Last week, Google announced that they have made some changes to the algorithm that returns results on Google searches. Apparently content mill sites (presumably those like Bukisa,  Xomba,  eZine, etc.) will not be coming up as high in returns as they had been. Of course, Google is keeping their secrets to themselves, but we have to assume that REAL informational sites (those dedicated to one topic, and owned & maintained by REAL experts) will be weighted, and will come up higher in search returns.  This is expected to hit lower-quality content mill sites where it hurts them the most –the bank.

So will Google’s new algorithm hurt writers?  Yes and no. If your portfolio is filled with mainly revenue-share articles, then chances are 1) your articles are hosted and displayed on content mill-owned sites, and your earnings will most likely take a hit, because the entire site is taking a hit. Those who write for flat-rate fees, however, will most likely not see a change in their income, unless the content mills decide to start dropping their rates (unlikely).

So what’s a writer to do to survive the new Google algorithm that targets content mills? It’s really up to you. Personally, I am going to slightly increase the number of articles that I do for a flat rate, BUT I’m going to keep writing revenue share articles until I get my residual income back up to where it used to be.

What is your strategy for overcoming the new Google algorithm?

I’ve written a ocmparison of Associated Content and eHow before, comparing the earnings and terms of the two sites.    I decided to write a short addendum sort of post.

I just found out that Associated Content will not allow writers to Read the rest of this entry »

Since I started writing for eHow, I’ve explored other sites where I can make money writing online. I signed up with Associated Content, and have been writing for them for about six weeks.   I’ve written fifty articles for Associated Content, and decided this was Read the rest of this entry »