March 2009 Premium Content Challenge - Who's in?

[geniuswaitress]

I noticed that too. WTG!

I wonder if it would be possible to feature the latest premium article on the main page, along with the latest regular article, blog, tutorial and review? It would be nice way to further recognize the good stuff, as well as give it more exposure.

[geniuswaitress]

Did it! Thanks for the challenge Celeste! As a newbie, I'm proud to have landed the page twice --once by not trying, and the second time in response to your challenge.

Hmmm, perhaps a blend of try/not try is key?

[Celeste Stewart]

Yay! I enjoyed reading your intros piece a few minutes ago and was just about to find that earlier thread where you and Ed were talking about it so that I could send you a big congratulations when I saw your post here. So, congrats!

I already have ideas for next month's challenge. . . I'm thinking maybe blog post challenge with a short word count - making every word count sort of thing.

PS- Apparently my pink slips article has sold :)

[HayleyWriter]

Congratulations to you both! Celeste, it is the mark of a great article to sell it so soon. It's terrific to see new authors succeeding here too.

I'm still working on the challenge and haven't submitted my "premium" article yet, but it is in the pipeline.

Hayley

[Elizabeth Ann West]

I had to take mine down before approval and edit because one of my warnings about credit card companies cutting credit limits came true! So the piece morphed from a "Hey this could happen" to a "Hey this IS happening, get prepared." It's going tomorrow after a final polish. Since I'm now citing a few press releases, I had to put in my citations. It's for the better, the title is now far stronger and a few tweaks in the body makes the prose a very one-two punch. What I can't believe is I crammed all of the information into 1100 words! It started at 1800, but it was very very bloated. In fact, two paragraphs were struck completely because they went too far of the beaten path, but I saved them in my widows file folder in case I do something with them later...

[Celeste Stewart]

Sheesh, we're all working on a Sunday, aren't we? Even Ed.

Looking forward to seeing yours E. Remember when I used to get on your case about extra words? Glad to hear you're still trimming :)

[Elizabeth Ann West]

Yeah I love ya Celeste. Just sent you a sneak peek. :)

[Ed]

Dug up original info posted about the Premium Category:

Hi Writers,

This new addition came about because some of you do craft exceptional, longer articles with original slants, but these articles get buried under shorter articles that may focus more broadly on certain topics. We want customers to know that we offer all kinds of content for a variety of needs.

The articles that have come through the queue that fit the "Premium Article" standard are usually articles written on spec, articles that are completely free of errors, awkward wording, or organization problems, and articles that provide unique angles about a topic or information about unusual topics (about which the author might have particular interest or passion).

These are articles that might be appropriate for well-respected print publications, high-end web magazines, or publications for certain topics that require an erudite approach.

Ed

To be continued . . .

[Ed]

From Dec. 2007:

I'm really looking for articles with strong voice, not articles that are just free of errors. Articles for this category should be interesting reading, as well contain useful information.

Ideally, these articles would be 1200 - 1500 words or longer and contain surprising, well-developed, or little-known information. In the web writing world, we do a lot of "regurgitation." Articles for this category should display unique takes on their subjects and seem authoritative. The voice should be unique and interesting.

Of course, my way of thinking goes that every piece of writing can be improved - whether you're a first grader or Nabokov. So authors may disagree with article choices. For example, one article chosen is mayb be considered top heavy, but the second paragraph contains an intriguing "hook" that got me reading more, and the rest of the article continues in on that vein. Another article seems plain Jane at first glance, but the sentence structure varies so the writing sounds refreshingly natural, the presentation of the topic shows that the author has given forethought to what questions a reader might hve about the topic. In addition, it is just about as error free as you'll get on Constant Content.

I hope this turns into a healthy challenge for writers. Writers need to always question what word they put in front of the other, whether a comma will add or detract from the flow of a sentence, and how they can set themselves apart from other writers - not necessarily because they're "better," but because they know how to successfully use language to convey messages, ideas, or information in ways that get their writing noticed.

Ed

[Celeste Stewart]

Thanks Ed!

[HayleyWriter]

Well, it might be a bit late, and I still didn't get into the premium category from Ed, but I'm proud of my article. It finally got approved today after a technical glitch, so it's buried back on page 17 of the recently approved articles, but here is my article for the March challenge: "No Child From My Womb: Moving Towards an Acceptance of Infertility".

http://www.constant-content.com/MoreDet ... tility.htm.

This article took me over a month to research, write, edit, re-write, get advice, re-write, get rejected, re-write, and I am very happy with the final result. It is a personal story of infertility, and I particularly enjoyed writing the "Jenny" segments.

I appreciated the challenge and I'm glad I took it up.

I'll still be trying to get an article doubly 'approved' by Ed and on that premium list though! Meanwhile, on to the April challenge.

Hayley

[audrabianca]

I really like the article, Hayley.

[HayleyWriter]

Thanks audra,

I apppreciate the comments. My sister has one child and is desperately trying for a second - undergoing all the treatments! My husband and I are in the situation where we can't have our own children. I guess I could really say this article was many years in the making!

Kind regards,

Hayley

[audrabianca]

The other options are available to you. I bet you are a great aunt!

[HayleyWriter]

Hi Audra,

Thanks, I try to be a terrific aunt! (I don't know about being a great one, as great aunt sounds too old!) My husband and I have decided not to try the other options and I am now at peace with my child free life.

Kind regards,

Hayley