by Barbara Whitlock

Created on: February 17, 2007   Last Updated: March 29, 2009

Helium welcomes writers to share their experiences, and many jump to writing - some with haste. If you dash off a quick article, chances are your ratings will drop like a stone. Beware! Learn how to avoid the pitfalls and climb to rating and earning success at Helium.

You can enter the world of Helium's online publishing community through either a wide or a narrow gate. The wide gate can be found next to each existing article thread; the "Write now" button provides an easy-open latch. The narrow gate involves initiating an entirely new article group, which requires editorial review. This article focuses on that wide gateway; and, it seeks to establish some checkpoints to guide you on a smoother and more successful path toward publishing at Helium.

Perhaps you found Helium by accident; perhaps you were invited to join. Each new member tends to walk along the edge of the fence, peering in at article titles and lead articles. Suddenly, you spot something you recognize. You think: "Hey, I know something about that." You click that "Write now" button to share your ideas. The Helium writing community would like you to hear a red warning siren at this point. In brief, there is more to think through than just "oh, I have something to say about this." Community members implore you to think about the knowledge, think about the content, think about the format, and think about the nature of this knowledge storehouse, rather than blasting through that gateway and stumbling unawares. It doesn't take long; and, you'll find more sure footing for the effort.

Think about the knowledge: When you come upon an article group, read ALL the articles in that group in order to assess whether you have value to contribute to the knowledge shared thus far. And, if you feel confident you do, write your article as if it were the lead; make it self-sustaining and complete. Do not write a reply or a partial article, as if you were responding to a question or addressing another writer's article. Make your article the most comprehensive and best written. If you surmise that you cannot "beat" the articles in this group, move onto an area where you can contribute uniquely and/or authoritatively.

Think about the content: Create a thoughtful article. Gather your thoughts and add more research if needed. Outline and/or write drafts. Think about having an introduction and a conclusion. Many writers try to establish a clear thesis or perspective high up in their article. Tie up your discussion neatly in

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