*Note that some resources mentioned below require being logged into your Y!CN account before clicking to read. If you've just joined the site, you are likely curious about how to succeed. Where do you start? What does it take to get to the top? How long does it take to get where you want to be? As a veteran contributor, here are some of the things I have learned.
Step One: Before submitting that first article, browse around and take a look at some of the articles that are featured. Also, read advice from seasoned contributors. There are some great examples in the
tutorials section. Also, be sure your content adheres to the
submission guidelines, as well as the
Yahoo! Style Guide.
Step Two: Submit your work and learn more while you wait. There is always something new to learn. Do you need to learn more about SEO? Networking? Grammar and style? Ask fellow contributors for their advice and continue to learn from those around you.
Step Three: Apply what you learn and rinse and repeat. There is never an end to what you can learn when it comes to writing. This is even more true for web writing. Rules are constantly changing, as is the needs of the audience. Keep learning and applying that knowledge to your work. If you put in the effort, you will see results.
Things to Remember:1)
You get what you put into it. If you put in effort to ensure your work is what Yahoo! is looking for, you will see results. On the same vein, if you choose not to pay attention and just write what you want, no matter what Y!CN or the audience is looking for, you won't get very far.
2)
Write what you know. It's easy to see the success of others and want to mimic what they have done. However, that can quickly cause burnout and loss of interest...and it will show in your work and your productivity levels.
3)
Define your personal success. What does success mean to you? Is it getting your work published across multiple channels? Is it just knowing your subject matter could make a difference in someone's life? Do money amounts play a role? Figure out why you are here and what successes you wish to work toward. This will be different for each person.
4)
Web writing is not the same as print writing. If you are good at writing for print venues, that's awesome! But not all of what you learned doing that will help you in web writing.
Click here to learn more about web writing.
Helpful Articles for Success at Yahoo! Contributor Network:The Newbie's Guide to Success at the Yahoo! Contributor NetworkAC Tips and TricksWriting Your First ArticleHow to Write Compelling Headlines for Search EnginesWeb Writing: The Ground Rules that Make a Good Web ArticleBest Article Writing Tips from Career ProfessionalsHow to Get Your Work Published on Your Favorite Yahoo! SitesProfessional Article Writers: The Importance of Self EditingHow to Build Residual Income Writing Evergreen Web Content
Why Am I Not Making Money at AC? Page Views, Offers, and MoreHow Can I Increase My page Views (PVs) on Associated Content?Internet Writing: Simple Strategies that Attract ReadersImportance of Authentic Voice in Writing for Y!CN--
If you have questions, there is always someone around to help, be it one of the Community Guides (like myself) or any other helpful contributors.
List of Community Guides:Lyn LomasiR. Elizabeth C. KitchenMarilisa Kinney SachtelebenCarol Bengle GilbertLisa MasonAbby GreenhillK. ValentineSylvia CochranKathy BrowningJan CornCathy Montville 
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