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
Any Comi-Con fans out there? Make sure to check out Mania's coverage of the "The Con" in San Diego last weekend.
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 Virginia Lutz. My writing experience includes grant requests for nonprofits, marketing brochures and various other technical writing. I am presently writing a fiction novel with the hope of becoming published. Demand Studios works for me because it gives me the opportunity to write about topics in which I’m interested and gives me the chance to research and write about a myriad other subjects. I can browse the open articles and find the ones that appeal to me. Demand Studios has also challenged me to refine my writing skills.
I’m Virginia Lutz. My writing experience includes grant requests for nonprofits, marketing brochures and various other technical writing. I am presently writing a fiction novel with the hope of becoming published. Demand Studios works for me because it gives me the opportunity to write about topics in which I’m interested and gives me the chance to research and write about a myriad other subjects. I can browse the open articles and find the ones that appeal to me. Demand Studios has also challenged me to refine my writing skills.
It’s been a busy few weeks and our model has been under fire from various blogs, publications like “The Wrap” and, of course, the latest weeklong “examination” of new media models by PBS’s “MediaShift.”
First and foremost, I felt the need to say ‘thank you.’ We are amazed and humbled by how many members of our professional freelance community come to our defense every single day. There were days (and they still happen), where I cringed at the association with the term “content farm.” We are also honest with ourselves, know that we need to get even better and we will.
We know that we are just getting started and every day we push ourselves because we have the desire and the commitment that goes way beyond ourselves - to the communities that we serve, our freelance community, our partners and millions of readers. For those of you who’ve been with us since the beginning, you know that we continually fine tune the way that we do things - not because we are gluttons for punishment, but because we know we can improve.
While many of you took the time to weigh in on the conversations around the Web, one particular comment that referred to writers who have a "complete disregard for the craft and the reader” struck a nerve because, in spite of what people are writing about us, all of us here at Demand Media and the vast majority of you, do care about the writing craft and for the reader. The editorial rigor and process for creating content is just part of the equation; the other important piece is the pride in what we do and pride in the articles you touch. We really do start from the point of creating content that helps people every day, changes lives for the better, informs them and, sometimes even makes them laugh. The stories I love hearing most are from people who got something done with the help of our content - like the person who used a recent eHow.com article to stop her dog from choking.
Many of you who’ve read our company manifesto know that some of the things that we believe in very strongly are: starting each day by listening to the customer and creating content that is unequivocally useful in addition to fully believing/investing heavily in our freelance community. In building our platform we knew that everyone’s motivations would be different. For some it was applying a particular expertise, and writing to supplement their income. For others it was about creating a name for yourself, improving your craft and getting regular access to freelance assignments. Please continue to send your ideas and feedback. We are listening and acting on them.
You are not a nameless, faceless, soul-less group of people on a “farm.” We are not a robotic organization that’s only concerned about numbers and data. We are a media company. We work together to tell stories. As the Dean of UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and Television Teri Schwartz said, “Story is the driver. It’s the timeless classic, universal piece that binds us all together.” (If you haven’t seen our 8-minute documentary featuring Teri Schwartz, SPJ President Kevin Z. Smith and some of our creators, please check it out. Many thanks again to all who participated in this piece and to Emmy Award winner Gina Miller, one of our filmmakers, who actually worked with us to put it together.)
As an editor, you always want just one more pass. We’ve only been at this for four years. This is not meant as an excuse, but to give context. Tonight, I will read my new issues of the New Yorker and Texas Monthly that showed up in my mailbox and that I look to for inspiration. Our hope and intent is to fulfill the needs of our best writers, copy editors, titlers, and filmmakers. We hope to continue to improve the content in order to be the standard upon which other content is judged. More importantly, tomorrow we (Demand Media) will get up, work hard like so many of you and be driven by all the smart people around us in our community to make it happen.
As a parting thanks, I wanted to give you a peek at two examples from our Feature template that we'll launch in the coming weeks. Here they are: 7 Ways to Kid-Proof Summer & Summer on the Rocks. (Note: These mocks are in our Resource Center so you will need to log in to view them.) Please know that they are early mocks that could (and probably will) change within a week. We are committed to introducing new opportunities for our creators and this is another example. In this similar vein, we recently launched our Talent & Experts Program as way to pair our filmmakers with qualified on-screen experts, drive the creation of Web series content as well as develop a rolodex of experts for our writers to source for feature content and other formats.
We know that when we’re being criticized, you’re being criticized as well. It’s a fight worth fighting and we’re not daunted. So thanks again for taking the criticism and reacting to it, you didn’t have to. It makes me want to sing a few lines from the ZZ Top song, “Thank You,” (but in a more platonic sense.)
Sincerely thanks,
Jeremy & the Demand Media Team
First and foremost, I felt the need to say ‘thank you.’ We are amazed and humbled by how many members of our professional freelance community come to our defense every single day. There were days (and they still happen), where I cringed at the association with the term “content farm.” We are also honest with ourselves, know that we need to get even better and we will.
We know that we are just getting started and every day we push ourselves because we have the desire and the commitment that goes way beyond ourselves - to the communities that we serve, our freelance community, our partners and millions of readers. For those of you who’ve been with us since the beginning, you know that we continually fine tune the way that we do things - not because we are gluttons for punishment, but because we know we can improve.
While many of you took the time to weigh in on the conversations around the Web, one particular comment that referred to writers who have a "complete disregard for the craft and the reader” struck a nerve because, in spite of what people are writing about us, all of us here at Demand Media and the vast majority of you, do care about the writing craft and for the reader. The editorial rigor and process for creating content is just part of the equation; the other important piece is the pride in what we do and pride in the articles you touch. We really do start from the point of creating content that helps people every day, changes lives for the better, informs them and, sometimes even makes them laugh. The stories I love hearing most are from people who got something done with the help of our content - like the person who used a recent eHow.com article to stop her dog from choking.
Many of you who’ve read our company manifesto know that some of the things that we believe in very strongly are: starting each day by listening to the customer and creating content that is unequivocally useful in addition to fully believing/investing heavily in our freelance community. In building our platform we knew that everyone’s motivations would be different. For some it was applying a particular expertise, and writing to supplement their income. For others it was about creating a name for yourself, improving your craft and getting regular access to freelance assignments. Please continue to send your ideas and feedback. We are listening and acting on them.
You are not a nameless, faceless, soul-less group of people on a “farm.” We are not a robotic organization that’s only concerned about numbers and data. We are a media company. We work together to tell stories. As the Dean of UCLA’s School of Theater, Film and Television Teri Schwartz said, “Story is the driver. It’s the timeless classic, universal piece that binds us all together.” (If you haven’t seen our 8-minute documentary featuring Teri Schwartz, SPJ President Kevin Z. Smith and some of our creators, please check it out. Many thanks again to all who participated in this piece and to Emmy Award winner Gina Miller, one of our filmmakers, who actually worked with us to put it together.)
As an editor, you always want just one more pass. We’ve only been at this for four years. This is not meant as an excuse, but to give context. Tonight, I will read my new issues of the New Yorker and Texas Monthly that showed up in my mailbox and that I look to for inspiration. Our hope and intent is to fulfill the needs of our best writers, copy editors, titlers, and filmmakers. We hope to continue to improve the content in order to be the standard upon which other content is judged. More importantly, tomorrow we (Demand Media) will get up, work hard like so many of you and be driven by all the smart people around us in our community to make it happen.
As a parting thanks, I wanted to give you a peek at two examples from our Feature template that we'll launch in the coming weeks. Here they are: 7 Ways to Kid-Proof Summer & Summer on the Rocks. (Note: These mocks are in our Resource Center so you will need to log in to view them.) Please know that they are early mocks that could (and probably will) change within a week. We are committed to introducing new opportunities for our creators and this is another example. In this similar vein, we recently launched our Talent & Experts Program as way to pair our filmmakers with qualified on-screen experts, drive the creation of Web series content as well as develop a rolodex of experts for our writers to source for feature content and other formats.
We know that when we’re being criticized, you’re being criticized as well. It’s a fight worth fighting and we’re not daunted. So thanks again for taking the criticism and reacting to it, you didn’t have to. It makes me want to sing a few lines from the ZZ Top song, “Thank You,” (but in a more platonic sense.)
Sincerely thanks,
Jeremy & the Demand Media Team
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 Buffy Naillon. I have been working in the media since 1999. I was thrilled when I first became a writer; I had always dreamt of becoming one. So when I finally graduated after studying German literature and communication, I was disappointed to end up in a call center job. Thankfully, I looked on the school job boards and saw an ad for Demand Studios. Not really knowing much about the company, my only requirement at the time was that they paid on time—just as advertised. Long story short, I quit my job in the call center and have resumed my full-time writing career because of Demand Studios. My life today is better than I could have ever imagined.
I'm Buffy Naillon. I have been working in the media since 1999. I was thrilled when I first became a writer; I had always dreamt of becoming one. So when I finally graduated after studying German literature and communication, I was disappointed to end up in a call center job. Thankfully, I looked on the school job boards and saw an ad for Demand Studios. Not really knowing much about the company, my only requirement at the time was that they paid on time—just as advertised. Long story short, I quit my job in the call center and have resumed my full-time writing career because of Demand Studios. My life today is better than I could have ever imagined.
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 Deborah Lee Soltesz. I'm a Web developer. I left my job two years ago to pursue my own interests, escaping office politics, long hours and stress. I enjoy a wide range of interests, including technology, art, hiking and photography. I enjoy writing for Demand Studios because I can work comfortably around other activities. Folks here are great—it really feels like a community. Most importantly, I can engage in topics that interest me and help keep my skills fresh. I signed up for the extra money, but after the first couple weeks, I realized I was having fun!
I'm Deborah Lee Soltesz. I'm a Web developer. I left my job two years ago to pursue my own interests, escaping office politics, long hours and stress. I enjoy a wide range of interests, including technology, art, hiking and photography. I enjoy writing for Demand Studios because I can work comfortably around other activities. Folks here are great—it really feels like a community. Most importantly, I can engage in topics that interest me and help keep my skills fresh. I signed up for the extra money, but after the first couple weeks, I realized I was having fun!
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 Anthony Basileo. I received a Bachelor of Arts in journalism; at this period of my life, I am living in Buffalo, N.Y., and journalism jobs are few and far between. I learned about Demand Studios about a year ago and am extremely thankful for finding it. It allows me to keep my writing and researching skills fresh, earn a few bucks, build up my resume and learn a thing or two from fellow writers.
My name is Anthony Basileo. I received a Bachelor of Arts in journalism; at this period of my life, I am living in Buffalo, N.Y., and journalism jobs are few and far between. I learned about Demand Studios about a year ago and am extremely thankful for finding it. It allows me to keep my writing and researching skills fresh, earn a few bucks, build up my resume and learn a thing or two from fellow writers.
Editor's Note: This is the first of a four-part series from intern Greg West, our Studio intern who is currently majoring in print/digital journalism at USC. Already in his young writing career, West's work has graced the pages of “The Eagle-Tribune” and “The Sunday Eagle-Tribune," both located in Massachussetts.
To me, there’s nothing quite as synonymous with investigative journalism as throwing backflips out of an airplane at 30,000 feet. As it turns out, both writing and skydiving are a risky business with activity that can easily get you killed or put in the hospital if you’re not careful. For me, that was the appeal.
I’ve always loved dangerous sports like skateboarding and motocross, so picking a career in journalism seemed second nature. As a kid, I was assaulted by the relationship between journalism and subsequent badassery. Besides real people like Hunter S. Thompson, characters in television shows and novels made journalists seem more like rock stars than note-takers. Even Superman sampled his adventurous palate with daytime journalism when he wasn’t makin’ out with Lois Lane or punching holes in bad guys.
Naturally, I grew up wanting a press pass rather than a present each Christmas.
When I turned 16, I landed my first job at a newspaper and finally scored my first press pass. It was all fame and fortune from there; concerts were free, food was (sometimes) free, and I had my very own go-anywhere pass. Life was good.
However, there was a major FAIL in the works. I hadn’t put two and two together to figure out that as a journalist, I would have to spend most of my day “finger-dancing” in front of a computer. I love the outdoors, so life in a cubicle wasn’t being kind. Honestly, the only thing keeping me sane was the techdech that I would play with when my editor wasn’t watching. This definitely wasn’t the thrilling life that I had seen on television or read about in books; where was all the excitement?
By about my second week of work, I was dying; I would have rather taken a sponge bath with sandpaper than type up another draft about a community church award. Little did I know things were about to change.
I’m pretty sure my editor, to her infinite credit, noticed my siphoning enthusiasm for newsroom shenanigans. In her ceaseless wisdom, she sent me out to search for stories on my own in the rural woodlands of northern Massachusetts. At that time, I was just glad to get out of the newsroom, but I would soon learn just how much action there really was lurking in the seemingly quiet bowels of the Northeast.
To be continued ...
To me, there’s nothing quite as synonymous with investigative journalism as throwing backflips out of an airplane at 30,000 feet. As it turns out, both writing and skydiving are a risky business with activity that can easily get you killed or put in the hospital if you’re not careful. For me, that was the appeal.
I’ve always loved dangerous sports like skateboarding and motocross, so picking a career in journalism seemed second nature. As a kid, I was assaulted by the relationship between journalism and subsequent badassery. Besides real people like Hunter S. Thompson, characters in television shows and novels made journalists seem more like rock stars than note-takers. Even Superman sampled his adventurous palate with daytime journalism when he wasn’t makin’ out with Lois Lane or punching holes in bad guys.
Naturally, I grew up wanting a press pass rather than a present each Christmas.
When I turned 16, I landed my first job at a newspaper and finally scored my first press pass. It was all fame and fortune from there; concerts were free, food was (sometimes) free, and I had my very own go-anywhere pass. Life was good.
However, there was a major FAIL in the works. I hadn’t put two and two together to figure out that as a journalist, I would have to spend most of my day “finger-dancing” in front of a computer. I love the outdoors, so life in a cubicle wasn’t being kind. Honestly, the only thing keeping me sane was the techdech that I would play with when my editor wasn’t watching. This definitely wasn’t the thrilling life that I had seen on television or read about in books; where was all the excitement?
By about my second week of work, I was dying; I would have rather taken a sponge bath with sandpaper than type up another draft about a community church award. Little did I know things were about to change.
I’m pretty sure my editor, to her infinite credit, noticed my siphoning enthusiasm for newsroom shenanigans. In her ceaseless wisdom, she sent me out to search for stories on my own in the rural woodlands of northern Massachusetts. At that time, I was just glad to get out of the newsroom, but I would soon learn just how much action there really was lurking in the seemingly quiet bowels of the Northeast.
To be continued ...
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 Katie Duzan, and I've been a freelance writer for more than three years. I have always written for fun but never imagined actually getting paid for it. My son's autism diagnosis and difficulties forced me to leave my computer programming job, and my hobby became my livelihood. I didn't expect to find great pay for something I enjoy doing, but Demand Studios exceeds every expectation I had. Thanks to Demand Studios, I can work and be here for my kids. It's the best of both worlds.
I'm Katie Duzan, and I've been a freelance writer for more than three years. I have always written for fun but never imagined actually getting paid for it. My son's autism diagnosis and difficulties forced me to leave my computer programming job, and my hobby became my livelihood. I didn't expect to find great pay for something I enjoy doing, but Demand Studios exceeds every expectation I had. Thanks to Demand Studios, I can work and be here for my kids. It's the best of both worlds.
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 Stephanie Skernivitz, and I’m a writer and editor with Demand Studios. I can't believe the goldmine of opportunities that Demand Studios offers. I discovered an ad for writers and editors at a time when some of my other freelance writing and editing gigs were starting to dry up due to tough economic times. It's truly unbelievable that I have a place to turn to that allows me to work as much or as little as I want in any given day, week or month. Because I have two small children, I'm often limited on my time available to edit, but I love knowing that when I do have breaks, there's a place I can turn to consistently. I'm very thankful that I was able to join this community of writers and editors.
My name is Stephanie Skernivitz, and I’m a writer and editor with Demand Studios. I can't believe the goldmine of opportunities that Demand Studios offers. I discovered an ad for writers and editors at a time when some of my other freelance writing and editing gigs were starting to dry up due to tough economic times. It's truly unbelievable that I have a place to turn to that allows me to work as much or as little as I want in any given day, week or month. Because I have two small children, I'm often limited on my time available to edit, but I love knowing that when I do have breaks, there's a place I can turn to consistently. I'm very thankful that I was able to join this community of writers and editors.
Going to a swap meet is an outdoor activity. What's yours?
