Writing for Examiner.com

Category : Freelance Writing and Editing, writing

There’s a lot of controversy surrounding Examiner.com. I author two topics on Examiner: LARP and Irish American culture. Here’s the concise scoop on Examiner in my opinion:

  • Examiner does everything possible to support their writers.
  • Examiner is ideal for new writers, writers looking to compile clips in new niches and anyone looking to gather a devoted following.
  • The site does not mind minor promotion of the writer’s business interest.
  • Page views are lower on Examiner than on comparable sites, but from what I can tell, the hits that do come through are more valuable–both in terms of advertising for the site and for writers looking to develop followers.
  • I have made significantly more money in referrals than in writing: a 6:1 ratio.
  • Post more, make more.
  • Short posts can make as much as long posts.
  • They are upfront about what they pay.
  • Examiner currently offers bonuses and contest winnings (I would rather just be paid more for views).
  • There is no upfront payment for articles on Examiner; they are worth page view only.

I am happy to answer questions about my positive experience writing for Examiner here.

Tired of a very low ‘paid per view’ rate? Would you like to write for a more professional, nationally recognized organization? Do you have experience as a writer and/or know a bit about SEO content? What about journalism experience? Do you know a niche topic and enjoy writing about it? Do you lack experience, but want an opportunity to prove yourself as a reporter?

If you answered yes to any of these questions, you could have a lot of success as an online writer for The Examiner. Local and national examiners get to report on niche topics and locations, bringing in-depth perspectives that mainstream media just can’t cover.

If you’re interested, please go here to apply. When asked for a referral ID, please give my name (Tara Clapper) and ID (1458). Thanks and best of luck!

'The Road' as an Irish American work

Category : Published, Work and School, writing

To view a sample of my academic writing–also current and relevant–please see a sample of my graduate work: Violence as a Symptom of Postcolonial Diaspora and Irish American Life in Cormac McCarthy’s The Road.

Achieving popularity during the Halloween season

Category : writing

As a paid blogger at Today.com, I have been building a source of content about costumes and costuming for over a year. During Halloween, my costuming blog experienced a large amount of traffic. The top traffic entries demonstrate a mix of timeless, evergreen content as well as my ability to stay ahead of the trends. They are:

3) How to Make a Vampire Costume

2) Tasteless Costumes: H1N1 Swine Flu

1) Sookie Stackhouse Waitress Costume

Published on Going Freelance

Category : Freelance Writing and Editing, Published, writing

Freelance writers: have you thought about obtaining a graduate degree? I’ve written about the advantages and disadvantages of doing so over at Going Freelance. Check it out!

Interview with author Ethan Gilsdorf at Alltern8.com

Category : Published, writing

Please check out my interview with author Ethan Gilsdorf at Alltern8.com. Ethan is the brilliant author of Fantasy Freaks and Gaming Geeks.

Lovers of Tolkien, LARP, MMOs like World of Warcraft, and table top games like Dungeons & Dragons should definitely take note!

Thanks for reading!

The importance of a contract: Lesson learned

Category : Freelance Writing and Editing

Freelance writers, editors and designers should never underestimate the importance of a contract! Recently, I was in a situation in which I could have been seriously burned. I realized that I should have at minimum taken the following steps to avoid pitfalls over the course of the project:

  • Research client more thoroughly
  • Asked the client to better articulate needs and expectations
  • Have a clearer understanding of the client’s goals
  • Negotiate a kill or rejection fee along with my per word rate
  • Provide a contract to the client with clear terms

Fortunately, the situation turned out well because I was dealing with an honest client. What I wrote simply didn’t match the client’s vision, however, the client still agreed to purchase the content in question. → Continue