Pam Gaulin's Acceptance Speech

When asked my favorite word I will most often say "inspire." To inspire is set off a spark and to be a catalyst in the creative process. Inspiring someone can happen accidentally or purposefully. Inspiring someone gives them hope, direction, confidence and motivation. Inspiration can open a world of possibilities.

I have been inspired by Associated Content and the Associated Content community since the day we "met."

"Inspiration does exist, but it must find you working." - Pablo Picasso

It was with disbelief that I read the email from Associated Content, a year and a half after I signed up, informing me that I had been honored with the award for "Top Content Producer of the Year" in the 2007 People's Media Awards. While I had hoped I would win, I was shocked to find out that I did.

I was shocked because there are so many talented, prolific and creative writers at Associated Content who also deserve this award.

"You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club." - Jack London

When the PMAs for 2006 were announced, I wondered how the content producers did it. I wanted to figure out if I could do the same thing. Keep in mind that when I started at AC I did not know what keyword density was.

Following the lead of other successful writers at Associated Content, I dedicated myself to the work of writing and producing content. I realized how different my body of work is from any of theirs. That is what makes Associated Content so unique: the diversity of content by the community of writers at AC.

One common thread I did notice about the top producers at AC was that they were busy writing. They were producing solid, informative and searchable content every single day.

Producing content for the web is, to me, about giving the people either what they want or what they need. At AC, we as writers have the opportunity to educate, inform, and entertain. When we're really on track, we can pull of two out of three, or even three out of three.

Thank You AC

There is simply no way I can accept this award without thanking the people who have helped me along the way.

First, I have to thank Luke Beatty, whose vision brought us Associated Content. I also need to thank Sam, Mike Street, Leah, Tim, Joel, Tyler, Christine and Jason, and the entire staff of AC.

Thank You CPs

But wait, there's more. I need to thank everyone who nominated me in the forums. I also would like to thank the following AC CPs for their consistent and constant wisdom, their expertise and their humor, and mostly for their willingness to share those qualities with the AC community: thebarefoot,Heather Michelle, Michy, Lee, Tsu and Amy Brantley. More thanks go to talented writers and faithful readers like Charlie K., Donna Porter, Carol Bengle Gilbert and Dr. Devience.

I would also like to acknowledge the inspirational works of some of ACs most prolific content producers including RS, Emma, Kassidy Emmerson, ST, Gary Picariello, Jack Oceano, Timothy Sexton, and K. Ray.

I also need to thank all of my regular readers, occasional readers, local readers and my loyal subscribers. Without all of you you there would be no point to writing.

There are also many new and talented content producers that came to AC in 2007 who deserve recognition. These content producers bring fresh ideas and healthy competition to Associated Content. They have also given me the chance to pass the inspiration torch.

I have tried to help other CPs find inspiration, motivation and success. Some have contacted me directly. For others, I share the web sites I use on the "AC Toolbox. I also try to foster positive AC community interaction in other places including AC Writers at Ning. I try to give back to others what was provided to me by AC and by the talented members of the AC community.

Thank You to My Family

Finally, I need to thank my family. Without my family, I would not have my own makeshift office space in the kitchen. Without the support of a loving and successful man, I would not have been given the wonderful opportunity to be a work-at-home mom and pursue a freelance writing career. My family allows me the space and time to work, and they are an endless source of inspiration.

"The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires." - William Arthur Ward

Thank you to the entire staff of Associated Content and in the AC community. You are all great teachers. Thank you for opening a world of possibilities.