Studio Blog
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Studio Blog
From the desk of Emily Faget, DS editor, and Marie Horrigan, eHow editor:
As most of you know, Demand Studios’ mission is to produce quality content across our network of online destinations, the largest of which is eHow.
At the beginning of 2010, Demand Studios and eHow editors teamed up to figure out how we could work together to achieve our goals of creating editorial harmony, building a tight-knit community and most importantly, producing exceptional content.
And while that may be our mission, our responsibility is to never forget our amazing team of writers. You help us achieve those goals every single day.
So when eHow set out to produce topical, entertaining and editorially driven content for their homepage, it only made sense for us to turn to our best writers. The result is eHow Premium Homepage Writers.
We are kicking this off by selecting 50 writers and a handful of CEs to join the eHow Premium Homepage Writers group. The first group of writers already has been chosen and will receive notification within 24 hours. If you don’t receive an email this time, don’t lose hope. Our invitations will be ongoing and are based on your ratings, rejection percentage and number of approved articles.
These writers will be invited to a forum group where they can gather to discover the latest eHow homepage assignments known as Premium How Tos. But what’s so special about Premium How Tos?
Once again, we can’t possibly forget that our writers are the lifeblood of Demand Studios and eHow. We appreciate each and every one of you, and look forward to continuing our important Demand Studios-eHow mission with you this year!
As most of you know, Demand Studios’ mission is to produce quality content across our network of online destinations, the largest of which is eHow.
At the beginning of 2010, Demand Studios and eHow editors teamed up to figure out how we could work together to achieve our goals of creating editorial harmony, building a tight-knit community and most importantly, producing exceptional content.
And while that may be our mission, our responsibility is to never forget our amazing team of writers. You help us achieve those goals every single day.
So when eHow set out to produce topical, entertaining and editorially driven content for their homepage, it only made sense for us to turn to our best writers. The result is eHow Premium Homepage Writers.
We are kicking this off by selecting 50 writers and a handful of CEs to join the eHow Premium Homepage Writers group. The first group of writers already has been chosen and will receive notification within 24 hours. If you don’t receive an email this time, don’t lose hope. Our invitations will be ongoing and are based on your ratings, rejection percentage and number of approved articles.
These writers will be invited to a forum group where they can gather to discover the latest eHow homepage assignments known as Premium How Tos. But what’s so special about Premium How Tos?
- Greater pay point. Since these articles are on a tighter deadline, require greater word counts, receive higher page views and require expertise or experience in a subject area, the price point is set at $80.
- Increased exposure. Each Premium How To will be featured prominently on the eHow homepage for at least one day with your byline. As an example of how many people read these articles, DS writer J.E. Myers recently wrote a Premium How To titled How to Kill a Facebook Bot. In only one week, it garnered 4 ½ stars with 53 ratings and 37 comments. The day after the article was posted, Myers wrote us and said, “WOW! I wasn't expecting all the comments and ‘friends’ and stuff. What fun! Can't wait till I get to do this again!!!!!”
- More creativity. Premium How Tos allow more individual voice than any other format. eHow looks for soulful, relevant articles with longer word counts and free form. See the following for examples of how current Premium How To writers can get creative:
- How to Protect an Aging Body
- How to Forgive, Forget and Let Go
- How to Cope with Aging Parents
- How to Wake Up Your Winter Wardrobe
Once again, we can’t possibly forget that our writers are the lifeblood of Demand Studios and eHow. We appreciate each and every one of you, and look forward to continuing our important Demand Studios-eHow mission with you this year!
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 Melissa McKean. For six years, I worked in the marketing industry with the dream of someday becoming a full-time freelance writer. Demand Studios gave me that opportunity. Not only do I love the flexibility of working with Demand Studios, but I also enjoy the freedom I have of writing what I want, when I want, from where I want. Demand Studios makes me feel valued as a writer. They are constantly adding features and benefits to better the experience for their team members, and that dedication is what motivates me to keep writing.
My name is Melissa McKean. For six years, I worked in the marketing industry with the dream of someday becoming a full-time freelance writer. Demand Studios gave me that opportunity. Not only do I love the flexibility of working with Demand Studios, but I also enjoy the freedom I have of writing what I want, when I want, from where I want. Demand Studios makes me feel valued as a writer. They are constantly adding features and benefits to better the experience for their team members, and that dedication is what motivates me to keep writing.
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 Sandi Fults. I have been published in “High Country News,” “Gnosis Journal” and various websites. I have written a newspaper column, radio content, ad copy and dozens of research papers. I have a master's degree in systematic theology. I love writing for Demand Studios. I have the freedom that I never had at a brick-and-mortar gig. Because of this work, I can pursue my passions on my terms while earning money. I can count on Demand Studios to pay and pay on time. Demand Studios has patiently taught me a new form of writing that will serve me going forward. This is the cutting edge, and with Demand Studios, I am poised upon it. Thank you Demand Studios. You look good in my portfolio.
My name is Sandi Fults. I have been published in “High Country News,” “Gnosis Journal” and various websites. I have written a newspaper column, radio content, ad copy and dozens of research papers. I have a master's degree in systematic theology. I love writing for Demand Studios. I have the freedom that I never had at a brick-and-mortar gig. Because of this work, I can pursue my passions on my terms while earning money. I can count on Demand Studios to pay and pay on time. Demand Studios has patiently taught me a new form of writing that will serve me going forward. This is the cutting edge, and with Demand Studios, I am poised upon it. Thank you Demand Studios. You look good in my portfolio.
My One Year, $50,000 Challenge With Demand Studios
Posted by James Johnson | February 21, 2010 | Comments (75)
Hello fellow Studio writers,
My name is James Johnson, and I've been a writer for Demand Studios for nearly one and a half years and an online content freelancer for the better half of a decade. Recently, I approached Demand Studios with a project: I wanted to show the online writing community, especially those individuals with any doubts, that freelance writing can earn a full-time salary...if done correctly. My goal is simple: earn $50,000 in a 12-month period using only the Studio platform as my full-time writing position. I will still be heading up my duties as the head tech writer for the Inquisitr and running my online newspaper Indyposted, however all my time writing for outside clients will halt for the next one-year period and my focus will solely be placed upon Demand Studios.
So, why would I take on this goal? It's simple--I've become irritated, as I'm sure many other full-time freelancers have, with the funny looks I get from friends, family and strangers when I tell them I'm a full-time online writer. Not to mention the questions like "Don't you have a real job?" , "Do you like only having to work a few hours a day" and so on and so forth. It amazes me on a daily basis that the regular work hours I put in (about the same number as most of my friends with "real full-time jobs," as they call them), are overlooked as nothing more than a hobby, even by people whom I know I earn more than.
As part of this project, I'll post a weekly blog on Demand Studios, updating everyone about my goals for the week, the goals I met and any shortfalls I experience. I'll blog about what motivated me to keep writing for that week, and I'll answer questions sent to me by other freelancers in the Demand Studios community and from anyone who happens to stumble upon my posts from outside of the DS writers pool. I'll show you my earnings with full candor including flat-fee articles and my earnings from revenue sharing. I'll also talk about anything else pertinent to my time with Demand Studios.
I'll also be sure to update my Twitter account @techobsessed with daily musings from my time as a writer, and I'll respond to my followers in regards to any questions, concerns or other information they want to share.
That's pretty much my goal for the next 12 months; anyone want to join me? I hope you'll all tune into my progress, and if nothing else, hopefully you'll find a little motivation when you decide to make a bigger living not only with Demand Studios, but as an online writer in general.
My name is James Johnson, and I've been a writer for Demand Studios for nearly one and a half years and an online content freelancer for the better half of a decade. Recently, I approached Demand Studios with a project: I wanted to show the online writing community, especially those individuals with any doubts, that freelance writing can earn a full-time salary...if done correctly. My goal is simple: earn $50,000 in a 12-month period using only the Studio platform as my full-time writing position. I will still be heading up my duties as the head tech writer for the Inquisitr and running my online newspaper Indyposted, however all my time writing for outside clients will halt for the next one-year period and my focus will solely be placed upon Demand Studios.
So, why would I take on this goal? It's simple--I've become irritated, as I'm sure many other full-time freelancers have, with the funny looks I get from friends, family and strangers when I tell them I'm a full-time online writer. Not to mention the questions like "Don't you have a real job?" , "Do you like only having to work a few hours a day" and so on and so forth. It amazes me on a daily basis that the regular work hours I put in (about the same number as most of my friends with "real full-time jobs," as they call them), are overlooked as nothing more than a hobby, even by people whom I know I earn more than.
As part of this project, I'll post a weekly blog on Demand Studios, updating everyone about my goals for the week, the goals I met and any shortfalls I experience. I'll blog about what motivated me to keep writing for that week, and I'll answer questions sent to me by other freelancers in the Demand Studios community and from anyone who happens to stumble upon my posts from outside of the DS writers pool. I'll show you my earnings with full candor including flat-fee articles and my earnings from revenue sharing. I'll also talk about anything else pertinent to my time with Demand Studios.
I'll also be sure to update my Twitter account @techobsessed with daily musings from my time as a writer, and I'll respond to my followers in regards to any questions, concerns or other information they want to share.
That's pretty much my goal for the next 12 months; anyone want to join me? I hope you'll all tune into my progress, and if nothing else, hopefully you'll find a little motivation when you decide to make a bigger living not only with Demand Studios, but as an online writer in general.
When reviewing applications, we find the submissions that stand out carry similar characteristics. Though the projects are all very different, how they are delivered and what the writer chooses to include are not. Before submitting your application for our $1,000 grant, we recommend reviewing the following suggestions.
Be succinct. Remember to be clear and concise in all areas of your application. This will help show the committee that your project is reasonable and thought through.
Detail Finances. Make sure to outline how this money will be used in a very detailed way. For example, include how this money will be applied to the cost of a literary agent, date and name of a specific conference you would like to attend, travel expenses if necessary, cost for filming, etc. The money is not intended to be used to help pay bills and living expenses while you complete the project.
Set a Timeline. We want to help as much as we can with all projects, but are more inclined to lend aid to those that are already in progress, or have a very strict deadline for completion.
Remember, the next rounds of applications are due March 1st through March 7th. Download your application in the Resource Center and submit to grantprogram@demandmedia.com
Good Luck!
Be succinct. Remember to be clear and concise in all areas of your application. This will help show the committee that your project is reasonable and thought through.
Detail Finances. Make sure to outline how this money will be used in a very detailed way. For example, include how this money will be applied to the cost of a literary agent, date and name of a specific conference you would like to attend, travel expenses if necessary, cost for filming, etc. The money is not intended to be used to help pay bills and living expenses while you complete the project.
Set a Timeline. We want to help as much as we can with all projects, but are more inclined to lend aid to those that are already in progress, or have a very strict deadline for completion.
Remember, the next rounds of applications are due March 1st through March 7th. Download your application in the Resource Center and submit to grantprogram@demandmedia.com
Good Luck!
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.
Elaine Morris Palmer here. I am a marketing communications professional and experienced business journalist who tracked the commercialization of the Internet through the late-90s. I currently write a blog, ExecutiveWomen2.0, which was recently inducted into the 100 Best Leadership Blogs on the Web. I appreciate Demand Studios’ thorough orientation for new writers, speedy editorial reviews, prompt payment system and overall high standards. Thanks! It's a pleasure freelancing for a group with such a consistently excellent work ethic.
Elaine Morris Palmer here. I am a marketing communications professional and experienced business journalist who tracked the commercialization of the Internet through the late-90s. I currently write a blog, ExecutiveWomen2.0, which was recently inducted into the 100 Best Leadership Blogs on the Web. I appreciate Demand Studios’ thorough orientation for new writers, speedy editorial reviews, prompt payment system and overall high standards. Thanks! It's a pleasure freelancing for a group with such a consistently excellent work ethic.
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 Amanda Kondolojy, and I am a videogame journalist for Cheat Code Central. As anyone in this industry knows, there is an ebb and flow when you work in an entertainment-based industry. Fall is high season, summer is slow season, and in the winter, everything is just dead. Demand Studios has given me the flexibility and freedom to work as much as I want, when I want, without having to worry about working two full-time jobs. Because of Demand Studios, I never scramble at the end of the month, wondering where money will come from to pay the bills if the month has been slow. And that has made Demand Studios one of the best places I have ever had the pleasure to work for.
My name is Amanda Kondolojy, and I am a videogame journalist for Cheat Code Central. As anyone in this industry knows, there is an ebb and flow when you work in an entertainment-based industry. Fall is high season, summer is slow season, and in the winter, everything is just dead. Demand Studios has given me the flexibility and freedom to work as much as I want, when I want, without having to worry about working two full-time jobs. Because of Demand Studios, I never scramble at the end of the month, wondering where money will come from to pay the bills if the month has been slow. And that has made Demand Studios one of the best places I have ever had the pleasure to work for.
Video Spotlight- 5 Questions with Christopher Rokosz
Posted by CarrieB | February 18, 2010 | Leave a comment
This month’s Video Spotlight hails from Tampa, FL, courtesy of filmmaker Christopher Rokosz. Chris, and his wife Carrie, have been producing videos for Demand Studios since 2007. Click on the image below to take a look at his recent Game Day Snacks videos.
What was the most difficult or unexpected challenge of this production? The most unexpected part of producing this series was the casting. The expert we originally booked ended up in the hospital just days before we were scheduled to shoot. Luckily, we work with the best experts in the world and were able to recast quickly. We had pre-production already invested and the deadline was closing in, so failure was not an option. In the end, it turned out that our second talent choice was the best choice, and we were able to produce a video series that everyone could be proud of. Every production always brings unexpected challenges. It's overcoming those challenges production after production that separates professionals from everyone else in our industry.
What equipment did you use for this shoot? We shot this series on a Sony HDR-Z1U. We picked up sound on an Azden wireless system with a Sony lav. For lighting we used a Lowele Pro Light as our key, and a Rafa light for fill. We recorded Direct to Disc using an Apple iMac.
What was your first filmmaking job? My first filmmaking job was a production called "Gas-tly Business", a short film shot almost entirely in a Funeral Home and Crematorium. It was quite an experience to say the least (the crematorium was working while we were shooting and it was HOT in there).
What is your favorite part of the production process, and why? Personally, I love the excitement of shoot day….rigging out, loading-in, setting up. I enjoy it all, but working with the experts to get the performance I'm looking for has always been my favorite part of production.
What attracts you to filmmaking? The collaborative relationship between talent and director was what originally what attracted me to filmmaking, but to be candid I love working with the toys! Computers, HD cameras, Mics, Lights….who would not love that?
What was the most difficult or unexpected challenge of this production? The most unexpected part of producing this series was the casting. The expert we originally booked ended up in the hospital just days before we were scheduled to shoot. Luckily, we work with the best experts in the world and were able to recast quickly. We had pre-production already invested and the deadline was closing in, so failure was not an option. In the end, it turned out that our second talent choice was the best choice, and we were able to produce a video series that everyone could be proud of. Every production always brings unexpected challenges. It's overcoming those challenges production after production that separates professionals from everyone else in our industry.
What equipment did you use for this shoot? We shot this series on a Sony HDR-Z1U. We picked up sound on an Azden wireless system with a Sony lav. For lighting we used a Lowele Pro Light as our key, and a Rafa light for fill. We recorded Direct to Disc using an Apple iMac.
What was your first filmmaking job? My first filmmaking job was a production called "Gas-tly Business", a short film shot almost entirely in a Funeral Home and Crematorium. It was quite an experience to say the least (the crematorium was working while we were shooting and it was HOT in there).
What is your favorite part of the production process, and why? Personally, I love the excitement of shoot day….rigging out, loading-in, setting up. I enjoy it all, but working with the experts to get the performance I'm looking for has always been my favorite part of production.
What attracts you to filmmaking? The collaborative relationship between talent and director was what originally what attracted me to filmmaking, but to be candid I love working with the toys! Computers, HD cameras, Mics, Lights….who would not love that?
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 Steve Smith, and I have been writing for Demand Studios for two years. I used to work as a marketing copywriter; prior to that, I worked as a journalist with a pretty good beat, but after several local newspapers near me folded, I started freelancing. Demand Studios allows me to earn an extra income on my schedule, and I can write when and where I want. I like that the work is always there; it cuts down on the time spent trying to find freelance jobs. It’s steady income, and I would recommend it to anyone who needs extra money and wants to write for a living.
My name is Steve Smith, and I have been writing for Demand Studios for two years. I used to work as a marketing copywriter; prior to that, I worked as a journalist with a pretty good beat, but after several local newspapers near me folded, I started freelancing. Demand Studios allows me to earn an extra income on my schedule, and I can write when and where I want. I like that the work is always there; it cuts down on the time spent trying to find freelance jobs. It’s steady income, and I would recommend it to anyone who needs extra money and wants to write for a living.
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 Shelly McRae. I studied graphic design and technical writing in college and moved into the home improvement and interior design industry. This background has provided me with the experience to do what I enjoy most: write about how to do the things of everyday life. Demand Studios is among the best publishers for this type of content. I work for them because they provide flexibility, good pay and also publish the kinds of articles people want to read: well-written, concise, comprehensive articles. It just so happens those are just the kind of articles I write.
I'm Shelly McRae. I studied graphic design and technical writing in college and moved into the home improvement and interior design industry. This background has provided me with the experience to do what I enjoy most: write about how to do the things of everyday life. Demand Studios is among the best publishers for this type of content. I work for them because they provide flexibility, good pay and also publish the kinds of articles people want to read: well-written, concise, comprehensive articles. It just so happens those are just the kind of articles I write.
