The World Wide Web has revolutionised how people access information around problems and questions in their day-to-day lives.
Long-running newspapers, magazines and journals, which have played a vital part in this information chain to date, are finding their world turned upside down by the proliferation of new sources of news and content online. While much of this is evidenced by a slimming down of traditional newsrooms and copy desks, new opportunities for online publishers and journalists are surfacing each day for those willing to diversify in their careers.
The new web order
"Entrepreneurial journalism" is a buzzword right now, but freelance journalists have long displayed entrepreneurial skills – balancing commissions, drumming up new business, and turning their hands to different titles and forms of writing. And as traditional publishers seek to shift their business models to take advantage of the online world, forward thinking journalists are already reaping the benefits of working for new media publishers. For some it's a first opportunity to build a portfolio; for more established writers, editors and journalists it's a lease of life in an industry where traditional employers and commissions are dwindling.
In the US, Demand Media has become a new revenue model for thousands of journalists, editors and freelance writers. The company is responsible for producing thousands of articles each day for its owned and operated network of popular sites, including eHow.com and LIVESTRONG.com as well as third-party publishers looking to supplement their publications with quality content.
Demand Media is now looking for writers based in the UK to work across its network of sites producing articles in their area of interest and expertise – so why should you apply? What's in it for you?
Freelancing at Demand Media
The benefits of contributing to Demand Media go beyond a reliable pay check. There's the flexibility that all freelance writers enjoy, as approved writers are able to take on assignments from thousands of available topics and fit them around their schedules and interests. Assignments are picked up on a first-come, first-served basis and, after each article is checked by experienced copy editors, the writer gets paid. Pay cheques are delivered twice a week directly into a PayPal account, so you get all the benefits of working as a freelancer without the hassle of chasing up unpaid commissions.
Writing isn't the only thing people are doing at Demand Media: through its recently launched Talent and Experts Network, authentic and entertaining personalities will be integrated in the company's original articles and videos and expanded to new episodic programming and branded entertainment content across hundreds of categories.
"My name is Tony Dunnell, and I'm a full-time freelance writer. I'm from the UK, but I've been living in the Peruvian jungle for the last year. Demand Studios offers me a steady, reliable income with few commitments, allowing me to further explore Peru as and when I want. Peru provides me with endless stories, experiences and adventures, all of which I write about in my own blogs and for various other websites and travel guides. The titles that I select at Demand Studios are those that interest me: sport, history, travel and a little bit of science. The flexibility offered by Demand Studios allows me to write what I want, when I want, without getting stressed in the heat of the jungle."
Working as a freelance writer and journalist today requires establishing yourself as an online brand. With Demand Media, writers are able to build online portfolios showcasing their work to large, global online audiences. With by-lines and biographies attached to each article, it's a great way to gain exposure for assignments suited to each writer's experience and interests. Demand Media has also developed strong links with news websites in the US, such as USAToday.com, which now publish special-interest Demand Media articles on its websites, giving further exposure to its writers.
"Demand Media has received a lot of attention lately due in part to a disruptive approach that turns the traditional media model on its head," says Jeremy Reed, the vice president of editorial at Demand Media.
"Our approach combines technology and a large community of professional talent to discover and deliver informative, inspiring and entertaining content to more than 80 million people each month. This has allowed us to create a new marketplace for writers and editors where they can work and earn on their own terms without the fear that their 'assignment-well' will dry up."
Social networks and online communities have been a fantastic way for freelance writers to share experiences and advice, and this is something Demand Media has taken into consideration by offering a string of "office perks" for its network of writers. From cash prizes to training webinars, contributors' work is recognised with rewards on top of their normal pay.
Positive feedback from readers and editors can also be turned into extra incentives for writers. Each article is rated for accuracy, adherence to publisher style-guides and writing ability. The top-rated writers are then offered invite-only assignments, which carry higher pay rates and other perks.
For more information on how to apply, visit this link – you'll need your CV ready and some examples of non-fiction written work. Using the simple application form, submit today for your opportunity to join Demand Media.
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