use Helium myself but I have known for a while that you use it...and I am so chuffed that you are the featured writer! Congratulations my friend!
2 people like this
@Sandra1952 (6047)
• Spain
16 Jun 10
Hello, Janey, and thank you. It's nice to have other people recognise that your writing is good, and on a financial rather than an artistic note, it's increased my page view revenue as well, so it's good news all round.
2 people like this
@abitcurious (1422)
• Philippines
16 Jun 10
Congratulations! There isn't any other word that succinctly puts being proud and happy for your friend out there.
To love writing so much has brought you lots of blessings and rewards. Sigh. A happy day indeed.
2 people like this
@Sandra1952 (6047)
• Spain
16 Jun 10
Hello, Abitcurious, and thank you. Yes, writing has been good to me, and it's great to get paid for something you love doing. Days like yesterday make up for all the frustrating times when you can't think of anything to write about, or you can't find the information you want. It's a great life, all things considered.
@Sandra1952 (6047)
• Spain
16 Jun 10
Hello, Rosie. Yes, Helium is a great site for writers. You'll never run out of things to write about, and there's plenty of advice and help if you need it. As far as I'm concerned, it's the best writing site on the internet, and at least it's equal opportunities for non-USA residents, which is more than can be said for Associated Content.
1 person likes this
@karen1969 (1779)
•
16 Jun 10
I just joined Helium yesterday. I have been writing reviews for Ciao and Dooyoo for ten years but hadn't heard of Helium until I read about it on Ciao. It sounded worth a try, so I joined and I have posted a few reviews and articles over there. I do find it all a bit confusing at the moment though, so would appreciate any tips you may have!
1 person likes this
@karen1969 (1779)
•
16 Jun 10
I have I think one rating star and 2 writing stars - or the other way round!! I'm still finding my way around. Today I found the bit where they are looking for reviews in certain categories that don't have any yet, so I filled a couple of those gaps.
@karen1969 (1779)
•
25 Jun 10
Why is it better to write to titles with at least 10 reviews in? A lot of the articles I have submitted have been to titles with only 1 or 2 articles in. It's still confusing me!!
@puccagirl (7294)
• Israel
16 Jun 10
I have never tried Helium, so I cannot understand what that means exactly, but you sounds excited, so I am happy for you! I need to get over to Helium too, if only to see why everyone likes it so much!!
2 people like this
@Sandra1952 (6047)
• Spain
16 Jun 10
Hello, Puccagirl. Helium's a great site, and it means a lot to those of us who write over there to be featured on the front page. Having an article featured is good, but being a featured writer is even better.
1 person likes this
@ptrikha_2 (45752)
• India
24 Jun 10
Hi Sandra,
Many many congratulations on becoming the featured writer!! It is all the more great that you have ben invited to join the 'How to Guide' writers. I checked out on a few of your articles and they were very well written.
I have been having higher earnings (though not paid so far) on Helium recently. i too have been having highs and lows on Helium.
I had earned one writing star and was having that for a number of days. Yet, I recently lost that and hoping to get it again.
May be you can check some of my articles, and advice me on how to improve.
There is one on "Earning money online" for instance.
Have a great evening.
Enjoy !!
1 person likes this
@nickholmes (51)
• United States
16 Jun 10
way to go! thats a pretty big accomplishment
1 person likes this
@Sandra1952 (6047)
• Spain
16 Jun 10
Hello, and welcome to MyLot. Yes, I'm really pleased, and I'm still on a high today.
@ReViewMeMedia (3785)
• United States
9 Aug 10
I've having an awesome month on Helium, and I earned in a few days, what I made last month, so now that I've gotten the hang of how Helium works, I'm trying to write more for them. Even my Triond earnings are picking up.
