About.com?

[cool_st_elizabeth]

Has anyone been a guide on About.com? I'd appreciate any info!

[JamieL]

Hello,

I've been lurking for a while and thought this was a good point to jump in since I am an About.com guide. I've been a guide for several years and really enjoy work. They give you a lot of freedom to write about your topic, the other guides are friendly and helpful, and they pay well.

It can be difficult to get started. They have prospective guides go through a prep program where you compete with other potential guides for the same subject. You need to create content and write articles. It works out well if you get the job. But, it can be a bummer if you end up doing all that work without getting paid! So, if you get accepted to the prep program, I'd suggest you spend a lot of time getting the site together upfront.

If you haven't already read this page, it's a good source of info: http://beaguide.about.com/index.htm

Good luck!

[Marilyn Braun]

Interesting. There are a list of topics, none of which I really know anything about. Is it possible to submit an application for an area of expertise which isn't presently listed? It doesn't look like it but maybe I'm looking in the wrong place.

[cool_st_elizabeth]

They have prospective guides go through a prep program where you compete with other potential guides for the same subject.

Thanx JamieL. I applied only three days ago, and the email I got from them said it might take up to eight weeks to get accepted into the prep program, and not to inquire because that would delay the process further!

I knew I wouldn't get paid for the prep program, if I get in. But I didn't realize other ppl would be prepping for the same subject category at the same time ... the topic I applied for has to do with medicine. I can make a credible website & I know I can write well on my chosen topic, but I may lose out in the end because I'm not a physician. I'm planning to go for it anyway though!

[Pamster]

Hello,

I've been lurking for a while and thought this was a good point to jump in since I am an About.com guide. I've been a guide for several years and really enjoy work. They give you a lot of freedom to write about your topic, the other guides are friendly and helpful, and they pay well.

It can be difficult to get started. They have prospective guides go through a prep program where you compete with other potential guides for the same subject. You need to create content and write articles. It works out well if you get the job. But, it can be a bummer if you end up doing all that work without getting paid! So, if you get accepted to the prep program, I'd suggest you spend a lot of time getting the site together upfront.

If you haven't already read this page, it's a good source of info: http://beaguide.about.com/index.htm

Good luck!

Thanks for posting JamieL, welcome to the Cooler! :D That's a lot of real good info, thank you. :D

[Sassenach]

I've heard that they've significantly reduced payments to guides. Is that true? Do they retain the rights to your work?

[TemlynWriting]

I've heard that they've significantly reduced payments to guides. Is that true? Do they retain the rights to your work? Deb Ng was recently hired on as an About.com guide, and has indicated in this thread (http://www.absolutewrite.com/forums/showthread.php?t=51018) that the pay has actually increased from the minimum of $500 per month, though I'm not sure by how much. I do know someone else who is currently working for them and mentioned that the pay has, indeed, increased.

[JamieL]

Guides are paid based on page views, but also have a base pay. New guides are guaranteed to make at least the base pay for the first two years. The base pay went up quite a bit this year too. :)

cool_st_elizabeth: They have really been pushing to make the medical sites stellar. It's a good sign that you were accepted into prep. It is true that it can take forever to hear back from them! I waited weeks!

Marilyn Braun: I don't think there's a way to apply for a guide position that isn't listed on the available topics page.

[cool_st_elizabeth]

cool_st_elizabeth: They have really been pushing to make the medical sites stellar. It's a good sign that you were accepted into prep. It is true that it can take forever to hear back from them! I waited weeks!

LOL ... nope, I'm not accepted into prep, not yet anyway ... I got an autoresponse type of email thanking me for my application & saying I might not hear anything else for up to eight weeks!

[JamieL]

Sorry, I must have read through your response too fast.

[cattywampus]

I tried to get into this a year or so ago. I was approved with no problem, and fairly quickly. But at that time, you had to set up your own site using HTML, inserting code into their code. I couldn't get it to work, although I followed their instructions. I spent a couple of weeks with this, then I guess they got tired of all my questions and more or less barred me. They seem extremely picky, but some of their sites must really be making money.

[TemlynWriting]

I tried to get into this a year or so ago. I was approved with no problem, and fairly quickly. But at that time, you had to set up your own site using HTML, inserting code into their code. I couldn't get it to work, although I followed their instructions. I spent a couple of weeks with this, then I guess they got tired of all my questions and more or less barred me. They seem extremely picky, but some of their sites must really be making money. Actually, that was Allinfoabout.com, Catty. I remember when that was happening. About.com is different.

Hope that helps! :)

[ModoReese]

Does anyone know about who writes the daily or weekly email lessons for the AboutU part of About.com? There's a few subjects I'd love to pitch if they're still taking new ideas.

Thanks!

Michelle

[Marilyn Braun]

Marilyn Braun: I don't think there's a way to apply for a guide position that isn't listed on the available topics page.

I actually looked up my subject and it's a sub-category of the main topic. There are openings for a topic expert, so I applied in that way.

Fingers crossed!!

[cool_st_elizabeth]

Good luck Marilyn ;-)

[midwife]

After reading this thread and following the links, I decided to apply for a topic, too. I used the same style and perspective that I use when counseling women. (I applied for the contraceptive piece).

[kohuether]

I decided to go for it, too! I applied today. It looks like fun! :)

[BlueBadger]

I just applied too! I sort of had my hours drastically cut at my day job, so I guess this is as good a time as any to get serious about my freelancing.

[Aesposito]

I applied too this weekend, just for some extra cash....chose Heart Attacks, since I teach cardiac stuff at local hospital... fingers crossed!

Audrey

[veinglory]

I stopped actually using the about site when the ads got more aggressive and started to include popups.

[BlueBadger]

I didn't even notice. God bless Firefox.

[ShannonC_77]

I just applied as well... I've been waiting for a particular topic to open up and it looks like it finally did. I applied for inline skating a while ago, but didn't get accepted. I was kind of expecting that though, it was a stretch. This one I think I stand a better chance hopefully...

I'm also a guide on suite101.com for pretty much the same topic so maybe that will help me out as well. Now just the wait.

[DTNg]

I'm the new Guide to Weblogs, the site should be up shortly. I found prep simple and didn't have to email my mentor once with a technical question. I heard all of these horror stories about how prep takes up all of your time and there are all of these tools and templates to learn, but I found it to be a breeze. I was able to handle About and my other work and only had to spend a few extra hours at my computer.

Incidentally, I was accepted into prep only two days after I applied. The thing that scared me was how I would be competing with others for the site. I'm technically challenged and felt this would be a detriment. I'm happy to report the tools are easy for beginners. Even if I didn't make prep, it was an incredible learning experience. I could have taken everything I wrote for prep and turned it into an informative site or blog.

[DTNg]

I didn't even notice. God bless Firefox.
Same here. I never see popups.

[Eeman]

I heard all of these horror stories about how prep takes up all of your time and there are all of these tools and templates to learn, but I found it to be a breeze.

I was accepted to host a site back in 1997, but I could not make it through orientation because of technical difficulties. At that time, they required you to download a series of templates, fill them out off-line and upload them via FTP software. I did not even know what FTP was, but I found help and learned. However, I could never get my files into the right folders and generally made a mess of the whole thing. I now regularly use FTP software for another job, but the software of today is so much more user-friendly than it was ten years ago. I imagine that About.com no longer uses this system as it would be quite cumbersome for a computer novice to learn and navigate. I do not consider myself technically challenged either, so it was a real disappointment when I could not solve the problems I was having. Maybe the horror stories come from people who had a similar experience to mine.

[DTNg]

I was accepted to host a site back in 1997, but I could not make it through orientation because of technical difficulties. At that time, they required you to download a series of templates, fill them out off-line and upload them via FTP software. I did not even know what FTP was, but I found help and learned. However, I could never get my files into the right folders and generally made a mess of the whole thing. I now regularly use FTP software for another job, but the software of today is so much more user-friendly than it was ten years ago. I imagine that About.com no longer uses this system as it would be quite cumbersome for a computer novice to learn and navigate. I do not consider myself technically challenged either, so it was a real disappointment when I could not solve the problems I was having. Maybe the horror stories come from people who had a similar experience to mine.

It could be. All of the templates are online now and I found them to be user-friendly. If you have the time, I encourage you to give it another try.

[Talia]

I've had similar bad experiences. The application said that you needed to know basic html but I found it overwhelming. Also they wanted me to start straight away and I had exams plus Christmas holidays so I flagged it. This is going back a few years so I'm sure things have changed

I would love to know how much people there really earn. What does it work out to on an hourly basis? Perhaps, someone who has worked there a while could answer? When I worked out the hourly rate for that base $500 I decided it wasn't worth my while. Of course, saying that I blog for a few miserable amazon commissions, but with blogging I have no deadlines and can write about anything I want.

[JamieL]

Wow, seems like a lot of people are applying. Best of luck to all. :)

They just updated their minimum pay. Every month for your first two years you will make at least $725. As long as your page views increase monthly after your first two years are up, you will continue to make at least that much.

Michelle: The email courses are created by the guides of their respective subjects. So, the homeschooling guide can create courses about education-related subjects, the freelance writing guide can create courses about how to be a successful writer, etc. To my knowledge, About doesn't hire people just to write the courses.

[Talia]

Thanks for the update Jamie

Can I ask how much time you put in each week?

[Talia]

Another question Jamie...

Can you schedule things in advance? For example if you're going to be away for a couple of weeks can you post date your articles, blogs, newsletter so they happen automatically while you are away?

[JamieL]

TaliaMana: Sorry for the very delayed response. It's hard to say how much time I put in a week. When I have a lot of other writing deadlines, I do the minimum (3 blog posts a week and one article every 14 days). When I'm not so booked, I do as much as I can.

Doing the minimum, it takes about 20 mins to write a blog post and a few hours to write an article - so it doesn't take all that much time a week.

However, many weeks I put in a lot more work because I want my site to do well.

[BlueBadger]

Haven't heard back yet on my application ... but then again it's only been two weeks. And the category I applied for is still open, so I guess it hasn't been filled yet.

[Talia]

thanks JamieL

[ShannonC_77]

Haven't heard back yet on my application ... but then again it's only been two weeks. And the category I applied for is still open, so I guess it hasn't been filled yet.

Same here... I'm still waiting to hear back for the one I applied for.

Just out of curiousity did anyone apply for the freelance writer topic? (If you're comfortable saying). I saw that and figured it'd be a good one for some people here... I'm still a newbie so not for me though.

[JamieL]

Re: Post-dating material. Yes, it is possible to post-date blogs, newsletters, and articles to be published at a later date if you are going on vacation or just want to plan ahead.

[DTNg]

Same here... I'm still waiting to hear back for the one I applied for.

Just out of curiousity did anyone apply for the freelance writer topic? (If you're comfortable saying). I saw that and figured it'd be a good one for some people here... I'm still a newbie so not for me though.

I know several people who applied for that topic and were turned down, I'm assuming the candidates are already competing for the site. The competition for Freelance Writing has to be fierce. A bunch of new topics appear to be added all the time, so I would check back often.

[BlueBadger]

If your application is rejected, are you generally informed?

[ShannonC_77]

If your application is rejected, are you generally informed?

Yes you get sent an e-mail. I applied for inline skating a while ago (it was a long shot... using my figure skating and fitness background as hopes of getting it) and they just sent me an e-mail telling me I wasn't quite qualified for the position and they were looking for someone with a different background. I kind of expected it so I wasn't surprised... but never hurts to try right? :p

[BlueBadger]

Never hurts to try! I have suitable experience for my hoped-for topic, but I'm sure the competition is fierce. I'm glad they let you know whether or not you're picked, though. Even if I don't get it, I'll be sure to check back often and see if anything else opens up.

[Nancy]

I've been reading this thread w/ interest. After checking out the site, I have a question.

One of the areas in which I have expertise is mental health. I see on the mental health guide's site that it says, "Apply Now" where his name and info would be. That topic is not listed under available topics.

Any thoughts?

TIA,

[Talia]

I've been reading this thread w/ interest. After checking out the site, I have a question.

One of the areas in which I have expertise is mental health. I see on the mental health guide's site that it says, "Apply Now" where his name and info would be. That topic is not listed under available topics.

Any thoughts?

TIA,

According to the site... Leonard Holmes is the guide???
http://mentalhealth.about.com/mbiopage.htm
Leonard Holmes, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist who practices in the real world. He specializes in health psychology - especially treatment of chronic pain, in work with abuse survivors, and in Online mental health issues.
Like all the Guides at About.com., I'm a real person. I check the Forum (http://forums.about.com/ab-mentalhealth) regularly. Post your questions or comments and you'll get input from a variety of voices.

Maybe, he no longer works there???
I'm a psychologist and I am also interested in this topic but there doesn't appear to be any way to contact About.com to enquire on the status of the topic.

[plaidearthworm]

Just out of curiousity did anyone apply for the freelance writer topic? (If you're comfortable saying). I saw that and figured it'd be a good one for some people here... I'm still a newbie so not for me though.

I applied around Jan. 15, and haven't heard anything yet. I'm hoping that's a good sign!

[latoya]

Yesterday, I applied for to be a guide on the Credit/Debt Management topic. I've been waiting on something consumer finance related to open up. Good luck to all the other applicants.

[chocncheese]

Hi,

I used to lurk in the fiction writing threads, but have been considering freelancing as my day job so here I am.

Am I only one that gets major page errors on about.com? I tried to look at one of the sites and then I looked at the 'be a guide' page after reading this thread, and the format was so wacky that I couldn't figure out how to apply.

There is a somewhat obscure topic that I'd love to apply for and that seems to be on the list so any help would be appreciated.

[fringle]

I too usually lurk, but as an About.com guide, I felt I should speak up.
About is a fantastic place to work. When I applied, I thought of it more as a hobby w/ a $500/mo paycheck. Now, it has become an exciting and well-paying career. I can tell you that it's easy to surpass that min payment in a very short amt of time, and even easier to maintain a higher pay. I make much, much more than the min, and I assume most guides, once they've worked for a year or more, do.
The exposure is fantastic; I'm in regular contact w/ important people in my field all the time. I'm invited to big events that I never thought I'd attend. I get interviewed by the media. I love my job.
If you have an opportunity to apply for a GuideSite, go for it. It really is worth it.

[BlueBadger]

Well then! I hope my application is approved!

[karasw]

fringle - what's your site? (if you'd like to come out of the lurking closet...:-))

[WildScribe]

Applied under freelance... stomach is in a knot... wish me luck!

[chocncheese]

Thanks for sharing that info, fringle. That's great to hear.

The topic I am interested in is still up there, but I STILL can't figure out how/where to apply. I don't see any links on the 'be a guide' or topics page- is it because I get so many page errors?

Argh!!! How do I apply?

[DTNg]

I'm a new Guide for about a week now and am having a blast! I still have a lot to learn but everyone is so helpful. I do enjoy blogging about blogging and people were commenting on my blog beginning the first day.

To apply go to the bottom of About.com's home page to the link that says "Be a Guide." By the way, Weblogs is the third topic I tried for with About. I was told I didn't have enough experience for the first two. My application was accepted a week after I applied and prep started about 3 weeks later. I finished prep at the end of December, "graduated" in mid-January. My site is live as of February 1.

[BlueBadger]

DTNg (ha ha that's fun to type) how long did you wait for your application to be approved? Some people are saying two weeks and others are saying eight. I guess it can fall anywhere in between.

Oh well, the best way to keep your mind off these sorts of things is ... to work!

(But ... I'm hungry.)

[ShannonC_77]

Oh that's so great to hear. I'm still waiting to hear back from them too. It'd be a dream come true to get hired I think, just exposure alone would benefit me so much. I know I'm more qualified for the subject this time than the last one I applied for so with any luck.... :)

[cool_st_elizabeth]

I applied on January 15 & haven't heard yet. The topic I applied for is a medical subspecialty ... I'm not a doctor but I have been running a website on related subjects since 2001 & have published two books that I developed from the website. At least, it's good to know they email you if they turn you down.

[DTNg]

DTNg (ha ha that's fun to type) how long did you wait for your application to be approved? Some people are saying two weeks and others are saying eight. I guess it can fall anywhere in between.

Oh well, the best way to keep your mind off these sorts of things is ... to work!

(But ... I'm hungry.)

I heard back in a matter of days. I keep thinking it was only a couple of days, but it definitely wasn't more than a week.

[BlueBadger]

I wonder if some topics are given more priority than others.

[ShannonC_77]

I wonder if it's a bad sign if you don't hear back right away. Does anyone know what their procedures are? I'm just curious as to whether they wait so long to let multiple applications come in or if when they find someone who is qualified they accept them right away.

[BlueBadger]

I doubt it's really a bad sign if you don't hear back right away. The confirmation email states it can take up to eight weeks for anything to be decided. But then again I'm not sure.

[Talia]

<---- kicking myself


I applied 2-3 years ago and heard back fairly quickly (2-3 weeks) that they were interested in taking things to the next level. To be honest I didn't know that they turned some applicants down. Didn't know how lucky I was LOL

In the end I didn't go ahead with it for a number of reasons. The timing was off, I wasn't sure of my future direction and goals, I knew a lot less about html at that stage yada yada. I do remember about.com as being fairly prompt with all their communications. They have rules and procedures and they seemed to stick to them.

[Talia]

I wonder about the overlap in the topics. That's something that concerns me. In some areas there's not much overlap but in the health field there is huge overlap. Some of the topics are really subtopics of other ones. I wonder if there is enough material for some of those smaller topics to be able to write 3 articles a week for years.

[cool_st_elizabeth]

For the subtopic of cardiology that I applied for, there would be plenty of material. The whole main topic would be too much for one person.

[Talia]

I agree - that's a big topic.

I decided to apply for a mental health sub-topic. I've given it a lot of thought and I think I can create enough material to sustain the position long-term. I just have to keep my fingers crossed that they don't ask me to start the training when I'm away doing my speaking engagements. I have a week in April when I'm off to Singapore and then traveling around the country here.

If I get the gig I will have to learn American spelling LOL

[Aesposito]

....and I've been accepted for prep for the topic that I applied for! Took about a month to hear from them, FYI.

Audrey

[midwife]

Congrats, Audrey! I believe we applied about the same time. I have not heard back yet...

[Talia]

Congrats Audrey!!! What was the topic you applied for?

[Aesposito]

Congrats Audrey!!! What was the topic you applied for?


Heart attacks. I'm a paramedic and ACLS/PALS/CPR instructor with cardiac tech experience who also teaches doctors, nurses and other medics about cardiac issues.

I'm curious to see what topics you and others applied for as well....and how long they are taking to get back to everyone.


Audrey

[Talia]

Audrey: You sound well qualified for that guide position. If you can make it through the training period (which sounds pretty time intensive) then I'm sure you will do well.

I applied for seasonal affective disorder about a week ago. It's not my preferred topic, but the ones I want aren't available. Unfortunately I didn't say in the application that I'm not available for 1 week in April and I'm worried that will be the week they tell me they want the prep done during that week. I had planned to tell them that in my application but there wasn't a space for that sort of information. Instead they just wanted my qualifications.

I feel like it could be an interesting topic but it's a "small" topic and already duplicates a lot of the content that their depression and mental health guides provide so I'm not sure how much I can put into the topic that will be original.

[Aesposito]

I applied for seasonal affective disorder about a week ago. It's not my preferred topic, but the ones I want aren't available. Unfortunately I didn't say in the application that I'm not available for 1 week in April and I'm worried that will be the week they tell me they want the prep done during that week. I had planned to tell them that in my application but there wasn't a space for that sort of information. Instead they just wanted my qualifications.

I wouldn't worry. According to the email they sent me, prep is 14 days long, and doesn't start until next week (for me). They also gave me a list of what they would need in advance, so you would have plenty of time to pre-write some stuff, I'm sure.

Audrey

[Talia]

I honestly don't think I'd manage to condense the prep into 7 days, especially with only 1 week's notice.

The same thing happened last time (although it was a different topic). I only had 1 week's notice and it clashed with exams and other things and I felt it would be too much.

I have to carefully manage my fatigue due to a sleeping disorder. Hopefully by then I will have seen the neurologist and have some more information and maybe drugs to help but it would place a lot of pressure on me.

I'll just keep my fingers crossed the timing works out to either give me the full 14 days or that the sleep disorder is resolved. I am looking into buying a laptop which means I might be able to do some prep while away from home. Also, I feel more confident now as I run my own blog so I've learned more html and that should simplify things

Good luck with your prep. Let us know what it's like...

[ShannonC_77]

Congrats on getting accepted! That's awesome. I'm still waiting to hear back, I think it's been about a month now maybe. I really hope I get accepted, I applied for weight training and I have a degree in Exercise Science and have been a personal trainer for 3 years so hopefully it's enough. All my writing has pretty much been on this topic as well too so with any luck... it seems like about is a really good opportunity.

[Melina]

So, can anyone tell us whether or not they retain all rights to your work? Jamie? Audrey? I'd really be interested to know, and it sure would go a long way toward deciding whether it's worth the time (for me, because I'm generally pressed for time as it is...).

[BlueBadger]

I applied as a guide for Manga. I review product for Cinescape and have my own column on the subject, so I might have a decent shot at the title. I put in my application 'bout three weeks ago.

[Talia]

So, can anyone tell us whether or not they retain all rights to your work? Jamie? Audrey? I'd really be interested to know, and it sure would go a long way toward deciding whether it's worth the time...

have you read the FAQs? I'm pretty sure that's all covered. If not it's part of the application form

[Melina]

Yeah, I read the FAQs. There was no mention of what rights the author retained, if any.

[Talia]

darn I know I saw it somewhere

Maybe pretend to apply for a position. under apply and then it comes up with something asking you to agree to terms - must be in that part

[Aesposito]

So, can anyone tell us whether or not they retain all rights to your work? Jamie? Audrey? I'd really be interested to know, and it sure would go a long way toward deciding whether it's worth the time (for me, because I'm generally pressed for time as it is...).

From their user agreement: "Any communication or material you post or transmit to the Service and/or the Sites is, and will be treated as, non-confidential and non-proprietary. You assume full responsibility for anything you post or transmit, and you grant About.com and its affiliates the right to edit, copy, publish and distribute any information or content you post or transmit for any purpose."

Not sure that answers the question, but it raises some other interesting questions.....

Also, they will delete anything you post during the training/prep process if you are not ultimately accepted.

Audrey

[Aesposito]

Further info from the acceptance email I got from them:

"About makes no claims to the content you publish on the sample site in
Prep. If you are selected, at the end of Prep we will offer you a Guide
contract which allows us to license the content you create for us, both
in Prep and thereafter. However, should you NOT become a Guide, we will
erase the sample site and will not use the content you created for any
purpose."

Audrey

[cool_st_elizabeth]

Congratulations Audrey!

[Talia]

That suggests copyright remains with the author, which is as it should be.

[SeeEmilywrite]

I am an About.com guide as well.

I'm not exactly sure I understand the question...Everything you do in prep remains your property. If they don't accept you they don't pay you and delete your sample site.

I actually went through prep for another topic before I was accepted for my current one and was rejected. I sold all of the articles I created in prep to other sources.

[JamieL]

Congrats, Audrey. Good luck in prep!

[Kristen King]

Yes, the fact that they license your content means that it's your content and you're just giving them permission to use it.

kk, who applied for Freelance Writing and was brutally rebuffed

[Melina]

I am an About.com guide as well.

I'm not exactly sure I understand the question...Everything you do in prep remains your property. If they don't accept you they don't pay you and delete your sample site.

I actually went through prep for another topic before I was accepted for my current one and was rejected. I sold all of the articles I created in prep to other sources.

I'm not talking about during prep. That part was clear in the application. What wasn't clear is whether or not you can recycle your articles and sell them to other publications after you've posted them on your About site.

[Aesposito]

Began prep, immediately ran into a technical difficulty whereby I wasn't able to access the help forums etc that prep people are supposed to have access to. Support people and prep guide dude wasn't sure why.

Two days and a few conversations with support later, I'm in. All very nice people.

I'll post a periodic update if anyone is interested.

Audrey

[whiskeyz]

Well, about.com only pays well if you write on a topic that's popular and is read a lot. Compensation is based on page views. It can often be a huge amount of work for not much compensation. I write for a city topic and they want lots of restaurant and bar reviews and for me to go to events, but they don't reimburse for expenses. It should be a full time job, at least for my topic, but it's not compensated anywhere near as such. (I made more in 4 months of temping, than I did in a year at About.com) Also the tools are quirky and they don't use HTML for most things, but instead use their own mark up language.
That said you do get to write about whatever you want within your topic so the freedom there is nice and you can post as often as you want.

[Talia]

congrats Audrey!!!

How many hours do you think the prep took?

And when will your column go live?

[Talia]

Well, about.com only pays well if you write on a topic that's popular and is read a lot. Compensation is based on page views. It can often be a huge amount of work for not much compensation. I write for a city topic and they want lots of restaurant and bar reviews and for me to go to events, but they don't reimburse for expenses. It should be a full time job, at least for my topic, but it's not compensated anywhere near as such. (I made more in 4 months of temping, than I did in a year at About.com) Also the tools are quirky and they don't use HTML for most things, but instead use their own mark up language.
That said you do get to write about whatever you want within your topic so the freedom there is nice and you can post as often as you want.

Yes I wondered about that too. A lot of the topics have subtopics so that means not only have you got a small little piece of the pie to write about but several other about.com writers will also be writing on the same topic.

You've given me a little nudge. Before I sign up I'll do a keyword search on my topic and see how popular that keyword is in search engine requests to see what I can expect

What are the most popular topics?

[Melina]

I'll post a periodic update if anyone is interested.

Audrey


Yes, please do, Audrey!

[ShannonC_77]

I'm still waiting to hear back from them... trying to be patient... I have no patience. :p I would really like to write for the section I applied for so I'm just praying. How long was it supposed to be again? I think it's been almost 2 months now but it's still showing as an open topic.

[Melina]

I think Audrey (or someone) said it took them 8 weeks to get back to you, so you should be hearing something soon...

[Talia]

what was your topic shannon?

i think they do them in bunches, according to when they have mentors available for the topics so I wouldn't panic.

[ShannonC_77]

what was your topic shannon?

i think they do them in bunches, according to when they have mentors available for the topics so I wouldn't panic.

The topic was for weight training. I have what they were looking for I think (degree in Exercise Science and I was a personal trainer for 3 years, plus pretty much all the writing I've done is on weight lifting/nutrition) so it seems like I'd have a good chance... or at least I'm hoping :) (and praying! :D) If they do them in bunches then I'm sure it's fine, I just need to learn to be patient. It's nice that they let you know either way though.

[BlueBadger]

I haven't heard back on my application, either. For a while there, I kind of forgot I applied. XD But I really do hope to land it.

[Talia]

Shannon it sounds like you're qualified for the position so I'm sure they will give you a chance if the position is still open.

I'm going to do some keyword searches on the topic I applied for and try to get a feel for the popularity and breadth of the topic

[midwife]

I am also interested in the updates. : )
Talia, how can you tell the popularity of a topic via searching?
Shannon, I also have not heard back and I am getting close to the 8 wks.

[ShannonC_77]

Okay, well it's somewhat comforting to know at least I'm not the only one and all hope is not lost. The good thing with my topic is seriously there is endless stuff I could talk about so I don't foresee coming up with original content that hard. Plus, with the world of weight loss these days it's a fairly popular topic so I'd just have to market it right.

Do they guarantee you the $750/month (or was it $500??) or is that only right at the start?

[Talia]

they guarantee your income for the initial period - can't remember if it's 12 or 24 mths - of US$725/mo

Agree shannon your topic would be popular

midwife keyword searches tell you the popularity of a topic (number of people searching by that keyword)

for example I found that there are 10x more people searching for the keyword depression compared with seasonal affective disorder

A lot of the profitable topics are taken. I'd have loved the mental health topic - lots of variety and popular search item with big income potential

Some of those subtopics wouldn't earn much money

[ShannonC_77]

they guarantee your income for the initial period - can't remember if it's 12 or 24 mths - of US$725/mo

Agree shannon your topic would be popular




Ahh, I see. So I wonder how many guides can maintain this $725/month after the initial period, and how much is actually possible to make, do actually learn enough to support themselves off of it? (say 2-3k...that's probably an overshoot I would imagine?)

[midwife]

midwife keyword searches tell you the popularity of a topic (number of people searching by that keyword)

for example I found that there are 10x more people searching for the keyword depression compared with seasonal affective disorder



Hi Talia. I do understand that part, but how do you find out the number of people searching by a keyword? Thanks...Sorry if it is a dumb question.

[Talia]

shannon some guides earn 6 figures. I would guess topics such as stress management, weight loss, health and popular movies and their stars.

midwife - google the topic and you will find a number of different tools that will give you your answers...

[JamieL]

Guides are guaranteed the $725 base pay for 2 years. As long as your page views grow even a little each year (which they should, if you are making new content), you will continue making at least $725.

http://beaguide.about.com/compensation.htm

[midwife]

Thank you, Talia.

[ShannonC_77]

Thanks also for the info JamieL and Talia. It seems like a really good opportunity for sure. Keep my fingers crossed. :)

[Aesposito]

Have finished phase one of prep.... less writing and more learning about their system, how to post/link stuff... getting to know their propietary version of HTML, etc. Preliminary site is up, looks...well...preliminary. As I finish next phases, it will look better I'm sure.

Technical helps is very nice and responsive so far. FYI...this is NOT for the tech- or computer-phobe.....there is a lot of html and their posting mechanism to learn.....although it's easy enough to figure out.

Oh, and to answer some of previous posts....I've had to provide meta keywords for every story, headline and link I do....so they are definitely very sensitive to search engines.

Audrey

[DTNg]

Have finished phase one of prep.... less writing and more learning about their system, how to post/link stuff... getting to know their propietary version of HTML, etc. Preliminary site is up, looks...well...preliminary. As I finish next phases, it will look better I'm sure.

Technical helps is very nice and responsive so far. FYI...this is NOT for the tech- or computer-phobe.....there is a lot of html and their posting mechanism to learn.....although it's easy enough to figure out.

Oh, and to answer some of previous posts....I've had to provide meta keywords for every story, headline and link I do....so they are definitely very sensitive to search engines.

Audrey

They're sensitive to search engines, but you don't have to get silly with the keywords.

My site went live on Feb 1. I found prep quite easy. I was scared to death because I'm not a technical person, but there are detailed instructions for everything and I find the templates to be user-friendly. My only real issues were using the wrong template. There's a lot to remember though and a lot to learn. Even now, one month into it I still don't know half of what I should! I'm enjoying the experience though and hope to be with About for a long time.

Good luck, Audrey.

[midwife]

Just checked the topic site and the topic I applied for is no longer up. I know that no one knows if that means anything at all for me, but I just wanted to toss it out there. Haven't heard anything back yet, other than they got my application, and it has been about 5 weeks. I am learning such patience with all of this!

[Talia]

It probably means they've filled that guide position - perhaps they had someone doing prep at the time you applied. Hard luck.

Audrey - are you a guide yet or still doing your 2 weeks prep? Or is this another phase altogether?

[midwife]

That's true. There's not a guided section up on my topic yet, though, and there are a couple of more weeks before eights weeks are up...so I will remain cautiously optimistic. I can always apply for the STD section too. Such is my area of expertise!

[Aesposito]

It probably means they've filled that guide position - perhaps they had someone doing prep at the time you applied. Hard luck.

Audrey - are you a guide yet or still doing your 2 weeks prep? Or is this another phase altogether?

Still in prep, working on second review requiremens, got nice feedback in my first review.

Audrey

[Talia]

soooo midwife what topic did you apply for?

there is always a time lag going live. it can take a few weeks after a guide is appointed before the site is ready to go

I've seen a new topic in my expertise but the catch is that it's an area I used to work in. Now I work in other areas so it may not be a smart move to spread myself so thin.

[ShannonC_77]

Hmm, that's interesting the topic you applied for is off now. I checked this morning and mine is still there. I'm so anxious to find out about it, patience is not my strong suit.

They do e-mail you either way though right? For the last topic I applied for I did get a rejection e-mail so at least that was good to know. The topic however for that one is still open so I guess no one qualified enough yet has applied.

[DTNg]

Hmm, that's interesting the topic you applied for is off now. I checked this morning and mine is still there. I'm so anxious to find out about it, patience is not my strong suit.

They do e-mail you either way though right? For the last topic I applied for I did get a rejection e-mail so at least that was good to know. The topic however for that one is still open so I guess no one qualified enough yet has applied.

They'll let you know either way. I know others who applied for various topics and received rejections within a week or two.

[BlueBadger]

I'm into week six and I haven't heard anything yet. I'm kind of set for projects 'til the middle of the month, but it'd be nice to know if they want me or not.

Maybe I should make a Reality TV show. "WAITING! Week Six!"

[ShannonC_77]

I'm just wondering, for the prep portion, how much time daily do you have to spend doing it? Do most of their guides have other full time jobs or are they freelancers who are dedicating a significant portion of their time to it?

I'm still waiting on mine.... seems to be taking forever, well that and I'm impatient! :p

[wordsmyth]

I just applied to be a Frugal Living guide. I'd love to do this, so hopefully it'll happen. Thanks for the post regarding this, because I had no idea one could be paid to do this work.

[kohuether]

At the beginning of this thread I indicated that I applied... that was weeks ago. It was for the freelance writing topic. I already knew when I applied that this was an incredibly popular topic. I have not been rejected... After reading this thread in its entirety I've suddenly grown impatient, though!

Good luck to everyone who applied. :) BTW - the topic is no longer listed as available! I have no idea what this means.

[Talia]

I'd say the freelance position has been filled and they're getting ready to go live.

I'm not worried whether I get it or not. My health is still not 100% so I'll just see what happens. There will be other opportunities.

[truelyana]

Hey Talia

Welcome back

How you feeling?

[kohuether]

I am not particularly upset, either. I have a lot of commitments already and am stretched a little thin as it is. I guess it just wasn't the right time!

[Talia]

If you're already heavily committed it might have been too stressful LOL

Hi truelyana - went to the neurologist yday. waiting for him to write to my doctor with his opinion. I realised after I left he didn't tell me what he thought was wrong and I forgot to ask. UGH! anyway reviewing my commitments now and trying to decide what I can and can't do. Pity I love playing in forums as they are probably one of the things I'll have to drop ...

[DTNg]

At the beginning of this thread I indicated that I applied... that was weeks ago. It was for the freelance writing topic. I already knew when I applied that this was an incredibly popular topic. I have not been rejected... After reading this thread in its entirety I've suddenly grown impatient, though!

Good luck to everyone who applied. :) BTW - the topic is no longer listed as available! I have no idea what this means.

It means the candidates for the position have already gone through Prep and one "graduated." The job is filled and will probably be live within the next couple of weeks. There are still a lot of great topics up for grabs though, so I would encourage everyone not to give up.

I just finished my first month as an About Guide. I find it enjoyable and I'm writing about one of my favorite things to do, blogging. My only issues is that I'm not as prolific as I'd like. I really want to build up my site's content. I'm over the minimum monthly requirements but there's still so much more I want to do.

[Melly]

If prep is 17 days long and someone already graduated, that means they started prep the day before I applied for the job (or sooner). It hardly seems fair for them to have kept taking applications if they already had the prep candidates. But at least I know now that I didn't get it, instead of waiting around for a rejection that apparently slipped through the cracks.

On to the next application!

[Talia]

they can't remove it until someone graduates from prep. I imagine that they have people drop out part way through prep or find some applicants aren't suitable

[Talia]

I'd still like to know how many hours of work are involved during the 17 days of prep...

Can anyone tell me please?

[ShannonC_77]

I'd still like to know how many hours of work are involved during the 17 days of prep...

Can anyone tell me please?


Yah, I'd like to know this as well. I'm considering giving up full-time freelancing to find work outside of the house (for financial reasons) but am worried about doing this then finding out by chance I did land the position. I do really want to write for them but am not sure how much time you need to have available.

[Talia]

that's 2 different questions...
there's prep time, then ongoing commitment to writing
they suggest 10 hours per week I think for ongoing commitment.

[DTNg]

I'd still like to know how many hours of work are involved during the 17 days of prep...

Can anyone tell me please?


I worked perhaps an hour each day because that's all I could spare at the time. My prep was during the holidays - it ended on December 25th! It's what you put into it, really. I wish my prep wasn't during Christmas time so I was able to devote more time. Most people devote two to three hours each day.

[Talia]

thanks Deb

[ShannonC_77]

So I just checked the about site and my topic is gone too now. That's really too bad, I was really really hoping to get the position and I thought I was qualified for it. It was available a few days ago so maybe they just filled it?

I haven't received any type of letter from them so I'm assuming I will get a rejection one soon?

[Nancy]

Shannon:

Maybe it's as others here have suggested - they are still evaluating applicants? But I agree the lack of communication about your status would be frustrating.

I would be interested in applying, but have some questions. I wish there was a mechanism on their site to talk to a "live" person. Any thoughts on that from those of you who are part of the site now?

TIA,

[ShannonC_77]

Yah, it would be great to get some type of communication going with them. I'll pray you are right and they are reviewing applicants right now.

I have a feeling I'm going to be refreshing my inbox about 100 times today... :)

[cool_st_elizabeth]

I applied on Jan. 15. My topic is still listed ... I am, also, getting extremely frustrated!

[Aesposito]

Hello all!

I'm done with phase 2 of prep, got some nice and helpful comments once again. I appear to have worked out most of the technical stuff, now I'm more into writing content. I'd say I've written a dozen pieces of content so far, long and short.

Time-wise, I've spent 28 hours in the two week period starting Feb. 23, more so in the first phase as I dealt with the learing curve. Almost half of my time involves technical posting details or formatting content...the rest is researching and writing content, or searching out content to link to.

This last phase I will spend almost exclusively writing, formatting and linking to content.

Their tech help is quick, and my prep guide is helpful and business-like.

Audrey

[Talia]

Thanks for the update Audrey

I agree it would be great to email or talk to a real person there. I'd like to suggest topics but that doesn't seem possible

[BlueBadger]

I've been accepted into prep for Manga! Hooray!

One thing that worries me, I supplied two emails on the app and it's a good thing I did. My primary email didn't recieve my acceptance, but my secondary did. Is there someone I can alert just in case my primary email decides to balk again? I don't think the reply to address will work.

Also, how do you know if you're up against competition? Of course, the answer to that one is probably "You automatically are."

[midwife]

Good for you, Blue! Of course, now I am worried that my email bounced any reply from them at all!

[ShannonC_77]

I've been accepted into prep for Manga! Hooray!

One thing that worries me, I supplied two emails on the app and it's a good thing I did. My primary email didn't recieve my acceptance, but my secondary did. Is there someone I can alert just in case my primary email decides to balk again? I don't think the reply to address will work.

Also, how do you know if you're up against competition? Of course, the answer to that one is probably "You automatically are."

Wow, that's awesome! Congrats! I'm still waiting (trying to be patient) to hear from them, either acceptance or rejection. I'm a little concerned too, I've been having a few issues with my e-mail account lately. I can't recall if I supplied them with two.

Just curious, did you track the availability of your topic? Mine went off of availability a few days ago so I'm still not sure if that's a bad sign pointing at a rejection.

So once you are accepted into prep, is there still a chance you won't get the position - is that what you mean about 'against competition'?

[BlueBadger]

Far as I understand, up to five people can be selected for the same topic. During prep, your writing skills, etc are evaluated and I guess someone's selected (or if you're the only one, you're automatically selected if you do well).

Seems like my topic's still up. I think it doesn't go down 'til someone graduates from prep. So if it's gone, yeah, it might mean they found someone. :( I might be wrong, though.

[Talia]

congrats blue - what topic are you doing prep for?

[Aesposito]

I've been accepted into prep for Manga! Hooray!

One thing that worries me, I supplied two emails on the app and it's a good thing I did. My primary email didn't recieve my acceptance, but my secondary did. Is there someone I can alert just in case my primary email decides to balk again? I don't think the reply to address will work.

Also, how do you know if you're up against competition? Of course, the answer to that one is probably "You automatically are."


Congrats! I had to set up a filter in Yahoo to make sure all mail from about.com came into my inbox, since it thought it was spam at first (that's why I check my bulk email folder in an anal fashion all the time...I don't trust Yahoo's spam filter).

As for being up against competition, I have no idea. I suppose, the longer it takes for you to be accepted into prep, the more likely it is you have competition (since they'd have to wait a bit to get everyone set up for prep). Or maybe not...hmmm....

Audrey
(whose final review is Monday, fingers crossed!)

[BlueBadger]

The letter didn't even end up in my spam! That's worrying.

But I maybe something happened because they use some kind of automatic mailer or whatever, and my email tends to be sketchy about those. I guess when my mentor mails me at the start of Prep, he'll just be addressing an email to me one-on-one? If that's the case, there's no reason it shouldn't go through (and hopefully he'll send it to both my emails).

My server was also down a couple of days ago, so something might've happened there. Good luck with your final review!

Talia: I'm doing prep for manga! I write a column and reviews on the topic for Cinescape. I really hope I do well with prep.

[midwife]

Well, I sent off my application for sexually transmitted infections....and this time I put two email addresses cause now I'm neurotic. Well, more neurotic that usual....

[cool_st_elizabeth]

About.com rejected my application today, two months after I submitted it. The email said:

Common reasons for not being accepted are:


* We were looking for someone with different qualifications
* The writing sample was not exactly what we were looking for

I might apply for another topic. Good luck to everyone!

[Nancy]

Sorry about your rejection.

It would have been nice had they elaborated on those 2 points.

[Talia]

About.com rejected my application today, two months after I submitted it. The email said:

Common reasons for not being accepted are:


* We were looking for someone with different qualifications
* The writing sample was not exactly what we were looking for

I might apply for another topic. Good luck to everyone!

At least you have an answer! Sorry it was bad news. I guess you could check the list of required qualifications and see how good the fit was...

I've forgotten - what topic did you apply for Elizabeth?

[cool_st_elizabeth]

Arrhythmias ... I guess they wanted an M.D. or R.N. or something. I write books for medical transcriptionists & specialized in cardiology transcription for many years.

I've just applied at b5media.com for another topic ... an existing blog looking for a writer on living frugally, which is my other area of expertise LOL ... actually, b5media turned me down two or three weeks ago for a medical topic, but the email arrived the morning after I applied & the reason I was turned down was because the job had already been filled.

[Talia]

about.com is also looking for a living frugally guide.

yes b5 media sometimes have good blogging jobs. i check them out regularly but i don't see the frugal living vacancy - how did you find out about it?
good luck with your application

[cool_st_elizabeth]

http://jobs.problogger.net/

The ad says "home bargain blogger" - the blog is SimplyThrifty.com. I already know b5media moves pretty fast ... but I have absolutely no idea what they pay!!!

[midwife]

About.com rejected my application today, two months after I submitted it. The email said:

Common reasons for not being accepted are:


* We were looking for someone with different qualifications
* The writing sample was not exactly what we were looking for

I might apply for another topic. Good luck to everyone!

I'm sorry for your disappointment, but I am glad your heard something at all. I suspect my rejection will be coming through soon, too. Good luck with some of your other leads. Keep at it--something will materialize!!

Hugs,
midwife

[Talia]

http://jobs.problogger.net/

The ad says "home bargain blogger" - the blog is SimplyThrifty.com. I already know b5media moves pretty fast ... but I have absolutely no idea what they pay!!!

i looked at problogger and saw that heading but didn't read further!

i would have been interested in the diabetes position. i saw it a week or so ago but it was already filled.
given that problogger has 19,000 subscribers the job board probably gets picked over pretty regularly

[cool_st_elizabeth]

Yeah, diabetes was the one I applied for at b5media ... my husband is diabetic ... small world isn't it Talia? I've been reading the diabetes blog since I first heard of the job being open. The person they hired seems pretty good & she started right away.

[Talia]

I wonder how much b5 media pay?

[Aesposito]

Well, today was the day of my "final review" for prep. Haven't heard anything yet, and have no idea when I might.

I feel like I did my best, although surely I could have done more. I have to keep stopping myself from going back to the site to tweak things further....it's too late now.

Fingers crossed.....

Audrey

[Aesposito]

Arrhythmias ... I guess they wanted an M.D. or R.N. or something. I write books for medical transcriptionists & specialized in cardiology transcription for many years.


Well, perhaps if they turn me down in final review, you could try for heart attacks, LOL.....

Audrey

[cool_st_elizabeth]

I don't think they'll turn you down, Audrey! I hope not!

Good luck everyone ...

[Talia]

I'm sure you'll be fine Audrey. Fingers crossed for you

[Nancy]

Yes, Audrey, holding good thoughts for you!

[BlueBadger]

Let us know the final verdict!

[Talia]

Arrhythmias ... I guess they wanted an M.D. or R.N. or something. I write books for medical transcriptionists & specialized in cardiology transcription for many years.

I've just applied at b5media.com for another topic ... an existing blog looking for a writer on living frugally, which is my other area of expertise LOL ... actually, b5media turned me down two or three weeks ago for a medical topic, but the email arrived the morning after I applied & the reason I was turned down was because the job had already been filled.

I see the living frugally position has been filled. Were you successful?

[DTNg]

I see the living frugally position has been filled. Were you successful?

I was just hired to blog for b5 for their Simply Thrifty topic.

[karasw]

What's b5?

[cool_st_elizabeth]

I was just hired to blog for b5 for their Simply Thrifty topic.

Wow, that was fast! You go, Deb!

[DTNg]

Wow, that was fast! You go, Deb!

Thank you. I truly feel blessed this year.

[DTNg]

What's b5?

b5 Media is (http://www.b5media.com/) a blogging network.

[CatMuse33]

I want to thank whomever started this thread! I just applied to be a "paintball guide" which is my field of expertise. I feel so fortunate that it hasn't been filled.

The technical aspects may be a challenge for me, but I believe I will be able to pick it up. As far as the paintball aspects, I'm pretty sure I have what it takes. The pay seems decent and I LOVE blogging, so this looks like the perfect opportunity to make some extra money.

I know I'm a newbie here, but keep your fingers crossed for me, please?

Dawn

[cool_st_elizabeth]

I want to thank whomever started this thread! I just applied to be a "paintball guide" which is my field of expertise. I feel so fortunate that it hasn't been filled.

I know I'm a newbie here, but keep your fingers crossed for me, please?

Dawn

I'll absolutely keep my fingers crossed for you, Dawn. I've never tried paintball but it sounds fun ... I will be reading your site when you go live!

I'm the one who started the thread, but it seems I should have put it in the blogging category. If any moderators are reading this, can you please move this thread?

[midwife]

About moving it: Part of the about.com is blogging but part of it is writing articles and such, so is this forum still an okay one for it? Of course, part of my hesitation for moving it is that I never read the blogging subforum. If it is moved, I guess I will start!!

Good luck to all who are waiting to hear!

[plaidearthworm]

ah, paintball....ow, ow, ow, those paintball thingies hurt! But I've got my fingers crossed for you, Dawn. And congrats to Deb! I still haven't heard back from About.com, one way or the other. Been 8 weeks today,not like I'm counting or anything.

[Melina]

I'll absolutely keep my fingers crossed for you, Dawn. I've never tried paintball but it sounds fun ... I will be reading your site when you go live!

I'm the one who started the thread, but it seems I should have put it in the blogging category. If any moderators are reading this, can you please move this thread?

It's actually up to Joanne if she wants to move it or not, but in my opinion, it's fine here. It doesn't appear that About.com is all about blogging--it's another freelancing opportunity that the people who frequent this board are likely grateful you posted! :Thumbs:

Keeping our fingers crossed for you Dawn, and welcome to the boards!

Audrey, I can't wait to find out how you did in prep!

[Talia]

Congrats Deb

[BlueBadger]

I just put in a topic for b5media. Why the heck not?

[CatMuse33]

Congrats Deb!! :)

Plaid, Padding is the answer--lots of padding. Or this... www.armoredfistpaintball.com. ;)

There was some question earlier about rates... I read in the about.com guidelines that they raised them to $725/mos. guaranteed, for the first two years. IMO, this is pretty good. I'm guesstimating the job should take 10 - 20 hours per month of time, which makes it on the high end of my "hourly rates." (I get paid per project, mostly, but keep timesheets to see how much I'm making per hour.)

Dawn

[Talia]

i think about recommend 5-10 hrs per week...

[CatMuse33]

Talia,
I don't see why... if it's a topic you're not that familiar with and have to do a lot of research, sure... but, three blogs a week... 20 minutes a blog, That's one hour a week, four hours a month. 2 - 4 hours per story, with two stories per month minimum, add another eight hours (worst case scenario) that's 12 hours per month.

In my case, most of the writing I do will have been researched for other places (niche magazines and web sites).

In my experience, if I needed to put in 5 - 10 hours a week, I'm doing something wrong! Although 5 hours a week = 20 hours a month, which is right in my time frame!

[plaidearthworm]

Well, the new freelance writing site is up at about.com; very happy for the chosen writer, it's a good gig, but bummed that I didn't even receive a rejection at either one of the email addys I listed. Not too disappointed, though, because I'm planning to take some time off in the next couple of weeks. Business has been very good the last few months, and I need a break! :)

[Talia]

CatMuse it depends how success you want the site to be. I can't imagine that 3 posts a week would be sufficient at the beginning. You'd need to get a lot of good content up there to attract interest

also the base pay is only guaranteed for the first two years after that you have to keep visitor numbers rising. (should be easy by then as you will have lots of content)

I'm sure it depends on the topic. I think that if you have a scientific topic it would take longer as you need to provide references and sources, whereas some topics you could write off the top of your head. With a scientific topic (including many of the health topics) you'd need to be doing lots of reading to keep up with the latest research. So it's not just writing time, there would be research. As you say, if you're already doing that research for other stories then it wouldn't take much time at all

[CatMuse33]

Three posts a week would be for the blogs. Plus 2 to 4 detailed articles per month. I already keep up to date on paintball news, industry related info, games, tactics, etc. as a matter of my lifestyle (beyond it being my job.)
I also know a lot of people in that community (and it's a growing community!), so I am sure I will start to generate significant, increasing traffic after two years.

[Talia]

if you're specialising all your writing in one area then it would be a cinch

[CatMuse33]

I hope so, Talia. I just got accepted in to the Prep program!!!! YAY!!!! :D

I specialize in a few areas of writing... it just so happens that Paintball is my love, my lifestyle AND my career. LOL Unfortunately, the pay scale for paintball writing is fairly low, so I also write in a few other areas.

Dawn

[Melina]

Congrats, Dawn!

[DTNg]

Dawn, that's wonderful! Congratulations!

[Talia]

great news! congrats dawn

[midwife]

Congrats, Dawn!

I just got my rejection for the Contraception topic. It was nice to hear back one way or the other.

Keep my fingers crossed to hopefully get sexually transmitted infections. You know what I mean!!!

[cool_st_elizabeth]

Congrats Dawn! I knew you'd make it!

Midwife, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you!

[ShannonC_77]

I finally got my e-mail today too... I guess they decided to promote a guide from another area to cover the subject I had applied for so. Too bad but at least now I know I suppose.

[cool_st_elizabeth]

I'm sorry to hear that, Shannon. It sounds like you have great qualifications for the topic you applied for.

[midwife]

I finally got my e-mail today too... I guess they decided to promote a guide from another area to cover the subject I had applied for so. Too bad but at least now I know I suppose.

My email alluded to a promotion of a guide as well. I chalked it up to being promoted from prep, but what do I know? Keep on keepin' on, Shannon!

[plaidearthworm]

ah, at last....my rejection came this evening. Oh well.

[midwife]

Well, in honor of Cool St. Elizabeth, I vote for cherry slushies all around. Cheers! And here's to better outcomes in the morning!

[CatMuse33]

Keep my fingers crossed to hopefully get sexually transmitted infections. You know what I mean!!!


...."Things you only hear on a writers forum. LOL " Or maybe a medical forum???

I imagine that the competition for other topics (aside from paintball) was tough. I seem to think I was the only application they had for my chosen topic. LOL

That might be something for others to look in to.. if there is an obscure topic that you feel like you could learn fairly quickly, it might be a good foot in the door.

Hey, can anyone who's gone through the training PM me?? I'd love some pointers.

Dawn

[BlueBadger]

I started my prep yesterday. It's a little overwhelming at first, but I think I'm sorting things out in my brain.

I should be okay as long as I don't have to know everything in the next six hours. XD

[Aesposito]

I hope so, Talia. I just got accepted in to the Prep program!!!! YAY!!!! :D

I specialize in a few areas of writing... it just so happens that Paintball is my love, my lifestyle AND my career. LOL Unfortunately, the pay scale for paintball writing is fairly low, so I also write in a few other areas.

Dawn


Yay, good job! I'm still awaiting final review.....I'll drop an email to my prep person next week if I don't hear from them by mid-week or so.

Audrey

[CatMuse33]

Audrey,
What's your topic? I can't wait to see your site.
How was the training? How well did you know HTML before you started?

[cool_st_elizabeth]

Well, in honor of Cool St. Elizabeth, I vote for cherry slushies all around. Cheers! And here's to better outcomes in the morning!

Tough break, plaid and midwife. Onward and upward, right?

I loves me some cherry slushies. Glug, glug, slurp ... !

[Aesposito]

Audrey,
What's your topic? I can't wait to see your site.
How was the training? How well did you know HTML before you started?

My topic was Heart Attacks. I sure hope I'm accepted.....the waiting is the hardest part. At least the ownership of the articles I wrote reverts back to me if I'm not accepted......

The training is fine. They are very specific about what they want, and what they expect to see. The feedback is also very specific.

I know HTML fairly well, however the version of HTML they use (they call it AML) is extremely easy to learn and use. I wouldn't worry about part.

Audrey

[DTNg]

For what it's worth, I was rejected for two topics before being accepted into Prep for Weblogs. I would advise everyone to try, try again.

[wolflady26]

Thank you so much for this thread. I have just gotten accepted into prep for an About topic, and I start on Friday. I am a huge bundle of nerves! Hearing about the experiences of people who have already been through the process has really, really helpful.

I have a question that I hope one of you can answer. When they accepted me into prep, they gave me an outline for how the completed site should look. However, the outline doesn't make a lot of sense to me (nor is it anything like the outline that the previous Guide used). I'm wondering how much leeway I'll have to make changes to those suggestions, to organize information in a more logical way?

Thanks so much for your help!

[DTNg]

Thank you so much for this thread. I have just gotten accepted into prep for an About topic, and I start on Friday. I am a huge bundle of nerves! Hearing about the experiences of people who have already been through the process has really, really helpful.

I have a question that I hope one of you can answer. When they accepted me into prep, they gave me an outline for how the completed site should look. However, the outline doesn't make a lot of sense to me (nor is it anything like the outline that the previous Guide used). I'm wondering how much leeway I'll have to make changes to those suggestions, to organize information in a more logical way?

Thanks so much for your help!

If you feel the guidelines are disorganized, discuss it with your mentor. It's been my experience they're all very helpful and open to suggestion.

[kohuether]

I didn't get accepted. :( But actually I am not upset... I don't have time for it right now. And, there aren't topcis that interest me at the moment. I'll need to wait.

[Talia]

congrats wolflady. good luck with prep
what topic are you doing prep for?

[wolflady26]

If you feel the guidelines are disorganized, discuss it with your mentor. It's been my experience they're all very helpful and open to suggestion.

Great, thanks for the info! I'm glad to hear they're responsive. Maybe they have a reason for the guidelines, and I'd be happy to do it that way if they really want - but I think it would result in confusion and duplicated information.

TaliaMana, I'm doing prep for the Contests and Sweepstakes section. I (like many others here!) tried for freelance writing and was rejected, but I much prefer the Contests and Sweeps area, anyway! :)

I have a lot of confidence that I would be great for this job, but I'm trying to prepare myself as much as possible for the Prep class before it starts on Friday... *gulp*

They recommend preparing by brushing up on HTML skills. Does anyone have any specific recommendations for what areas of HTML to look into? My basic skills are pretty strong, and I'm very familiar with FTP programs, but HTML skills in general leaves a lot of ground to cover!

[DTNg]

Great, thanks for the info! I'm glad to hear they're responsive. Maybe they have a reason for the guidelines, and I'd be happy to do it that way if they really want - but I think it would result in confusion and duplicated information.

TaliaMana, I'm doing prep for the Contests and Sweepstakes section. I (like many others here!) tried for freelance writing and was rejected, but I much prefer the Contests and Sweeps area, anyway! :)

I have a lot of confidence that I would be great for this job, but I'm trying to prepare myself as much as possible for the Prep class before it starts on Friday... *gulp*

They recommend preparing by brushing up on HTML skills. Does anyone have any specific recommendations for what areas of HTML to look into? My basic skills are pretty strong, and I'm very familiar with FTP programs, but HTML skills in general leaves a lot of ground to cover!

Just the basic tags. I know very little html and that seems to be all I need! Plus your training material will offer tutorials.

[CatMuse33]

WolfLady,
CONGRATS!!

This was Audrey's notes re: HTML: I know HTML fairly well, however the version of HTML they use (they call it AML) is extremely easy to learn and use. I wouldn't worry about part.

It sounds like you will be fine and already have extensive knowledge. If you look at the About sites, they don't seem to be that... involved or detailed as far as web design work. (ie, no flash and stuff!)

I actually e-mailed a current About.com guide the other day, and he mentioned the most time consuming part of the design work is just all the links. The best sites seem to have a lot of words linked to other sites... I imagine finding those sites and then just the legwork of creating the links would be...annoying!

I'm glad to hear I'm not the only one so nervous about the training portion! You'll do fine, Wolf...it sounds like your HTML skills are far beyond mine, and you are confident you know your topic. :D

I can't wait to see your site!

Dawn

[BlueBadger]

How quickly do guides respond to emails, etc? I was told what hours to find my guide online, but she's not there. I submitted my category outline yesterday and haven't heard back yet (of course, she probably wasn't working since it was Sunday).

I normally wouldn't be picky about the matter, but since we're on a deadline and all...

[wolflady26]

Thanks, Dawn! I'm excited for you with your site as well. You're up for paintball, right? I've only played once, but I adored it - and now my nephew is really, really into it. I hope to get a chance to try it again soon!

[cool_st_elizabeth]

Congrats wolflady! Contests and sweepstakes, sounds really fun. Best of luck!

I was just going to apply for another topic this a.m. The topic I wanted was still on the available topic list, but I noticed the pay guarantee is now only $500 per month ... it was $725 when I applied in January. I decided not to apply this time.

Of course, I'm well aware that guides for extremely popular topics can & will make more money, up to $100,000 and above per year. It's just that I personally have already been nickel-and-dimed to death on contract jobs to the point where I was making almost nothing.

[DTNg]

Congrats wolflady! Contests and sweepstakes, sounds really fun. Best of luck!

I was just going to apply for another topic this a.m. The topic I wanted was still on the available topic list, but I noticed the pay guarantee is now only $500 per month ... it was $725 when I applied in January. I decided not to apply this time.

Of course, I'm well aware that guides for extremely popular topics can & will make more money, up to $100,000 and above per year. It's just that I personally have already been nickel-and-dimed to death on contract jobs to the point where I was making almost nothing.


The pay hasn't changed, it's still $725.

[BlueBadger]

Well, the day's through and I haven't recieved any replies to my emails or seen my mentor come online at all. I piddled around a little bit with the Guide Control Centre, but I don't want to play around too much without the "okay" for my category outline. I'm a little distressed about the matter. Hopefully tommorow will see better results.

[Talia]

I'm sure it will be fine blue. just hang in there and relax!

[Talia]

I actually e-mailed a current About.com guide the other day, and he mentioned the most time consuming part of the design work is just all the links. The best sites seem to have a lot of words linked to other sites... I imagine finding those sites and then just the legwork of creating the links would be...annoying!
Dawn

I was just thinking the same thing yday. I wrote a blog post about suicide and it took a while to find suitable sites to link to where I was happy with the information. Some of those posts require a lot of references to support the facts you give. Plus there's also linking back to your own posts on the subject for more information. It took longer to identify and copy and paste links than it did to write the post. Fiddling around with finding and inserting suitable images can also be time consuming.

[BlueBadger]

just hang in there and relax!

Yeah, that's the plan. XD

[midwife]

Yeah, that's the plan. XD

I'm pulling for you, Blue!!

[BlueBadger]

Thanks! :D Don't mind me, I basically rant and rave and obsess over something for a few hours, then I drift away and do something else. That's pretty much the case here. Honestly, I was hoping to get a bit of a head start. Oh well.

[Aesposito]

Received this email yesterday:

Audrey,

While we appreciate all of the hard work you put into your site, unfortunately we're not going to be able to offer you the position of Guide to Heart Attacks at this time. While you clearly have an excellent grasp of the topic, we're concerned that your content is too focused on moment of the heart attack and not enough on living with CAD as a whole, when CAD is the longterm part of the topic. Thank you for taking the time to go through Prep and we wish you the best of luck in your future work.

Sincerely,
Eric Hanson
About.com Prep Instructor

Slightly miffed, since this was not an angle that was mentioned in any of my previous reviews....but oh well.....

Perhaps I'll try again, with arrhythmias maybe...

Audrey

[Nancy]

Sorry, Aesposito! But at least you got some specific feedback.

Hope you try again.

[CatMuse33]

Ugh, Audrey... so sorry!! That stinks, and it seems like that's something the Guide should have pointed out to you during the process, rather than later!!

At least this experience will help if you decide to try again. :) Good luck.

[wolflady26]

Sorry to hear that, Audrey! I hope you have better luck with arrhythmia!

[Talia]

I'm really sorry to hear that. Why don't you create some articles on CAD and submit them and ask them to reconsider?

As a by the by I'd be a bit cautious about posting the entire content of the letter and the name of your mentor as anyone (including other guides) could read this and report back to about. not sure how they'd view it. jmtcw

[Talia]

one other thought - i looked at the topic and it does stipulate the time of the heart attack, also prevention, lifestyle changes and ongoing care (altho that was the smaller topic). i guess it pays to pick something from each of those topics when you do your articles

i do agree that it would have helped if the instructor had mentioned that concern during prep

[Aesposito]

one other thought - i looked at the topic and it does stipulate the time of the heart attack, also prevention, lifestyle changes and ongoing care (altho that was the smaller topic). i guess it pays to pick something from each of those topics when you do your articles

i do agree that it would have helped if the instructor had mentioned that concern during prep

I had articles and/or links to all of the above. I guess I didn't have enough, or the right kind...

I applied for arrhythmias tonight. If at first you don't succeed....

Audrey

[Aesposito]

I'm really sorry to hear that. Why don't you create some articles on CAD and submit them and ask them to reconsider?

As a by the by I'd be a bit cautious about posting the entire content of the letter and the name of your mentor as anyone (including other guides) could read this and report back to about. not sure how they'd view it. jmtcw

Had articles/links on CAD. Apparently not enough, sigh......

Not really worried....I made it clear throughout this thread I was generally pleased with the prep process and my prep guide was always pleasant and responsive. If they have a problem with me posting the entire content of the letter, then I probably don't want to work for them anyway.

Audrey

[midwife]

Awww, Audrey...I am bummed for you! Good luck with the arrythmia topic.

[cool_st_elizabeth]

I had articles and/or links to all of the above. I guess I didn't have enough, or the right kind...

I applied for arrhythmias tonight. If at first you don't succeed....

Audrey

Best of luck, Audrey!

[Melina]

I had articles and/or links to all of the above. I guess I didn't have enough, or the right kind...

I applied for arrhythmias tonight. If at first you don't succeed....

Audrey


Though I'm sorry you didn't get the first topic, I imagine the prep experience will help you greatly in landing the second...good luck!

[Talia]

Good luck Audrey!

I agree with Melina. Your experience with the first topic should help you succeed this time round. Thanks for sharing the prep process with us. It's been great to get an insight into the workings of about.com

[BlueBadger]

Good luck! The sharing of the prep process has been a very big help to me thus far.

[Nancy]

After much contemplation, I applied to be a Guide for the Social Anxiety Disorder topic.

Wish me luck! I feel like I'm in good company here!

TIA,

[midwife]

Good luck!!!

[Talia]

fantastic nancy - good luck!!!

[Talia]

I had a look at my diary. I applied for a guide position six weeks ago. Is anyone else still waiting for a response? I guess they are overwhelmed with responses :)

[Aesposito]

No problem, enjoyed sharing....

Audrey

[CatMuse33]

Nancy,
Good luck!!

I just submitted my categories for Paintball. One thing I found odd was that they actually gave me a list of six things that had to be covered... I wondered if they meant in the exact categories as they outlined it, or not? I wound up coming up with 13 categories, and interspersing their suggestions, so it didn't look like I copied. <shrug> We'll see. LOL

Dawn

[Talia]

Nancy,
Good luck!!

I just submitted my categories for Paintball. One thing I found odd was that they actually gave me a list of six things that had to be covered... I wondered if they meant in the exact categories as they outlined it, or not? I wound up coming up with 13 categories, and interspersing their suggestions, so it didn't look like I copied. <shrug> We'll see. LOL

Dawn

Is that the first stage? Proposing categories?
What's next? Writing content I guess LOL

[Aesposito]

Nancy,
Good luck!!

I just submitted my categories for Paintball. One thing I found odd was that they actually gave me a list of six things that had to be covered... I wondered if they meant in the exact categories as they outlined it, or not? I wound up coming up with 13 categories, and interspersing their suggestions, so it didn't look like I copied. <shrug> We'll see. LOL

Dawn

That's what I did, and they were fine with that.

Audrey

[myscribe]

This thread motivated me to check out available topics and I applied for one last weekend. (Not that I need the extra work right now, but that is another story ;))

My topic is no longer on the list, but I haven't heard back other than the app confirmation. Hopefully, I wasn't too late.

Of course, I'm considering a couple of other topics that I could do also. Can you be a guide in unrelated topics?

[CatMuse33]

Is that the first stage? Proposing categories?
What's next? Writing content I guess LOL

Bingo, Talia! LOL Proposing categories, then you write a "sample piece" which you have to send them as a Word doc for review to make sure it's okay, THEN you post it using their software and stuff for your first "official review."

I am optimistic--I heard from my Guide yesterday, and she liked my categories and just recommended 2 or 3 changes. So far so good.

Dawn

[BlueBadger]

My first evaluation was supposed to be yesterday, but I haven't heard anything. Am I supposed to get the results...?

[Talia]

Of course, I'm considering a couple of other topics that I could do also. Can you be a guide in unrelated topics?
I'm sorry I don't understand the question???

CatMuse it sounds like things are going well. Badger good luck with your review

[myscribe]

My question was can you be a guide for more than one topic? And if so, does it matter if those topics are unrelated (say one is a hobby and one is a health issue, etc.).

[Talia]

My question was can you be a guide for more than one topic? And if so, does it matter if those topics are unrelated (say one is a hobby and one is a health issue, etc.).
no, you can't

[myscribe]

Thanks Talia! That makes sense to me. :)

[DTNg]

no, you can't

Actually, I think you can. I don't know if anyone is, but I do believe you can write for more than one topic.

[Talia]

I'd have to hunt for it but I'm fairly certain it says in the conditions that you can only be a guide for one topic. If you find anything that says different I'd love to see it. Doing > 1 topic would be great!!!

[Talia]

Available Topics

Below is a current list of available topics. Highlight a topic name to see a detailed description of that topic.

Guides are only allowed to be a Guide for one topic at a time. As such, while you may submit applications for as many topics as you like, please note that you may only go through Prep for one topic at a time.

[sandymae2000]

Hi!

About.com use to allow Guides to write for multiple sites and you'll still see many Guides with two sites around the system. They stopped allowing that for new Guides, however, a couple of years ago.

Best,
Sandy

[Talia]

thanks Sandy

I notice you also write for Suite 101. Other writers haven't found that profitable. is that your experience?

[sandymae2000]

Hi Talia!

Suite101 is not a huge money maker, but since mine is a book site, I enjoy receiving the Advance Review Copies of mystery books. It supports my reading habit.

That said, Suite 101 has made recent changes to its pay structure (they now give you the option to share in the ad revenue vs. the previous page view structure) and that move has tripled my pay from them.

Best,
Sandy

[Talia]

ooooh yes I'd enjoy that too. I love reading mysteries

[BlueBadger]

Sometimes advance product alone makes it worth the effort to write. I don't make much money writing for Cinescape, but I get lots of free manga and anime!

[Thump]

I applied to be a guide as well :S

If I get accepted, it would be my first freelancing job. I think I can handle it seeing as how I love the topic (Science-Fiction and Fantasy) and know plenty about it as well. Doing research for my articles would be a blast :D!

[CatMuse33]

Thump,
That sounds like an awesome category!! Good luck!!