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Helium is one of the few writing platforms that accepts writers from all over the world. Originally, Helium's concept was based on the fact that there is a huge pool of potential talent out there that might never be discovered unless that resource is tapped.

Mark Ranalli, Helium's founder and CEO, felt that people - of all ages, from all cultures, educational levels, and diverse experiences - have something of value to add to a world database of fact-based articles and creative writings in Helium's virtual library.

The site is family oriented for members aged 13 and older so the guidelines and principles are almost self-explanatory: no adult content or profanity; stay on topic; and write at least 400 words to the title (with 1500-word maximum suggested by a surveyed web readership). All submitted content is presumed to be the writer's own; a writer can lose membership for plagiarism. The site is self-monitored and no flaming is allowed.

Helium asks all writers to write their best. Diversity in viewpoints, personal experiences and educational backgrounds is expected, wanted, and encouraged. Members are writing for a world-wide, English-speaking audience, who prefer to read articles written on a general-magazine/newspaper, 9th grade level.

The 27 major channels, from Arts and Humanities to Travel and Other, are further divided into approximately 200 sub-channels. There is something for everyone. Helium is a web-savvy business, which tries to fairly reimburse its writers on a sliding pay scale according to their quality and quantity of works. Advertisers pay more for some channels than others, which plays into the final formula for payouts.

Helium offers fast-paced, biweekly contests of 100 titles, which pay out $60, $40, and $30 for those who place 1st, 2nd and 3rd, respectively, as the top contestants. Helium also works with other publishers who are constantly looking for stock content. If they spot something they can use, they pay Helium, which pays a portion immediately into the writer's account.

Helium also lists co-publishers in the "Marketplace" who request freelance material on specified topics, with specified word lengths, by deadlines. Writers can earn cash payouts ranging from about $24 to $100 there, but many publishers are limiting submissions to "experienced" writers who have earned at least one blue writing star on Helium.

Although some channels may be slanted for American readers - like politics, legal topics, and business matters - the majority may

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