Regardless of what writing sites that a writer uses, they typically set their own goals. Not all goals are financial in nature. Goals may change in response to changes that are outside a writer’s control, but they are seldom abandoned unless things are impossible. The motivation for writing at Helium will vary from writer to writer but generally will fall into broad categories.
Diversity in writing
Because so many paying sites have restrictions on the type of content that can be written, Helium draws writers who wish to expand their knowledge base. While writers may find that certain categories pay better than others, it typically does not prevent them from writing completely. This is my personal top reason for writing at Helium.
Revenue share growth
Being an optimist, many writers feel that the more articles they submit to Helium, the more their revenue share will continue to grow. In theory, this should be accurate, though in a post-Panda world the reality may be different. This does not necessarily stop those writers who feel that a larger article base will result in more substantial revenue. While generally revenue share should increase with an increased article base, this may largely depend on what types of articles are being written as well as the quality of the writing. Were it not for my personal belief that this was true, there is a high chance I would have stop submitting to Helium months ago.
Personal goals
One of the interesting things about Helium that is not really found on other sites, is the “cheer leading” section where writers get to share their own success. Writers who have reached milestones post information in the forum and others celebrate those milestones with them. Ironically, some writers find that the higher their article count, the less likely they are to abandon their articles. Instead, they are more likely to add to their base of articles to reach their next milestone. It is likely this phenomenon will change. Personally, this is one of the many things that keeps me writing at Helium. I love watching my base of articles grow in spite of the fact that my earnings are shrinking as my article count grows.
Most writers have a wide range of motivations for writing at Helium or at other writing sites. One form of consistent motivation is earnings. For many writers, financial goals will inevitably write more to earn more money. Sites like Helium need to weigh a number of factors when they are working to change their model. The interest level and motivation for many writers will play a role in the quality of work that is submitted.
There is no doubt that Helium needs to find innovative ways to motivate writers and in some cases, these decisions will be purely financial. This will likely increase motivation for some writers. Unfortunately, the writers that are attracted to guaranteed payments will not always be those writers who consistently perform well and write top quality articles.
Personal motivations aside, Helium must weigh the varied interest of not a single writer, but rather three diverse groups of writers. While some writers may find their needs are being met, there may always be a group of writers who feels that Helium cannot meet their most basic needs. Unfortunately, Helium’s business needs may never be in line with the variety of writers that are attracted to Helium. This may not be all bad, but over time, it could hamper the longer-term growth of Helium as a respected source of high-quality work.
About Doreen Martel
Well-rounded freelance writer who contributes to various blogs, paid to write sites and revenue sharing sites. Doreen is legally blind and has worked at home for more than 10 years. She uses the lessons learned from this experience to enhance her writing and share information with others.
Excellent assessment. While my earnings are consistent at Helium, it has the most to do with the fact I do not promote them in any way. Post-Panda, I have enjoyed morphing them into more freestyle pieces which adhere to my personal style rather than the cookie cutter version preferred by article mills.
I like the stable I have there as a good example of my range, but it is not any place I will like submit future pieces.
I love the updated pic!
xxx
Thanks Red! I still do write at Helium a few articles a month but I do promote my work through Twitter and Facebook