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The new age of freelance writing online puts the "free" back in freelance. Freelance writers focused on print publishing spend too much time composing and waiting on query letters instead of writing articles. Too many well-educated and talented writers don't get recognition because they haven't been published. Yet, the demand for information in an Information Age offers more open frontiers than traditional publishing fortresses. I'm on staff at Helium.com, and I'm writing to help writers as they discern where to publish their online articles.

The Internet has been the platform for change, but - even on the web - some writer websites remain behind the times: Their virtual fortresses hold writers back. Some distinguishing features that make Helium unique provide guidelines to help a writer answer the question: Where should I publish my articles?

* Are the benefits advertised to new writers just inflated promotional rates or earnings you can rely on even after you've been a long-standing member? You should expect your earnings to increase as you contribute more, not to decrease when you are no longer the new writer to recruit. Many sites offer promotional teases, but these dwindle after you get roped in.

* Is the site an attractive platform to display your photo, bio and online portfolio, or is your image cheapened by association with lousy graphics and site organization? Just like dressing for success makes a difference with first impressions, so wearing a professional looking site can enhance your writer's portfolio.

* Does the site offer a supportive writing community and model responsiveness in the staff, or are you left on your own to try and make it? A supportive writing community and responsive staff add to your chances for success. You want to join a writing community and not just a group of writers dumping their content in a cold Internet cubicle. "It takes a village"or - at least - others can help.

* Is the site structured and vested in promoting your writing, or will it simply warehouse your work? Having your work stuck in an Internet warehouse is nearly worthless. Finding a site with a strong enough page rank and energetic staff focused on maximizing SEO is your ticket to success. And does the staff share this knowledge to help its writers succeed? Research suggests that focusing on one site for publishing (or two at most) is sufficient. Publishing your work on too many sites can undermine your search engine rank placement. Choose wisely and don't spread

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