Associated Content Vs Helium

As someone who has contributed to both writer contributor Associated Content and Helium; I believe that while there are some similarities, Helium is a lot different from Associated Content.

One of the big difference in the two are the topics.

Helium has a vast number of topics available. Associated Content provides a broad list of subjects but other members do not add to the topic only comments.

On Helium articles are selected and posted where people can read them and other members can add their thoughts on whatever the subject is in the form of another article.

Another big difference is that Helium pits two articles against each other and asks members to rate the articles under the guise of maintaining quality. In their last batch of "improvements" Helium now requires members to rate articles in order to get paid. Members no longer have the choice of whether they want to "judge" the work of other if they wish to earn any money.

Associated Content has added a list of articles that they would like to have people write about, while Helium has a Marketplace where members end up competing for the opportunity to have their work sold.

Helium also has weekly contests that also encourage its members. At present Associated Content does not offer a weekly contest with monetary rewards. These contests and who wins are again based on member's "judgement" of who is better.

Helium updates the stats on earnings for members from articles almost immediately. Associated Content updates their stats which are mainly the amount of money accumulated sporadically. Both sites use monetary amounts and not individual page views to track readers which can make it a little difficult to tell exactly how any one article is doing.

There are a couple of things that Associated Content offers that as of yet are not available on Helium. Associated content allows members to upload pictures with their articles. They also have spots for uploading music, videos, audio, and slide shows. Helium only supports the written word at the moment with their choice of what photo, if any, will be used.

Associated Content allows members to publish work without review after the first few articles if the writer is not requesting an upfront payment; Helium has taken to approving whether or not an article will be posted by the title. They no longer allow a writer to contribute original work without prior approval. Adding to an existing topic without approval is still allowed.

Associated Content also allows readers to make comments on the articles they read. Membership is not required to respond.

Although it is sometimes difficult to meet word counts. And I find that at times I am more concerned with that word count than I am the content; I find it easier to contribute to Associated Content especially with the new requirements on Helium. I do not feel comfortable passing judgement on the work of others to determine whether I can earn money.