Studio Blog

Hello writers and copy editors,

The Demand Studios team is happy to announce that we will be opening up the How to format to instructional titles that do not have “How to” in the title. Free-form titles like “DIY Pinata,” “Painting a Door” or “Origami Frog Instructions” were previously placed in the Strategy format. However, as many writers have noted, these articles fit easily into the sequential, step-by-step instructions of a How to article. You will start seeing free-form titles attached to the How to format in the Find Assignments queue beginning this week. These articles should be written following the regular How to format guidelines.

Occasionally, you may come across a free-form title in the How to format that cannot be completed with sequential steps.  Please flag these titles using the “Flag This Title” option.

Thank you,

The Demand Studios Editorial Team

Hi all -

There has been a lot of confusion about how to structure How to articles that have multiple solutions, particularly computer and technical How to titles. In an effort to clear this up, we have expanded upon our policy of not including brands and products by adding the following bullet point under Section III, “Demand Studios’ Voice,” of both the Demand Studios Editorial Guidelines and the DS Copy Editor Guidelines.

•    Avoid including brands or products in your article unless the title specifically calls for it. Articles with generic titles, such as technical, computer-based How tos like “How to Build a Website,” should not include instructions on how to complete the task using one specific product. Instead, it should include multiple options with a corresponding explanation in each step.
 
Note that this policy is not new—our guidelines have always prohibited writers from endorsing specific products or brands unless the title specifically called for it. However, lately we have noticed some violations of the policy, especially with computer-related How to titles. For example, take the title “How to Build a Website.” This article could be completed using any number of different programs designed to help a person build a personal website. Some writers are picking one program and instructing the reader to complete the task using that specific product or brand. Aside from endorsing a single type of software or website, the articles that describe one type of software often end up with a lot of obvious walkthrough instructions. Remember, the title is “How to Build a Website,” not “How to Use Software X.”

Alternatively, writers should use one of three options to complete these types of titles:

1.    Our first preference is to tell our readers how to perform the task with tools they already have, rather than downloading or purchasing a third-party tool (even if it is more powerful and makes the task easier). So, whenever possible, use the steps to detail how to accomplish the task with tools “native” to Windows (or Linux or Mac or the operating system in question). For the title “How to Remove Software That Won't Uninstall,” the article might tell the reader to click “Run” in a Start Menu and type “regedit” into the “Open” field. Then the steps would walk us through the process.
2.    The second option is to use each step to offer a different site or software program as a solution. Don’t include navigation instructions as the “solution.” Instead, each step should summarize how the site or software works. So, for example, each step for “Learning English Online” should suggest a different option for fulfilling the task and may summarize how it works—as opposed to including instructions about how to use one website that teaches English.
3.    The final option is to create a separate section for each site or software tool and review the important steps for using that program. You must detail three options in three separate sections.

A single site or software product is acceptable only if no other options exist.

We have included this post in the Training Camp section of both the Writer and Copy Editor Resource Center for you to reference when needed. If writers have questions on how to execute a specific title, please post your question in the Title Clarification forum. If copy editors have questions on how to edit a specific article, please contact your CE lead.

Thanks

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 Glenda Taylor, and I have an extensive background in journalism, editing and business. Demand Studios was my “jumping off point” for entering the world of online writing. I enjoy my status as an independent contractor while writing for a dynamic company. I’m impressed with the high-degree of professionalism and dedication shown by those who are the backbone of the Demand Studios family. And when I use the word, “family,” I really mean it. With thousands of writers, Demand Studios still manages to create an atmosphere of support and encouragement. That makes all the difference.

The Demand Studios Grant Program is proud to award Mr. Dan Antony with a $1,000 grant to aid him in the completion of his book, "Beeg Mec." We enthusiastically anticipate the completion of a fascinating and historically relevant story on the rise of a restaurant and the fall of a government. 

We were incredibly impressed by Dan’s professional grant proposal which included specifics on how he would directly apply his grant money to interviewing key figures of his project.

While this is inherently a subjective process, there are key aspects to your application that will help you stand out. We especially appreciate some detailed thought behind where every dollar might be spent. In addition, we found ourselves leaning towards projects that were already in process. Thank you to everyone for applying and remember we are picking a grant applicant each month. 

You may apply for February's grant starting Monday, February 1st through Sunday, February 7th.

Congratulations, Dan! We are all so proud of you.

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 Tim Wood, and I’m a writer and copy editor with Demand Studios. I am a 20-year media veteran and a founding editor of “Bluffton Today,” a free daily. I have spent the last year watching my highly talented peers get axed one-by-one and was determined not to be the next victim. With Demand Studios, I'm the boss. I crave variety and want to be part of the future solution for our business while still being the dad and husband my family deserves. A million “thank yous” for letting me have it all, Demand Studios.

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 Dimitri LaBarge, and for more than 20 years, I've dabbled in a little bit of everything, including Web design. What I really wanted was to become a working filmmaker, having written more than 20 unproduced screenplays and directed several short films. Demand Studios offered me the chance to leave my dead-end job for a sustainable income making videos. Even as many filmmakers struggle in this harsh economy, Demand Studios has given me challenging and interesting work opportunities with consistency. With hundreds of videos under my belt, Demand Studios has helped me grow the skills needed to pursue my filmmaking dreams.

Check out this video Dimitri made for eHow: How to Do a Plie Ballet Position

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 Libby Wiersema, and I’m a writer and copy editor with Demand Studios. The decision to leave my job at a daily newspaper was grueling—if I was no longer “Libby Wiersema, features editor for the ‘Morning News’”—then who was I? One year later, this is who I've become: “Libby Wiersema, poet, homemaker, cook, traveler—and CE and writer for Demand Studios.” Being able to work from my kitchen, my daughter's house or even a hotel has permitted me to exchange crushing deadlines and office hours for a more authentic life with room for family, artistry, pleasure, contemplation and work. Demand Studios has helped me be available for my own life.

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 Laurel Ziemann, a member of the QA Titling team. I am thankful for the opportunity to be part of the Demand Studios family. For the last 18 months, I have been editing several financial websites on a volunteer basis and am glad to have a paying position. I enjoy the electronic communication with team members while learning the production process and preferred style format. I'm also privileged to be working with an excellent caliber of people who respect language and each other. Although electronic, the culture is friendly and team-focused. I enjoy the flexibility of hours and being able to work in my jammies.

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 Kandra Sperling. I have 30 years’ experience in journalism and photography. My last job as community editor, writer and photographer for a major daily was a great job, but for personal reasons, I decided to "retire." A bad economy changed everything. My husband's work depends on a good real estate market, which is non-existent these days. Looking for work, I stumbled upon Demand Studios. The flexibility of working for Demand Studios takes away the stress of a full-time job. The ability to work from anywhere in the world gives me freedom, which is the greatest bonus for two photographers who love to travel.