Associated Content Vs. Constant Content

As more people turn to the web to get their news, reviews and information, freelance writers are stepping in to fill the role of Content Producers and writing web content. Two websites where content producers can make money for their work are Associated Content and Constant Content. Although they both cater to content producers, the two are very different. Which one is better for the content producers in the long run?

Associated Content is a people's media company. It is a site of informative articles, videos, audio, poetry and prose created by content producers who then promote their publications. Content producers are paid for articles and videos, generally around $3-$15 per submission, although payments can get as high as $20. Submissions are purchased either exclusive or non exclusive by Associated Content and offers are decided by keyword density, quality of the submission and topic saturation, that is, how many articles on the site currently cover the same topic. Content producers are also paid a page view bonus for the number of hits their articles receive.

Constant Content is a website where content producers can upload their articles for sale to the public. Content producers set their own prices for a number of different rights packages. A content producer could ask for $10 for a usage purchase, that is, the buyer could use an article on a website but other buyers could purchase and use the article as well, and $50 for a full rights package where a buyer would purchase the exclusive rights to an article and it would not be available for sale anymore. Constant Content will then take a percentage of the sale price for their services. Buyers can also request specific content and freelance writers can fill their requests.

There are positives and negatives for a freelance writer and content producer with each set up, but as a content producer for both sites I have noticed a substantial difference in pay between the two. Although with Associated Content I will never be paid $50 for any article I produce, I am guaranteed payment for all articles that are unique, well written, and have good, searchable keywords. Articles on Constant Content can sit for months without a single offer for purchase, and that means no income for the content producer. In my personal opinion, I would rather make less money up front than not make any money at all.

Associated Content also offers the page view bonuses, so even after my initial payment my articles can continue to bring in money. Promoting your content is the key to page view bonuses, and Associated Content has provided many tools for content producers to use to promote their work. Banners, buttons, even a viral RSS feed can be added to personal websites and myspace pages by copying the provided HTML code, and Associated Content provides a subscription service that will send an email to your subscribers every time you publish an article. Constant Content has no page view bonus program, and you only receive money if a buyer decides to purchase your content.

Associated Content offers other advantages for freelance writers as well. Your content producer page can serve as an online portfolio of your work where potential clients can read your articles in full, where Constant Content will only publish a sample and highlights for visitors to read. Constant Content also only attracts other writers and potential buyers, whereas Associated Content articles will appear on Google searches for public view, getting your name out there as a quality content producer. The community forum at Associated Content has become a great training ground for new content producers and for print writers to learn the art of writing for the web, and veteran content producers often offer their knowledge and experience to novices.

If you are a freelance writer or content producer looking to make some extra money, I highly recommend Associated Content over Constant Content. At Associated Content, I have made more money in four weeks than I did in six months as a content producer for Constant Content, and I have had much more fun as well.