Associated Content:101

For many years I have had people say to me, "Gail, you should write about that!"That being the multitude of bizarre life experiences I have had. I always thought, "That's easier said than done. I'm not a writer."

Well, those seeds were planted over the years and in 2005 something started to grow in me. I decided I wanted to try to become a writer. Again, easier said than done. But one thing holds true for any dream. In order to be successful you must first make an attempt at it.

I stumbled upon Associated Content (AC) while trying to find a writing class. I have taken many writing classes in the past and got wonderful feedback from my instructors. But I lacked the confidence to put pen to paper and release those thoughts to the public.

Writing for me is not just a hobby. It's a release. It's a way to put old issues to rest and to open new paths of creativity and clarity. Most of my writings are just opinion - - my opinion. And as with all opinions (like butts) we all have them.

By submitting my work to AC I get to hone my writing skills (some of the run-on sentences, misspelled words and nutty phases from my earlier work had me thinking I had a learning disability), help with consumer issues (I still will not purchase an angry Soft and Beautiful product) and shed light on some growing social issues (kids and gangs). But the one thing I have not conveyed well to family and friends is how AC works.

I've had relatives call me asking, "What the heck is this about?" when they get the email asking them to read my story. I had a friend literally yell at me and ask me to stop peddling my book (Nugget from a Ghetto Dad) to her. She didn't know that my book is marketed in a totally different forum and that these works are varied.

So, I'm writing this to give those who have stumbled into AC a bird's eye view of how it works. Whether you're a budding writer and need a platform to get started, or one of my demented friends who will not commit my verbal words to memory, this is AC:101 for you!

WRITERS -

1. Sign up

2. Start writing

3. Start promoting

4. Start getting paid

You must sign up for an account with AC. It is free and painless.

You will be required to give the basic contact information (name, address, phone, email) as well as to identify how you would like to get paid. Yes, this forum will pay you a small fee for your work; depending on how it performs. I use paypal.

I doubt if you will get rich submitting stories to AC. But, anything is possible. I hear there are people on this board making $300 a month. I am not one of them and I have submitted 70 stories and made top 100 Performer. So I have not learned the trick to getting my numbers to soar to put me in that neighborhood.

The most I have made for one story (How to Become a Professional Organizer) was $15. That was just one story. I wrote three stories for the month of October and made $15.44 for that entire month. So the whole process is a crap shot.

You may write about "almost" anything. I have had only one story rejected. I wrote about "Asymmetrical Labia Minora" and titled it The Ugly Vagina. They snatched that one right out of the cue. Apparently it was in bad taste (unlike the numerous vagina stories on AC to include a story written October of last year by Linda Corby titled "The Smelly Vagina").

You may submit content on consumer issues, day-to-day living, social awareness or poetry. You may also post local events. The topics and genres are endless. But, if you're just starting out and need to get started, this is a good jumping off spot.

You may promote yourself by adding people to your subscriber list, networking within AC, posting your story address on other mediums (Facebook, YouTube, MySpace . . .).

FOR FAMILY, FRIENDS AND PASSERS BY

This is how it works for you.

You get the opportunity to help the writers. The more you read, rate and comment on the work will allow that person to make more money. It's pennies, but if you read my story "Hey God! It's me Gail NOT Job!!!" you will realize that the term starving artist is not a joke and pennies count!

To rate a story you must look up in the upper right corner of the page and click the stars. Yes, there are stars there. Click whatever level you believe the person is worthy of. Also, scroll to the bottom of the story and leave a comment.

I TRULY appreciate honest feedback. If you don't agree or I have my facts wrong, tell me!!! You are the audience and I would like to think some of my stories, to include the rants, are helping someone.

So, there it is; Associated Content for end users. The answer to many household questions may be answered right here. If not, write about it! You never know who you may inspire.