Studio Blog
Welcome to the Demand Studios Blog – a resource for writers, contributors and freelancers alike! Come here for answers to your questions, Studio news, writing tips and more.
Studio Blog
Ever wonder what it's like to work for Demand Studios? We checked in with our community of freelance creators—writers, copy editors, filmmakers and titlers—and asked them to share their experiences. Hundreds of people chimed in about why Demand Media works for them. Tune in daily to read their firsthand accounts.
My name is Robertine Cobb, and I cannot say enough wonderful things about Demand Studios. I am a legal assistant/legal secretary with more than 17 years’ experience. I also own a home-based typing business. Working as a writer for Demand Studios helps me improve my research and writing skills, while providing extra income for my family. The work is challenging, but it makes me feel good when I see the results of my hard work posted online for millions of readers to see and (hopefully) benefit from. Being a writer for Demand Studios is also a great way to express myself and keep up with current events. Oh yeah, being able to work anytime—day or night—and getting paid twice a week are huge incentives as well!
My name is Robertine Cobb, and I cannot say enough wonderful things about Demand Studios. I am a legal assistant/legal secretary with more than 17 years’ experience. I also own a home-based typing business. Working as a writer for Demand Studios helps me improve my research and writing skills, while providing extra income for my family. The work is challenging, but it makes me feel good when I see the results of my hard work posted online for millions of readers to see and (hopefully) benefit from. Being a writer for Demand Studios is also a great way to express myself and keep up with current events. Oh yeah, being able to work anytime—day or night—and getting paid twice a week are huge incentives as well!
Let's face it, soccer isn't nearly as popular in the States as it is in the rest of the world. However, we are heading into the week before the World Cup, the main event for most soccer fans.
The USA team has a HUGE game against England this coming Saturday that you should definitely check out. Even if you are not a huge soccer fan, there is an incredible energy during the World Cup that no sports enthusiast should miss.
Not familiar with the sport? Thanks to Paul Bright's article on eHow.com, here is a quick refresher on the rules of World Cup soccer.
Ever wonder what it's like to work for Demand Studios? We checked in with our community of freelance creators—writers, copy editors, filmmakers and titlers—and asked them to share their experiences. Hundreds of people chimed in about why Demand Media works for them. Tune in daily to read their firsthand accounts.
I’m Christopher F. Lapinel, and I’ve spent more than 15 years as a writer and editor for various magazines, including “Kestrel,” “The George Mason Review” and “Scores.” I enjoy writing for Demand Studios, because it affords me so much flexibility. I can write when I like from practically wherever I like. Who wants to stay home when you can travel and earn a few bucks along the way, doing exactly what you love?
I’m Christopher F. Lapinel, and I’ve spent more than 15 years as a writer and editor for various magazines, including “Kestrel,” “The George Mason Review” and “Scores.” I enjoy writing for Demand Studios, because it affords me so much flexibility. I can write when I like from practically wherever I like. Who wants to stay home when you can travel and earn a few bucks along the way, doing exactly what you love?
Ever wonder what it's like to work for Demand Studios? We checked in with our community of freelance creators—writers, copy editors, filmmakers and titlers—and asked them to share their experiences. Hundreds of people chimed in about why Demand Media works for them. Tune in daily to read their firsthand accounts.
My name is Nick Pell. I'm a 29-year-old freelance writer from Portland, Ore. I graduated in 2006 and went back to working terrible, low-paying jobs—all the while taking whatever writing gigs, paid or unpaid, I could get. I always got published, but I never thought I'd get paid to write. After a particularly awful day at a particularly awful job, my girlfriend encouraged me to quit and write for Demand Studios full time. I'm learning a lot, and I'm already making more than at my previous terrible job.
My name is Nick Pell. I'm a 29-year-old freelance writer from Portland, Ore. I graduated in 2006 and went back to working terrible, low-paying jobs—all the while taking whatever writing gigs, paid or unpaid, I could get. I always got published, but I never thought I'd get paid to write. After a particularly awful day at a particularly awful job, my girlfriend encouraged me to quit and write for Demand Studios full time. I'm learning a lot, and I'm already making more than at my previous terrible job.
Ever wonder what it's like to work for Demand Studios? We checked in with our community of freelance creators—writers, copy editors, filmmakers and titlers—and asked them to share their experiences. Hundreds of people chimed in about why Demand Media works for them. Tune in daily to read their firsthand accounts.
My name is Gregory Crews, and I have been a mechanic for nearly 20 years. I have worked on everything from tractor trailers to satellite systems. My other passion is creative writing. I have always been fascinated by the written word and have dabbled in songwriting, short stories and blogging. I became interested in Demand Studios when I realized I could merge all my passions into one job description, explain how to perform things I have spent my life doing and get a consistent paycheck in the process. I love the flexibility of Demand Studios as well as the subjects I get to discuss. I can curl up in front of my laptop and talk about my favorite topics and get paid.
My name is Gregory Crews, and I have been a mechanic for nearly 20 years. I have worked on everything from tractor trailers to satellite systems. My other passion is creative writing. I have always been fascinated by the written word and have dabbled in songwriting, short stories and blogging. I became interested in Demand Studios when I realized I could merge all my passions into one job description, explain how to perform things I have spent my life doing and get a consistent paycheck in the process. I love the flexibility of Demand Studios as well as the subjects I get to discuss. I can curl up in front of my laptop and talk about my favorite topics and get paid.
Editor's Note: We asked Maria O'Brien, also known as WriterGig on eHow.com, to speak to some of the differences she noticed since the Studio became the writing platform for eHow.com. Here are her thoughts.
For countless mornings over the past few years, I've slipped out of bed at 5 a.m. while my children slept on, stealing the precious early-morning hours for myself as a writer before facing the day ahead as a mom. The time alone, the chance to write and the opportunity to build a business all motivate me past excuses of tiredness and lack of inspiration. And through it all, writing has been a central part of my early-morning life.
My limited time, due to family commitments stemming from my role as primary caregiver to my children (aka “Mom”), necessitate a certain approach when building my writing income: I make every effort to maximize my long-term residual income so that I continue to earn from my writing during the days and even weeks (welcome, baby No. 4!) when I am unable to write at all.
When I started as a Studio writer, I wrote hundreds of flat-fee articles for upfront income while also building up a large library of revenue-share articles on eHow.com through the Writer's Compensation Program.
Now that Demand Studios is the exclusive writing platform for eHow.com and they have lifted the five-year limit on revenue-share article earnings, I've returned to the Studio for article writing, choosing almost exclusively to build my long-term residual income through the revenue-sharing model. While the platform change from eHow.com to Demand Studios was unexpected by many eHow writers, I think most will appreciate the transition. The better article input tool, extensive writing guides, helpful article editorial process and robust community found within the Studio site give writers the resources they need to create and publish quality articles on eHow.com while earning a steady long-term residual income from their efforts.
The process for creating titles and writing profitable eHow articles is virtually the same through the Writer's Work Desk as it was on eHow.com. Title research, subject knowledge, keywords and search engine optimization are all very important, as is clear and concise writing.
Don't fake it or write off the top of your head; the content editors and your audience will know the difference between a well-researched article and fluff. Do your background work on keywords and even more research on the subject itself--even if you think you know it already. If you need motivation, make a goal for your monthly residual income and look at each revenue-share article you write a step toward that goal.
I'm working toward a full-time residual income goal, and plan on eHow articles contributing about half of the total. Even the highest-paying flat fee article titles available on Demand don't really tempt me because, as wonderful as they were to write when I was a new Studio writer, they don't come with the promise of pennies and dollars trickling in week after week--something I've come to appreciate. There's a certain satisfaction about knowing my writing is paying me even when I'm knee deep in the baby pool, busy pushing swings or making organic sandwiches, something that makes 5 a.m. worth it.
For countless mornings over the past few years, I've slipped out of bed at 5 a.m. while my children slept on, stealing the precious early-morning hours for myself as a writer before facing the day ahead as a mom. The time alone, the chance to write and the opportunity to build a business all motivate me past excuses of tiredness and lack of inspiration. And through it all, writing has been a central part of my early-morning life.
My limited time, due to family commitments stemming from my role as primary caregiver to my children (aka “Mom”), necessitate a certain approach when building my writing income: I make every effort to maximize my long-term residual income so that I continue to earn from my writing during the days and even weeks (welcome, baby No. 4!) when I am unable to write at all.
When I started as a Studio writer, I wrote hundreds of flat-fee articles for upfront income while also building up a large library of revenue-share articles on eHow.com through the Writer's Compensation Program.
Now that Demand Studios is the exclusive writing platform for eHow.com and they have lifted the five-year limit on revenue-share article earnings, I've returned to the Studio for article writing, choosing almost exclusively to build my long-term residual income through the revenue-sharing model. While the platform change from eHow.com to Demand Studios was unexpected by many eHow writers, I think most will appreciate the transition. The better article input tool, extensive writing guides, helpful article editorial process and robust community found within the Studio site give writers the resources they need to create and publish quality articles on eHow.com while earning a steady long-term residual income from their efforts.
The process for creating titles and writing profitable eHow articles is virtually the same through the Writer's Work Desk as it was on eHow.com. Title research, subject knowledge, keywords and search engine optimization are all very important, as is clear and concise writing.
Don't fake it or write off the top of your head; the content editors and your audience will know the difference between a well-researched article and fluff. Do your background work on keywords and even more research on the subject itself--even if you think you know it already. If you need motivation, make a goal for your monthly residual income and look at each revenue-share article you write a step toward that goal.
I'm working toward a full-time residual income goal, and plan on eHow articles contributing about half of the total. Even the highest-paying flat fee article titles available on Demand don't really tempt me because, as wonderful as they were to write when I was a new Studio writer, they don't come with the promise of pennies and dollars trickling in week after week--something I've come to appreciate. There's a certain satisfaction about knowing my writing is paying me even when I'm knee deep in the baby pool, busy pushing swings or making organic sandwiches, something that makes 5 a.m. worth it.
Ever wonder what it's like to work for Demand Studios? We checked in with our community of freelance creators—writers, copy editors, filmmakers and titlers—and asked them to share their experiences. Hundreds of people chimed in about why Demand Media works for them. Tune in daily to read their firsthand accounts.
My name is Erin Ringwald. I have written multiple training and marketing materials for different companies. However, Demand Studios is the first place that has allowed me to write about subjects I care about. It has been a great experience to work when it works for me, make the money I want to make and have the freedom to be at home with my daughter.
My name is Erin Ringwald. I have written multiple training and marketing materials for different companies. However, Demand Studios is the first place that has allowed me to write about subjects I care about. It has been a great experience to work when it works for me, make the money I want to make and have the freedom to be at home with my daughter.
Ever wonder what it's like to work for Demand Studios? We checked in with our community of freelance creators—writers, copy editors, filmmakers and titlers—and asked them to share their experiences. Hundreds of people chimed in about why Demand Media works for them. Tune in daily to read their firsthand accounts.
My name is Julie Ackendorf, and I have been producing online content for more than two years. I have always had a passion for writing, and Demand Studios allows me to use my skills and earn a decent income at home. Working from home is important to me, because I have two toddlers and require a work schedule that fits around my No. 1 job: being a mom. I can work where I want, when I want and have control over how much I earn each week. Writing for Demand Studios is the best job I have ever had.
My name is Julie Ackendorf, and I have been producing online content for more than two years. I have always had a passion for writing, and Demand Studios allows me to use my skills and earn a decent income at home. Working from home is important to me, because I have two toddlers and require a work schedule that fits around my No. 1 job: being a mom. I can work where I want, when I want and have control over how much I earn each week. Writing for Demand Studios is the best job I have ever had.
The cursor is blinking, and I’m counting the number of times it blinks per minute. But then my eyes drift, and I’ve lost count. I grab the traveler’s mug of coffee sitting on the table, and I take a big lazy gulp. Back to the task at hand, and the cursor is still blinking.
Then, in a flurry of inspiration, my fingers clamor around on the keyboard. One more paragraph is on the page. Only about three more to go, which is good since this beast is due to my editor at 9 a.m. It’s now 3:22 a.m., and I have to wake up for work in a few hours.
I pause for a moment, and then I know how to end the article. I close with that one engaging fact that caught my eye during my research, and I pull together all other elements in a way I can only hope my readers will think is clever and sensible. It’s 3:44 a.m. now, and I have no way to judge what is clever anymore. My brain is useless, but my article is done. I email it in an attachment to my editor. As I crawl into bed, I vow I won’t torture myself again this way for a while.
And for months now, I haven’t.
Years ago, writing wasn’t work; it was just what I loved to do. Now as a professional writer and editor, I count myself among the blessed for getting paid to do what I love. But by getting paid to do what I love, what I love to do has become my work. I’ve begun dreaming of taking a vacation to reinvigorate my passion for writing. I want to go off somewhere with no worries and no deadlines, and I want to sit down and just write.
And I’ll be writing for myself, because I love it. Even if I can just get out of the house for a few hours on a lazy Sunday, that should do the trick. Maybe I’ll drive down to Newport Beach and set up camp at Alta, arguably the best coffee shop in Southern California. I’ll sit out on their patio and order some comfort food. I’ll pull the chair across from me closer so I can rest my feet on it, with my computer on my lap.
And with some guy quietly strumming his guitar in the background, and college students talking and laughing, I will write. No one has to read what I churn out. I don’t even have to look back on it if I don’t want to. I will be writing for me, because I love it.
When I look up, it won’t be with the tormented gaze of a late-night deadline-driven writing session. I won’t be sitting there feeling tortured about the impending day of exhaustion ahead of me. It won’t matter if I want to stop and people-watch. I won’t be on a deadline. I will have nowhere to be. I won’t be watching the clock. And this time, when I glance down at the cursor, it won’t be blinking. It won’t be blinking, because I’m writing for the love of it and my fingers are typing faster than the cursor can blink.
Ever wonder what it's like to work for Demand Studios? We checked in with our community of freelance creators—writers, copy editors, filmmakers and titlers—and asked them to share their experiences. Hundreds of people chimed in about why Demand Media works for them. Tune in daily to read their firsthand accounts.
My name is Meagan Lopez, and I have been working on my first novel for the past year. I also write for various online fashion and expat magazines and am in the midst of building my writing resume. Working for Demand Studios is fantastic for strengthening my writing skills and bringing in additional income between freelance writing jobs. Demand Studios is flexible, and it's up to me how much I want to make. Plus, even though I travel between England and Los Angeles, Demand Studios always comes with me!
My name is Meagan Lopez, and I have been working on my first novel for the past year. I also write for various online fashion and expat magazines and am in the midst of building my writing resume. Working for Demand Studios is fantastic for strengthening my writing skills and bringing in additional income between freelance writing jobs. Demand Studios is flexible, and it's up to me how much I want to make. Plus, even though I travel between England and Los Angeles, Demand Studios always comes with me!
