Examiner.com

[inkkognito]

I sorta thought there would be a thread for this already, but I searched and found nada. Anyone here write for Examiner.com? Skyraven, I think you do? Anyone else? Anyone care to share their experience and if it's worthwhile financially? I'm not looking to get rich from it, but I don't want to only make pennies. Any opinions would be most appreciated!

[Skyraven]

Hi ink. I do work for them and for a while I was not too happy. I just got a paypal payment with incentives for last month. About $30 for my short articles. I keep them to about 400 words or less. I'm also not great at writing to increase marketing and that's a problem for me. I have an guide there for questions and he sends out several emails a week with ideas for boosting page views. Its all about the page views really.
I've done well because I put up articles about twice a week and then get the word out here, on twitter and on plurk. I've also added links to the site with my blog addy's as well on my personal email so that people can check out my work.
As a financial thing, I don't know. Examiner.com gets thousands of page views a day and some of the other examiners are very popular. I just started in late Oct. So I haven't had much time to build up my readership. Slow going for me.
I've been thinking about sending an email out to friends and family every time I have a new article coming out. Maybe for 2009.

[inkkognito]

Hmmmm, sounds like something I might be able to link up with my blog and websites as they both get decent page views. If I can route some traffic, might make it worth while. I submitted for two categories and I missed their phone call this past week so I'll be taking to them soon and deciding which one I want to go for. Worth a shot anyway. Thanks for the input!

[Skyraven]

no problem. They do get a lot of exposure. I think you can get some traffic going. I'm starting out so it'll take me time to get things going. :) Glad to help.

[inkkognito]

Just talked to them today on the phone and I'll be doing Orlando travel...woo hoo! That will be a good fit for my blog and one of my websites; I should be able to route some good traffic. My husband's part-time job ends Jan. 1, so I am looking for ways to fill some of that void. Even if this isn't a lot, every little bit helps.

[Skyraven]

Cool! I hope you like it! It sounds like a good fit for you since you do all the cruise stuff! :)

[inkkognito]

Exactly! My castawayclub.com website gets really good traffic and I'm semi-known in the online Disney community so I'm hoping I can translate that into page views. Plus I'm a travel & theme park fanatic and love to write about those topics anyway, but I don't get to do that much for magazine markets. At worst it will be a therapeutic outlet : ) The other topic I considered was pets, but I thought travel would get better traffic.

I was quite surprised that they require a background check!

[MisterEThoughts]

Never heard of this site. I'm going to check it out.

[HeidiW]

Barb, thanks for starting this thread! I hadn't heard about examiner.com until I saw it.

I sent in my app a week ago or so. Just wondering how long the process took from when you applied to when you were contacted and got the gig.

Congrats! Let us know how it goes.

Heidi (the one with only one 'd')

[Thrillride]

Hi Guys,

I'm the San Francisco Gardening Examiner at Examiner.com. I just got started there, but so far, I'm really enjoying it. I know a couple of other writers over there, as well. It's great exposure and helps build a platform if that's what you're looking for.

Thrill

[inkkognito]

Heidi, they actually took quite a while. I think they're in a growth spurt so they tend to get backed up. At first they responded quickly (I think it was with a phone call) to say they would be back in touch. Then it was probably at least a month before they touched base again. They do a phone interview, and you get good email support when they hire you. I'm really enjoying my experience with them. The money isn't huge, but I'm quickly building up a good readership so I think it will soon be on a par with my blog. I can knock the articles out really fast, so I'm really glad I signed up with them.

[HeidiW]

Thrill, that's awesome!

Barb, thanks for the info. I haven't gotten a call yet, unless they didn't even leave a message. I'm wondering because it says they will get in touch within 5 biz days and it's been 2 weeks now.

I'll hold tight, maybe check in a couple days to see what's up. Seems a lot of the sites are behind in responding lately.

Heidi

[inkkognito]

They did leave a message for me, so if you don't hear anything I would definitely follow up.

[HeidiW]

Whoo hoo! As of yesterday I'm the Tucson Pets Examiner! They don't even have a site for Tucson yet, but are going to house it in the Phoenix section. I'm so excited!

Thanks again Barb for your original post.

Heidi

[cress8]

They don't even have a site for Tucson yet, but are going to house it in the Phoenix section.

I'm curious whether you suggested your location. They don't have a location near me, but frankly, I was surprised they didn't. There are plenty of larger towns near me. I wonder if I could propose something to them?

Congrats!

[inkkognito]

Cress, it's possible I could ask my channel contact. What are the towns and how close are you? I can send him an email if you're like because I know they are doing a lot of recruiting generally now.

And big congrats Heidi!!!

[HeidiW]

I'm curious whether you suggested your location. They don't have a location near me, but frankly, I was surprised they didn't. There are plenty of larger towns near me. I wonder if I could propose something to them?

Congrats!
I originally sent them a message asking if they knew when they'd be opening the Tucson market, and got no response. So I went ahead and applied for a national position but also explained the Tucson roles I'd be interested in for when that opens. I guess they decided to just incorporate Tucson into Phoenix rather than not having it. So go for it!

Heidi

[cress8]

Cress, it's possible I could ask my channel contact. What are the towns and how close are you? I can send him an email if you're like because I know they are doing a lot of recruiting generally now.

Thanks, Ink. I'll PM you.

[Skyraven]

Heidi - Congratulations! Way to go on taking the initiative. Sometimes we can find opportunities by just asking for them. :)

[moth]

Thrill and Heidi, big huge congrats! I'm so happy for both of you! :D

[caseyquinn]

woohoo :) i just got my examiner site up and running! First post!

http://www.examiner.com/x-2683-Charlotte-Sports-Examiner

:)

[inkkognito]

Woo hoo, looks great! It's so weird...it comes up as Orlando for me, even though your article is there. I guessed it's based on the cookies.

[caseyquinn]

Yea i noticed that as well :) since i am in charlotte the header is always charlotte even if i go and read an article from another city - thanks for reading!

we should set up an examiner group help each other out as we all get started!

[HeidiW]

we should set up an examiner group help each other out as we all get started!
That's a great idea! How do we do it?

I just got started too: http://www.examiner.com/x-2718-Tucson-Pets-Examiner.

Heidi

[caseyquinn]

Good question :) perhaps form like a yahoo group and whenever you post send out a notice and everyone in the group goes to check it out, post comments, etc? or we create like an examiner thread like did update your blog today thread?

[inkkognito]

We can probably just continue this thread, since people who are interested will do a search on examiner or examiner.com and hopefully find this thread. It would be great to share experiences, strategies, etc. Examiner also just started sending out a newsletter (I think it will be monthly), and the head of the Travel section sends out weekly updates. I'm guessing the heads of the other areas might do something similar. Did you guys know you can order free business cards from Examiner?

[caseyquinn]

Yea i saw that! Figure wait till i been doing it a while before i go that far :)

how often are you planning on updating? i do sports and where i live in charlote, sports here has many options. I am thinking 5 - 6 times a week around 300 words each

[inkkognito]

I update 2-3 times a day: morning, evening, and sometimes in the afternoon. I do that because Orlando is a busy area posting-wise, so that keeps me on the page and increases my traffic quite a bit. I managing to get 200 to 300 hits per day now with that posting schedule.

[caseyquinn]

holy crow :) wow ! i was reluctant only becauase it is non paying really to commit the time to it like that - thought once a day would be sufficient... has it been worth your wild (aka payday) to write that much? if so i might do that as well, we have so many sport teams in the area between college, professional and minor league i could do more then one a day -

[inkkognito]

Right now it's averaging a penny a hit, so on a 300 hit day that's $3.00, or almost $100 a month. Low for now (although thankfully I can write the articles very fast), but I see this as the building stage. It built to that level quickly, so I am hoping to multiply it over time.

[caseyquinn]

you know after only one post i already had made more then i did using today or other blog type sites. i think this is a good deal! a new post up :)


http://www.examiner.com/x-2683-Charlotte-Sports-Examiner~y2009m1d23-Charlotte-Bobcats--This-week-in-review

if you guys post be sure to let me know !

[inkkognito]

Just popped in to take a look at your post. I did two today, and so far the second one is among the most popular so I might not post anything else till tomorrow. I am going to post daily trip reports from my cruise next week and see if people seem to like to follow a series.

[Thrillride]

Thrill and Heidi, big huge congrats! I'm so happy for both of you! :D

Thanks! I am loving my site! The Examiner folks work very closely with their writers, so that's been VERY nice!

SF Gardening Examiner (http://www.examiner.com/x-2485-SF-Gardening-Examiner%7Ey2009m1d22-Columnar-apple-trees-are-perfect-for-any-garden-or-yard)

[HeidiW]

We'll have to figure out how we can all link to each other's stuff.

Thrill, maybe I'll do something on keeping dogs from digging up gardens, and refer to some of your garden info. Or you could do one on that topic and refer to some of my dog behavior stuff (which I don't have yet, so don't try now). Or we could tie in something on growing your own catnip and catgrass.

Not sure about tying Tucson Pets to Orlando Getaway or Charlotte Sports, but I'll work on it. :)

Heidi

[caseyquinn]

ok just made my rounds :) checked out about nudity in orlando, about why apple tree is perfect for my garden and sorry heidi i didnt have your link :) post it in your signature! or everytime you post on this thread and i will be sure to go there !

here is my post for the day - sad day for sports... great coach died...
http://www.examiner.com/x-2683-Charlotte-Sports-Examiner

p.s.
this was my third post, learned how to embed youtube into a post there - pretty easy let me know if you need help

[HeidiW]

Okay, I have a signature now!

Heidi

[Thrillride]

We'll have to figure out how we can all link to each other's stuff.

Thrill, maybe I'll do something on keeping dogs from digging up gardens, and refer to some of your garden info. Or you could do one on that topic and refer to some of my dog behavior stuff (which I don't have yet, so don't try now). Or we could tie in something on growing your own catnip and catgrass.

Not sure about tying Tucson Pets to Orlando Getaway or Charlotte Sports, but I'll work on it. :)

Heidi

Heidi - perfect! Great idea...email me.

Chris

[CatMuse33]

Question... When you say "got your site up" do you have to format and design the site, too? Or is it only/mainly writing?
Dawn

[Thrillride]

Question... When you say "got your site up" do you have to format and design the site, too? Or is it only/mainly writing?
Dawn

No, just a writing thing. "Went up" - just meaning we're there instead of no one.

[HeidiW]

Hey is Heiddi reading this thread? I did an article on a bilingual coloring book to teach kids about animals and pet care (http://www.examiner.com/x-2718-Tucson-Pets-Examiner~y2009m1d24-SpanishEnglish-Coloring-Book-on-Pets--Pet-Care), might be of interest to folks reading her Parenting topic.

Heiddi, let me know if you do anything pet-related that I could cross-link to!

Heidi (not Heiddi, this is confusing!)

[stldenise]

Maybe I'll give this a shot. There's lots of openings in my home town. Think I'll try Stay at Home Mom.

[stldenise]

Then again...The St. Louis examiners are kinda lame. What kind of editing (if any) do you get? And I wonder if my hubby would freak if I applied for this. He had a minor spaz when he looked over my shoulder and saw that I have my photo in this forum!

I like the idea of doing a blog, but don't know if I can do all the social networking crap. I'm a writer, not a teen aged gossip.

How's it going for everyone who's trying this gig? And can you get out if you don't fit?

[NancyP]

I'm just getting started with Baltimore Homeschooling. I'm not the world's greatest social networking expert, either, so I hope some other Examiners have some great tips to share! (Hint.)

[caseyquinn]

Woowoo new article up :)

http://www.examiner.com/x-2683-Charlotte-Sports-Examiner~y2009m1d27-Panthers-start-the-replacement-process-with-Meeks

hey about giving it a try and social networking - it is not a must but again, you are paid by impression - so it is really just a suggestion to help build traffic. There are a ton of ways to build traffic and you really just need to treat it like you would any other piece of writing. Get it attention, be it your signature and post on forums, chat on boards of similiar interest or join network sites - i am not a huge networking sites person myself. I dont mind digg or stumble but i dont go too far into them and stay away from some of the really heavy ones like myspace of facebook. i spend enough time on this forum :) dont need other places eating up my writing time!

if you join post a link here when you make a post and we will all go read your posts and help with traffic, we just ask that you do the same for us :)

[Skyraven]

Heidi, I'll check out the article. Thanks for the suggestion. :) I posted a couple of days ago about National Compliment Day (Jan. 24) and tied that into National No-name Calling Week (Jan 26 - 30). :) Now I need to figure out my topic for this week. :)

[HeidiW]

Hey all, one thing I did is add everyone from this thread to my Favorite Examiners, so I can easily go in each day and check what each of you is doing and at least click on the newest article. Makes it much easier than trying to remember who's who!

Heidi

[HeidiW]

Then again...The St. Louis examiners are kinda lame. What kind of editing (if any) do you get?
None that I'm aware of. I know my content manager checked out my first article and said it was great as is. But we can make them live as soon as we write them, no waiting involved.

I like the idea of doing a blog, but don't know if I can do all the social networking crap. I'm a writer, not a teen aged gossip.

How's it going for everyone who's trying this gig? And can you get out if you don't fit?
I'm not sure what to compare to yet, and I've only been doing it a few days. But I love being able to write about a topic I love, get things published right away with lots of freedom to choose subject matter, and see in real time how my earnings are looking.

Today I'm over 100 views, which seems really good for just getting started. Especially since I didn't post at all yesterday or today. (Busy doing Bright Hub articles, and getting waylaid with Demand Studios tonight now that they've let me in.) My total for the few days is 295 views. At a penny a view that's not much, but I'm encouraged that it's building so quickly.

I'm on Facebook and Twitter, and am occasionally posting a link to a new article, but so far that's it. I haven't even announced to the animal welfare community here that I'm the Tucson Pets Examiner yet, but I will next week.

I'd suggest you just give it a try and see how it goes, there's no long-term commitment.

Heidi

[caseyquinn]

Hey all, one thing I did is add everyone from this thread to my Favorite Examiners, so I can easily go in each day and check what each of you is doing and at least click on the newest article. Makes it much easier than trying to remember who's who!

Heidi


Great idea! I am adding all of you now as my fav examiners - will make it easier for sure

[stldenise]

I went ahead and sent in an application. We'll see how it goes.Can anybody tell me about Twitter? Maybe I need to look into that.

[NancyP]

Twitter is easy to use (I am no tech whiz and I use it every day). One thing you can do is convert your article/post's url to a TinyURL (at TinyURL.com) and then include it in a "tweet" (Twitter post). People can click on that TinyURL to read your post.

[caseyquinn]

I went ahead and sent in an application. We'll see how it goes.Can anybody tell me about Twitter? Maybe I need to look into that.


Congrats and good luck! i am only on my second week and while the pay is not jaw dropping it is for sure better (in my experience) then ehow, ac or other content sites not to mention it is a slightly better writing credit as the exposure has been wider for me atleast as they provide some traffic information.

It really only takes a little bit of time to write the pieces and you have a wide range to pull from generally. Good luck with it and keep us informed if you get it! i will be sure to add you as one of my fav examiners!

Re:Twitter - i dont know anything about that - sorry

[HeidiW]

Yo Casey, here's a sports story you might want to check out:
http://www.bu.edu/today/node/8208

Heidi

[Thrillride]

I went ahead and sent in an application. We'll see how it goes.Can anybody tell me about Twitter? Maybe I need to look into that.

Oh yeah - you all should be Twittering. People that are into what you are into will find and follow you. Send all your stuff over there as you write it. Also, participate in chatting a bit...not just promoting. You'll find you get more followers and you'll make some interesting contacts.

You also don't have to follow everyone who follows you. There are some people that you won't be interested in. But, it's great fun, you'll catch on quick even though it looks confusing at first.

Go over there & sign up...then looks for me. I'm 'Suite101Mammals'.

[Thrillride]

Congrats and good luck! i am only on my second week and while the pay is not jaw dropping it is for sure better (in my experience) then ehow, ac or other content sites not to mention it is a slightly better writing credit as the exposure has been wider for me atleast as they provide some traffic information.

It really only takes a little bit of time to write the pieces and you have a wide range to pull from generally. Good luck with it and keep us informed if you get it! i will be sure to add you as one of my fav examiners!

Re:Twitter - i dont know anything about that - sorry

Caseyquinn and everyone else...I am going to find all of you in the AM on examiner and subscribe to all of you!

[princessvessna]

I am now the National Science Geek Examiner. Woot! I just posted up my first article - "Robotics expert shows Star Wars to locusts", so they should be activating my site any time now.

And I love Twitter for promoting my articles, getting ideas, or connecting with other gardeners (I am, foremost, a horticulturist.)

[inkkognito]

Yee haw! It's great to see so many Examiners here! I just got back from vacation, but I kept up my site with at least one post a day while I was gone. I actually did an ongoing trip report on my cruise, which averaged me 200 to 300 hits a day. I did hit over 500 one day, but I suspect that was partially the nudity near Disney World piece.

A couple of hints I've discovered: Find some way to tie your piece into the current news. Like for parenting, how to keep the kids busy while Dad watches the Super Bowl or something like that. I did two Super Bowl related pieces and pulled some good hits on those, plus a couple of inauguration themed pieces. I'm becoming an expert on finding ways to tie the news into Orlando Getaways.

[ameliawrites]

Hi guys! It has been a while since I posted. I saw that you were talking about the Examiner. I just got the National Green Living site. Thrilling for me, since it is just outside of what I mostly write about (herbs and gardening) and lets me expound on our sustainable farm business and whatnot. Very near and dear to me.

So there ya go!

Sick baby, so offline till later today, catch me on Twitter or Facebook-both are hooked up to my Blackberry

Warmly,

Amy

[inkkognito]

Woo hoo, welcome to the club! I really think you'll enjoy your Examiner experience. They are great to work it.

[Skyraven]

Ink - way to go on the Examiner articles. I didn't do anything on my cruise because it was too expensive for me to connect and stay online and because I was on a total vacation! :) I like that you're tying things all together. :)

[stldenise]

I just got my acceptance email from Examiner.com, I'll be joining them as the St. Louis SAHM Examiner. I'll let you know when I start posting! Anybody else writing on parenting issues?

Also, the email said we retain rights to our writing. Anybody reposting their stuff elsewhere, like AC?

[Skyraven]

yay! Congrats Denise. I'm the NY Parent Examiner. I just posted my first music interview with a kids' music band. Check it out. :) Let me know when you're live so I can add you to my list. :)

[NancyP]

Denise, I write on Baltimore homeschooling. Looking forward to seeing your work!

[stldenise]

Skyraven: nice idea with the band interview. I'll have to go interview Balaboo, a local singer here who does kid shows. My oldest is too old for his music now, but I still tease him by singing Balaboo's "My hair had a party lastnight" song. Cute song, explains why your hair is all messy in the morning...like my boy's.

[inkkognito]

How cool! We're going to have an army of Examiners here pretty soon.

For some reason, my Examiner articles are racking up mega-hits today. I'm probably gonna to hit 900, and maybe 1000. I can't figure out what the draw is but hey. I like it!

[Still Seaking]

What’s the pay rate? It says “Examiners can earn money! Our rate of pay is competitive and very much in your control” but it never gives a rate?

SS

[inkkognito]

They don't give a rate because it varies based on how many Examiners there are, how much revenue the site is earning, etc. But from what I've seen, it's around a penny a hit (can be lower, and I can't figure out what influences that). That's all changeable, but that's what I've seen so far in my own experience.

[Skyraven]

Still seaking - the rate is $2.50 per 1K page views plus incentives.
I have great news. The managing company for Milkshake just emailed me with an invite to review other bands' cds and dvds as well as a play for kids on BROADWAY!!!! Woohoo!!! I'm so excited! Thinking of putting together a review series for NY Parent Magazine. :)

[stldenise]

I was working on my headshot yesterday. Set up my tripod and a rigged a backdrop and everything. Gave myself a headache from the flash. My toddler kept laughing at me too, so I must have looked silly.

I showed it to my hubby to see if it looked to crabby. He said, and I quote, "you should wear a boob shirt." Argh! I'm trying to look professional, not attract guys. I'll post the photo here as my new avatar. Feel free to comment.

edit: ew, I do look smirky, don't I? Maybe I need to try again. Also: how much photoshoping would you do to a headshot? I removed my mole. I hate it!

[caseyquinn]

haha stldenise - the photo looks good :) i would just go with it! I mean, if your going to wear a boobshirt that is one thing, but if your not, dont worry about it - im just saying-

as for rates i have been averaging about 1cent per view as well, it has been working out pretty good for me suprisingly. i do sports so always new topics to post on!

[inkkognito]

as for rates i have been averaging about 1cent per view as well, it has been working out pretty good for me suprisingly. i do sports so always new topics to post on!
I think that always having new topics is key, and if you can work them into a biggie news event, that's even better. I'm a travel examiner, but I found a few ways to tie my stuff into the Super Bowl. I've been pretty happy with my income there. Would like more, but hey, you never know!

I wore a boob shirt for a magazine photo inadvertently once. Oops! I had to send it because they were in a rush, but thankfully it was too small to see my "endowments" too well.

[caseyquinn]

hey how did you do that special daily topics thing on your side bar... do you update that manually each day of the week or does it hook in some how - i know how to do those lists was just wondering is that all it was or did use that "special project" feature and some how make that happen ?

yea my superbowl articles while brief were popular - always good to tie stuff in to the big topics :)

[black ink]

I'm going to apply as an examiner. There's a position for a sahm examiner in my area. I just need to get my clips up on a site (and yay that my published clips are perfect for this position!) to use in the application. Fingers crossed!

[inkkognito]

hey how did you do that special daily topics thing on your side bar... do you update that manually each day of the week or does it hook in some how - i know how to do those lists was just wondering is that all it was or did use that "special project" feature and some how make that happen ?
You have to do the lists manually. It's in the reporting tool. I think the header is "lists" or somesuch thing. I don't know how much people use it, but I'm hoping I might pick up more subscribers that way or pique new visitors' interest to read some of my old posts.

[stldenise]

New headshot. A little grainy, but I had to go with something. The said they got it this morning, now I just wait for my site to be built.

Do you guys write stuff up in advance, or just fly seat of the pants?

[inkkognito]

Do you guys write stuff up in advance, or just fly seat of the pants?
I do both. I do weekly topics, so I do a bunch of those in advance. I fly by the seat of my pants on newsworthy stuff or if I happen to feel inspired by something I read online somewhere and a topic gets spurred.

[inkkognito]

Oh, and if you write in advance, DO NOT DO NOT paste in in directly from Word. Paste it into Notepad first, then copy and paste from there to Examiner.

[black ink]

New headshot. A little grainy, but I had to go with something. The said they got it this morning, now I just wait for my site to be built.


Nice headshot, Denise! It looks good :)

[ameliawrites]

My new site is up! It was pretty fast from start to finish, I think they are finding their groove. Anyhow, I am wicked sick. I am betting that it is Strep. That or I swallowed some broken glass-so I am flat on my back and trying to get stuff done while feeling totally crappy.

Here is my link:

http://www.examiner.com/x-3033-Green-Living-Examiner~y2009m2d6-How-to-make-your-own-worm-dirt

I have some wonderful plans and ideas for the site. I can't wait until I can start working on them.

Has anyone gathered all of the Examiner links, so I can go through and check you all out and add? If not, I will just pick away at this thread.

Thanks for looking!

Amy

[stldenise]

Amy: read your worm post. We have kids at school doing a worm farm. I think they got the cafeteria people to save scraps for them. They used grant money and bought a commercial container from the worm store.

[ameliawrites]

I have heard of schools getting grants and setting up bins for cafeteria waste. That is very cool! I like to show worm bins made from free (or nearly free) supplies, so then if people love them, they can buy one.

Has anyone here tried a store bought worm bin? I am curious..

Amy

[inkkognito]

Here is my link:

http://www.examiner.com/x-3033-Green-Living-Examiner~y2009m2d6-How-to-make-your-own-worm-dirt

Just checked it out...good post!

[pastmaps]

After reading a post on my little community website by some "crazy" local blogger (but a damned good writer), I decided to see what this Examiner thing was about. Apart from a bit of sloppy proofing (and who hasn't been guilty of that?), I was impressed with the concept.

Looking through the "wanted" list I found that they were short a national personal finance examiner and applied.

Darned if they didn't accept me. Thanks, Barb, now I have yet another job!

-Don McDonald

[inkkognito]

LOL, yeah, that blogger may be certifiably insane but I heard she's also a mega talented writer and very modest too, hee hee. Welcome to the Examiner thread, Don! I'm loving my work with them, and hopefully you'll have a great experience too.

[caseyquinn]

One thing i recently set up was google alerts on various topics related to sports in my area - every morning i get emails from any updates on those topics and write my articles using the info for research - has been helpful as my area (sports) you cant really write anything in advance, more of what happened that day or night before-

Also about copying in work - if you do copy directly into the form there is a little eraser looking icon in the tool area, click it- it will remove all formatting from the text that word puts in and make it look like your other posts

[Skyraven]

posted an article! :)

[stldenise]

Ack! My site is now up, and I don't know what to put down for my first post!

[stldenise]

Ok, I wrote something. http://www.examiner.com/x-3599-St-Louis-StayatHome-Moms-Examiner~y2009m2d11-Biking-Grants-Trail

But they don't have my headshot up yet and some other gal is still listed as a SAHM Examiner. And I'm not on the home page. I'm assuming this will all shake out now that I've posted something.

Anyone else have trouble getting photos on there? I kept losing the caption box and would have to reload the photo. I finally opened it up in Firefox and it seemed to behave better. Dang Explorer!

[NancyP]

Denise, this happened to me and I was told to email my channel editor (the new writer person who set me up on Examiner gave me the email address) so he could review my first post. Once he did that, everything was fine.

[Inspiewriter]

I am the Baltimore Book & Blog (http://www.examiner.com/x-1007-Baltimore-Book--Blog-Examiner) Examiner.

[Inspiewriter]

O

Anyone else have trouble getting photos on there? I kept losing the caption box and would have to reload the photo. I finally opened it up in Firefox and it seemed to behave better. Dang Explorer!


Yes! I lose my photo all the time. Just deleting another section below can sometimes make the photo disappear too.

[HeidiW]

Hey all. They just announced a new referral program. An existing Examiner gets $50 for referring a new one.

Too bad they didn't have it before a bunch of us applied!

Meanwhile, I thought we could set something up so we take turns referring people here. Barb (innkognito) should definitely get the first referral, since she started the thread that helped many of us find out about it. (Maybe she should get the first few!) Then it could go in order of who became an examiner and posted here next.

Not sure how it would work, except as a separate thread. Ideas?

Heidi

[caseyquinn]

Alright, here we go please let me know if i missed yours:

City:

Charlotte Sports Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-2683-Charlotte-Sports-Examiner
Tucson Pets Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-2718-Tucson-Pets-Examiner
Baltimore Book & Blog Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-1007-Baltimore-Book--Blog-Examiner
Baltimore Homeschooling Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-2743-Baltimore-Homeschooling-Examiner
St. Louis Stay-at-Home Moms Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-3599-St-Louis-StayatHome-Moms-Examiner
NY Parenting Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-1191-NY-Parenting-Examiner
Orlando Getaways Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-2200-Orlando-Getaways-Examiner
SF Gardening Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-2485-SF-Gardening-Examiner
SF Wildlife Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-2981-SF-Wildlife-Examiner

National:
Green Living Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-3033-Green-Living-Examiner

I added all of you to my favorites in the examiner and ask that you all do the same, if we all just check out the other sites now and again a few extra views never hurt no one :)

[stldenise]

Thanks for gathering up all the links. Now that I'm up and running, I'll check out the AW writer's stuff to see if there's any articles I can link to naturally.

[Thrillride]

Amy: read your worm post. We have kids at school doing a worm farm. I think they got the cafeteria people to save scraps for them. They used grant money and bought a commercial container from the worm store.

Hi Guys,

We have a worm bin at our house, but we are going to buy one of those big round three-tiered jobbies soon here. I think it'll be really nice.

i also did this as a gardening/plant science project for my 4H group. The LOVED it - and had all girls at the time!

[Thrillride]

Alright, here we go please let me know if i missed yours:

City:

Charlotte Sports Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-2683-Charlotte-Sports-Examiner
Tucson Pets Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-2718-Tucson-Pets-Examiner
Baltimore Book & Blog Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-1007-Baltimore-Book--Blog-Examiner
Baltimore Homeschooling Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-2743-Baltimore-Homeschooling-Examiner
St. Louis Stay-at-Home Moms Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-3599-St-Louis-StayatHome-Moms-Examiner
NY Parenting Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-1191-NY-Parenting-Examiner
Orlando Getaways Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-2200-Orlando-Getaways-Examiner

National:
Green Living Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-3033-Green-Living-Examiner

I added all of you to my favorites in the examiner and ask that you all do the same, if we all just check out the other sites now and again a few extra views never hurt no one :)

Me...me!

SF Gardening Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-2485-SF-Gardening-Examiner
and
SF Wildlife Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-2981-SF-Wildlife-Examiner

Thanks!

[caseyquinn]

:) sorry about that! Updated! I will try to keep this post up to date and report it every new page or so as we grow !

City:

Charlotte Sports Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-2683-Charl...ports-Examiner
Tucson Pets Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-2718-Tucson-Pets-Examiner
Baltimore Book & Blog Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-1007-Balti...-Blog-Examiner
Baltimore Homeschooling Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-2743-Balti...oling-Examiner
St. Louis Stay-at-Home Moms Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-3599-St-Lo...-Moms-Examiner
NY Parenting Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-1191-NY-Parenting-Examiner
Orlando Getaways Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-2200-Orlan...aways-Examiner
SF Gardening Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-2485-SF-Gardening-Examiner
SF Wildlife Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-2981-SF-Wildlife-Examiner

National:
Green Living Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-3033-Green-Living-Examiner

[princessvessna]

I am the National Science Geek, bringing stories about how cotton candy can aid in creating human tissue, locusts watched Star Wars, and a sordid tale of lizard dung lost.

http://www.examiner.com/x-2931-Science-Geek-Examiner

[inkkognito]

I think I did get credit for someone joining very recently...not sure who, but it must have been right after they started the program because I got an email telling me I had a referral (which I'm guessing means I get some kind of credit for it).

[Lilith70]

I just applied with them today to be the Cheyenne Food Examiner. I do two other daily posts plus a couple of rev-share sites, mainly just to get the practice. I don't mind dropping Suite101 or Bukisa to devote more time to something else, though.

(Yeah, I should probably put those in my sig...)

[pastmaps]

I think I did get credit for someone joining very recently...not sure who, but it must have been right after they started the program because I got an email telling me I had a referral (which I'm guessing means I get some kind of credit for it).

Hey Barb,

I think that was me... there was a referral box and I figured that, albeit indirectly, you were responsible (we'll see if that's a good or bad thing...).

Any idea how long it takes for them to finish that background check? I have a bunch of great pieces ready to publish.

-Don

[inkkognito]

The background check should go fast unless they are overwhelmed with other applicants at the moment (I noticed they've been bringing a lot onboard lately). Mine was done in less than a week. Then you get your log-in information and get to start playing with the publishing tool. It's pretty easy to use, but do you articles in Word because sometimes you lose them while working on them. You can't paste in directly from Word because it makes funky coding but you can paste into Notepad, then cut and paste from there.

[pastmaps]

Thanks for the advice. As a Mac user, I am overcome with anxiety every time I fire up Microsoft Word. My nice, clean, simple word processor of choice is Pages. I'm hoping the formatting will carry over directly, otherwise, I'll just paste it into the text edit program.

Based on your experience, look for my stuff sometime in the next week to 10 days.

[Skyraven]

Someone registered and credited me as the referral. It was before I found out about the referral program. It was a nice surprise. :)

[Cyfarwydd]

Hey, all! I just published my first article as the new Olympia Online Shopping Examiner (http://www.examiner.com/x-3457-Olympia-Online-Shopping-Examiner). Thanks for all the info on this thread.

[Inspiewriter]

Alright, here we go please let me know if i missed yours:

City:

Charlotte Sports Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-2683-Charlotte-Sports-Examiner
Tucson Pets Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-2718-Tucson-Pets-Examiner
Baltimore Book & Blog Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-1007-Baltimore-Book--Blog-Examiner
Baltimore Homeschooling Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-2743-Baltimore-Homeschooling-Examiner
St. Louis Stay-at-Home Moms Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-3599-St-Louis-StayatHome-Moms-Examiner
NY Parenting Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-1191-NY-Parenting-Examiner
Orlando Getaways Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-2200-Orlando-Getaways-Examiner
SF Gardening Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-2485-SF-Gardening-Examiner
SF Wildlife Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-2981-SF-Wildlife-Examiner

National:
Green Living Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-3033-Green-Living-Examiner

I added all of you to my favorites in the examiner and ask that you all do the same, if we all just check out the other sites now and again a few extra views never hurt no one :)


Great idea, thanks!

[Thrillride]

Hey, all! I just published my first article as the new Olympia Online Shopping Examiner (http://www.examiner.com/x-3457-Olympia-Online-Shopping-Examiner). Thanks for all the info on this thread.

Excellent!!

[stldenise]

Barb - I also said you were the one who told me about Examiner.com. Don't know if they were going to send you something or not.

I also linked to your florist story on my Valentine post. Doubt it will give you a lot of hits right now, I just started!

[inkkognito]

Thanks! I'll add a link to your article from my Valentine's piece. Hopefully it will drive some traffic because a Disney backstage story show draw some traffic throughout the year (hopefully!). Just got back from SeaWorld and posted part one of my trip report on my examiner site.

[stldenise]

Too bad AB is selling off it's theme park properties. They used to always give away SeaWorld tickets at Cardinals games, which would have led to a post on SeaWorld and another chance to link. Hmmm, Spring Break is coming up in March. Maybe I'll write about hitting Disney for the big break.
How's the weather down there in March? I'm usually in Florida (visiting in-laws) in August. Then it's so dang hot you don't want to leave the house and only hit the beach at dawn and dusk!

[stldenise]

Hey gang: Does anyone know if Examiner considers us Bloggers or Columnists? I just found a bloggers guild for my town and I'm thinking of joining. But I don't see how I could put their super-cool blogger badge on my Examiner site. I guess I could put it on my Cub Scout site, but I want to use it to drive traffic to something that actually pays. I'll have to see if there's a way.

[Cassiopeia]

I read them more as columnists. Hi gang. It's interesting that just last night I googled freelancing and web content jobs and find the examiner.com and then low and behold I find out tonight you all have a thread going!

I've been writing a bit for Demand Studios now and I'm not sure what sort of articles they want us to submit for our applications. I'm keen to get started. :)

[Skyraven]

Cass - you have to submit three article ideas as part of the application. Just think of three things you can write quickly for the topic of interest. :) They just want to get a feel for your writing. :) Good luck.

[Inspiewriter]

Hey gang: Does anyone know if Examiner considers us Bloggers or Columnists? I just found a bloggers guild for my town and I'm thinking of joining. But I don't see how I could put their super-cool blogger badge on my Examiner site. I guess I could put it on my Cub Scout site, but I want to use it to drive traffic to something that actually pays. I'll have to see if there's a way.

I was told to be a columnist, which is why I avoid using "I" in my articles (unless it's an interview.)

[inkkognito]

I consider myself a blogger/columnist hybrid. I started out more column-like but slipped a bit more to the bloggy end because readers seem to like that. For what it's worth, when Disney invited me to their media week for American Idol, I was classified as a blogger. Usually tho' when I try to explain Examiner to people who aren't familiar with the whole concept, I just say 'reporter.'

[Thrillride]

I was told to be a columnist, which is why I avoid using "I" in my articles (unless it's an interview.)

My channel manager said we could use "I" depending on the article. I know a lot of Examiners who do. Sometimes that can be classified in your topics tab as "Opinion" or "Commentary" in that case.

I try not to, however, they were discussing that we are, indeed, columnists and columnists do use "I" once in a while. they said to just be sure it doesn't get too bloggy.

[Thrillride]

Hey gang: Does anyone know if Examiner considers us Bloggers or Columnists? I just found a bloggers guild for my town and I'm thinking of joining. But I don't see how I could put their super-cool blogger badge on my Examiner site. I guess I could put it on my Cub Scout site, but I want to use it to drive traffic to something that actually pays. I'll have to see if there's a way.

Columnists for sure. I was specifically told these aren't blogs...but nor do they expect you to stay in third person. "You" and "I" are acceptable. Authoritative, but personal, you know - columnists. *grin*

[stldenise]

Interesting, I always thought of columnists as people who use "I" alot. They are telling personal stories, slanting the news through personal opinion.

[stldenise]

Anybody place an order for business cards? It's on the support center:
http://epicenter.examiner.com/ics/support/default.asp?deptID=5513&task=knowledge&questionID=127

[stldenise]

I'm going through and adding everyone to my favorite Examiner's list so I can keep tabs on everyone.

Thrillride: you've got TWO Examiner positions? How's that working out for you?

[Thrillride]

I'm going through and adding everyone to my favorite Examiner's list so I can keep tabs on everyone.

Thrillride: you've got TWO Examiner positions? How's that working out for you?

It works out pretty well. I am the FW for Mammals at Suite 101, so it's pretty easy to translate for a local spin at Examiner. it was a natural for me. That being said, gardening comes faster, LOL!
(I believe you are following me on Twitter)

[stldenise]

Post #4 - one more click and I'll earn my first buck! http://www.examiner.com/x-3599-St-Louis-StayatHome-Moms-Examiner

So how's the traffic on more established sites and cities? I think St. Louis is pretty new.

[KEllis]

Is there a maximum of how many articles you can write for them each month. I always hear people talking about 3-4 articles per month - but can you do more than that if you want? Is the CPM rate around $8-9?

I read they'll be hiring 12,000 Examiners by the end of the year (they have 2,000 now).

[inkkognito]

I just clicked through and also finally uploaded the link from my florist article (it should still be getting traffic even tho' V-Day is past because people love backstage Disney World stuff). Maybe we can all use the "List" function to link to each other as our own favorite Examiners. Have you all done any lists yet? I do them to categorize my series articles and whatnot.

Orlando traffic seems good, but that's probably because of the theme parks...lots of people nationwide coming in so I have an advantage that way.

You can write as many articles as you want. I often write multiple in a day to keep my traffic up. I think the pay varies, but it's around a penny a click for me right now.

[pastmaps]

Got my official notice last night! I am officially the new national Financial Planning Examiner. I am up to a whopping 3 cents in the first hour. Man, this is one lucrative gig! Not looking for much from the first entry, but I plan one a day (ooh... "a daily dose of fiscal fitness" ©2009 Don McDonald All Rights Reserved).

In an effort to get to that first dime:

http://www.examiner.com/x-3917-Financial-Planning-Examiner

Thanks for suggesting this on the Front Porch, Barb

[inkkognito]

Too cool! I just gave you a plug on the Front Porch.

[Thrillride]

Is there a maximum of how many articles you can write for them each month. I always hear people talking about 3-4 articles per month - but can you do more than that if you want? Is the CPM rate around $8-9?

I read they'll be hiring 12,000 Examiners by the end of the year (they have 2,000 now).

Oh yeah...as many as you'd like. 3-4 a week is what you're required to do. The SF Fashion Examiner does several a day sometimes! LOL!

[Thrillride]

Post #4 - one more click and I'll earn my first buck! http://www.examiner.com/x-3599-St-Louis-StayatHome-Moms-Examiner

So how's the traffic on more established sites and cities? I think St. Louis is pretty new.

I just clicked!

[Thrillride]

Got my official notice last night! I am officially the new national Financial Planning Examiner. I am up to a whopping 3 cents in the first hour. Man, this is one lucrative gig! Not looking for much from the first entry, but I plan one a day (ooh... "a daily dose of fiscal fitness" ©2009 Don McDonald All Rights Reserved).

In an effort to get to that first dime:

http://www.examiner.com/x-3917-Financial-Planning-Examiner

Thanks for suggesting this on the Front Porch, Barb

Congrats!! Here's your dime...er penny!

[Thrillride]

Got my official notice last night! I am officially the new national Financial Planning Examiner. I am up to a whopping 3 cents in the first hour. Man, this is one lucrative gig! Not looking for much from the first entry, but I plan one a day (ooh... "a daily dose of fiscal fitness" ©2009 Don McDonald All Rights Reserved).

In an effort to get to that first dime:

http://www.examiner.com/x-3917-Financial-Planning-Examiner

Thanks for suggesting this on the Front Porch, Barb

Now you need to twitter...and don't forget to Stumble, Digg and reddit your posts!

[pastmaps]

Now you need to twitter...and don't forget to Stumble, Digg and reddit your posts!

Translated, does that mean that I should twitch in pain after falling into some freshly made hole?

[Thrillride]

Translated, does that mean that I should twitch in pain after falling into some freshly made hole?

Not exactly. See, you should be able to see the hole since you dug it.

[inkkognito]

Hey all,

Could you do me a favor and see what you think of my new photo?

http://www.examiner.com/x-2200-Orlando-Getaways-Examiner

I used to have a dull head shot (the one I use for online counseling), but I just changed it to something a little more fun. Do you think it fits in with the travel theme, or is it too casual?

Don, all those things are social-networking type things (I know there is a Twitter network in Celebration, but I don't do any social stuff except blogger due to time constraints). If you're a member of any financial-related forums, you can pick up some good traffic that way. Put your link in your email siggie line too.

[Thrillride]

Hey all,

Could you do me a favor and see what you think of my new photo?

http://www.examiner.com/x-2200-Orlando-Getaways-Examiner

I used to have a dull head shot (the one I use for online counseling), but I just changed it to something a little more fun. Do you think it fits in with the travel theme, or is it too casual?

Don, all those things are social-networking type things (I know there is a Twitter network in Celebration, but I don't do any social stuff except blogger due to time constraints). If you're a member of any financial-related forums, you can pick up some good traffic that way. Put your link in your email siggie line too.

Hey.. hey.. hey... hey...back-off the making fun of the Tweets, dude. All it takes is a little self control to keep the time in check - I have found it very worthwhile as far as PVs and networking with like-minded people.

Also, I think your picture is great. For me, it portrays the right image - jumping form place to place.

Now, if you'll excuse me...I have to tweet something.:poke:

[pastmaps]

Barb,

Much better photo!! Oh, and I was just kidding about the web sites (weak attempt at humor writing)... I have tried the Twitter thing and I am still having a bit of trouble discovering...


the point.

[inkkognito]

I'm sure that Twitter can be a great tool. One of my articles actually got picked up by a Twitter...er, Tweet? Dunno what users are called, but I noticed it generated a fair amount of hits.

[Thrillride]

Barb,

Much better photo!! Oh, and I was just kidding about the web sites (weak attempt at humor writing)... I have tried the Twitter thing and I am still having a bit of trouble discovering...


the point.

LOL! I know...that's why i messed with you. It takes a little while before you catch on. When I first signed up, I really didn't get it. But now....seriously, I see so many possibilities.

What are you signed on as for Twitter?

[princessvessna]

Twitter really is helpful. You can use your RSS feed to have all your articles and blogs autoposted to Twitter - I do that with my About site, Examiner, and a couple other places. You do want to talk at least a bit though

It's really good for research too. I can get answers right away for gardening questions or other fun.

I also posted a message about how I had a book idea, and someone who worked with a publisher asked for my idea to send to publisher. Now they want a detailed proposal. Guess I have to figure that all out :)

[pastmaps]

Twitter really is helpful. You can use your RSS feed to have all your articles and blogs autoposted to Twitter - I do that with my About site, Examiner, and a couple other places. You do want to talk at least a bit though

It's really good for research too. I can get answers right away for gardening questions or other fun.

I also posted a message about how I had a book idea, and someone who worked with a publisher asked for my idea to send to publisher. Now they want a detailed proposal. Guess I have to figure that all out :)

Wow, I have to learn how to do that cool stuff. I only see the ability to tell people the silly things I am doing at any given moment... I have only been on for a short while as "MoneyLifeBoat"

[Thrillride]

Wow, I have to learn how to do that cool stuff. I only see the ability to tell people the silly things I am doing at any given moment... I have only been on for a short while as "MoneyLifeBoat"

Okay, Don, now I'm following you! So, accept the follow and follow me back. The look at some other people you see chatting with me. You may want to follow them.

You may want to check out cjbart...he's a nice dude. Joshuamcintire for Examiner is following me, too.

[stldenise]

Barb - I love the photo! I just wish I could get my photo up so I'm not a blue outline person!

Don - try downloading tweetdeck, it will let you put your followers and followees in categories. It lets your group your people-tweeters so you can find everyone easily. I have a writers category for bloggers and AW people, a St. Louis category for locals, and a scouts category. People who followed me but are boring just stay in the "all friends" category - that way I don't have to read them, but I don't hurt their feelings by defriending them...but they still get my posts when I send stuff out. (Unless I'm in THEIR boring person category!)
And it has a thingy that shortens your urls (tinyurls) so you can post links and still have room to talk about it. It's a pretty cool tool and it's free to download (tweetdeck.com).

[princessvessna]

Denise - Yes I love Tweetdeck! I can separate my gardening people out, and famous people, or whatever. And your article was cute, with you behind the podium

Don - After you get Tweetdeck :) head over to www.twitterfeed.com
That's where you can take the RSS feed and plug it in and voila! It will feed your new posts at whatever intervals you choose.

Start looking for the other twitter people who talk about finances. Follow them and look at who follows them/who they follow. If the people look interesting, follow them.

Start just talking. Usually at least once a day, I'll throw out a random question. For Friday the 13th, I asked what the "creepiest plants" were. I ask what the hardest tree to grow is, what attracts hummingbirds, their fave trees, etc. Just get people talking.

You can get answers too. A creepy plant they suggested was the ghost plant...which I found grows on tree roots...so blog post idea!

It's amazing what can happen on Twitter if you think of it as more than "What am I doing this moment?"

[semilargeintestine]

I'm now the new Philadelphia Theatre Examiner. I just got my notice tonight; I'm waiting for the "start-up" email. You guys enjoy writing for them? It seems fun, and I'm hoping maybe it will put some gas in my car.

[Cassiopeia]

So do we say right up front what we'd like to be assigned to?

[inkkognito]

Yep, you just tell 'em up front what topic(s) you are interested in. I was interested in both pets and travel but ended up choosing travel because I figured it had more income potential.

Semilar, I love writing for Examiner, but then again I get to cover one of my favorite topics (Orlando theme parks). I'm actually making more $$ than I thought too so that is very cool.

[KEllis]

I was hired to be the National Style Examiner. It can't hurt to try it out and see how it goes!

[Cassiopeia]

Okay, whew, I got my application in. I asked to be the local examiner for careers and the workplace. Yeah, I know alot about that one. :)

[caseyquinn]

Wow everyone is doing it now :) It is great - So far i have nothing but good things to say about them. They do get high traffic - one person in charlotte had 31,000 views in one day... that is a 310.00 post... not too shabby...

Here are the links, go make a round :)

City:

Charlotte Sports Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-2683-Charl...ports-Examiner
Tucson Pets Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-2718-Tucson-Pets-Examiner
Baltimore Book & Blog Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-1007-Balti...-Blog-Examiner
Baltimore Homeschooling Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-2743-Balti...oling-Examiner
St. Louis Stay-at-Home Moms Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-3599-St-Lo...-Moms-Examiner
NY Parenting Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-1191-NY-Parenting-Examiner
Orlando Getaways Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-2200-Orlan...aways-Examiner
SF Gardening Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-2485-SF-Gardening-Examiner
SF Wildlife Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-2981-SF-Wildlife-Examiner
Olympia Online Shopping Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-3457-Olympia-Online-Shopping-Examiner

National:
Green Living Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-3033-Green-Living-Examiner
National Science Geek - http://www.examiner.com/x-2931-Science-Geek-Examiner
National Financial Planning - http://www.examiner.com/x-3917-Financial-Planning-Examiner


If i missed anyones links, let me know! When i post these now and again, go around and check everyones sites out and they do the same. Lets help each other out here.

[ameliawrites]

I am waiting for an interview call(yea! CBS News!) and nervously reading the boards. Skimming posts, I saw your list of Examiner links and thought they were all yours!!

Wowser! :roll:

I love my Examiner site. It really opens up what I can write about. I plan on doing it 5X a week. Hopefully it will generate some income.

Anyways, there ya go.

Amy

[inkkognito]

31,000 views? Gack! I think the most I've ever gotten is 2200 and I tend to hover between 600 and 1000 a day. I'm trying something new...when I was at the Disney media event, they gave me a $100 Hanes certificate to use as a prize. I just posted a little contest...click here to see it. (http://www.examiner.com/x-2200-Orlando-Getaways-Examiner~y2009m2d19-Want-a-100-Hanes-gift-certificate) It will be interesting to see if this drives up traffic. I figure people will like the chance to win, and they might also return and send the link around so their friends can see their entry if I publish it.

[caseyquinn]

:) I must have a lot of free time to maintain all those sites :)

Nope, i just have the one for now :) thought about starting a second one at the national level but decided against it. One is enough for a pay per impression site. They pay well and getting hits for what it is, but don't want to spend too much time on it.

I try to post 5 times a week myself. When something related to my topics hits the news i post though mostly only weekdays not weekends as i try to stay away from "work" as much as possible !

[stldenise]

So how many hits a day is everyone else getting? I'm just starting up here, and I think I have 160 hits TOTAL. Ug. I need to do more promotion. However, my reporting site says that St. Louis has only had 4000 hits this year for the whole site. I'm hoping it catches on!

Also: I was checking out my fellow parenting examiners in St. Louis and I think they've all run off. Nobody else has posted in a couple weeks. Do you think they quit?

[Cassiopeia]

so how long does it take to get accepted? I submitted last night, late. :D

[semilargeintestine]

I'll let you know when I get my thing set up. I just got the start-up email today.

[stldenise]

It took about 3 days to hear back from my application, then about a week or so to process my background check, submit a bio and get my site up. Still need to get my headshot up, but my channel manager got back to me this morning and said the file got lost.

[inkkognito]

So how many hits a day is everyone else getting?
I average between 600 and 1000 per day, but I think Orlando travel probably gets a lot of national hits and I post a lot and promote my butt off. I figure the early effort will pay off in getting subscribers and regular visitors. My goal is to get up to a steady 1000 hits a day with only one posting per day.

[stldenise]

Yep, I figure you've got an edge with the whole Disney thing...I'm hoping that St. Louis will find it's footing soon. I'm a little freaked that the other parenting people all dropped off the face of the earth. I was hoping we could get a little cross traffic going between moms.

My channel manager asked for my original headshot...maybe I won't be faceless much longer.

[Cassiopeia]

I average between 600 and 1000 per day, but I think Orlando travel probably gets a lot of national hits and I post a lot and promote my butt off. I figure the early effort will pay off in getting subscribers and regular visitors. My goal is to get up to a steady 1000 hits a day with only one posting per day.okay so I'm new at this...how much does 1000 hits per day equate to in money. ;)

[inkkognito]

Usually a penny a hit.

[stldenise]

Advise:
I'm going to post my first review of a store that relates to my Examiner page (a resale shop). In my review of a children's museum, I posted a photo of me at the museum out of sillyness. My DH doesn't want me to post photos of the kids.

Should I continue the gag and take pictures of me at places I review? Would that be wierd?

[inkkognito]

Definitely post pics. of you enjoying the places. I've used some in my theme park articles, and the times I don't it's only because I'm the one taking the pictures myself. I think readers enjoy the personalization.

I've noticed that a lot of the other Orlando travel people just reprint press releases...nothing personal at all. I'm always sure to put my own slant on things and include my own photos, and my page views definitely reflect that readers like it.

[stldenise]

I need to get one of those cool little tripods that wrap around stuff for my pocket camera...

Hey all: I posted my first poll! Go check it out: http://www.examiner.com/x-3599-St-Louis-StayatHome-Moms-Examiner I did a thing on cursive dying out. If anyone else writes about cursive (it was on Fox News this morning) let me know and I'll add a link to your site.

I used Poll Daddy only because I saw some other Examiner use it. Was it any of you? And it's free. Anyway, it's easy, just be sure to get it right the first time, you can't go back and correct any spelling errors. (I had to redo my poll three times to get it right. Need more coffee.) You embed the poll like you would a youtube video. Check out the directions for embeding video at the resource site.

ALSO: my channel editor sent me a note that someone else in the Parenting channel has set up a Facebook page for anyone in that field to join. If you're a parenting examiner, come join us: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=67683896997
I'll be there as soon as I figure out facebook. Ug!

[inkkognito]

I just added a "My Favorite Examiners" list to my page and tried to add everyone, but some of the links on Casey's list didn't work (mine included) when I clicked through them. Not sure why? Oh well, I have all the working ones on a list now so it always appears on my Examiner page.

[Cassiopeia]

I'm still waiting to hear from them. *worries it will be like it was with DemandStudios and take two months to figure out what went wrong*

[Thrillride]

I just added a "My Favorite Examiners" list to my page and tried to add everyone, but some of the links on Casey's list didn't work (mine included) when I clicked through them. Not sure why? Oh well, I have all the working ones on a list now so it always appears on my Examiner page.

Ack! I have to do this! I want to separate my favorite "gardening" links form my favorite links (all you guys).

It might take a few days as I have too many irons in the fire, but I'll do it for sure!

[GrammarScribe]

I've been lurking in this thread for a while and I'm excited to say that I was accepted as a Theater Examiner for Philadelphia. Link is below in my signature, and I just published my first article.

I've really enjoyed reading all of your articles, so I'm really excited to be doing this. :)

[stldenise]

Welcome to the club GrammarScribe!

I got an email about a new Examiner phone conference. Anybody do that yet? Was it helpful. Thankfully there's a noon slot, so should be able to get my toddler down for a nap at that time!

[Cassiopeia]

*obsessively checks email* grrr.

[stldenise]

St. Louis must really be low on hits - I made the top 5 St. Louis Examiner with 81 hits yesterday! But it's starting to get easier... I can now do a poll and a slideshow. I also came up with cute category names: stay you, stay free, stay thrifty, stay to play, stay review, stay healthy... Ok, I think their cute. Plus they keep me focused.

[Thrillride]

St. Louis must really be low on hits - I made the top 5 St. Louis Examiner with 81 hits yesterday! But it's starting to get easier... I can now do a poll and a slideshow. I also came up with cute category names: stay you, stay free, stay thrifty, stay to play, stay review, stay healthy... Ok, I think their cute. Plus they keep me focused.

Those ARE cute! !

[Skyraven]

Stldenise - way to go! congrats on the top five. As for the parenting examiners, I think life got in the way. I only post once a week and I know I should do more, but my day job has been sapping all of my energy. I'm a therapist in foster care. And my agency is going through an audit. So, all stress and no energy makes for a very drained Skyraven. :/
Keep the schtick going. If your site manager doesn't have an issue with it, I say go for it. Cuteness and pictures and all. :)

[Inspiewriter]

Hey my box of Examiner business cards arrived today. Not sure when I will use them, but hey, nice to have.

[inkkognito]

Poor Sky, I feel for you! I interned in an agency where they dealt with foster care. It wasn't the part where I worked, but I remember the audits and just the general stress and craziness.

Travel seems to be very competitive with hits. Nationwide to get in the top three I have to stay between 600 and 800 hits. Yesterday I was #2 with 801 hits. I just can't get to 1000 a day consistently, which is my goal. Grrrrr!

[Cassiopeia]

I still haven't heard from them if I've been accepted. Can you be an examiner for more than one topic? Do we apply to more than one?

[caseyquinn]

Hey Cass yup you can be an examiner for more then one topic most likely one local and one national topic - i think you just apply the normal way for each

[Thrillride]

I still haven't heard from them if I've been accepted. Can you be an examiner for more than one topic? Do we apply to more than one?

I am an Examiner for more than one topic. First, I wrote for one for a while, so they knew I was reliable. Than I just asked my channel manager for the other. I didn't reapply.

They do want you to keep up with both, though. They would like to see 3-4 postings a week (and actually prefer more). So that would be minimum 6-8 articles a week.

But I enjoy it!

[inkkognito]

Got my first payment for Examiner...woo hoo! It looks like they must pay around the 20th of the following month.

[stldenise]

Hey my box of Examiner business cards arrived today. Not sure when I will use them, but hey, nice to have.

I took a field trip to review a resale boutique and ran into some moms who frequent the place with their playgroup (the store has a lounge for meetings) and I wished that I had my business cards to hand out! I've got some that I made for my freelance reporting, but I felt silly handwriting my Examiner site on it. I'm going to make some new cards to tide me over until the real ones come in.

They were taking pics of their babies and one mom said she would contact me to share a photo. It would have been nice to hand out the cards so they could remember to check the site for my post!

Update: I made the #3 spot in Parenting Examiners today! 254 hits in one day! Still #5 for St. Louis. Probably helped that I emailed the store I reviewed to tell them about the post...(insert evil laugh here).

I've got to figure out how to beat the "St. Louis Gun Rights" guy, that's just weird that he's the top Examiner. I don't mind people talking about guns, but having him as the area's top poster makes St. Louis look like a hick town.

[Thrillride]

I took a field trip to review a resale boutique and ran into some moms who frequent the place with their playgroup (the store has a lounge for meetings) and I wished that I had my business cards to hand out! I've got some that I made for my freelance reporting, but I felt silly handwriting my Examiner site on it. I'm going to make some new cards to tide me over until the real ones come in.

They were taking pics of their babies and one mom said she would contact me to share a photo. It would have been nice to hand out the cards so they could remember to check the site for my post!

Update: I made the #3 spot in Parenting Examiners today! 254 hits in one day! Still #5 for St. Louis. Probably helped that I emailed the store I reviewed to tell them about the post...(insert evil laugh here).

I've got to figure out how to beat the "St. Louis Gun Rights" guy, that's just weird that he's the top Examiner. I don't mind people talking about guns, but having him as the area's top poster makes St. Louis look like a hick town.

Woo Hoo! Go, girl! I made #1 in the home and living channel, but I'll never see the top of the San Francisco examiner...the sports guys always have that spot...and the fashion dude - what's up with that?

[stldenise]

I need to find out how to talk to the gun guy in my town and see how many hits he's getting. My channel manager said she was going to poke the other parenting people in my town to get them writing again. I wonder how long they give you before they kick you out? We don't sign any kind of contract.

[inkkognito]

Gun Guy might be getting his links picked up elsewhere. My biggest hit days were when I got picked up...for example, a Dale Jr. site picked up my article about his appearance at Universal Studio, and a nudist news group picked up my piece about the nudist colony near Disney World.

For travel, the top nationwide people tend to change pretty frequently. I'm consistently in the top 5, but I just can't get to the 1000 hits a day I want (yesterday I only got 598). Grrrrrr! And the sad thing is, one of the other travel examiners who is just below me pretty much only reprints press releases whereas I actually write original articles.

The cards will come in handy if you ever cover any media events. I wish I had them when I was at the Disney World media week thing. They haven't shown up in my mailbox.

For travel, warnings are sent out that inactive people will be culled. Might depend on your channel as to how quickly they do that.

[zoomusic]

For travel, warnings are sent out that inactive people will be culled. Might depend on your channel as to how quickly they do that.

I've been wondering about this...there is someone in my city who holds an Examiner position--the one I want! She's had it for about three months, but hardly ever posts. The last post was about 52 days ago...

[zoomusic]

Okay, I bit the bullet and sent in an application. I suggested my own position, one no one in my city has come up with yet.

I hope I get this--I would love to cover this topic!

[blueobsidian]

I just sent in an application as well! I'm excited about the topic and am having fun checking out everyone's pages :)

[psharmon]

I just started as the Portland ME Gardening Examiner last week and I'm loving it. I am hoping to get the Home Improvement, as well.

http://www.examiner.com/x-4010-Portland-Gardening-Examiner



Zoomusic: If someone holds the area you want, I'd still let them know you want it. Once they know someone else is interested in it, they may let the other one go and hire you for it!

[Skyraven]

Congrats to everyone who applied!
Thrill - way to go! I didn't know you could have more than one examiner position.
Stldenise - Still here and still haven't posted much.
Ink - thanks for the sympathy. I'm going to look at my planning calendar to see what I could write to post today. :) And congrats on your first payment! Woohoo! Money's nice isn't it?

[inkkognito]

I'm also finding it helpful to prepare a bunch of posts in advance so that when I'm busy, I still have plenty of content to choose from and post immediately. I either do the advance work when I have a slow period (ha!) or when I need a break from some intense task.

[Lilith70]

There are only two Examiners in my entire city (Cheyenne), and I'm going to start bugging the editor tomorrow to let me do more topics, at least so that we can get a little content in there. I also tried to get the husband to do one, but he's fallen back on his favorite excuse - "I don't know what I'd write about."

And this is the guy that started ME on regular columns almost ten years ago. Pishaw.

[stldenise]

I signed up for Google Alerts to help me find stuff. And I got a couple ideas off TV/radio. Who said the stuff needed to be original?

I also sat down and did some brainstorming while hanging out at my kid's basketball practice. Now if I can just find the notebook, I'll have some ideas to type up!

[HeidiW]

On the Reporting page, it shows me Phoenix Average and Pets Average. Is the second the average for all Pets Examiners countrywide, or just Phoenix Pets?

I envy those of you in cities with built-up sites already (like Orlando it sounds like). Phoenix is just getting going so the daily average is maybe 5%-10% of what others are reporting. Probably better than Cheyenne, but not great. :)

Heidi

[inkkognito]

Yes, I think the second average is for nationwide.

I just got notified that I'm being switched from the Getaways Examiner to the Theme Parks Examiner. Not that it makes much difference, although I wonder if it will affect any existing links I have out there.

[caseyquinn]

hey barb how come they are changing you? you request it or they contact you?

[inkkognito]

They contacted me because most of what I write is about the theme parks. Technically Orlando Getaways could mean getaways FROM Orlando, but I cover stuff for people coming TO Orlando (as well as those who live here). They said I can still write about other attractions and restaurants, which I've been putting in the mix.

[inkkognito]

Dang, they're fast! Here is my new link:

http://www.examiner.com/x-2200-Orlando-Theme-Parks-Examiner

It looks like the old one forwards over too (thank goodness since I have so many crosslinks in my stories).

[princessvessna]

Wow! I've made $4.81 just today. Im not sure quite what happened, but Im enjoying it! Look for Backward Green Comet Lulin tonight!

[zoomusic]

princessv, that's great news! I just took a look at your page, you've got some cool, quirky science posts going on there. Love that video you posted by TMBG :)

[inkkognito]

Wow! I've made $4.81 just today. Im not sure quite what happened, but Im enjoying it! Look for Backward Green Comet Lulin tonight!
Very cool! Some other site might have picked it up. You should be able to email your Channel Manager and ask where the majority of hits are coming from.

[Cassiopeia]

I sure wish they'd tell me yes or no. I still haven't heard anything from them other than, we have a high influx of applicants and we'll let you know as soon as we can.

[jeffo]

Okay, enough of all you people having all the fun. I sent my application in today. :)

[Thrillride]

Okay, enough of all you people having all the fun. I sent my application in today. :)

That's the spirit!:D

[Cassiopeia]

I realize it's only been 5 days and the weekend happened over 2 of them but COME ON! I want to get busy already. :D

[princessvessna]

princessv, that's great news! I just took a look at your page, you've got some cool, quirky science posts going on there. Love that video you posted by TMBG :)

Thanks...I love the quirky side of science, and it makes it fun. And TMBG is the best

And I also think it's funny that if you search Google images for "backwards comet", the 2nd photo that comes up is my Examiner portrait :)

inkkognito, I may just try emailing him. Thanks. :) Up to 5.87 now

[inkkognito]

They were hiring fast for a while, but before that they were way slow...like I mean MONTHS! I don't think it will get quite that bad again, but when I was hired it was a couple of months between their initial contact and the actual hiring process. It's just growing pains, but I figure that's a good thing.

Princess, that is so cool that your article is getting all those hits! Once you find out the source, you may be able to leverage it somehow.

[Cleopatra Jones]

I'm glad you wrote that, Barb. I applied 3 weeks ago and am still waiting for a response. I hope I get approved soon!

[caseyquinn]

Lastest updates! Make your rounds ! support your fellow AWers!

Charlotte Sports Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-2683-Charlotte-Sports-Examiner
Tucson Pets Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-2718-Tucson-Pets-Examiner
Baltimore Book & Blog Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-1007-Balti...-Blog-Examiner
Baltimore Homeschooling Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-2743-Balti...oling-Examiner
St. Louis Stay-at-Home Moms Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-3599-St-Louis-StayatHome-Moms-Examiner
NY Parenting Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-1191-NY-Parenting-Examiner
Orlando Theme Parks - http://www.examiner.com/x-2200-Orlando-Theme-Parks-Examiner
SF Gardening Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-2485-SF-Gardening-Examiner
SF Wildlife Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-2981-SF-Wildlife-Examiner
Olympia Online Shopping Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-3457-Olymp...pping-Examiner
Portland ME Gardening - http://www.examiner.com/x-2200-Orlan...Parks-Examiner


National:
Green Living Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-3033-Green-Living-Examiner
National Science Geek - http://www.examiner.com/x-2931-Science-Geek-Examiner
National Financial Planning - http://www.examiner.com/x-3917-Finan...nning-Examiner

[stldenise]

Barb - I tagged you as a favorite, and you're still on my list. Looks like they didn't mess you up.

[Thrillride]

Lastest updates! Make your rounds ! support your fellow AWers!

Charlotte Sports Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-2683-Charl...ports-Examiner
Tucson Pets Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-2718-Tucson-Pets-Examiner
Baltimore Book & Blog Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-1007-Balti...-Blog-Examiner
Baltimore Homeschooling Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-2743-Balti...oling-Examiner
St. Louis Stay-at-Home Moms Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-3599-St-Lo...-Moms-Examiner
NY Parenting Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-1191-NY-Parenting-Examiner
Orlando Theme Parks - http://www.examiner.com/x-4010-Portl...ening-Examiner
SF Gardening Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-2485-SF-Gardening-Examiner
SF Wildlife Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-2981-SF-Wildlife-Examiner
Olympia Online Shopping Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-3457-Olymp...pping-Examiner
Portland ME Gardening - http://www.examiner.com/x-2200-Orlan...Parks-Examiner


National:
Green Living Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-3033-Green-Living-Examiner
National Science Geek - http://www.examiner.com/x-2931-Science-Geek-Examiner
National Financial Planning - http://www.examiner.com/x-3917-Finan...nning-Examiner

Casey - thanks for the new list!

[inkkognito]

Casey, some of the links are still not working when I click them from your list, and it looks like mine is incorrect.

[caseyquinn]

Ah, it is because of the way people posted them, i just copied and pasted them into the post. See like your url in your signature it has ... in it which isnt really the url, so it doesnt work. Some reason it only shows a short cut of the full url -

[inkkognito]

I see what you mean! Let me see if I can post mine in full here by putting in spaces:

http:// www.examiner.com /x-2200-Orlando-Theme-Parks-Examiner

[Lilith70]

I marked you all on my favorites, but I'm not on the list yet.

It's in my signature, and it's also the examiner.com / x-3871-Cheyenne-Food-Examiner .

Danke!

[Skyraven]

I'm working on three new articles for my site. Need to get cracking since I haven't posted in almost two weeks. One will go up tonight, one on Thursday and another next week. I really need to start planning and writing articles ahead of time. :)

[HeidiW]

Hi all. As an example of how we can work together, Thrillride and I just did related posts and linked to each other.

Mine: Cocoa mulch for gardening can be harmful to pets (http://www.examiner.com/x-2718-Tucson-Pets-Examiner~y2009m2d24-Cocoa-mulch-for-gardening-can-be-harmful-to-pets)

Thrillride's: Organic mulches as weed barriers (http://www.examiner.com/x-2485-SF-Gardening-Examiner~y2009m2d24-Organic-mulches-as-weed-barriers)

Cool, huh?

Heidi

[Thrillride]

Hi all. As an example of how we can work together, Thrillride and I just did related posts and linked to each other.

Mine: Cocoa mulch for gardening can be harmful to pets (http://www.examiner.com/x-2718-Tucson-Pets-Examiner%7Ey2009m2d24-Cocoa-mulch-for-gardening-can-be-harmful-to-pets)

Thrillride's: Organic mulches as weed barriers (http://www.examiner.com/x-2485-SF-Gardening-Examiner%7Ey2009m2d24-Organic-mulches-as-weed-barriers)

Cool, huh?

Heidi

Gooooooo, us!!

[Autodidact]

Examiners:

I just checked, and the gay parent examiner for Denver is open. In your opinion, based on your experiences, is it worth my while to apply? Why or why not?

Some things to bear in mind:

It's a small niche, so probably not much traffic.
I've been freelancing just over a year.
My time is crazy limited, since I work full time and am...(wait for it) a gay parent.

Thoughts? Thanks.

[inkkognito]

The question is, even though it's a niche audience, do you think you could develop a loyal readership among them? The San Francisco Gay Travel Examiner is consistently in the top five nationwide because he is very good at slanting national stories to the local level and following up on them once he has piqued his readers' interest. The limited time would worry me tho' since it takes a lot of effort to build up that base audience and gain subscribers.

[Autodidact]

Thanks, Barb (already my hero.) May I inquire how much $ you're making from it? Side benefits for you?

[inkkognito]

My goal is $300 a month consistently (ha!) but I should pull down over $200 this month. Granted, I worked my butt off for it, but at least it was writing fun stuff. In travel, the side benefits are getting to go to media events (for example, the American Idol party at Disney). But if you compare it to Demand Studio, it's small potatoes. I stand to earn $600 to $700 there this month (granted, an exceptionally good month) for overall less effort but "dull" topics.

[Skyraven]

Well a new post is up about how NYC moms and dads can celebrate the Lenten Season with the kids. Check it out. :)

[princessvessna]

My goal is $300 a month consistently (ha!) but I should pull down over $200 this month. Granted, I worked my butt off for it, but at least it was writing fun stuff. In travel, the side benefits are getting to go to media events (for example, the American Idol party at Disney). But if you compare it to Demand Studio, it's small potatoes. I stand to earn $600 to $700 there this month (granted, an exceptionally good month) for overall less effort but "dull" topics.

Wow, good job! It also gets your name going in Google...although perhaps it only really benefits people like me, where practically every single Google result for my name is me due to the fact there's so few people with my name.

[HeidiW]

Wow, good job! It also gets your name going in Google...although perhaps it only really benefits people like me, where practically every single Google result for my name is me due to the fact there's so few people with my name.
Ha, I'm the ONLY person in the US with my name. Perhaps there's another in Germany. There are only 7 of us that we know of with our last name in the US.

Heidi

[Thrillride]

Examiners:

I just checked, and the gay parent examiner for Denver is open. In your opinion, based on your experiences, is it worth my while to apply? Why or why not?

Some things to bear in mind:

It's a small niche, so probably not much traffic.
I've been freelancing just over a year.
My time is crazy limited, since I work full time and am...(wait for it) a gay parent.

Thoughts? Thanks.


It's seriously not a lot of words - 200-300. They do like it 4Xs a week, though. You can always see if you like it.

I wonder if people sometimes forget about exposure, too? Getting yourself out there opens doors. Examiner has business cards for you. Is there anything you'd like to know more about in your community? Functions to attend? Tell the PR of that function that you want to write a little blip on what great things were there. Go as the press - they'll comp you.

Any books you want to read? Email the PR of that publishing house and tell them you want to do a book review for the examiner. They'll mail you books.

If you do like writing for them, you do it for a while, and you have more work and a link to show for other places you apply for.

It's free to try it out...so try it out.

(BTW - if you do want to do a book review, do one on something you already have - make it shiny - then link that so they can see a book review you've done.)

[princessvessna]

Ha, I'm the ONLY person in the US with my name. Perhaps there's another in Germany. There are only 7 of us that we know of with our last name in the US.

Heidi

I only saw one result that referenced some girl in San Diego. Otherwise, the results are alllllll me. It could be just the two of us. So it's practically like I'm the only one :)

WAIT - I just checked. That Bebo thing now comes up with Vanessa Hudgens. Weird. I thought I saw one...but I think this really means I AM it :)

[HeidiW]

Hi all. I'm really curious about the level of traffic various cities/topics are getting. I'd appreciate it if others would share the averages for January (since Feb isn't done yet) for their location and topic.

Mine:
Phoenix Average 754
Pets Average 625

(I'm below average for Jan but didn't even start until the end of the month!)

thanks,
Heidi

[inkkognito]

Orlando Average 921, Travel Average 1256. I'm staying quite a bit above average w/Theme Parks (well, used to be Getaways).

[Autodidact]

So for example, if you average 754, does that mean you earn around $7.54?

[inkkognito]

So for example, if you average 754, does that mean you earn around $7.54?
Yes, it can vary based on traffic, ad revenue, etc. but a penny a hit seems to be the average. I think you might have to hit a certain traffic level to get that, as mine shows below it sometimes in the morning, then goes up as the hits do.

[zoomusic]

These averages...I'm wondering: (okay, I'm so 'basic math,' and it's been a loooonnng day, so don't laugh!)

Is this the average for all the days of the month of January? So, if a January average comes up to, say 754, that means an average of 754 hits a day, for the month of January. Right? (hey! don't laugh!)

Or am I wrong...?

[Autodidact]

So to leap to a conclusion, it doesn't sound like it's being directly and immediately cost-effective, as you're writing >2 pieces/week for <$10 per month, and I assume you're doing it for exposure, credibility, and a hope for wealth in the future? Are you optimistic about those things? Why?
(I'm still trying to decide whether to apply.)

[Skyraven]

Well - one thing I've noticed is that I'm getting noticed. People email me with parenting stuff like books, services, and kids products like cd's and dvd's. Someone found me online after I interviewed the music band that she does pr. She has since invited me to see an off-broadway kids play, sent me cd's and dvd's to review. So the exposure is worth at least the swag I've been getting, which I'm sure is worth mre than $10 a month. :) I also think that it depends on the topic and hits. There are a lot of parenting examiners out there, but very few sites like the one Ink has. Especially since she writes about Disney and Florida. Many parents check out Disney every year, year-round. :) Way to go Ink btw. :) Keep up the great work. :)

[Autodidact]

Well, I applied to be the Denver Gay Parenting Examiner. I'll keep you posted.

[stldenise]

Hi all. I'm really curious about the level of traffic various cities/topics are getting. I'd appreciate it if others would share the averages for January (since Feb isn't done yet) for their location and topic.

Mine:
Phoenix Average 754
Pets Average 625

(I'm below average for Jan but didn't even start until the end of the month!)

thanks,
Heidi


St. Louis Average
1,127

Family & Parenting Average
1,570





for January...I think St. Louis is really new. Look at this month's numbers so far:
St. Louis Average
3,292

Family & Parenting Average
1,825



I think Examiner is good if you have the urge to blog, but it's not a cash cow. The site guarantees readers and lends you credibility. It pays without having to figure out Adsense or whatever people use. You get support - I'm going to do a conference call with my channel today at noon, and my channel manager has already given me lots of great advice. Hey, and free business cards, too!

[stldenise]

Hey, speaking of advice, has everyone else been getting good tips from their channel managers? I got one from mine the other day that made me slap my forehead...

She pointed out the best performing Parenting Examiner of the week (http://www.examiner.com/x-2491-Pregnancy-Examiner) and some things that she's doing well.
1) she puts a note at the bottom of her posts asking people to subscribe.
2) she's using SEO in her headlines
3) she's linking to her own stories
4) she's mixing evergreen and topical stories

Also, I noticed that she does two-parter type articles. Duh! Why didn't I think of that? If you break up a long piece into separate articles with a "click here for more" you automatically double your clicks. Magazine websites do this all the time!

[inkkognito]

Travel has a great channel manager too. He does a weekly email with shout-outs and explanations of why certain examiners or articles did really well. Yesterday he even shot me an email about a Google search words trend he noticed so I could whip out a piece to take advantage of it. He also did a conference call for us recently.

I love to to multi-part articles too. I've done it with a cruise trip report and the American Idol event at WDW. Even when an article isn't part of a series, I always include at least two or three links to other articles I've written. I also do certain topics on certain days of the week and have that in a list on the side of my page. It's fun to experiment and discover new ways to boost those page views.

I'm waiting desperately for my business cards, although they're going to have my old title. Sigh! Oh well, I think the link will still work.

[stldenise]

Hey, Auto:
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/profile.php?id=1219625104
This guy - Frederick Reinhardt is the gay parenting Examiner in Austin. He's on our Facebook group for Parenting Examiners. The facebook group (http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=67683896997) is open, so come on over. Maybe contact Fred and see what he thinks about it.

[Thrillride]

(wait..messed up)

[Autodidact]

Thanks Denise, I sent him a facebook message and will join the group if I'm accepted. Good tips all.

After starting a list of possible articles, I realized that I want to be an examiner on this subject because I'm passionate and knowledgeable about it, and I have a lot to share. I should have said that in my application!

[Thrillride]

Thanks Denise, I sent him a facebook message and will join the group if I'm accepted. Good tips all.

After starting a list of possible articles, I realized that I want to be an examiner on this subject because I'm passionate and knowledgeable about it, and I have a lot to share. I should have said that in my application!


(Okay, Examiners, we've got her now)

Muahahahahaha...welcome to the dark side.

[inkkognito]

(Okay, Examiners, we've got her now)

Muahahahahaha...welcome to the dark side.
We have cookies!

[Thrillride]

LOLOL! I'm sorry, but NO ONE should have this much fun writing articles.

Fun with Owl Puke (http://www.examiner.com/x-2981-SF-Wildlife-Examiner%7Ey2009m2d26-Owl-pellets-fun-with-owl-puke)

Had to share.

[caseyquinn]

its funny charlotte market is becoming competitive now, before i would make a post each day and it would be in teh popular section within the next update - now it doesnt always make it there and i am getting the same viws - it is good to see that lately we have had like 10 new examiners start - more posts more traffic!

[zoomusic]

Woot! Maybe?

Hmmm...I got an e-mail from Examiner this afternoon saying they think I have what it takes to be an examiner in the area I applied for...all I have to do is reply to the e-mail to get started.

Is this something new? E-mails instead of phone calls?

[caseyquinn]

I did everything via email - but then they did call to talk but after i was already apart of them

[inkkognito]

Now that things are shifting into high gear, they may have switched to emails to be more time efficient. I think my initial contact was email prior to the calls. Once you're on board, you should be able to participate in one of the orientation calls and possibly calls dedicated to your particular "channel" too.

[zoomusic]

Wow, yeah, I read the e-mail again, and it says I definitely got it. 'We're looking forward to reading your Examiner page,' or something like that.

I'm so excited! I've really been wanting this. ;-)

[caseyquinn]

We have a pot head coming to town :)

http://www.examiner.com/x-2683-Charlotte-Sports-Examiner

[inkkognito]

Wow, yeah, I read the e-mail again, and it says I definitely got it. 'We're looking forward to reading your Examiner page,' or something like that.

I'm so excited! I've really been wanting this. ;-)
Woo hoo! I'm excited for you : ) I know how much fun I'm having with Examiner so hopefully it will be a great experience for you too.

[stldenise]

Well - one thing I've noticed is that I'm getting noticed. People email me with parenting stuff like books, services, and kids products like cd's and dvd's. Someone found me online after I interviewed the music band that she does pr. She has since invited me to see an off-broadway kids play, sent me cd's and dvd's to review. So the exposure is worth at least the swag I've been getting, which I'm sure is worth mre than $10 a month.

I want swag!!

[Thrillride]

Woot! Maybe?

Hmmm...I got an e-mail from Examiner this afternoon saying they think I have what it takes to be an examiner in the area I applied for...all I have to do is reply to the e-mail to get started.

Is this something new? E-mails instead of phone calls?

You're in! Actually, I never did talk to them until a conference call with other new Examiners.
I, too, am having a very good time over there. Have fun!

[HeidiW]

Congrats to new examiners! Be sure to put your link in your sig. And Casey is doing a bang-up job keeping the list updated so we can all link to each other and do favorites and such.

And thanks to LS for listing me as referrer on her app! I am going to start referring a bunch of Phoenix people so our site will grow, traffic seems low compared to most cities.

Heidi

[stldenise]

PrincessV/Tomato chick: thanks for the link yesterday...meant to get back to you on that. Campbell's is doing a free tomato seed give away, but when I went to write it I found that they aren't starting until March 15. So I'm going to wait a little longer. If you want to tell your readers about it: http://www.helpgrowyoursoup.com/ffa They're also painting farmers barns red and going to give out some grants for school gardens. Did you know Campbell's had their own seed company?