As is obvious to my followers, I am no longer featuring Helium zones. Why? Because other than as a novelty, the zones just aren't worth it. My time is better spent elsewhere on lucrative projects.
I began featuring Helium zones to help generate viewers for those zones truly deserving it. However well-intentioned that may have been, it just isn't beneficial to the zone managers.
I have more than a dozen zones with some of them generating regular search engine hits through no effort on my part aside from the original creation. After nine months my zones have generated a total of 17 cents from Google AdSense revenue and not a penny from Helium. Other Heliumites I have spoken to have a big goose egg for Google earnings and again... not a penny from Helium.
Is Helium making money from the zones? Has Helium generated ad revenue from the zones? I can't answer that with any certainty because I'm not privy to Helium's accounting department information.
So... fellow Heliumites; are you having fun creating zones and visiting each others zones? If you are enjoy! But don't expect to make any money. Then again, Helium has been sucking free labor from hundreds of people for years. Why stop now?
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Sunday, July 19, 2009
Featured Helium Zones
This week's featured zone is one of my own. Thomas the Tank Engine is one of my particular favorites. I hope no one minds if I blow my own horn!
This zone was created for my 4 year old grandson, Jayvon, who is positively crazy about Thomas and his friends. On this zone you'll find links to Thomas merchandise and information about Thomas and Friends events around the country.
Make sure to check out the link to the Rev. W. Awdry, creator of this wonderful childrens series.
I hope you also enjoy the slide show of our recent trip to see Thomas at the Strasberg Railroad in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
Stay tuned for next week's featured Helium Zone!
This zone was created for my 4 year old grandson, Jayvon, who is positively crazy about Thomas and his friends. On this zone you'll find links to Thomas merchandise and information about Thomas and Friends events around the country.
Make sure to check out the link to the Rev. W. Awdry, creator of this wonderful childrens series.
I hope you also enjoy the slide show of our recent trip to see Thomas at the Strasberg Railroad in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
Stay tuned for next week's featured Helium Zone!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Featured Helium Zones
This week's featured zone is from internationally published author, Ann Marie Dwyer. The multi-talented Ann Marie has a multitude of articles on Helium covering topics such as parenting, personal finance, Home & Garden, and Jobs & Careers. Many of her zones contain helpful tips for parents and grandparents.
The Toddlers: Terrible Twos zone is a must-see for all parents who are raising toddlers. Her recently released book, Taming the Terrible Twos: A Parents Survival Guide contains more expansive information on this sometimes troubling stage of development.
Leave Ann Marie a comment if you found her zone useful. For questions, or comments you may also click on the Contact button under her picture.
For more information on Ann Marie, including links to her other zones and a sampling of her articles found on Helium, please see her writer's portfolio zone.
The Toddlers: Terrible Twos zone is a must-see for all parents who are raising toddlers. Her recently released book, Taming the Terrible Twos: A Parents Survival Guide contains more expansive information on this sometimes troubling stage of development.
Leave Ann Marie a comment if you found her zone useful. For questions, or comments you may also click on the Contact button under her picture.
For more information on Ann Marie, including links to her other zones and a sampling of her articles found on Helium, please see her writer's portfolio zone.
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Featured Helium Zones
The featured zone for this week is a 'Make your own' zone by Beth Anderle. Another relatively new Heliumite, Beth has created an awesome zone with the potential to save your family some money and get the kids involved in helping in the kitchen during summer vacation. (The latter doesn't apply for making your own beer, or course!)
Visit the Make Your Own Pizza, Beer, Bread and More! zone for some tantalizing tips for a creative kitchen.
Please feel free to contact me @ tinahartley08@yahoo.com to nominate a stand out zone for a featured spot, and as always, make sure to leave Beth a comment if you enjoyed her zone!
Visit the Make Your Own Pizza, Beer, Bread and More! zone for some tantalizing tips for a creative kitchen.
Please feel free to contact me @ tinahartley08@yahoo.com to nominate a stand out zone for a featured spot, and as always, make sure to leave Beth a comment if you enjoyed her zone!
Monday, June 29, 2009
Featured Zones
This week's featured zone celebrates the official beginning of summer here in the U.S. All parents, grandparents, caregivers, and teachers can benefit from this wonderful resource for kids of all ages.
Stop by the Coloring Pages zone by Martha Too. Martha is a relatively new Heliumite and Helium zoner. Please leave a comment on her cool zone!
Stop by the Coloring Pages zone by Martha Too. Martha is a relatively new Heliumite and Helium zoner. Please leave a comment on her cool zone!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
I feature a great Helium zone each week primarily because I love zones. They allow for such creativity and flexibility. The ability to create an attractive page and feature images and content that I have personally picked out (or have personally written, or photographed) generate such a good feeling of accomplishment, pride, and contentment. Unfortunately, zones are not also generating money, at least at the moment. My articles on Helium proper don't generate more than a trickle either.
That's got me thinking about what needs to happen in my fledgling writing career. For personal reasons I won't delve into, I need to make an income, however meager, from my time spent online. The sheer enjoyment of zoning does not pay my bills, nor put food on the table. Is Helium sucking the creative life out of me without paying for the privilege?
I pondered this question for some time and I am ready to share the answer with all of you. The answer is no. I'll follow that rather bald statement with 5 reasons why Helium is an awesome platform for all writers, with the exception of the already most prolific of us.
Helium has had its share of bash fests. There are complaints all over the Internet with writers screaming they were ripped off and have been treated disrespectfully, or unfairly, by Helium. As the old saying goes; believe half of what you see and none of what you hear. Helium bashing aside, there isn't a better place to begin an online writing career than Helium.com.
1. The community
The Helium community is full of real people. Contrary to popular belief, the majority of people in this word are not self-serving, greedy, and ready to stab you in the back the first second it benefits them. The Helium community is ripe with helpful, kind, and giving people. Those who have advanced beyond the beginner stage are ready and willing to offer advice and commiserate with frustrated newcomers to the world of online freelance writing. In any large group of people there are, of course, the minority, who are sarcastic, impatient, and miserable. You know what they say about misery loving company!
2. The open platform
Anyone can write on Helium. The wanna-be writer can publish an article immediately after registering and agreeing to the Helium User Agreement. While we're on the subject of the User Agreement, hence lies the source of many a disgruntled ex-Heliumite. Do not ever agree to something unless you understand what you agreeing to. Now just because you can instantly get your feet wet in this open publishing platform, it doesn't mean that anything goes. Helium does not tolerate plagiarism, hate-mongering, religious intolerance, profanity, or horribly bad writing. Due to the open publishing platform, some of these do get published... temporarily. Helium constantly strives for better content and the huge team of volunteers have improved Helium considerably since its early days of 50 word posts. Combing the site for mistakes and unacceptable content is an ongoing process as we speak.
3. Resources
Helium has a proven track record for generating income in a variety of ways. For those writers who are confident in their skills and have no wish to utilize the social opportunities of Helium, the Helium Marketplace provides regular opportunities for a writer to provide publisher requested material. The contests are available for those who like the competition, and for those who just want to write, the more articles you have on Helium, the more earning potential there is. For others who need to fine tune their writing skills, or have never written for an online format before, mentors and workshops are available.
4. Freedom
A writer is free to make whatever choices that suit their lifestyle and availability. A minimum amount of participation is required in order to make a continual stream of income from Helium, but few things in life are any different. The modern day version of snake oil salesmen are everywhere promising to show you how to make money by doing little, or nothing. The truth is; we reap what we sow and an online income is no different than any other. If you don't apply yourself and work hard and consistently, you won't make any money.
5. Innovation
Helium started out as a different online writing site and it remains so today. CEO Mark Ranalli is dedicated to the constant improvement of Helium. At times, the constant changes can be nerve wracking for even the most dedicated Heliumite, but the bottom line is; Mr Ranalli is the driving force behind Helium. His vision of what can be achieved never falters and the changes at Helium are only a means to an end. Don't miss the end!
The future of Helium knows no bounds. Give it a chance to develop and mature and in the mean time... keep writing!
That's got me thinking about what needs to happen in my fledgling writing career. For personal reasons I won't delve into, I need to make an income, however meager, from my time spent online. The sheer enjoyment of zoning does not pay my bills, nor put food on the table. Is Helium sucking the creative life out of me without paying for the privilege?
I pondered this question for some time and I am ready to share the answer with all of you. The answer is no. I'll follow that rather bald statement with 5 reasons why Helium is an awesome platform for all writers, with the exception of the already most prolific of us.
Helium has had its share of bash fests. There are complaints all over the Internet with writers screaming they were ripped off and have been treated disrespectfully, or unfairly, by Helium. As the old saying goes; believe half of what you see and none of what you hear. Helium bashing aside, there isn't a better place to begin an online writing career than Helium.com.
1. The community
The Helium community is full of real people. Contrary to popular belief, the majority of people in this word are not self-serving, greedy, and ready to stab you in the back the first second it benefits them. The Helium community is ripe with helpful, kind, and giving people. Those who have advanced beyond the beginner stage are ready and willing to offer advice and commiserate with frustrated newcomers to the world of online freelance writing. In any large group of people there are, of course, the minority, who are sarcastic, impatient, and miserable. You know what they say about misery loving company!
2. The open platform
Anyone can write on Helium. The wanna-be writer can publish an article immediately after registering and agreeing to the Helium User Agreement. While we're on the subject of the User Agreement, hence lies the source of many a disgruntled ex-Heliumite. Do not ever agree to something unless you understand what you agreeing to. Now just because you can instantly get your feet wet in this open publishing platform, it doesn't mean that anything goes. Helium does not tolerate plagiarism, hate-mongering, religious intolerance, profanity, or horribly bad writing. Due to the open publishing platform, some of these do get published... temporarily. Helium constantly strives for better content and the huge team of volunteers have improved Helium considerably since its early days of 50 word posts. Combing the site for mistakes and unacceptable content is an ongoing process as we speak.
3. Resources
Helium has a proven track record for generating income in a variety of ways. For those writers who are confident in their skills and have no wish to utilize the social opportunities of Helium, the Helium Marketplace provides regular opportunities for a writer to provide publisher requested material. The contests are available for those who like the competition, and for those who just want to write, the more articles you have on Helium, the more earning potential there is. For others who need to fine tune their writing skills, or have never written for an online format before, mentors and workshops are available.
4. Freedom
A writer is free to make whatever choices that suit their lifestyle and availability. A minimum amount of participation is required in order to make a continual stream of income from Helium, but few things in life are any different. The modern day version of snake oil salesmen are everywhere promising to show you how to make money by doing little, or nothing. The truth is; we reap what we sow and an online income is no different than any other. If you don't apply yourself and work hard and consistently, you won't make any money.
5. Innovation
Helium started out as a different online writing site and it remains so today. CEO Mark Ranalli is dedicated to the constant improvement of Helium. At times, the constant changes can be nerve wracking for even the most dedicated Heliumite, but the bottom line is; Mr Ranalli is the driving force behind Helium. His vision of what can be achieved never falters and the changes at Helium are only a means to an end. Don't miss the end!
The future of Helium knows no bounds. Give it a chance to develop and mature and in the mean time... keep writing!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Vacation lapse
My apologies to everyone. I was on a mini-vacation and didn't get a new Helium zone posting for this week. The Helium for Writers blog will be back on track for next week!
Monday, June 8, 2009
Featured Zones
This week's feature is managed by Veronica Shine. It's a hot topic for summer and all those trying to look their best in swimwear!
Stop by the How to get a flat stomach fast zone for some great toning tips.
Stop by the How to get a flat stomach fast zone for some great toning tips.
Sunday, May 31, 2009
Featured Zones
Let's go global this week. Traveling is on many minds at this time of the year. If you're considering a European vacation check out Traveling in France and the French West Indies by Audrey-Anastasia Alleyne.
Don't miss the tips for travelers and don't forget to leave a comment for Audrey-Anastasia if you like what you see.
Don't miss the tips for travelers and don't forget to leave a comment for Audrey-Anastasia if you like what you see.
Monday, May 25, 2009
Featured Zones
This week's featured zone is dedicated to the memory of the countless men and women who have protected and served all across the globe.
Amanda Fox brings us the Veteran's Resources zone This zone features many helpful tips and links to American Vets. If you know a vet, send them to this zone to help sort out the resources available.
While you're there, check out the YouTube video for a Billy Joel performance dedicated to Vietnam Vets.
As always, please leave a comment for Amanda to let her know you stopped by!
Amanda Fox brings us the Veteran's Resources zone This zone features many helpful tips and links to American Vets. If you know a vet, send them to this zone to help sort out the resources available.
While you're there, check out the YouTube video for a Billy Joel performance dedicated to Vietnam Vets.
As always, please leave a comment for Amanda to let her know you stopped by!
Monday, May 18, 2009
Featured Zones
The steadily growing Helium zones truly provide something for everyone! This week's featured zone is one of several by Carlie Lawson, aka Guitar Grrl. GuitarGrrl's Guitar Zone is a must-see first stop for Carlie's awesome guitar zones.
Music lovers and guitar players, from beginner to advanced, will find some interesting stuff on GuitarGrrl's Helium zones! Look for links to her other zones from this zone and leave a comment for her while you're there!
Music lovers and guitar players, from beginner to advanced, will find some interesting stuff on GuitarGrrl's Helium zones! Look for links to her other zones from this zone and leave a comment for her while you're there!
Monday, May 11, 2009
Featured Zones
This week's featured Helium zone is a great visual with funny pics. Check out the Dogs are funny zone managed by the very talented Raven LeBeau. A click on Raven's name at the bottom of the page will take you to her user profile and a list of the great zones she has created in Betaville.
Leave a comment for Raven if you like the zone and please feel free to leave a comment here for your personal recommendations on great zones that deserve a featured spot!
Leave a comment for Raven if you like the zone and please feel free to leave a comment here for your personal recommendations on great zones that deserve a featured spot!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Featured Zone
This week's featured zone is Dovequill Creations Publishing by Helium's own Sheila Watson. Sheila is a talented illustrator, storyteller and the channel steward for Helium's Food & Drink Channel.
Stop by and visit
Dovequill Creations Publishing
As always, please leave a comment for the zone manager, "Dr Cook" aka Sheila Watson
Stop by and visit
Dovequill Creations Publishing
As always, please leave a comment for the zone manager, "Dr Cook" aka Sheila Watson
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Featured Helium Zone
An apology to my faithful followers, wherever you are, for coming in late with this week's featured zone. It is nevertheless a winner!
Woman to Woman created by Shaheen Darr, is a must see zone for all women across the globe. Tips, information and advice are available on this zone on various subjects of interest specifically for us!
As always, make sure to leave a comment to let Shaheen know how you liked this zone
Woman to Woman created by Shaheen Darr, is a must see zone for all women across the globe. Tips, information and advice are available on this zone on various subjects of interest specifically for us!
As always, make sure to leave a comment to let Shaheen know how you liked this zone
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Featured Helium Zone
This week's featured zone covers a health topic; fibromyalgia. Laurie Boris presents some great educational information and advice for fibromyalgia sufferers on this zone. If you have fibromyalgia, or are close to someone that suffers from this painful condition, this zone is a must see!
The Fibromyalgia Zone on Helium
Make sure to leave a comment if you like this zone.
The Fibromyalgia Zone on Helium
Make sure to leave a comment if you like this zone.
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Featured Helium Zone
This week's featured zone is a How-to by Helium's own beloved Jim Bessey. Jim's patient and encouraging words reverberate through both the halls of Betaville and on the main site.
Stop by The DIY Ceramic Tile Zone and leave Jim a comment.
Stop by The DIY Ceramic Tile Zone and leave Jim a comment.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
This week's featured Helium zone
This week's featured zone is by Ethel Smith. The Blues Zone is a must for a fan of the blues. It's loaded with information about blues artists from the past and the present. You will also find links to other sites all about the blues and CD reviews. Stop by and vote on the poll and leave Ethel a comment on this cool page!
Monday, March 30, 2009
More on zones
The Helium zones are an exciting concept that provides for a writer to really exercise their creativity and diversity. With the latest version release, functionality is greatly improved across the board for zones and groups.
Thomas the Tank Engine was published earlier this month and is a good resource for parents and grandparents of budding little railroad engineers. Our family is looking forward to our own 'Day Out with Thomas' at the Strasberg Railroad in central Pa in June. Look for many more pictures of Thomas and his friends to be added to this zone over the coming months.
In keeping with my extreme diversity, the current zone under construction is Thomas Jefferson. An interesting and talented man, this zone will be rich in resources for anyone interested in Thomas Jefferson.
Thomas the Tank Engine was published earlier this month and is a good resource for parents and grandparents of budding little railroad engineers. Our family is looking forward to our own 'Day Out with Thomas' at the Strasberg Railroad in central Pa in June. Look for many more pictures of Thomas and his friends to be added to this zone over the coming months.
In keeping with my extreme diversity, the current zone under construction is Thomas Jefferson. An interesting and talented man, this zone will be rich in resources for anyone interested in Thomas Jefferson.
Featured zones
My start on featured zones was delayed unexpectedly but this weekly feature starts today!
This week's featured zone is one of Helium's non-profit zones managed by Ann Marie Dwyer. Stop by and learn more about the world's water supply. Please feel free to leave a comment for Ann Marie if you like what you see!
World Water Day
For more information on Helium's non-profit partnerships, visit the non-profit partnership program zone
This week's featured zone is one of Helium's non-profit zones managed by Ann Marie Dwyer. Stop by and learn more about the world's water supply. Please feel free to leave a comment for Ann Marie if you like what you see!
World Water Day
For more information on Helium's non-profit partnerships, visit the non-profit partnership program zone
Real estate knowledge in demand!
Writers from all over the United States are being called on to write about the current state of the real estate market in their area. Check out the big payouts on this Marketplace listing
* Contributors to Helium's Marketplace must be registered. Registration is free and no spam, ever!
Come and grow with us at the best writing community on the web!
Helium.com
* Contributors to Helium's Marketplace must be registered. Registration is free and no spam, ever!
Come and grow with us at the best writing community on the web!
Helium.com
Sunday, February 8, 2009
Helium Zones
Helium's zones are still in Beta but growing in functionality and popularity daily. As with any project, it takes some time to get everything flowing and all the curb appeal accomplished. Helium takes a lot of flack for making changes that lead to the very improvements that are making us all more money. Buckle up ladies and gentleman because Helium continues to rise!
My latest zone is my personal page Tina Hartley
Stay tuned to the unofficial Helium blog on blogger for upcoming zones. Thomas the Tank Engine is up next, dedicated to my grandson, Jayvon.
Next week I will start featuring other zones written by Helium's finest!
My latest zone is my personal page Tina Hartley
Stay tuned to the unofficial Helium blog on blogger for upcoming zones. Thomas the Tank Engine is up next, dedicated to my grandson, Jayvon.
Next week I will start featuring other zones written by Helium's finest!
Saturday, January 3, 2009
upfront payments, world issues and more
Helium constant site wide improvements make it such a great platform for a writer of any level. The writing critique forums help new writers to stretch their wings and find their voice. Citizen Journalism awards give accomplished writers a stepping stone to even higher levels of success.
The upfront payment system for eligible writers allow the committed writer unlimited earning potential. The Helium Marketplace gives all writers a chance to write directly for publishers looking for content.
The Partnership program gives freelance writers an opportunity to donate earnings to a favorite cause one article at a time. There is truly something for everyone!
The new Helium zones are managed by writers. Choose your page layout and mange content while earning Adsense and Amazon revenue. The revenue options are there for the picking for writers with some editing skill and some creativity. These sites are the cream of the crop!
There are Helium hate blogs to be found. Ah well, you can't please everyone! Helium haters feel mistreated usually because they didn't read the plain language User Agreement they signed. In some cases they can't do the math so they have to spew hate in some direction. Check it out for yourself!
There are dozens of Helium fans for every Helium hater. This many people can't be wrong! Everyone has an equal shot at earning. This isn't a scam. This isn't a get rich quick scheme. Like all things in the life; you won't get back when you don't put in.
You won't find a more writer friendly site on the web! Don't take my word for it. FInd out for yourself at Helium
The upfront payment system for eligible writers allow the committed writer unlimited earning potential. The Helium Marketplace gives all writers a chance to write directly for publishers looking for content.
The Partnership program gives freelance writers an opportunity to donate earnings to a favorite cause one article at a time. There is truly something for everyone!
The new Helium zones are managed by writers. Choose your page layout and mange content while earning Adsense and Amazon revenue. The revenue options are there for the picking for writers with some editing skill and some creativity. These sites are the cream of the crop!
There are Helium hate blogs to be found. Ah well, you can't please everyone! Helium haters feel mistreated usually because they didn't read the plain language User Agreement they signed. In some cases they can't do the math so they have to spew hate in some direction. Check it out for yourself!
There are dozens of Helium fans for every Helium hater. This many people can't be wrong! Everyone has an equal shot at earning. This isn't a scam. This isn't a get rich quick scheme. Like all things in the life; you won't get back when you don't put in.
You won't find a more writer friendly site on the web! Don't take my word for it. FInd out for yourself at Helium
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