researching articles that have been sold

[CRDonovan]

Let me just say that I love this site. It is run very professionally and everyone is helpful. So glad I found it.

My question: is there any way to see what articles have already been sold on a given topic? I know that I can view recently sold articles, but depending on the day, I may just be viewing a sliver of the activity. When I search for articles on a topic, I assume what I am seeing are articles that are still for sale.

I'm wondering about this in relation to the Requested Content. There are some requests that have been on there for a while in which the buyer wants a specific number of articles. I thought it would be helpful to scan sold articles to see if a quota looks like it has been met. Any way to do that?

Thanks!

[Cyndy Hardy]

I'm still new to CC and have a short sales list , but I'm an experienced journalist so I hope you'll indulge my opinion.

I'm also trying to figure out a good strategy for selling on CC and had the same question. Reading through the forum subjects, I found that it's probably best not to let "sold articles" become an obstacle in the mental process of writing on spec.

Who knows how many potential buyers browse the articles someone else requested? At worst, most of the topics are seasonal. At best, they're timeless. Someone may come along years from now and buy the piece.

For me, it's more important to 1) write about topics I enjoy; 2)submit for requests when I believe my work is competitive; and 3) realize that the request represents an economic demand -- not a unique opportunity.

[CRDonovan]

Thanks for your response Cyndy. I agree with everything you say. I'm just looking for ways to fine tune.

[Ed]

I think Cyndy's approach is best. The hot topics vary drastically - from how many articles customers need, to how long the topics are being sought by customers. There is a market for seasonal content up until the major holidays. But other in-demand topics can be determined by market, commercial, or other trends - to an extent.

You can always look at what print publications are spotlighting - you can bet that website owners want in on that readership. For example, the health/beauty world was all a-chatter several months ago about the benefits of antioxidants. Now? Maybe it's certain types of antioxidants or something else altogether.

This doesn't guarantee any sales, but it may help generally. Two blog entries describing ways to succeed at Constant Content will be of help:
http://constant-content.com/blog/?p=41
http://constant-content.com/blog/?p=42

Ed

[CRDonovan]

Thanks Ed. Good food for thought.