A Big Thank You to All Who Helped Me Reach Clout 7!

I would like to give a great, big, enthusiastic "Thank you!" to all of you who have helped me achieve Clout Level 7 on Associated Content.

Besides a small raise, I've also received a large increase in cyber-friends and discovered some very interesting, varied writing, thereby gaining valuable information on any number of topics.

After a year writing for Associated Content, I have learned my way around the site, how to seamlessly include key words for good searchability, and the value of networking, both to mutually increase page views and fans, and to learn from the diverse group of authors who call AC "home." My next project is learning how to do titles that are searchable but not too long.

A year may seem a long time to reach Clout 7, but if slow and steady wins the race then I am in a good position. I hope to continue improving and learning the intricacies of Internet writing and searchability.

For newbies, I would advise a few things to think about. First of all, if you are able to get upfront payment for a piece, consider offering it as non-exclusive; the pay is not that different and you will retain the rights to the piece. Secondly, if you are only able to offer the article for page views, giving it as Display Only will enable you to edit, or even remove, the article at a later date. Third, keep learning and learning and learning from the successful authors you see around you. Fourth, network with them. And lastly, keep on keepin' on! The followers and consequently, the money, will begin to roll in after a while if you persist. My monthly bonus doubled this month from last month. That doesn't add up to much yet, but if that rate continues, I can expect some decent pay in the not too distant future.

So, to conclude, thank you all once again for encouraging, teaching, befriending and entertaining me. I am pleased to have reached Clout 7 and look forward to reaching many more benchmarks in my future with Associated Content/Yahoo.