Everyone I've interacted with has been very professional. The guide to my section has been helpful, pleasant, etc.
That being said, it's a relatively "new" position, I think (within past 6 to 9 months?), and the direction has been extremely hands off. I do well with macro-management vs micro, but honestly, even I sometimes feel I could use more direction. The important thing is to be proactive and ask if you have a question. The actual writing is as described. I've been slammed at work this month so am desperately pulling together my last 4 articles tonight/tomorrow. :> Next month, I have a schedule set up to be more organized.
What I've really appreciated is the level of professionalism combined with an informal willingness to help. My advice is to listen to whatever the editors tell you during prep, incorporate suggestions, and just do the best you can. Honestly, so much of this type of stuff comes down to luck.
I'd be interested to know what other contributing writers' experiences are, too.
Curious to the contributing writer spots.... did you have to go through a Prep like for other topics, or were you approved and just have a test period where it may/may not work out? I'm curious if you just were offered the spot or if you had to duke it out with a few other writers to get it like Prep is thanks for any insight into that.