Internet writing: Why write on the Internet?
69Advantages to writing on-line
 | Amazon Price: $15.85 List Price: $17.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $4.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $2.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $4.79 |
 | Amazon Price: $13.15 List Price: $42.00 |
 | Amazon Price: $3.99 |
 | Amazon Price: $4.11 List Price: $9.29 |
 | Amazon Price: $2.90 List Price: $9.99 |
In 2006 I was working in a pressurised environment for the NHS in the UK. My job held plenty of responsibility and hassle, for few rewards. Feeling that I was approaching breaking point I decided that it was time to walk away.
As it has turned out I did return in a few short months but in a part-time capacity and different hospital environment.
When I first left though I took a drop in money. My new, temporary job was only just above the minimum wage and the 16 hours reduction in the working week added to the financial restraints.
Still I was much happier and the break gave me time to re-evaluate life and my priorities.
So, at home, with more time on my hands, and no money, I began to research ways that I could make a little extra money on-line.
Simply google "making money online" and all sorts of opportunities and scams are easy to find.
I wanted something that was legitimate, non pressurised and offered a little pocket money.
I began with surveys and mystery shopping and found the rewards nice. They were not always vast but they were steady extra cash.
English had been one of my best subjects at school and writing seemed a possibility. I had been good at art but my poor eyesight limited these opportunities.
I signed up to Dooyoo.co.uk and Ciao.co.uk and began to write product reviews. My initial reviews were dire. Whether it was lack of experience, my health at the time or simply lack of practice I do not know, but some reviews were dreadful. Still I earned some money and built up a community. All in all I enjoyed these sites. Epinions was another that I joined, but only for a short time.
As my writing improved I gradually abandoned these sites and moved on. For a while I did go back and amend some of the reviews but as the rewards were small it felt time to move on.
I guess Helium was my first proper Internet writing site. It was in its infancy when I joined. Over the three plus years that I have been a member Helium has morphed into a new entity. Some of this I like. Some I do not.
Then a bit over a year ago I came across Hubpages. This site for me fulfils many of my creative needs. It is user friendly, easy to get to grips with and does not make too many changes, too often. Yes, it has made some but most have been welcome improvements.
More recently Infobarrel was recommended by a fellow Hubber and i have joined AllVoivces also. I am trying now though to streamline my Internet writing. There are only so many hours in a day and I do not want to be a, Jack of all trades, master of none-as the saying goes.
I guess on the whole I would say that I decided to try writing as a means to earn some extra money, but it turned out to offer so much more. Writing online offers flexibility, instant writing rather than jotting down notes and needs little initial financial outlay except for needing to have a computer.
It has helped me keep track of new technological innovations, make many virtual friends and stretch my brain. As practise makes perfect it has greatly improved my writing skills. At least I hope it has. It has become a big part of my day. I use it as a means to unwind from my daily part-time work.
As I am approaching retirement i have seen and experienced so much over the years that in some ways I have a wealth of knowledge. That is true of all of us as we go through life. The Internet enables us to share our knowledge and experience with people around the world. With luck I may be able to retire a little early and concentrate more on writing.
The Internet was the place I chose to write mainly because it is accessible, relatively free, non restrictive and World wide. I also liked the possibilty to remain anonymous when required or wanted. I have no delusions about being another Jane Austen or J K Rowling but enjoy putting my thoughts into words.
So Angra:-
Why and when did you decide to start writing?
Furthermore - what persuaded you to take your talents to the Internet?
Â
- Retirement age in the UK to be scrapped from April 2011
Seeing the news today that the retirement age in the UK is to be scrapped from April 2011 set my addled old brain racing. - 21 months ago
- UK politics: An end to ASBOS?
Shall I start with a little information about what an ASBO is? - 21 months ago
- UK Health: Too many patients in the UK receive inappropriate treatment after suffering a stroke
It has been revealed that patients who suffer mini strokes, often referred to as TIAs or transient ischemic attacks, are usually classed as a low priority for treatment. - 22 months ago
- Black UK couple have blonde haired, blue eyed white baby.
When I saw this story being aired on breakfast TV news, in the UK, for 20th July 2010 I had to take a second look. - 22 months ago
- BP share price drop: What this may mean to British pensioners
This hub is not aimed at causing offence to those of you across the pond. - 22 months ago
- UK Conservative Party: The tories are up to their old tricks, of hidden agendas.
The Tories hidden agenda means that people did not know what change they were voting for. - 22 months ago
- Peter Mandelson: Politician's kiss and tell political book causes further damage to the UK Labour Party
Once upon a time there was......... - 22 months ago
- The NHS: Huge revamp of the NHS but does it spell the end of our free health care?
Working for the NHS has helped me to realise just how powerful and worthwhile an institution it is. - 22 months ago
More Hubs by this hubber
- Why Crete is special
From the moment that I glimpsed the large Greek Island of Crete from the plane I knew I was going to like the place. By the time our two week vacation drew to an end it was a serious love affair. If... - 2 weeks ago
- I'm a Celebrity Get Me out of Here Fun
I'm a Celebrity Get Me out of Here returned to UK TV screens on November 13, 2011. This wacky reality show was never on my viewing list until a couple of years ago when somehow or other I watched... - 6 months ago
- Choosing the right pen name
Do you write under your own name or like this Hubber do you prefer to use a pen name. A pen name may be chosen for many reasons. For this hubber it was a lack of confidence in the early days of... - 6 months ago
- X Factor UK
For 2011 X Factor has crossed the Pond. This year it is being aired in the US and in the UK. Although Simon Cowell is a wily entrepeneur even he cannot be in two places at once. This means that he is... - 6 months ago
- Halloween shivers
As I decided to lock up for the night I reflected on being home alone. As an adult it was not wrong to be home alone but that did not stop me hating it. During daylight hours it was quite nice. I was... - 6 months ago
- Best Christmas gifts for your man
Christmas may not quite be just around the corner but it soon will be. With so few gift shopping days left before Christmas we all need to get a move on. Sure there will be gifts available for sale... - 6 months ago
- Menorca: Can a return visit live up to expectations? You bet
We visited the small and perfectly formed Balearic Island of Menorca the last two weeks of October 2011. It was to be Hubby's 60th birthday whilst we enjoyed our vacation. We had a wonderful time... - 7 months ago
- A dog called Paddy
Little Paddy came to live with us after the death of our precious dog Leo. Rescue dog Leo had a hard life before he came to us. We all had great fun with him. He loved everyone and they all... - 7 months ago
vote upvote downshareprintflag
- Useful (33)
- Funny (4)
- Awesome (10)
- Beautiful (7)
- Interesting
CommentsLoading...
Yes, so far hubpages is `heaven' for online writers. I like it's algorithm and flexibility. Money? Yes, I love earning through HP.
writing english skill is not easy for foreigners. I hope google translate will better day by day so i can translate my own language to english.
Nice hub! Like me, I enjoy writing on the net too. I also made some money writing and sure its fun. The only guideline that I always impart is that I write good articles as people would like to read.
I haven't figured out how to make any money but i enjoy creating Hubs and reading other's work. Cheers.
I like hubpages best of everywhere I have written because I can relay my personal experiences to help others, and maybe make a few pennies at the same time. I also need to make good money, though, so I'm exploring places like AC that pay upfront, and maybe Constant Content as well. I'd like to get a steady paycheck doing this.
it is good to do what one enjoys
Yes Hubpages is a great place to write
Hi Ethel, great hub and lots of good advice in the comments too. I like Hubs because it gives me somewhere to write about the things that are important to me. During the week I normally end up writing about product reviews, or businesss webpages but nothing enjoyable. Here you can put your thoughts down and build relations with some really nice people. Thanks again
Although my english writing is very bad and this seem to limited my career development. But, since the internet create a free spaces for everyone, just why not use it to add value creativity in the internet. as a result, it got better and better wrting. cheer
Very good and interesting hub.
Writing is actually a great art and can be possessed by very few people. Many articles those can be found on internet today including mine, does'nt have life in them. They have just been more commercial than worthful.
nice share Ethel.
Dear all, it is possible to make a living online but it needs determination, that extra special something, luck, time and perseverance.
good post Ethel.
I liked it.
best regards
I am too in the process of making money online ... hope this will be helpful
kool hub dude
Thanks for sharing your experience Ethel. :-) I myself am about to embark on a quest to make money online so this has revealed quite a bit to me....
Isn't it possible to make a living off writing online? It'd be a dream for mine... I plan to move abroad (to China, where the pay is awful) so to have a constant flow of money online would be a godsend...
Thanks all. Remember it takes time for your earnings to grow so having fun is essential.
Interesting hub, thanks.
thanks 4 sharing with us Ethel!
i think i should learn from you, and step up my writing skills, tks for share with us, thumbs for you.
Trying to make money online can be daunting for some of us going through trial and error, but I think everybody here in Hubpages sees eye-to-eye, it's a great community, great potential, and a good beginning for any online writer like myself. Great hub!
This is a great hub, thanks for writing it
Voted this up and said it was awesome...I am going to follow you too...it is very obvious you know what your are doing...thanks for you Hub.
I agree there is so much BS on the internet about "making money online". I have tried many of the different techniques online and am still trying more. I have been quite successful with Affiliate Marketing. But it always was something i never was passionate about. I like yourself enjoyed english at school. So i have just started my own HP and am enjoying it quite alot.
Finally i get to enjoy myself and make money doing something i am passionate about. Without having to quit my day job as a fitness consultant.
I am also interested in writing online but just getting started in Hubpages. Good tips on what to expect. Thanks.
Nice hub. A lot of money making is in the internet nowadays. Technology really rises and you don't need to go out to make money. That's why people are only giving time to those internet promos etc. because it is easy money for them.
Beautiful hub, well written its really helpful and that's why I voted you up, Follow and Subscribe.Thanks
cool hub, i like it, gonna visit the other sites mentioned, check them out
Thanks all. Dare I check out Demand Studios? Better not :) I have been around lis but erratically
I've been writing for a few years, and make a pretty decent income with Demand Studios and with private clients.
This hub was excellent.
Hi Eth, have not seen you here for a while. You must be doing well on your other sites. This is another great hub, useful and encouraging to newcomers.
Very Interesting Article and Helpful to..
We all seem to be in agreemnet :) Thanks for stopping by everyone.
Nice hub ethel, Thanks for sharing your experiences. I feel HP is the best place to work.
Great Hub. I can really relate to what you are saying. I Like as well and I'll follow.
writing really does strech ones brain. It sure has helped me strech mine.
I like - I follow
its great! keep it up.
nice article.. very informative. definitely following you..keep it up.
great hub.....keep it up...
I have enjoyed this article. I have met some nice people on hub pages. I have not been on this site very long, but I look forward to meeting people who can help me to become a better writer. Your article is easy to read and very helpful.
Thanks!
Teresa
nice to get that mark!!!
Excellent read. Just starting out and cant believe that ive actually wrote anything. Then you quickly become hooked. Keep up the good work.
Writing online doesn't have any restrictions, but if you plan on earning decent money, you've to be really motivated! I have had many friends take up hub-making after I told them about this wonderful website but then they abandoned it after a while coz all they wanted is 'quick' cash.
Thanks for such an insightful and honest hub about making money by writing online. It's amazing what has brought each of us to HubPages. I am limited by severe allergies and asthma from working outside the home, and have been experimenting with earning money online for about 2 years, and have found it really is possible to earn money from online writing. It's an exciting adventure, a way to broaden my horizons and meet others.
Good luck with your own adventures earning money online!
Thanks to one and all. I have been a little absent this week. It is great to read all of the inspiring stories. It would seem that we internet writers are a very mixed bag of people.
Thanks for sharing your experiences. I've just joined this site, mostly for something to do and practise but it would be great to earn some extra money.
I'm just getting started with Hubpages and still in the learning phase. This is my first attempt at any type of writing on the internet, so this hub was very useful. I'm also a fan of the UK so will look at some of your other hubs.
I started online to write stuff I knew about to make money, but it all kind of snowballed from there really. now nearly 7 years later and in the last 2 years have put things in place to try and make this full time.
I'm not the worlds best writer when it comes to grammar and all that, but I believe writing has an individual style and that should be allowed and just be an enjoyable online experience with writing.
Now a lot of doors have opened up now with earning opportunities and my own product line coming out quite soon as drawing tutorials and other artistic projects take over the make money aspects that I believe I focused on too much in the early stages.
Ethel:
Thanks for your hub, I started writing hub 3 months ago, when you have time give me recommendations for improving my hugs traffic.
I'm so glad to see that someone out there writes for the pleasure and joy of writing. Best of luck to you. Thnks for sharing your experiences through this Hub.
Hi Ethel, what a wonderful inspiring hub! I discovered HubPages a few years back and tried it out because I was instantly attracted to the platform and community. Also it has a viral marketing nature to it in the sense that we can create leveraged pay here through referrals, and also other hubbers are encouraged and benefit from promoting each other's hubs. Once I found out that HubPages was earning me more money quicker and with less effort than my blog -- I knew for sure it was a keeper!
Nice article, writing is a joy and a great outlet. You can reach so many people with your words.
I started on Hubpages as a hobby but nice to know that I can earn money as well.
Thanks for your Articles
Very nice information dear. Writing is a passion and until we are vastly read, you won't find it easy to do. Writing is interesting and I personally get fulfilled when I see my write ups online
Nice hub. it is a very easy and best source of writing and easily available all information, Links,images of related search.it is easy to use.
Nice Hub. I've been spread out on too many sites and I can't keep up with them. Hubpages is one where I've decided to focus my attention. I'm going to try to put some of my Hubs in to ebooks to sell-- a way to leverage the content!
Yes, online writing has helped de-stress my life too!
I like you article.
Nice hub. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
Writing has always been a personal hobby of mine, but with the benefits I am seeing online it's actually turning into a legitimate opportunity.
This is a great article to help the rest of us stay inspired, so I thank you!
Great Hub, loved the part about time to get priorities right...So true.
Ah crap, now you're going to have infants writing on HubPages...this can't be good...
But seriously, good hub. ;)
Good shot...
Great hub!
I am just one of many that liked the information in your hub! Thank you!
Great story of your journey into the world of article writing. I like the line "There are only so many hours in a day and I do not want to be a, Jack of all trades, master of none-as the saying goes." I got a little laugh out of that.
great points, thanks
I write for several sites too. Some are more profitable than hub pages, but none are as satisfying. Here I feel part of a community of writers and really enjoy the work of others. There are some amazing writers here! Thanks Ethel for sharing your story with us.
hey thanks for giving us all this information
I'm definitely book marking your hub! Your hub is awesome and it felt like you're speaking for me. Are you sure you weren't an author or something like that? Love your hubs! Rating you up! ps I'm new too!
What a pleasant surprise to click on the hubs page and find your hub with a 100 score! Congrats my friend, good hub and good work. :-)
well written - thanks!
Well done. Very nicely explained. Cheers for you.
Wow you all have such great input to add. Its true that the Internet has opened so many doors for us would be writers. My blog seems to be invisible also
I can remember writing, and having a strong interest in writing, as early as 7 or 8. Fiction was my thing for a very long time, and unfortunately I just never found success writing it. So, here I am...and that's not to make light of HubPages, or writing on the Internet. I was writing for some time on Blogspot, and still do have a blog there, but it's just never had the visibility and participation I've experienced here. Nor the sense of community. Glad to be in good company here, and found your story to be interesting.
Absolutely true that Internet has brought a kind a revolution and more and more people exchanging their thoughts. Great Article. Keep Penning.
Yes, writing online is both rewarding and fun. Great hub!
It's funny, I remember hating writing while in school. Yet, to this day I remember a teacher in 7th grade telling me to never stop writing. Well, I didn't think I would listen to her at the time, but now I can't seem to stop writing. How great it is to be able to get your ideas read by millions of eyeballs! And HubPages is the perfect place to do it. I may not be the best writer on the planet, but I don't have to be. I know someone can benefit from what I have to say!
Thanks for the hub to give me another opportunity to realize how great a place this is and how great it is to write your ideas down to share with others.
Thanks for a great mixed bag of comments.
Yes, the internet is a great tool that opens up many opportunities that didn't exist before, and is especially great for writers. Writing online can become highly profitable, to any of those who were questioning that...and there are sooo many avenues to take!
Great hub. =)
Very nice, its worth joining these sites for writing.
A writer will write for the lazy man will sleep !
You have to do something in life in order to stay active;
An idol mind is the devil's playground !
Just a thought by which to ponder.
Hi,
I am new to all this Hubbing lark, and I have to confess that I haven't quite grasped the concept of how money can be made. However, my name is William and I just like writing about my life as it happens and I try to make it fun. If you like slugs you may like what I have to say about them. I found your article helpful BTW.
Thanks for sharing your internet "roots" - it's always interesting to read where writers have come from on their respective journeys. I must admit. I am a HubPages addict, too.
You have given me so much information with such a short hub. Thank you very much. I now feel that I a heads up on writing on the internet. I have given you a thumbs up and rated it as useful. If I could have given you a point score it would have been the highest possible. Thanks again for this little/big lesson. Your have taught me much that I need to know.
Great Hub. Nice and informative with great presentation.
Whoa I think this is my first hub to score a 100. What a strange conincidence :). Thanks to you all. Have fun
I am new to Hubpages, this is my 1st attempt at writing. Enjoy reading all the interesting articles and generous sharing from skilled writers like you. Will follow you.
Nice hub. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.
nice hub and very informative.
Thanks
Your Hub is awesome...voted you up and am now following you...thanks so much.
Excellent points! I recently discovered internet writing myself and am really enjoying it!
Hi Ethel,
thanks for sharing your experience with us. It's interesting and useful.
Thanx MKayo
Learned a lot, and was encouraged by your writing - Thx!
Hi Dorsi and Amanda, it seems we are all well and truly HP hooked lol
Hi Ethel, glad you're still enjoying your writing. I've never tried writing on any other site. A chance reading of one of Bard of Ely's hubs brought me here, and I just got stuck in! One of these days I must have a look at some of the other sites you mention.
Thanks for sharing your internet writing with us Ethel. Writing is such a therapeutic pastime, and even nicer that we can paid for it sometimes! And the added bonus of being able to help some people...an awesome combination!
Thanks HubPages and thanks again for sharing your thoughts Ethel. (BTW I liked this on Facebook and tweeted this - another great linking tool brought to us by HP!)
Ah James you sweet talker lol.
I know what you mean though. It is a fun way to learn and earn some money
I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on HubPages. I started because I wanted to start a new career as a writer but had no experience. A friend recommended HubPages to me as a way to gain this experience. I also have enjoyed making friends with my fellow Hubbers—such as you! :-)
The money is always nice. It iis best not to be just money orientated online though as it can be hit and miss. A great way to keep in touch with your daughter :)
I've always wanted to write a book and am doing that now, but found that writing on the Internet allowed me to practice my skills (use you guys as Guinea Pigs) as well as gives me a forum to communicate with my daughter who does not live with me. I also learn a lot, not just about writing, but about everything else.
I don't do it primarily for the money; my focus is on how to parent my daughter. If the money follows, that is a great secondary motivator.
Amie, Whid and Hsabee thanks for stopping by. It seems we are all hooked lol
Great points, Eth! I would be lost without internet writing!
Great hub, I too enjoy hubpages for the ability to express my faith, my views, etc. Plus I have made so many friends and found so much info on these hubs that is so helpful in any profession you are in. Sounds like you are enjoying it too and that is very important. Cheers!
I'm new to Hubpages and loving it already. Just started writing online and have learned so much from hubs such as this. I've subscribed to you.
I think that is a good idea. Go with the flow and have fun. The money is a bonus
Great hub, you've inspired me to write a bit more. I've always loved to write, but am unsure how to take it to the next level. Instead of worrying, I'll write, read and learn and see where it goes. Thanks for the inspiration!
That's sweet prasetio
I thought you have a lot of experience in writing field. I have to learn from you. Thanks for share with us. I thought Hubpages is still the best. By joining this site I can meet you here, right. Thank you very much. Thumbs up for you.
Thanks MPG
I started on Hubpages as a hobby and was surprised to learn you can earn money as well. Nice bonus.
Another added bonus is "talking" to all the other hubbers, it really adds to the experience. Good hub as always ethel.
We are such a mixed bag of people aren't we, yet Hubpages keeps us close.
Thanks for all sharing your e4xperiences.
HH what do you mean an objection?
I have to write, although there was an objection a while ago about it, GREAT HUB. What else can I say about it? I don't remember how I discovered Hubpages and I wondered off to some other platforms lately but I find it hard to write there. Infobarrel lost three articles and that is not funny. As everybody knows they want to be put together and written. Heloim I was complete disappointed about their methods. To me Hubpages is easy to write on and the friends I made here is unbelievable. I had about 50 comments on my 'Aday in Hospital' with real concern and care. I can't belief it. SheToldMe I put my account of Google in my profile but it is not registered on my account with Google. So no pay. Squidoo I have three accepted and nine supposed to be improved but I was clicking about and couldn't do it. Is the Internet Devil having on ly me by the neck?
Voted up, and also Useful. Useful because my daughter is looking to find a way to make $ online. Your experience is a helpful experience because of the varios things you've tried and because I think she, too, will eventually do well as a writer. Thanks for this hub!
voted up and beautiful! Well written, informative and concise. Enjoy reading your work...
It occurs to me that novels or short stories (or Hubs) could also offer appropriate background music as is done in movies.
Thank you for this "no frills" Hub, on Internet writing. I never really researched it, because of all the hype and b.s. that is out there. It was a simple desire to help others on my blogspot blogs, that propelled me into writing for passive income. I love what you said about early reviews. I sometimes go back to my ancient writings, book reviews, letters to politicians,and the editor and cringe. Somehow the passion comes through. Luckily with age seasoning comes! I like Hub Pages because it is easy to edit and find out what works and what does not. By simply changing one word in a capsule title, or Hub Title, it can open up to a willing audience! Always thankful for your advice and points of view!
Thanks HP
Everything in internet writing is good but you have to keep your mind busy in search of the topic of next hub. Good exposure.
Yes Ralph they are good points. A Hub can offer so much more than a book.
Internet publishing is in the process of supplanting print media because it offers a number of important advantages as we all know here in HubPages--the opportunity to include videos, links to relevant material for those who want more information on the topic, plenty of images and so forth.
I had lunch yesterday with a couple of doctors both of whom agreed that medical textbooks and articles could be greatly enhanced by offering videos of actual operations and links to multiple sources of information on the lastest, up-to-date research and information on illnesses and their treatment. On-line fiction could also benefit from adding videos and links. HubPages and other on-line media offer features that make for much better movie reviews than those found in newspapers.
ankigarg87 19 months ago
You have great knowledge !