I will confess, initially I was seduced by the sleek and sensuous iPhone. The way those pages rolled effortlessly with a tip of a finger. But, I would never have forked over the hefty price of the original, first edition iPhone. Yet, the first edition iPhone is what I had. I won it in a drawing.
My husband urged me to sell it on eBay. I said no, I had already fallen inlove. What I didn't count on was the horrid AT&T reception from LHC. In spite of that, I kept my iPhone for over 2 years - partly because I was stuck in my AT&T contract.
There were parts of the iPhone I loved. But my family hated it. I regularly missed calls, even when the phone was by my side. Several months ago, about the time my contract was up, AT&T announced expanded service in my area. It was somewhat better, but by that time, my phone had its own issues.
The battery was shot and the phone was difficult to charge - a hit and a miss. Sometimes it would charge when I plugged it in and sometimes it wouldn't. The charge would only hold for an hour or so, if I was lucky.
When I tried to talk to someone about replacing the battery, I was directed to other stores or phone numbers.
My son, who hated my iPhone, dragged us over to a Blackberry/Sprint store. My husband already had Sprint, which seems to be the preferred provider for our area. While I have had my frustrations with Sprint's billing and customer service, at least the phone will ring.
Don's phone was pretty archaic - didn't take pictures or receive emails - nothing.
They were having a sale. So, when we walked away from the sales counter - counting the rebate and trade in on my iPhone, we had two brand new Blackberries with all the bells and whistles. I think after the rebate arrives, we will be about $5 ahead. Our monthly bill is approximately $50 less for total cell phone fees.
As for the new Blackberry, not only does it ring, but I can email photos, watch TV, instantly post photos on Facebook - and generally waste a whole lot of time, playing with my new Blackberry.
I still have fond memories of my iPhone, but sometimes we have to walk away from something we love and move on.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Publishing on your own website....or...
The other day I created the Squidoo lens about Demand Studios. I'd never made a lens before and was curious how it all worked. But, when I decided to write an article about my eHow earnings, I opted to not use Squidoo. Instead, I placed the article on one of my websites.
There are so many online publishing options these days. There is Helium, Associated Content, eHow, blogs hosted by a third party (like this), Squidoo, Hubpages and more. But the fact is, when you publish your writing on someone else's website you must conform to their rules and format.
Heck, Blogger could zap my blogs in the morning, should they want to. Most seasoned eHowers have had more than one article removed for one reason or another.
It is interesting trying out new publishing formats and a good way to get exposure. But I wonder about the uncertainty of it all.
There are so many online publishing options these days. There is Helium, Associated Content, eHow, blogs hosted by a third party (like this), Squidoo, Hubpages and more. But the fact is, when you publish your writing on someone else's website you must conform to their rules and format.
Heck, Blogger could zap my blogs in the morning, should they want to. Most seasoned eHowers have had more than one article removed for one reason or another.
It is interesting trying out new publishing formats and a good way to get exposure. But I wonder about the uncertainty of it all.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Is eHow worth the effort?
My short answer to the question: Is eHow worth the effort is I think so.
This past July I celebrated my 12th month as an eHow contributor. I decided to write an in depth article outlining my earnings for each month. The article was a little long for a blog, so I put it on a web page. If you'd like to read it click here!
This past July I celebrated my 12th month as an eHow contributor. I decided to write an in depth article outlining my earnings for each month. The article was a little long for a blog, so I put it on a web page. If you'd like to read it click here!
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Squidoo and Demand Studios
I've never published a Squidoo lens....at least not until today. I decided to do a more indepth article on Demand Studios, and put it in a lens. So check it out!
As I said, it was my first real try at creating a lens. For me, it is interesting exploring the different publishing formats available on the Internet.
As I said, it was my first real try at creating a lens. For me, it is interesting exploring the different publishing formats available on the Internet.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Demand Studios
Angela Hoy’s Writers Weekly Blog came out today, with a scathing review of Demand Studios. According to the blog’s title, the piece revealed what the average Demand Studios contributor was saying about the site. Yet, the entry was more of a rant on Angela’s part and I question the accuracy of her claim that she was reporting the view of the “average” Demand Studios contributor.
After getting flack from Demand Studios contributors over the tone of her review, she added a Postscript, where she referred to Demand Studios contributors as writers with no self-respect, and claimed that according to the entire industry, they were a laughingstock. Not Demand Studios in particular…the Demand Studios writers.
Somewhat of a jump from an article about what the contributors think of Demand Studios, to what Angela thinks of its contributors.
I’ve been writing for Demand Studios for over a year. I don’t know if I am an *average* Demand Studios writer, but I feel I do have self respect, and if anyone is laughing at me, that is their problem.
This is what I think of Demand Studios:
Demand Studios is a content provider that pays writers to write short articles for a flat fee. A 400-500 word article typically pays $15. The articles will be placed on websites, some of which are owned by Demand Studio’s parent company.
Demand Studios provides the titles and has specific article formats that must be followed. If you claim a title where you know the subject, it is possible for a proficient writer to finish an article in less than 30 minutes. If you need to research your subject, it will take more time.
Demand Studios pays twice a week – like clockwork.
Writing for Demand Studios isn’t going to win you the Pulitzer Prize, but it will improve your writing skills. It is simply a legitimate writing job – one that pays regularly and consistently.
Angela’s major complaint seemed to be Demand Studios’ payment rate to writers. The fact that Demand Studios contributors accepted the pay really got her pen in a twist. But the truth is, after you figure in time spent submitting ideas or articles to publishers, the final hourly pay may be equivalent to Demand Studios.
In today’s economy, there are lots of people that would be thrilled to make $10 an hour at home. The truth is, after about 6 months at Demand Studios, I was making the same amount per month as starting teachers in Arizona. Not bad for working at home, especially considering today’s economy.
Over the last year I’ve watched Demand Studios grow and emerge. There have been so many changes, improvements and technical glitches. I’ve been involved with other projects in the last few months, so have written far less than normal at Demand Studios. To be honest, there are other projects – non- Demand Studios – that I would rather spend my time. But I am thankful for what Demand Studios has brought into my life and for the dependable paycheck.
I don’t think Angela’s comments were fair, accurate or unbiased. Demand Studios articles aren’t long, complicated or involved. They are meaty little tidbits of information, which can be written and researched in a reasonable amount of time. If a writer is spending hours on one article, I suspect the writer is tackling a title beyond his or her expertise.
I don’t believe any Demand Studios writer is claiming to be knocking out literary gems. There are all kinds of writing jobs out there, of varying pay scales, and to insult writers because they call into question the objectivity of a review, is unprofessional.
A *real* unbiased review would have listed both the good and the bad of Demand Studios.
After getting flack from Demand Studios contributors over the tone of her review, she added a Postscript, where she referred to Demand Studios contributors as writers with no self-respect, and claimed that according to the entire industry, they were a laughingstock. Not Demand Studios in particular…the Demand Studios writers.
Somewhat of a jump from an article about what the contributors think of Demand Studios, to what Angela thinks of its contributors.
I’ve been writing for Demand Studios for over a year. I don’t know if I am an *average* Demand Studios writer, but I feel I do have self respect, and if anyone is laughing at me, that is their problem.
This is what I think of Demand Studios:
Demand Studios is a content provider that pays writers to write short articles for a flat fee. A 400-500 word article typically pays $15. The articles will be placed on websites, some of which are owned by Demand Studio’s parent company.
Demand Studios provides the titles and has specific article formats that must be followed. If you claim a title where you know the subject, it is possible for a proficient writer to finish an article in less than 30 minutes. If you need to research your subject, it will take more time.
Demand Studios pays twice a week – like clockwork.
Writing for Demand Studios isn’t going to win you the Pulitzer Prize, but it will improve your writing skills. It is simply a legitimate writing job – one that pays regularly and consistently.
Angela’s major complaint seemed to be Demand Studios’ payment rate to writers. The fact that Demand Studios contributors accepted the pay really got her pen in a twist. But the truth is, after you figure in time spent submitting ideas or articles to publishers, the final hourly pay may be equivalent to Demand Studios.
In today’s economy, there are lots of people that would be thrilled to make $10 an hour at home. The truth is, after about 6 months at Demand Studios, I was making the same amount per month as starting teachers in Arizona. Not bad for working at home, especially considering today’s economy.
Over the last year I’ve watched Demand Studios grow and emerge. There have been so many changes, improvements and technical glitches. I’ve been involved with other projects in the last few months, so have written far less than normal at Demand Studios. To be honest, there are other projects – non- Demand Studios – that I would rather spend my time. But I am thankful for what Demand Studios has brought into my life and for the dependable paycheck.
I don’t think Angela’s comments were fair, accurate or unbiased. Demand Studios articles aren’t long, complicated or involved. They are meaty little tidbits of information, which can be written and researched in a reasonable amount of time. If a writer is spending hours on one article, I suspect the writer is tackling a title beyond his or her expertise.
I don’t believe any Demand Studios writer is claiming to be knocking out literary gems. There are all kinds of writing jobs out there, of varying pay scales, and to insult writers because they call into question the objectivity of a review, is unprofessional.
A *real* unbiased review would have listed both the good and the bad of Demand Studios.
Friday, October 9, 2009
Noble Peace Prize 2009 Winner,
President Barack Obama
After hearing about President Obama being awarded the 2009 Noble Peace Prize for "for his extraordinary efforts to strengthen international diplomacy and cooperation between peoples", I was shocked at the response from the domestic media.
Instead of basking in national pride over the fact that our President was awarded such an honor, the news focused on the question “did he deserve the award?".
I wondered why people were being so disrespectful. And then I figured it out…..I don’t think they really get what the award was about, and they really don’t get what Obama has accomplished.
From a historical perspective, I believe our descendant’s will look at the Obama era differently than many of us. It may not even matter what Obama does from here on out. He may never get us health care or end the war. That might be something a future president does.
Yet, in spite of any future failures or successes of Obama, he has already done something for our country, something very spectacular and historical…something worthy of a Noble Peace Prize.
Perhaps those folks don’t get it because they are of those “good ol’ days” mentality. Those people who really don’t *get* how difficult it was in this country for minorities and women.
A few generations ago my ancestors were slave owners. I’m not particularly proud of that fact, I view it from a historical perspective, and don’t harbor any personal guilt over the injustice, because quite frankly, I wasn’t there. In spite of that, I think about their actions and the chilling reality.
But, I am proud as hell at our country for how far we have gone. We have a long way to go, but we’ve passed an important hurdle with the efforts of Barack Obama, our President.
So, I get it. I understand why he was awarded, and I believe he deserves it. It may take a few generations, but eventually others will get it too.
Congratulations President Obama.
Instead of basking in national pride over the fact that our President was awarded such an honor, the news focused on the question “did he deserve the award?".
I wondered why people were being so disrespectful. And then I figured it out…..I don’t think they really get what the award was about, and they really don’t get what Obama has accomplished.
From a historical perspective, I believe our descendant’s will look at the Obama era differently than many of us. It may not even matter what Obama does from here on out. He may never get us health care or end the war. That might be something a future president does.
Yet, in spite of any future failures or successes of Obama, he has already done something for our country, something very spectacular and historical…something worthy of a Noble Peace Prize.
Perhaps those folks don’t get it because they are of those “good ol’ days” mentality. Those people who really don’t *get* how difficult it was in this country for minorities and women.
A few generations ago my ancestors were slave owners. I’m not particularly proud of that fact, I view it from a historical perspective, and don’t harbor any personal guilt over the injustice, because quite frankly, I wasn’t there. In spite of that, I think about their actions and the chilling reality.
But, I am proud as hell at our country for how far we have gone. We have a long way to go, but we’ve passed an important hurdle with the efforts of Barack Obama, our President.
So, I get it. I understand why he was awarded, and I believe he deserves it. It may take a few generations, but eventually others will get it too.
Congratulations President Obama.
Halloween Dog and Cat Greeting Cards
Halloween Dog and Cat Greeting Cards
I love Greeting Card Universe (GCU), an online website that offers print on demand greeting cards from contributing artists. I am one of those artists...I have two shops there. One is "Lady and Spooky", featuring antics of our Aussie, Lady and Halloween Cat, Spooky (pictured above). My other GCU store is "Painted Flowers", which is an eclectic assortment of cards.
After joining I ordered some cards, to check out the quality. I didn't want to put a lot of time into cards with inferior printing and paper. I was delighted to receive cards on heavy stock paper and quality printing. Impressed.
I was also surprised at the affordable prices. Many store bought greeting cards easily cost three times as much as GCU cards. PLUS, at GCU you have the option of personalizing the card and sending it directly to the recipient.
Sure, there are some cheap cards in the dollar stores, but there is a big difference in print quality and selection.
Selection is amazing. Something for everyone. So many personalized cards! For example, there are countless age specific birthday cards. You'll easily find custom cards for ages 1 - 110. There are even name, occupation or relationship specific cards. Cards for every imaginable holiday or event.
Sure, there are some cards that may not look that impressive...but take a moment to dive into the site and you will discover some amazing cards, created by talented photographers, fine artists, cartoonists, and much more.
Another plus about print on demand...it is green! Think about it, instead of a card company printing off thousands of cards, with many eventually being pulled from the shelves and destroyed when the season is over, at GCU cards are printed on demand. No waste!
Check it out. And take a moment to really look around, you will be blown away at some of the talent!
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