I'm curious if any contributors/authors have bundled multiple articles together and sold them as a package. Is this successful? Were they compressed into a zip file? I saw some references to series of articles and columns similiar a question and answer columns. I am curious as to how this works.
Would like to hear all your comments and experiences on this topic.
Bundling Content
Moderators: Celeste Stewart, Ed
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constant-content
- Site Admin
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No one has done this yet, but we have received many requests for large amounts of articles at a discount price. An example would be 100 dating articles... But when this happens we tell the requester, this is not how the site works. Each writer is independent so we can bundle and give a discount.
I have been thinking of a way to do this, but to be honest I think it will lower the quality of the writing. Right now I'm just stepping back from it. As for your question, I guess it would be possible but if you do this make sure you give example of each article in your long summery.
I have been thinking of a way to do this, but to be honest I think it will lower the quality of the writing. Right now I'm just stepping back from it. As for your question, I guess it would be possible but if you do this make sure you give example of each article in your long summery.
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LJade
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I don't think articles should be bundled and I'll explain why.
It's not profitable point blank.
All the time I see site owners who want a bundle of 10 articles on one topic and the pay...is $50 or $2.50 per article! That's cheap.
Another reason may be, out of a bundled set a buyer may not like all of the articles and therefore doesn't buy for that reason. It's better to simply submit individual articles and ask a fair price for each one individually.
In the long run...you'll turn profit instead of losing it. I wouldn't even attempt to write 10 articles, 500 words in length for $50 or less when I can most likely sell each of those 500 word articles for $20-$80 (depending on the subject) and make more money.
While on the subject of bundling, money and all, sometimes it ticks me off when I see a writer who writes a 1000+ word article then sells it for $10! To me, that's nuts.
I don't care how badly someone wants to make a buck, writing is valuable, the time it takes to write is valuable, the research is valuable, the style is valuable and why shortchange one's self when that article is worth 10 times more?
It's not profitable point blank.
All the time I see site owners who want a bundle of 10 articles on one topic and the pay...is $50 or $2.50 per article! That's cheap.
Another reason may be, out of a bundled set a buyer may not like all of the articles and therefore doesn't buy for that reason. It's better to simply submit individual articles and ask a fair price for each one individually.
In the long run...you'll turn profit instead of losing it. I wouldn't even attempt to write 10 articles, 500 words in length for $50 or less when I can most likely sell each of those 500 word articles for $20-$80 (depending on the subject) and make more money.
While on the subject of bundling, money and all, sometimes it ticks me off when I see a writer who writes a 1000+ word article then sells it for $10! To me, that's nuts.
I don't care how badly someone wants to make a buck, writing is valuable, the time it takes to write is valuable, the research is valuable, the style is valuable and why shortchange one's self when that article is worth 10 times more?
Last edited by LJade on Thu Sep 29, 2005 8:31 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Dorothy Edison
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Yep, Agreed!
I totally understand! Philosophically speaking I agree with the concept of anti-dumping laws. Dumping does create damage to various markets. When I first posted the question, I was somewhat bewildered by requests coming in. I was also puzzled by content that was already published on the site like: "Second in a weekly question and answer computer column". I was curious as to how columns worked. I now gather that each of the articles (weekly) were uploaded seperately - not zipped up.
After being here a little while and seeing the site grow, I think I got the hang of it!
Chris by the way, the new code rocks!
Sail on, sail on!!!
After being here a little while and seeing the site grow, I think I got the hang of it!
Chris by the way, the new code rocks!
Sail on, sail on!!!
Combining articles
I agree with everyone that bundling the articles isn't a good idea when many different writers are posting on the same request. It might be chaotic!!!
~BUT ~
If a requester asks for a particular writer by name as Chris has just added this feature, I think that writer could do it if they wish. I wouldn't charge but maybe 10% less for the whole original price, though. If you were going to charge $40 per article, charge $36 per article and let the buyer know in advance that you have given a discount on all your articles for them.
Candicep
~BUT ~
If a requester asks for a particular writer by name as Chris has just added this feature, I think that writer could do it if they wish. I wouldn't charge but maybe 10% less for the whole original price, though. If you were going to charge $40 per article, charge $36 per article and let the buyer know in advance that you have given a discount on all your articles for them.
Candicep
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LJade
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- Joined: Thu Sep 29, 2005 7:40 am
- Location: Near Charleston, South Carolina
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I agree that bundling would be an option if someone was asked to write a specific request but personally, I don't think that I would give a discount from the get go.
It would be different if the same buyer requested me for a couple of projects...then I could see being nice and offering a discount. I will admit that I haven't been propositioned yet ... I'll probably be so happy when I am that I'll do it for free!
Maybe not for free ... but I'll still be thrilled.
LJ 
It would be different if the same buyer requested me for a couple of projects...then I could see being nice and offering a discount. I will admit that I haven't been propositioned yet ... I'll probably be so happy when I am that I'll do it for free!
Maybe not for free ... but I'll still be thrilled.
LJ I am not in agreement with bundling articles either. It would lower prices and writing quality. Like you, Lisa, I cringe when a writer spends time researching and writing 1000 words to sell it for $10. It is defeating the purpose.
I'm not sure about anyone else here, but writing is how I make my living. If I don't sell, I don't pay the bills or put food on the table. My pricing is fair, but you won't see me offering any articles for free download.
If a private request comes in for a certain writer, I still think they should hold off on a discount. We are professionals and professionals don't give discounts. They establish an asking price and stick to it. To continue to lower prices will defeat what CC and the writers are setting out to do. Food for thought.
I'm not sure about anyone else here, but writing is how I make my living. If I don't sell, I don't pay the bills or put food on the table. My pricing is fair, but you won't see me offering any articles for free download.
If a private request comes in for a certain writer, I still think they should hold off on a discount. We are professionals and professionals don't give discounts. They establish an asking price and stick to it. To continue to lower prices will defeat what CC and the writers are setting out to do. Food for thought.