What,
exactly, is the internet? It's true that it is called the
Information Super Highway, but how is that information presented?
It's presented in words, the currency of the writer. It's
what writers do--we write words. Therefore it is no surprise
that the internet offers more opportunities to the modern
writer than even the invention of the printing press. Wired
writers can find quick connections to a large range of publishers,
editors, and guidelines, can avail themselves of many inexpensive
means of self-promotion, and, perhaps most exciting, can take
advantage of an entire new field in online writing. It's a
World Wide Web of opportunity, and all a writer has to do
is learn how to utilize it.
Content is Key, But Who is Writing It?
According
to the OCLC Online Computer Library Center, there were 8,745,000
web sites on the internet in 2001. That’s quite a lot
of web sites. What is the backbone of each of those web sites?
Content. Content, the words on a web page, is what keeps traffic
interested, willing to return, and willing to buy. Who better
to provide these words than writers? Webmasters have begun
to realize this, and there are many web sites and online publications
actively seeking writers. In fact, the demand for content
far outweighs the number of writers supplying that demand.
This
market is not difficult to break into if you take a bit of
time to research content writing. Web content is different
than the material in traditional print publications in that
it is usually shorter, crisper, and easier to skim. Reading
well written online content is a good way to learn the style.
There
are many places that keep updated lists of online markets,
but don’t hesitate to search for writer’s guidelines
at web sites that interest you. It is also helpful to be on
the lookout for new web sites, and send your resume to the
editors. What
Good is the Internet for Making Money Offline?
Not
only a fantastic place to find online work, the web makes
it easier than ever for a writer to earn a living offline.
There are databases containing guidelines and contact information
for countless publications now accessible from your office
or living room, and most large publishing houses have their
own web sites, making it a snap to find the perfect market
for your work. International
internet access has also widened our freelance hunting grounds.
I live in a rural area, and, as much as I love it here, there
aren’t a lot of opportunities for a freelancer, unless
I want to write investigative chronicles about the neighborhood
cow that broke out of her pasture and blocked the road. However,
thanks to the power of the internet, I have done contract
work for people in India, Ireland, Canada, Italy, and England--not
to mention all over the United States--without ever having
to leave my home town. What’s more, I can sit down at
my computer and, within half an hour, find at least two prospective
assignments. Since I have gained an internet connection, I
have been able to triple my freelance assignments.
| It is of course not full article. You should login first to show full article. If you have not account, please register. It is FREE!!! |
|
