Why I Write for Yahoo! Contributor Network

When I first joined Yahoo! Contributor Network (then Associated Content or AC), I knew very little about the company, its mission, or about writing for the web. AC wasn't even a part of Yahoo! at that time and I had done little professional writing. But just by reading its mission and being a part of the experience, I knew this was something good that would continue to grow. I didn't know that Yahoo! would eventually be in the equation, but I did know I wanted to keep growing right along with AC.

Immediate Benefits

Upon signing up for Associated Content, I just thought it was going to be just another place to stick my writing. It even crossed my mind it might be another work at home scam. I was so wrong. Yes, I could put my writing on the site. But it was much more than that. I immediately started learning so many new things about writing for the web and journalism, in general. My writing peers at AC were extremely helpful and so were many tutorials listed all over the site. I also gained something else I hadn't anticipated - many valuable friendships and lots of exposure. All of these things were apparent right away and get better as time passes.

Long-Term Gain

Not only was AC (and now YCN) a great way to gain exposure, but it also has many other long-term benefits. One of the most apparent long-term benefits of writing for YCN is the performance bonus. As my mom recently wrote, writing for this site is a great alternative retirement plan. I'm not sure if Luke Beatty had that in mind when he created AC, but it's certainly an option some may want to consider.

The performance incentive is a great residual amount that keeps on building the more you contribute. I find it to be a great way to treat my kids once per month. My monthly bonus is a good amount, so we don't generally use it all for that. But my kids always look forward to the long, fun day we have once per month. It also teaches them how to budget things because even if we have extra during other periods in the month, we wait for the monthly bonus to have our big day of fun.

Aside from the performance bonus, the upfront payments are also a wonderful long-term benefit. Once you figure out what works for you and Yahoo! both, it's simple to write content that interests you, as well as the network's various audiences. The combined payments I get from several Yahoo! verticals pay the majority of my monthly expenses. I firmly believe that if I spent the extra time I spend on my own sites and with other clients all on AC, I could actually earn more here. In answer to those who ask if it's possible to earn a living here, I say yes without hesitation.

(*Note: The author recently decided to provide content exclusively to YCN, outside of what she writes for display on her own network of sites. So far, it is going very well.)

Family First

Speaking of kids, writing for Yahoo! Contributor Network helps me put my kids first. If they have something they want or need to do, it's no big deal. I set my own hours. Because I am currently a homeschool teacher to my kids, I often do most of my writing late at night. I usually do the simple work tasks during the day, so that if I'm interrupted, it's no big deal. This allows me to spend time with the kids, teach them new lessons, and have great school-related adventures with them during the day. Even when I have deadlines, I generally know in advance so that I can still put the kids first.

Support and Growth

I mentioned briefly the support that I received at AC from the beginning. That community spirit remains strong as writers learn and grow together. I have the unique benefit of being a Community Guide. This gives me the title to take that further mentoring step with fellow writers each and every day. Though I play a role in supporting others, I still learn something new all the time. In the field of journalism, especially on the web, things are always changing. Networking with other writers helps keep us all informed.

Increased Opportunities

Once I began writing for AC, many of my opportunities have greatly increased. I have landed a number of clients simply because they saw my work on AC (and lately other Yahoo! sites). There have also been numerous opportunities within AC, its partners, and most recently, with Yahoo! Because of both direct and indirect influences from Associated Content and now the Yahoo! Contributor Network, my work is published around the web with well-known companies.

Having worked with the company for years, I have to say that each of those years has gotten better. Yes, every venue has its ups and downs. But I feel this one has more highs than lows and I look forward to whatever they have in store for us in both the near and distant future. Judging by the track record, it will be amazing!

(This article was edited 7/2/2011 to reflect current information.)

More from Lyn:

Guide to Virtual Volunteerism, Simple Unique Way to Give Back

The Newbie's Guide to Success at the Yahoo! Contributor Network

Importance of Authentic Voice in Writing for Y!CN