Question About Premium Articles

[MeggieHardy]

Hi;
Since I'm relatively new, I'm still trying to navigate my way around the site. I've looked in various places but I can't find the answer to this question: What constitutes "premium articles?" How do they get that designation?

Another question (unrelated): When checking your "hits" the only way to check this is through your "My Content" page on "edit", correct? Obviously, we want as many 'hits' as possible, but what is a good measure of hits? Say, if an article has been up a couple of weeks, how many hits is considered "norm?" I know this is subjective as the content has to be relevant to client interest, but I was wondering if there's a 'number' that helps to measure whether your articles are hitting their mark.

Meggie

[Celeste Stewart]

Copied from the "March 2009 Premium Content Challenge" post:

Ed says:
In brief, Premium articles usually:
Are fun to read
Introduce the subject in a surprising/different way (Starting your article out with some variation of "there are many reasons why you should . . . and here they are" is effective for basic web writing and short articles, but is boring)
Are in-depth treatments of the subject matter that offer new information to a reader who probably already has basic knowledge about the subject

While some formulaic articles have made it onto the Premium list, formulaic is not the way to go. Let your idea percolate, study up on it, consult unlikely sources, and then let it percolate some more. Writing about subject matter that you have cultivated an interest in (or will as you research) is the best tip I can offer.

As always, proofread and proofread again. Structure your sentences in a variety of ways. If you want to use a punctuation mark you aren't sure about, look it up.
++++++++++

As far as "hits" I find that it's really not that useful because so many of us writers enjoy viewing the other content on the site. It's fun to read what other writers are writing and to see what works for those who are successful. Writers also check out other articles when we're all writing for the same request. Checking out the competition so to speak or checking the other writers' angles to ensure that our own approach is unique. There's no way to tell if the hits are coming from potential customers or other writers checking you out.

[Elizabeth Ann West]

I find hits do help a little for me in my pricing...if I see an article has 20 or more hits (which is about all you will likely get from other authors checking you out) with no sales I know that the heading and short summary are getting attention, but the price isn't in the range the buyers are looking for.

You can also reset the hits to 0, very helpful when you are testing out a new price or short summary.

But hits here are not as important as sites where you are paid per view or anything like that. And remember, it only takes one, the right one hit to make a sale! :)

[MeggieHardy]

Ed, Elizabeth;
Thank you for your replies. Much appreciated.

Ed: Your in-depth explanation of "Premium Articles," offered some great advice. Sometimes it's easy to get into a rut and write everything in a formulaic style.
Elizabeth: I appreciate your comments about the "hits." I guess I had assumed the "hits" were only counted from the "customer" side. That helps a lot.

So, to clarify..."Premium" is designated by CC staff? Is that correct?

(I am learning so much at this site. Wonderful place).

Meggie

[Elizabeth Ann West]

Yep, it was developed as way to showcase the really stunning or interesting writing. It's not to say non-Premium articles aren't as good, as everything here has a market and justing get past Ed is a feat :) It's kinda like the grocery store... some products haves shinier packaging and a shinier price to go with. It works for the C-C people to highlight these more expensive (shinier price) articles that are more in-depth attacks on subject matter because 35% of $200 is better than 35% of $25. It works for authors because it gives us all a little challenge to strive for, and more money in our pocket. Plus, it's nice to stretch our minds every once in a while like our March challenge is doing.

But do NOT get offended if one of your articles isn't picked as Premium. I thought my analysis of the Cloth Diapering Industry as a cottage industry was very interesting and a new spin on so many articles that are very definition based (This is an AIO, a pocket, a prefold etc). While the information stood out to me, it didn't really give much shock and awe to the staff and so it sits in the general articles only :) But no worries, one day it will sell and then I'll have my premium! :)

[Celeste Stewart]

Like Elizabeth says, don't get disappointed if the article doesn't land in the Premium Content section. The whole idea behind the March Premium Content Challenge is to find that spark - to write for ourselves and fine-tune our writing. Getting a nod from Ed is great and I do believe that it helps for customers to see the showcase of premium articles, but the ultimate judge is you. Did you take a ho-hum article and make it shine? If so, that's what we're talking about. Join the challenge with us? We'd love to have you!

Edited to add the March Premium Content Challenge link: http://www.constant-content.com/forum/v ... =4&t=14196

[MeggieHardy]

Celeste,

Thanks for your input. The people here are so very willing to help.

When you're saying, "March challenge" are you referring to a specific event? Also, is there a designation when you submit your articles or are they just chosen among all that are submitted? Sorry if I'm being a nuisance. Just trying to learn all I can about this site. I'm planning on being here a long time.

Meggie

[Ed]

These articles are chosen by me because they stand out/set themselves apart, are in-depth treatments of a topic, and exhibit the writer's skill and attention to technical detail.

I ask writers not to ask for specific articles to be considered. The Premium Articles section exhibits writing that comes through the queue that I feel deserves to be showcased but might otherwise be lost in the shuffle. Additionally, authors who do not get their articles designated as Premium shouldn't feel as though their articles are less valuable.

Edited to add: Please see the thread under "Author Exchange" for more info.

Thanks,
Ed

[MeggieHardy]

I think I understand the process now. Thanks for being so patient in answering my questions.

I'm just happy that my articles were accepted here; there are some fine pieces written by some very good authors among the mix. I appreciate this site taking the time to accept/reject articles. It forces us to be more diligent with our work.

Well, I'm off to Myrtle Beach now for a vacation. Surely I can come up with some ideas while sitting at the edge of the ocean!

Meggie

[Ed]

Vacation is a time for your brain to rest. Do as I say, not as I do. ;)