This is just a short update post. Since I've already been on Facebook a while, I decide to create a fan page for ArticleWriterForHire on Facebook. The fan page can be used to keep up with this site and blog, as well as to discuss writing, post reviews, etc.

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Writers at AC are going green lately and I think that's awesome! The more we spread the word, the more people we can help decide to do the same. More people going green means a greener Earth for us all. Here are some of the awesome eco-friendly articles I've read on AC recently (ok, and a few of mine, too...lol).

How to Have an Eco-Friendly Summer BBQ by Heather Inks
Go Green With Eco-Friendly Flooring by Jaipi Sixbear
Why Organic Agriculture is a Good Thing by Allen Teal
How to Make Your own Hair Pomade by 3lilangels
How to Naturally Treat Oily Skin by Michelle L Devon (Michy)

Eco-Friendly Hair Care for Women: Go Green with Natural Hair-Product Alternatives by Momie Tullottes

A Review of Danko Earth Friendly Furniture by J. Rica Middlebrooks
How to Be More Eco-Friendly With Homeschool Worksheets by Momie Tullottes
Natural Mosquito and Insect Repellent for Kids by Momie Tullottes

As one of the Lifestyle Category Editors, I'll be helping out fellow AC  Sources by sharing some of the great content I come across. I'll be calling this series "Category Editor Picks." These posts will be on various topics from the AC Lifestyle category. To be sure you stay up to date with these and other posts, use the subscribe form at the top of the right-hand column.

Have you ever thought of working from home? Many Americans have that same dream. It isn't as hard as it may seem. I spent a ton of time looking for legitimate work from home jobs before I found  the perfect work from home solution for me.

If you have some simple writing skills, it's easy to work from home as a freelance article writer. I'm not going to lie and tell you that you can lay around and do absolutely nothing - although certain areas of article writing do allow for that at times.

Anyhow, here's the deal. To become an article writer, you need to brush up on basic writing skills. If you've got that down, you've got a head start. The next thing you'll need to do is learn at least some basic SEO (the rest you can learn along the way through research and experience). For some basic tips anyone writing content for the web should know, read Tips on Writing for AC and the Web Part 1: SEO Tips.

The next thing you should learn is that writing for the web is not going to be the same as a school assignment and it's not going to be the same as writing for a newpaper, magazine, or other print publication. There are some smilarities, but there are notable differences that can affect your earnings and success. For more on that, read Tips on Writing for AC and the Web Part 2.

Those two reading selections rae geared toward a particular content site. However, many of the suggestions will ring true for other online writing venues as well.

Now that I've given you a little headstart on what you should know, here's a few great websites that will actually pay you to write articles for them:

Associated Content: TinyURL.com/JoinAC (my personal favorite)
Constant Content: TinyURL.com/JoinCC
Examiner: Examiner.com/refer (Please use Examiner #6183 as your referrer)

If you find you are having success selling your articles at these sites, you may also want to set up your own website with information on your skills, what type of services you offer, writing samples, and a way for clients to contact you with proposals.

Good luck! There are many sites like those above. Just do a google search for them.  Anyone with questions about online writing can feel free to contact us for advice. Your question and answer may be featured in an upcoming blog post or article (names an other personal info remains anonymous unless otherwise specified).

While it's a volunteer position, I am excited to have been chosen as one of the new Category Editors at AssociatedContent.com.

A few weeks ago, AC sent out emails to a certain group of content producers, asking for applications into their new Category Editor program. Those of you who know me, know that I spend a ton of time checking out content, writing content, promoting content (mine and others) and answering/making posts in the AC forum. So, when I got the email, I knew right away I would apply.

The position consists basically of duties I already do most of. So, I figured why not? I love AC and what better way to show my appreciation for all the site has given me than to volunteer the site my time and efforts?

Basically what I, and the other Category Editors will be doing is featuring worthy content in our assigned category. We also will be finding pictures for some of the pieces, answering questions about our categories, and more. Category Editors also will get certain benefits, such as exposure and special assignments.

I have already spoken with a few of the Category Editors and am excited to be among some great talent. I am honored to be working together with the others chosen for the same category as myself.

Lifestyle is the category I've been chosen for. On AC, Lifestyle consists of various lifestyles (of course), parenting, dating & relationships, pets, crafts & hobbies, shopping & fashion, and weddings.

So, if anyone has any well-written, interesting, and informative content in one of those categories on AC, or any questions, please feel free to post here or PM me on AC. Content can be articles, videos, or audio that is published on Associated Content.

Also, if you aren't signed up for AC, please sign up under my link, then follow me on AC, and then PM me on AC to let me know. I will help you get started writing in the Lifestyle section (or other sections). I've been on AC for over 2 years, am in the Top 100, and now am also a Category Editor.

AC is an excellent place to earn money writing, network, make friends, gain exposure, and learn a ton about writing for the web.

You write a piece of content, putting all your heart and soul into it. You post it on your blog or better yet, get it published. Wherever you post it, commentary is allowed. Maybe instead of publishing either of those ways, you took your piece of content to a social writing circle. Perhaps a site you published it on is a combination between a social writing circle and an article or information database.

No matter your choice from above, you are sharing your work with others and they also are sharing theirs with you. Ever had someone bash you in a comments section or forum over something you've written? Maybe instead you were the basher.

Here's what I feel should instead take place in social writing circles:
How to Be an Objective Reader in Social Writing Circles

Any thoughts? I'd love to hear them here or where the piece is located.

No matter what topic you are writing about, you should be able to come up with something in life that helps you relate to the situation. This could be something you experienced yourself, something you witnessed, or something someone else told you about.

For instance, say you are asked to write about a camera. Maybe you haven't used that particular camera and you need to base it off the thoughts and experiences of others. Don't just get the cold, hard facts. Insert situations and experiences as well.

At times, content may not call for first-person writing. However, that doesn't mean you can't indirectly refer to the action. In first person you might write "I laughed hysterically as Susie struggled just figuring out where the flash button was located." Indirectly, you might instead write "Some may struggle amongst the giggles of friends while feverishly looking for the flash button."

Why use personal experiences. Why not just tell readers the facts?

It's simple.

Readers want the facts, but at the same time, they are tired of hearing the same things over and over and over again. I know that rings true for myself. In fact, some fellow writers and I recently had a discussion about this very topic. When you just state the facts, you not only start sounding like every other article out there, but readers may not even move past the first few sentences.

Personal experience keeps the readers interested and it also puts a new perspective on the topic. How many articles out there can you read on "How to Groom Your Dog?" I mean, really, you wash, clip, and dry. But, an article with the title and subject matter of "Groom Your Poodle to Look Like Beyonce" would be a unique perspective. Not that I know how to do this. Obviously, that was an "out-there" suggestion, but you get the point.

Be unique and use personal experience.
Otherwise, your article is just another minnow at the bottom of the ocean.