Becoming a Freelance Writer
May 18, 2008 Blogging
Photo by _StaR_DusT_
Well, I suppose now it is official. I’ve started doing some freelance writing work. You know, Digital Point can be a very valuable asset when it comes to finding ways to make extra money in your free time. I have to say that using networks like PayPerPost have really been valuable to me, as far as learning how to write better articles is concerned.
It started yesterday, actually. I read a post over at Digital Point by someone looking for people willing to re-write an article. Fortunately, I was in his price range (and the fact that I was fluent in English helped as well) so I got the gig. Apparently, my re-write was good enough quality that he paid me in advance to do some original content work as well. Sweet.
I’m hoping that I can continue to work for this guy, since he likes my work and I am somewhat interested in music blogging (no surprise there…heh). I think I’m going to enjoy freelancing. Hopefully I can ditch the 24-hour on-call gig in exchange for this one day.
If you like these posts and want to stay in the loop, please subscribe to my RSS feed and follow me on Twitter. And if you really like this stuff, you can buy me a coffee!
Tags: digital point, freelance, making money, writing
Google AdSense - Another Method
May 14, 2008 Business
My Google AdSense account has slowly been increasing in monetary value. I’m sure many of you have noticed the AdSense stuff on this site, and you have all heard that it’s a good thing to have for making some money. Today, I want to talk about another way to use your AdSense account to make money - by using other people’s resources. No, it’s not some black-hat method. Just keep reading.
I have been noticing several forums (including WiseBread and Digital Point) have a feature known as Ad Revenue Sharing using Google AdSense. The way it works is when you reach a certain number of posts, the admins allow you to ad your AdSense for Content code (which can be found under your Account Settings page in your AdSense account) to a special field in your profile options, and the forum uses this code to generate the ads, which help you earn money when they are clicked. Nice, eh?
A quick search for ‘revenue sharing forum’ should help you find several different forums to join. Be sure to use valid post responses when responding to a thread. You don’t want to spam a forum just to reach your AdSense enabling threshold. Besides, most of the forums I have seen have rules against that.
Now, keep in mind it’s not a rapid influx of cash, however it’s something. With just one forum, I will get the odd click every now and then, which adds a few cents to my AdSense account each time. Remember, any money earned is good money.
If you are a member of a forum with these features, but don’t have an AdSense account, I highly recommend getting one. They are free.
Have fun!
If you like these posts and want to stay in the loop, please subscribe to my RSS feed and follow me on Twitter. And if you really like this stuff, you can buy me a coffee!
Tags: adsense, affiliate, forums, google, money, revenue sharing
Slipping just a bit…
May 11, 2008 Rant
I apologize for the lack of updates recently. My work schedule is stupid.
Yesterday, I got up at 6:30 and left the house at 6:45 to pick up a car. Not surprisingly, Cross Country had given us the wrong freaking street. I eventually figured out where the customer was, and drove for about 10 minutes to find him. As it turns out, he was about 5 blocks from my house. Way to go, Cross Country.
Took his car to Dallas. Came back, picked up another car and drove it to Houston. Got called for another pickup at 5 this morning. I’m a bit tired.
Ah well. Word to your mother.
If you like these posts and want to stay in the loop, please subscribe to my RSS feed and follow me on Twitter. And if you really like this stuff, you can buy me a coffee!
Tags: happy mothers day, mothers day humor, rants, slow news day
Free Music: Nine Inch Nails - The Slip
May 5, 2008 Music
Trent Reznor, the mastermind behind the techno-industrial monster Nine Inch Nails, has decided to release the new album as a FREE DOWNLOAD!
The Slip has been released under Creative Commons, and Trent is even making the multitrack files available for those who may want to remix and redistribute them! That’s just awesome!
You want it?
Download The Slip | Get the Remix Tracks
If you like these posts and want to stay in the loop, please subscribe to my RSS feed and follow me on Twitter. And if you really like this stuff, you can buy me a coffee!
Tags: download, free, mp3, Music, nin, nineinchnails, remix, trent reznor
Review: Mark Oristano Photography
May 4, 2008 Reviews
I was asked to do a website review for Dallas photographer, Mark Oristano. I went over, checked out the website, looked through the portfolio, and this is what I thought about the site.
About the Site
Mark Oristano is a former sportscaster turned photographer. He specializes in doing classy, upscale photographs for performers, executives, active duty military (who get a special discount, which is not disclosed on his site, but you can contact him for details), as well as the general public. If you are a performer needing a headshot, Dallas is the place to be. Mark will do two different headshots (according to the site: one your agent will love, and one your mother will love). Looking at his portfolio, it’s easy to see that Mark Oristano is a great photographer. Dallas should be proud to have someone so adept with a camera.
Testimonials
“Shooting with Mark is like hanging out with your hip uncle for a few hours… and his main goal is to make you look and feel great. I couldn’t be more pleased with the way my shots turned out. Without a doubt I know they’ll get me noticed.”
-Lydia Mackay, Dallas“My headshots from Mark are amazing. I had been stalling on getting new shots and I am so sorry I did. Mark shoots with both business and creative know-how. I got the shot I wanted - the shot that presented me exactly the way I wanted to be seen. I am truly pleased with them and have recommended him to many friends.”
-Julienne Greer, Fort Worth
Other Points of Interest
Mark Oristano wants to make sure that when you choose his photography service, you get what you pay for, and still get a good deal. Need proof? His website also features a section with tips on how to make your photography session more successful! In my opinion, a good photographer is one who loves what they do enough to make it something worth looking at, rather than just someone who is there to take some pictures and get paid. Mark seems to really care about his work, as well as his clients’ satisfaction.
Site Design
The site, while intuitive and easy to navigate, seems to be lacking a bit in the design area. Perhaps in the near future there will be some renovations, however I have to put more emphasis on ease of use than aesthetics. What can I say? The layout works, the site isn’t confusing, so it gets points with me.
Score
Mark Oristano seems to take great pride in his work, and for good reason. His pictures are very nice. My only gripe is that the site design could use a bit of touching up, but again, I emphasize functionality over looks. I’m going to have to give this site an 8 out of 10 points. If you are in Dallas and need some pictures taken, go have a talk with Mark. I’m sure you will be happy with that decision.
If you like these posts and want to stay in the loop, please subscribe to my RSS feed and follow me on Twitter. And if you really like this stuff, you can buy me a coffee!
Tags: dallas photographer, headshot, headshot dallas, Mark Oristano, photographer dallas, photography, portrait studios, review
