by Linda Ann Nickerson

Created on: May 30, 2009

Associated Content Pays

Internet scams are everywhere. Paid-to-publish pop-up advertisements plague aspiring authors and freelance writers all over the world wide web. With so many potential pitfalls, cyber journalists and web writers may well be leery of citizen journalism websites and similar opportunities.

However, Associated Content: The People's Media Company (AC) does indeed pay those who publish. Participants must be 18 years of age to quality for payment from Associated Content (AC). There is no fee to join or publish with Associated Content (AC).

Once a writer has exceeded (US) in earnings with Associated Content (AC), he or she will be required to file a U.S. IRS W-9 (Request for Taxpayer Identification Form). After $600 in earnings, a writer will receive a U.S. 1099 form for income tax purposes.

Generally speaking, Associated Content (AC) pays its writers (who were formerly known as content producers) in three ways.

AC Upfront Payments

Associated Content (AC) often offers writers upfront payments for articles they submit for editorial consideration. These payment offers may vary greatly, perhaps from $1 to $15 or more.

Currently, writers must be either citizens of legal resident of the United States to receive upfront payment offers from Associated Content (AC).

According to Associated Content (AC) content managers (or editors), the upfront payment offer amounts are based on several factors, including a writer's average page views on previously published content on the site. Associated Content (AC) upfront payment offers may also depend upon keyword density, uniqueness and projected internet search engine popularity of such pieces.

Associated Content (AC) does not offer upfront payments for certain topic areas, such as creative writing, editorials, humor, recipes and website reviews.

AC Performance Payments

Associated Content (AC) pays writers performance payments monthly, based on readership of their published articles. Initially, a writer may earn $1.50 for every 1,000 page views. As a writer published additional articles and gains increasing page views, this pay rate may be raised to $1.75 and then $2.00 for every 1,000 page views.

AC Distribution Payments

Occasionally, outside publishers and website hosts will purchase published articles from Associated Content (AC). When this happens, writers receive distribution payments, which usually total $5 each.

Special AC Bonuses

Associated Content (AC) also hosts contests and special events, in which writers may earn additional bonuses. For example, during National Poetry Month (in April), writers submitting entries to Poetry Month Challenge assignments were entered into a raffle-type drawing for an additional payment of $10.

Payment Is Possible

As with Helium or other paid online publishing sites, writers may earn at a wide range of income levels. Certainly, building a loyal internet readership takes time, and climbing the internet search engine rankings requires some effort and cyber savvy.

However, with persistence and patience, a web writer may gain considerable income from such sites.

Yes, Associated Content does pay those who publish, particularly those who publish pertinent, search engine optimized, popular pieces.

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