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My One Year, $50,000 Challenge With Demand Studios
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.

76 Comments

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Jacqui
Feb 22, 8:29 AM

Awesome, James - I'm looking forward to following your progress!

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James Johnson
Feb 22, 9:04 AM

Thanks Jacqui! Just getting underway now, I have written my first two $15 articles for the travel field. Typically I start my workday around 7:30am, however in true first day of a new challenge style I had to go into town which is 30 minutes from the small down I live in :) I'll post my trials and tribulations weekly, so stay tuned!

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MaryK
Feb 22, 9:57 AM

James, this is so exciting. I'll be following your updates and cheering you on the entire time. I'm really impressed with this goal and can't wait to see you reach it!

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James Johnson
Feb 22, 10:08 AM

Thanks Mary :) I'm three articles in now (all $15 articles), so about 6 more to go for my goal today. (9 a day for one year will hit my goal - approximately).

I'm trying to spread out my day by writing a post for the Inquisitr, one for Indyposted and then one article for Demand Studios, then rinse and repeat :) That way I don't go insane writing 9 how-to-guides and lists all at once at any specific part of the day :)

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KristinWood
Feb 22, 12:01 PM

Wow, that is impressive! I'm not sure I could write 9 DS articles every day with no off days for a year, especially with other writing commitments on the side. (Although, to be honest, I'm not very good with scheduling off days. I just end up bored at some point and writing anyways.)

I will definitely be following along with you here and on twitter.

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NicoleBee2003
Feb 22, 12:12 PM

I will join :) Let's do it!

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DSLisaRussell
Feb 22, 12:15 PM

You can totally do this- if you're writing $20 articles, it's only 10-11 a day for 20 days a month. You can minimize your hours by writing 30 days a month and only having to write 7 a day. I'm glad you're doing it, good move. I'd be bored stiff.

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Lillian Downey
Feb 22, 12:18 PM

I bet we could get a bunch of people to take this goal on with you so you could have a little support system. I know I'd be in.

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Heide Braley
Feb 22, 12:22 PM

Sounds like a fun challenge. This will be fun to follow. Maybe you can motivate others to follow in your footsteps!

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AmandaKon
Feb 22, 12:25 PM

What a great goal! Let's do it! Facebook group anyone?
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