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What do you want from Helium? Are you here just because you enjoy writing, or because you have dreams of being a professional writer? Either way, putting a picture and bio on Helium will help you achieve your goals.

But I must add a word of warning. Posting your REAL photo, name and bio may not be a wise thing to do! Did you know that if someone has your name and a head-and-shoulders photo, all they need is a birthdate to create a fake driver's licence? If you have your birthdate posted on other sites, or reveal it in your articles, then you are leaving yourself wide open to identity theft.

So on balance, it may be safer to choose a pseudonym (pen name) and an avatar rather than your true name and likeness, and be careful that your bio does not reveal facts like birthdays and addresses. But whichever you do, done properly it has the potential to add to your Helium experience.

If you're here because you enjoy writing, you'll enjoy it much more if you're part of the community. People will relate much better to you if they can learn more about you on your "About Me" page.

If you're here because you dream of earning money from your writing, then your About Me page becomes really important. Of course, in that case you'll talk about your writing experience and aspirations rather than your three cats! You'll also include links to your other writings such as a blog or website.

If you think that no one looks at your "About Me" page, think again. I started a blog to promote my writing at Helium, and added a link to the blog on my "About Me" page. I was surprised to find that I got far more traffic FROM Helium than in the other direction.

Learn more about this author, Marisa Wright.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

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