Writing for the Internet 101: Content Sites Are Fertile Grounds for Learning

It has been two years since I published my first article on Yahoo! Contributor Network. What I knew at that time about writing for a content site could have been engraved on the head of a pin, but that didn't diminish my excitement when I saw that what I had written had actually been published - on the internet, no less. It was available to be read by all of the two or three people (family members) who took time that day to do so. I was hooked!

Because of my lack of computer expertise I didn't exactly hit the ground running, but I did proceed after that first posting with much enthusiasm. I recognized intuitively that content sites such as AC can provide a fertile ground for learning how to become a better writer. I'm thrifty - I could see that this was an open door for systematically learning some basic writing skills without paying college tuition for classes, all to be accomplished at my own speed and without leaving the comfort of my own home. Ka-ching!

During these past two years I gained enough experience and understanding of how to input content and images on AC to attempt writing for an additional content site. I found that writing for that site was not my cup of tea, so to speak, and did so for only about six months. However, my experience there was positive overall as I was rewarded with even more learning opportunities just by dipping my toes into the water and giving it a try.

Through AC I was introduced to the world of blogging about a year ago by some of my fellow writers. I decided to learn how to set up a blog myself, and when I did so I felt a bubble of excitement rise up within me similar to what I experienced when I first posted for AC. Now I'm hooked on blogging in addition to continuing as a writer for Y!CN.

Writers for content sites such as the Yahoo! Contributor Network have such great latitude in what they submit for publishing that the learning curve on writing can extend as far as one wants to take it. I've been able to dabble in creative writing, news and opinion pieces, reviews and numerous lifestyle issues, just to name a few of the categories within which I have posted. And all of these topics have been of my own choosing.

Then there is the opportunity to meet other writers and to be exposed to their ideas and areas of expertise. Y!CN has a wonderful in-house messaging system that allows its writers to communicate easily with one another - not all content sites operate in that fashion, which I learned firsthand last summer while writing for another site.

Not all is rosy and easy when you write for a content site, but the benefits are many if you just wade into the water and give it all a try. I learn something new literally every day whether on Y!CN or my own blog which keeps me enthused and looking forward to the future. Two of my mantras are these: "Nothing ventured, nothing gained" and "No guts, no glory!"

My pastor makes sure the members of his congregation hear and understand this spiritual truth: "If you don't quit, you will win." I have no desire to quit writing as I'm having too much fun. My thanks go out to Y!CN and Associated Content for all of the opportunities that have been sent my way since 10/19/09 - I'm most appreciative! And to my fellow writers - thank you so much for your continued support and friendship. May we continue in our mutual support and efforts of inspiration for many years to come!

Source: personal experience