Greetings, When I started writing for hire some months ago, I came in believing that I could write articles on anything. I have now learned that, without something to research, there's sometimes nothing to write about. For instance, I had a guy ask me to write 30 500 word articles on mylar balloons. I went to Google and all I found were links to selling mylar balloons. I went through 300 links; nothing there. At that point I figured going to the library wasn't going to help either. Another guy wanted me to write 20 500 word articles on different watch brands. As I tried researching the brands, I found that all there was were sales sites once again, and they weren't saying anything about the brands in general, only a brief blurb about different watches. I knew those would be boring articles, so with nothing really to say, I had to decline that gig also. But my mind keeps wondering if someone else could have figured out how to write those articles. I mean, if not one article already exists anywhere so you can even get an idea of how to proceed, does that mean as I said, that the lack of material to research will kill some subjects, or just that those potential articles are waiting for someone to make stuff up just to get them written? Your opinion on this one, of you please. So far, I've only turned down 4 assignments because I couldn't think of anything to write, but I figure it's going to come up again at some point. Thanks.
if you go through 300 links and find nothing there, i think this might be a clue that maybe this would be a great opportunity to write something on the topic and be the first one with an attractive article. Something as popular as watches im sure other people are searching for this type of information as well.
One of the most important duties of being a writer is the ability to think outside the box. Instead of looking to Google for inspiration, which is what you did, you should have thought of some questions you had about the topics and used the internet as a research tool. What is Mylar? Is it safe for the environment? Are those the balloons they let go at weddings? Does Mylar hold helium better than other balloons? Is Mylar pet safe? Is Mylar less expensive than other balloons? How many licensed characters are printed on Mylar balloons? Why are certain watch brands more popular than others? Is there a different watch brand dominating the different entertainment outlets (like, one watch brand favored by actors and one by rock stars?) Do any famous watch brands share the same maker? How are watches made? Any cool facts from a particular brand? What watch brand is most water-proof? Those are just from the top of my head, obviously you'd have to spend more time brainstorming for 20-30 of them. Just keep this in mind--being a writer isn't about rewriting what you read on other websites. A writer has to have a questioning brain and an unrelenting urge to find answers and communicate them to the public. Many non-fiction content writers forget their responsibility to be creative in terms of approach, voice, presentation, etc., and those are the writers who will not make it very long.
This is good stuff, but it wasn't as simple as that. The client didn't leave it up to me for the topics. He had specific topics and terms he wanted within each article. I wasn't looking to rewrite anything; I was trying to research the specific topics he wanted, and there just wasn't anything. Same with the watches. He gave me watch brand names and needed articles specific to those brands. I'd only ever heard of one of the brands. So, I was doing research trying to learn something about the brands, and all I found were ads. The thing is, I do only use Google for research. But there's two things I won't do. One, I won't make things up, because then my credibility comes into question. Two, if there's no real research on a topic, and when someone wants very specific things sometimes there's just nothing on it other than ads, I'm only going to go so far with it. After all, it's still a business, and I need to make sure I average at least a certain amount per hour, otherwise I'm losing money, and lots of it. When it gets to the point where I'm suddenly making less than $5 an hour, that's just not fiscally feasible. Just asking, but would you make up stuff you could find nothing on?
I don't think I understand what you were given to work with then. Can you give me an idea of the topics he gave you? Your original post said "Mylar Balloons" which can be done in many different ways. What specific topics about Mylar balloons did he give you to write the articles on? No, you can't "make stuff up" when you are writing non-fiction, and I think you can tell by the examples that I gave you that I would not suggest you do; but you can deduce things from researching other topics within the subject. For instance, you could write about Mylar balloons by doing research on the type of balloons they send off at weddings--if you find out they ARE NOT Mylar, you could try to figure out why. Essentially, what I'm saying is that you can't always just Google the name of the subject you need to write about. Also, for topics like the watches--you could read interviews of rock stars and actors and see what kind of watches they mention, and then you could discuss that in an article and pose the question about popularity in different groups. You would not say "Every rock star loves Rolex." Instead you would say, "Rolling Stones magazine is filled with rockers who say they love their Rolex's. Interviews from as far back as 1973 show a propensity in the music biz for these gold and diamond timepieces." Lastly, not finding anything on Google is understandable, but that should not stop you from going to the library. They have older and easier to find resources--including movies--that can give you some insight. Who knows, they may even have a book about the history of balloons. A search on Amazon could answer that and then you could call your local library or bookstore to find it. If you aren't charging enough to buy books for research and take that kind of time on an assignment, I don't know what to tell you.
One can find content on subjects that are less written about by probably modifying the keyword and using something that is more obvious or common to other people's thought, I have been in the same situation a lot of times, but then I changed and changed the keywords and got the desired content
I was curious about the topic as I had no idea what mylar balloons were. So I did a google search and I have to tell you, I thought there was enough info available to write 50 articles! I don't know about the specific topics you were given, but these crazy balloons are great! Fun, colorful - amazing designs, can be used for all sorts of occasions, for marketing, also who designs them?, how are they made?, how long does it take to launch one? etc etc etc. That being said, when doing research, I find it often helps to approach the topic from different angles. For example, I had to do 10 articles once on Rolex watches. So okay, in the first article you write about how great the watch is, how fantastic it looks, obvious status etc. Then article number 2, 3, 4, 5, ? So then you talk about the history of Rolex, who originally started the company. And next you write about the James Bond characters wearing Rolex in the movies. And then you mention about a rare watch exhibition, and the fact that Ian Fleming's original Rolex is on show. And which other famous people have worn Rolex - and on and on and on. So you can approach the subject from a zillion different angles. Same with the research: watch brands - who makes them, who wears them, when were they first produced, why are Swiss watches so great - so each time you add different keywords in your search and you get new info and fresh inspiration. Hope this helps.
Hi Y.L., Let me respond to you in a PM instead; don't want to put his business more out here in the open.
Very interesting stuff, Ace. You have a different kind of mind than I do, but I see how you're looking at some of this. I think it would have worked for some of what he asked for, but I'm not sure about all of them. You know, if I'm given a topic and asked to just write about it, I do well. It's when I'm asked for very specific things that my mind sometimes isn't as creative. It likes freedom; it hates being constricted. Still, good ideas on how I can possibly look at some topics different; I appreciate it.
If you aren't given specific topics, the client won't be sure that he can get exactly what he wants in his article, and you won't be sure of what to research. It's your job to provide the necessary information. I have to believe firmly in the idea of using the keywords the client supported to find information. Wikipedia and Yahoo Answers are great places to get specific questions answered, and even forums can be of great use to find information. You just have to put in the research. You should never make things up, ever. Imagine if you're writing something for healthcare, or a major product. If you make things up, there will be bad consequences.
I agree. Articles should be credible, factual pieces about specific topics. The very nature of an article dictates that it's fact, not fiction. If anyone "makes things up" they're going to get into a whole lot of trouble, very quickly.
Just so everyone knows, I never make stuff up. I would rather just turn down a request than tell lies about anything.
You should try different combination of the keywords while searching in the net. It may be like Myler, Balloon and the combination of myler balloon. See what is coming through Google search. Then you can use those URLs that seem like having those information you are in need. You may come up with titles like What is myler balloon, how it is different from the other types, why people love it so much the price difference of myler balloons in different countries, the ingredients used in producing myler balloon - there is enough chance of different permutation and combination with the facts. Obviously, you have to have some idea how you can use the combination in your favor without disturbing the taste of the articles. I think this should be the instinct of every writer. The same is true with the watches. You may have to spend much time in researching those keywords. But let me tell you, there is no better alternative than proper and adequate research. You use only Google, that is ok. I am sure 80% of the total internet users worldwide (barring China of course) use only Google.
Here are my quick tips: 1. You need to be creative on any topic. It will save you time and earn more money within a shorter time. 2. Search for the topic in this way: "article topic". For example, I searched for: "article mylar balloons" and see what I have found, but you told that you didnt find any article to refer. 3. Use ezinearticles as your main source of information you need. There you can find almost any topic. 4. Try to learn more about the topic from client, ask what he wants you to write about. This will save your time and you will know what you should search for online exactly.