Things are getting better (She says, crossing fingers!)
@Sandra1952 (6047)
Spain
December 15, 2010 2:39am CST
After a terrible week, it appears that the new system is starting to work as it should over at Helium. The second round of Marketplace articles have been processed a day ahead of the deadline, and, from the community boards this morning, it seems that a lot more starred writers have either had articles accepted for upfront payment or transitioned for credits. Last week, everyone was complaining about deleted articles, even though many of them finished top of the list when MP closed.
I've had two accepted and two transitioned of the 4 I wrote for this cycle - I'm being a bit cautious until I know the system is working as it should. This doesn't mean I'm so arrogant as to assume all of my stuff should be accepted, but when you write within the guidelines and your article is top or second in the list, it's reasonable to expect it to be accepted.
How did you fare in the latest round of purchasing? Are you going to stay with Helium, or do you think it's time to move on? I came very close to quitting last week, but I enjoy writing for Helium. The interface is so easy for a technical cripple like me, and I have a great circle of supportive friends over there, so I'm staying - unless anything else happens, then I may need to rethink.
2 people like this
4 responses
@oldchem1 (8132)
•
15 Dec 10
Well I've not heard yet but I do want to stay with Helium and it does sound as if things are panning out over there!
I agree with you about the ease of using the site, I do like writing on there and think I may put a couple more 'ordinary' articles on today, don't think the brains up to Market Place ones at the moment!!!!
3 people like this
@Sandra1952 (6047)
• Spain
15 Dec 10
Hello, Sue. There should be more titles up there later today, now the second cycle of titles has been processed. I'm just going to try one about dog fleas. The things we writers do to earn a living!
I like the support network at Helium - you don't get that with other writing sites. Most of the Channel Stewards are very approachable and helpful as well. I really want to see Helium succeed, because we'll succeed with it.
2 people like this
@abbey19 (3106)
• Gold Coast, Australia
17 Dec 10
I only have a few articles at Helium, but am going to persevere with it for a while longer to see how it goes; I feel the site is worth it.
You have shown great support to Helium writers Sandra, with your comments and reponses about Helium over the last week or so on here, and I for one, want to thank you; in fact, it has revealed to me that we have a great support system with our friends there.
1 person likes this
@Sandra1952 (6047)
• Spain
17 Dec 10
Why, thank you for that, Abbey. 
You're right, Helium is worth it, and even with the changes, it still pays better than any other writing site that non-US citizens can use. As you say, the support system is fantastic as well. Of the last 2 cycles of purchases, all of the articles I wrote have either been purchased or transitionded for credit, so I'm much happier now. Keep the faith!
You're right, Helium is worth it, and even with the changes, it still pays better than any other writing site that non-US citizens can use. As you say, the support system is fantastic as well. Of the last 2 cycles of purchases, all of the articles I wrote have either been purchased or transitionded for credit, so I'm much happier now. Keep the faith!1 person likes this
@mtdewgurl74 (18151)
• United States
19 Dec 10
Ugh! I hate change it gets so frustrating when things I am a member of changes...even if it is for the good at times it takes me awhile to get around it. I haven't been to helium in awhile..maybe I should go back and peek in.
@Sandra1952 (6047)
• Spain
21 Dec 10
Hello, Becca. Helium seem to have ironed out the problems they had in the first week, and it seems to be working well now. Most of my friends who write there are much happier now, and there are some good earning opportunities.
@Arioch (190)
•
16 Dec 10
Well I have done better this week and the changes at least make it sound like they are listening to the writers. Still it just wont be as good as previous. Thing is Helium is one of the only sites that caters for other then none US writers (even if it has become more US centric)and to be fair it is still the best one I have come across both payment and people wise.
The only thing I can fosee for me personally is a lack of title that catch my attention, also some of the titles are currently a little vague. Things like "Factors that affect reaction time?" (which I did write too and got a transition) could mean human reaction time, chemical reaction time and probably others so maybe a little clarification is needed or it making clear which sub channel it is for.
Also is there any more word about articles going to Market Place if you suggest the title, and if they will be informing you?
1 person likes this
@Sandra1952 (6047)
• Spain
16 Dec 10
Hello, Arioch. I agree with you about Helium being one of the better sites all round. One thing I like is that if people want to leave feedback, they have to be members of Helium and do it through the message service, so only the author and the commentator are involved. Other writing sites allow comments from non members, and the author has no control.
I've seen some terrible, totally unwarranted and offensive comments, and if the person is not a member of the site, there is no comeback, so they can write what they like. Some people seem to like writing filth, and it's left there, attached to your article, unless you can persuade site admin to remove it.
Don't know about title suggest - it's not something I tend to do. Keep an eye on the community boards under the heading of 'Content questions.'
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