I've been hearing a lot about websites where they will pay you to play games, but Bid 4 Prizes has a completely different model. You bid on things, and the person with the lowest bid, who is also the only person who bid that specific amount, wins the prize!
Now, even though you're "bidding," no one at Bid 4 Prizes pays what they bid. It's simply a new way to determine the winner. It's simple to enter a bid either online or with text messaging from your phone, and the site has clear instructions.
They have at least one winner every day, and it's more fun than the other sites, especially since there's some amount of strategy involved. In case you have trouble, Bid 4 Prizes has three methods of customer service, online, by email, or by telephone. Overall it's a fun and entertaining site, easy enough for my mom to use! (Hi Mom!)
*This is a sponsored post.*
Monday, July 30, 2007
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
A Moment of Reflection
I'm going on vacation for the next two and a half weeks, so there may not be an update in that time.
I would like to point out the benchmark of hitting $1.00 at Helium, and that the benefits I've derived from MyLot have been greater than their simple monetary value. I've gotten a lot of comments and linkbacks from using mylot as a place to genuinely respond to discussions, and if appropriate, link to one of my blogs as a helpful resource.
In the absence of my direct influence, I'd like to ask you, my ever-loyal following, for your advice and input. What's the best way you contribute to community?
I would like to point out the benchmark of hitting $1.00 at Helium, and that the benefits I've derived from MyLot have been greater than their simple monetary value. I've gotten a lot of comments and linkbacks from using mylot as a place to genuinely respond to discussions, and if appropriate, link to one of my blogs as a helpful resource.
In the absence of my direct influence, I'd like to ask you, my ever-loyal following, for your advice and input. What's the best way you contribute to community?
Sunday, July 22, 2007
The Best
Ironic as it may be, I think the best and most time-effective methods of earning money online are through article-writing sites.
Helium, Triond, and Associated Content are all well and good, but they are pretty indiscriminate in terms of what content they take. The closer you get to freelance writing, the better off you'll be. Look at it this way, even if an article that pays $60 (which is low for quality freelance work) takes you three, four, or even five times longer to write than an article for those other sites, you're still making over 100x what you would make on that other article, even if it were posted at all three sites.
I think paid posting is a nice middle ground if you don't want to put in too much effort and you like the blogosphere. You can increase your earnings as your reputation increases by writing on specific subjects, but a little more casually than if you were writing articles. However, since I've begun "the real thing," i.e., a blog about things that interest me, I've discovered how much more difficult it is to promote a blog that's not in this "making money" niche. I hope, though, that it will be easier to get regular readers, and I know that with a topic I'm more passionate about, I will be able to produce higher quality content.
Expect further bulletins as warranted, but on a less frequent basis.
Helium, Triond, and Associated Content are all well and good, but they are pretty indiscriminate in terms of what content they take. The closer you get to freelance writing, the better off you'll be. Look at it this way, even if an article that pays $60 (which is low for quality freelance work) takes you three, four, or even five times longer to write than an article for those other sites, you're still making over 100x what you would make on that other article, even if it were posted at all three sites.
I think paid posting is a nice middle ground if you don't want to put in too much effort and you like the blogosphere. You can increase your earnings as your reputation increases by writing on specific subjects, but a little more casually than if you were writing articles. However, since I've begun "the real thing," i.e., a blog about things that interest me, I've discovered how much more difficult it is to promote a blog that's not in this "making money" niche. I hope, though, that it will be easier to get regular readers, and I know that with a topic I'm more passionate about, I will be able to produce higher quality content.
Expect further bulletins as warranted, but on a less frequent basis.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
What Now?
I've got everything here set up pretty well, I'm checking my earnings regularly, trying to network on places like MyLot (although I could always do more of that). What do I do now? I've gotten to the point where all the further money-making sites I find have the same links to the same programs. There's not much new out there.
So, given that I've done a fair reconnaissance job, and am waiting to hear back from a number of places in certain genres, I think my next few posts will be reviews of the genres of online money-making. Sound good? Sounds good to me.
So, given that I've done a fair reconnaissance job, and am waiting to hear back from a number of places in certain genres, I think my next few posts will be reviews of the genres of online money-making. Sound good? Sounds good to me.
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
A Fine Line
I haven't done much with Triond lately, mainly because while they do pay, they don't pay much, and having learned more and more about this content creation/revenue-sharing endeavor, it quickly bleeds into freelance writing. And for freelance writing, Triond pays peanuts.
1) If I were to actually come up with a business plan I would design two or three blogs around interesting and popular topics I feel confident writing about, and work on those for fun until they become three months old, at which point I would sign up for all the different paid posting sites.
2) Even without a business plan I can see that sites which don't advertise how much you might reasonably expect to make and which actually pay you maybe a couple dollars a month just aren't worth the bang for your buck. NicheBlast is not like the others. They are very upfront about how much you are likely to make on average, and in the beginning it's $4.00 per month, per article. Why so much? Because they have four sites which fill a niche, and articles which require the writer to write well and do research. Even so it only took me about 20 minutes for each of the two test articles I wrote. If you're on the paid to click side of things, this might not be for you, but if you fancy yourself a writer in any way, give it a try.
1) If I were to actually come up with a business plan I would design two or three blogs around interesting and popular topics I feel confident writing about, and work on those for fun until they become three months old, at which point I would sign up for all the different paid posting sites.
2) Even without a business plan I can see that sites which don't advertise how much you might reasonably expect to make and which actually pay you maybe a couple dollars a month just aren't worth the bang for your buck. NicheBlast is not like the others. They are very upfront about how much you are likely to make on average, and in the beginning it's $4.00 per month, per article. Why so much? Because they have four sites which fill a niche, and articles which require the writer to write well and do research. Even so it only took me about 20 minutes for each of the two test articles I wrote. If you're on the paid to click side of things, this might not be for you, but if you fancy yourself a writer in any way, give it a try.
Monday, July 16, 2007
Google Vs. AdBrite
Which one is better? Which one rocks my socks? It should be obvious by the side-bar ad to your right that it's
If you run a making money-blog: Google AdSense does not endorse any blogs which make money by paid blog entries or paid links or referral programs. This is why they never approved my AdSense application (even though they didn't have the courtesy to tell me so) and why I was running public service ads for nearly three weeks.
If you want to make money on your website:
So if you're looking for no hassles on a blog with content you control completely... well you get the idea.
*This is not a sponsored post, it just sounds like one because I'm so jazzed*
 | (click it if you're feeling generous). But the relevant question is why AdBrite is the best. |
If you run a making money-blog: Google AdSense does not endorse any blogs which make money by paid blog entries or paid links or referral programs. This is why they never approved my AdSense application (even though they didn't have the courtesy to tell me so) and why I was running public service ads for nearly three weeks.
If you want to make money on your website:
| had me approved, up and running, and earning money in under 24 hours. That is darn impressive. |
So if you're looking for no hassles on a blog with content you control completely... well you get the idea.
*This is not a sponsored post, it just sounds like one because I'm so jazzed*
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Link Exchanges
In this networking endeavor I've run across a whole lot of making money online blogs. Basically, none of them specify what kind of money-making they're concerned with, and none of them are by any means complete.
However, (there's always a however, isn't there?) Making Money Online has a fantastic layout and in-depth reviews with proofs of payment.
Also, Work at Home: Proof of Payment has proofs (duh) and has been around a little longer, resulting in a broader range of sites reviewed.
And last but not least, Melanie's Make Money Online List distinguishes itself with a whole gaggle of gadgets designed around representing how she's made money over the past month on her way to a $16,000 goal. She also offers some proofs of payment.
Check these sites out for more info, and keep checking back here, as I promise to always supply full disclosure of payment. If there is a demand for proof of payment, I'll supply it. Just comment to ask for it.
However, (there's always a however, isn't there?) Making Money Online has a fantastic layout and in-depth reviews with proofs of payment.
Also, Work at Home: Proof of Payment has proofs (duh) and has been around a little longer, resulting in a broader range of sites reviewed.
And last but not least, Melanie's Make Money Online List distinguishes itself with a whole gaggle of gadgets designed around representing how she's made money over the past month on her way to a $16,000 goal. She also offers some proofs of payment.
Check these sites out for more info, and keep checking back here, as I promise to always supply full disclosure of payment. If there is a demand for proof of payment, I'll supply it. Just comment to ask for it.
Saturday, July 14, 2007
What Now?
In spite of the things going on which I posted about recently, there is a distinct lack of things to do right now. No one has responded to my interactive comment challenge, Google AdSense has yet to approve me after close to three weeks since my application, and while I've gotten one sponsored post, there are no more immediately on the horizon.
My goal was to set up a blog and membership at revenue-sharing sites such that I would continually be presented with opportunities to earn and be productive, but I am beginning to realize that I need to keep myself busy, especially at these early stages. So what should I do with myself and my yet-to-be-famous killed time? I'm thinking ... networking. If anyone knows which of these community sites are best for actual interaction and networking with people with similar blogs, please let me know. (i.e., Technorati, Digg, MyBlogLog... you get the idea.)
My goal was to set up a blog and membership at revenue-sharing sites such that I would continually be presented with opportunities to earn and be productive, but I am beginning to realize that I need to keep myself busy, especially at these early stages. So what should I do with myself and my yet-to-be-famous killed time? I'm thinking ... networking. If anyone knows which of these community sites are best for actual interaction and networking with people with similar blogs, please let me know. (i.e., Technorati, Digg, MyBlogLog... you get the idea.)
More More More
Wow. There's a lot going on right now. I read a great article at ProBlogger.net about how to keep readers' loyalty. The thing that most made sense to me was to interact with your readers. So here's how that's gonna go. If you are reading this, post a comment. That's not good enough for you? Okay, the first comment should be at least one word starting with the letter "A," the second with the letter that comment ended with, and so on. All I ask is one word! When I do my next post, I'll blog about whatever the last word was, and bam! we start over with those comments.
I'd really like it if you actually had something to say, but if not, that's fine too. Don't let that stop you from commenting. Whoever you are, just stick to the rules.
I've started getting paid post offers, so be aware that those will be coming in and will always be labeled as sponsored posts. Also, I will always be honest about what I think about a website, service, or product. It'll probably sound too nice or sugarcoated, but I'm a generally kind and forgiving person. I try for that benefit of the doubt stuff, so I may be encouraging, but I will never endorse the use of any particular service which I have not experienced myself. For example, in the last post I endorsed the information available at the given website, not the credit cards they offered, because I've read some of the information, but I never signed up for any of their credit cards.
Now for less boring stuff. I signed up for MyLot the other day, and while I've only made $0.04 from them so far, they may be a good place to post links (where relevant) to your blog or articles. You can respond to discussions on the subject you wrote an article about, point them to an article. You get paid for writing the post, and for the readers who went to see your article. Two birds!
Speaking of which, I am completing the poetic circularity of this endeavor by having written an article about The Best Way to Earn with Paid Content, which details my article writing method. Yes, the host site is a Triond affiliate. The irony.
I've also been playing on a site called Prizee for a little over a week. It's completely free and the games are pretty fun, and when you earn enough Bubz you're eligible to get certain prizes (including cash certificates) by various means. I think I may have posted about this before, but I just got the referral link so here it is again, in more detail, with more experience backing it up.
There's a lot going on and a lot to be done, but it's pretty late here on the East Coast, so look for more updates tomorrow.
I'd really like it if you actually had something to say, but if not, that's fine too. Don't let that stop you from commenting. Whoever you are, just stick to the rules.
I've started getting paid post offers, so be aware that those will be coming in and will always be labeled as sponsored posts. Also, I will always be honest about what I think about a website, service, or product. It'll probably sound too nice or sugarcoated, but I'm a generally kind and forgiving person. I try for that benefit of the doubt stuff, so I may be encouraging, but I will never endorse the use of any particular service which I have not experienced myself. For example, in the last post I endorsed the information available at the given website, not the credit cards they offered, because I've read some of the information, but I never signed up for any of their credit cards.
Now for less boring stuff. I signed up for MyLot the other day, and while I've only made $0.04 from them so far, they may be a good place to post links (where relevant) to your blog or articles. You can respond to discussions on the subject you wrote an article about, point them to an article. You get paid for writing the post, and for the readers who went to see your article. Two birds!
Speaking of which, I am completing the poetic circularity of this endeavor by having written an article about The Best Way to Earn with Paid Content, which details my article writing method. Yes, the host site is a Triond affiliate. The irony.
I've also been playing on a site called Prizee for a little over a week. It's completely free and the games are pretty fun, and when you earn enough Bubz you're eligible to get certain prizes (including cash certificates) by various means. I think I may have posted about this before, but I just got the referral link so here it is again, in more detail, with more experience backing it up.
There's a lot going on and a lot to be done, but it's pretty late here on the East Coast, so look for more updates tomorrow.
Friday, July 13, 2007
Give Me a Little Credit
So one option for making money online is to invest it. As you know, the premise of this blog is to earn money online without spending any, but as businesses grow sometimes they need to invest so they can keep growing and keep earning more.
GoldStarCredit has a user-friendly website and they offer credit lines for businesses and students. They have compared different credit cards so that they have all the information you need to help you make an informed decision.
They also have a debt help section on their website, with information on debt consolidation and DiY debt reduction. I'm always suspicious of companies whose sole business is debt consolidation (they have to make money somehow, right?), but it's in a credit card company's best interest to help customers learn to manage their finances well.
GoldStarCredit also has a slew of information about loans and mortgages. If you're in the market for a new house, car, or any line of credit, I would definitely suggest checking out GoldStarCredit.net as a first step to start gathering all the information you'll need.
*This is a sponsored post*
GoldStarCredit has a user-friendly website and they offer credit lines for businesses and students. They have compared different credit cards so that they have all the information you need to help you make an informed decision.
They also have a debt help section on their website, with information on debt consolidation and DiY debt reduction. I'm always suspicious of companies whose sole business is debt consolidation (they have to make money somehow, right?), but it's in a credit card company's best interest to help customers learn to manage their finances well.
GoldStarCredit also has a slew of information about loans and mortgages. If you're in the market for a new house, car, or any line of credit, I would definitely suggest checking out GoldStarCredit.net as a first step to start gathering all the information you'll need.
*This is a sponsored post*
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
Ch-ch-ch-ch-changes
Well, I'm done with my boring summer internship now, so I won't have quite as much time to kill (don't worry, the real shift will be when I start back to school in a month or so). I'll probably feel like doing slightly more productive things, like writing my senior thesis, or cracking down on that summer reading list.
Luckily, Helium has just updated their site to include a "Marketplace" where writers can add articles according to the usual rigmarole, but the article titles you're writing under have been supplied by publishers who are willing to pay for quality articles on that subject which meet or exceed their standards. Helium makes no promises, as well they shouldn't, since publishers have complete discretion, but the same ranking and payment system through Helium kicks in, so why not give it a shot? You're just writing the articles you'd probably write anyway, except this time with a built-in audition for (relatively) high-paying publishers.
Did I mention the publishers list the payment they're offering beside each article? As well as how much of that you would actually get. It looks like Helium takes a 20% cut, which isn't bad compared to the 35-50% net standard.
Luckily, Helium has just updated their site to include a "Marketplace" where writers can add articles according to the usual rigmarole, but the article titles you're writing under have been supplied by publishers who are willing to pay for quality articles on that subject which meet or exceed their standards. Helium makes no promises, as well they shouldn't, since publishers have complete discretion, but the same ranking and payment system through Helium kicks in, so why not give it a shot? You're just writing the articles you'd probably write anyway, except this time with a built-in audition for (relatively) high-paying publishers.
Did I mention the publishers list the payment they're offering beside each article? As well as how much of that you would actually get. It looks like Helium takes a 20% cut, which isn't bad compared to the 35-50% net standard.
Monday, July 9, 2007
The Lazy Way to Earn
So I've blogged before about AGloCo and their toolbar, but as of yet, due to AGloCo's completely reasonable business model, they're not paying out until they have a sustainable revenue.
Now, however, I've found out about Cash Fiesta. They have a slightly more obtrusive toolbar, but that's because you earn money from it by viewing banner ads. You technically don't have to view them, they just appear in the toolbar as you surf the net.
They also have a counter which keep track of your points in real time, as well as your referrals. They have a special offers section too, and while increasing special offers can increase the amount you earn, they're the usual survey sign-up and online poker sites.
Because Cash Fiesta makes its money by advertising to you, the toolbar has no viruses, spyware, or other harmful code in it. I've tested it out and my computer is running normally. In addition, the site has been around for awhile, so if there were viruses attached, people would have begun shunning it long ago. (Like WeatherBug. Don't ever download WeatherBug.)
In the time it's taken me to write this post I've earned 141 points. What that equates to is undetermined since I will complete special offers. Basically your earnings aren't meaningful unless you do a couple offers to increase your pay rate. There are a few which don't cost anything. Every 1,000 points of special offers completed is equivalent to $1, and for the month of July every user to sign up gets an extra 1,000 points.
Their payout is at $50, which is a little bit high, but they pay by check, which I think is nice and convenient, but costs them a little bit more, so I can't knock the minimum here. This may be the best opportunity I've found so far, because it pays reasonably well, and you can see your earnings add up before your eyes.
Now, however, I've found out about Cash Fiesta. They have a slightly more obtrusive toolbar, but that's because you earn money from it by viewing banner ads. You technically don't have to view them, they just appear in the toolbar as you surf the net.
They also have a counter which keep track of your points in real time, as well as your referrals. They have a special offers section too, and while increasing special offers can increase the amount you earn, they're the usual survey sign-up and online poker sites.
Because Cash Fiesta makes its money by advertising to you, the toolbar has no viruses, spyware, or other harmful code in it. I've tested it out and my computer is running normally. In addition, the site has been around for awhile, so if there were viruses attached, people would have begun shunning it long ago. (Like WeatherBug. Don't ever download WeatherBug.)
In the time it's taken me to write this post I've earned 141 points. What that equates to is undetermined since I will complete special offers. Basically your earnings aren't meaningful unless you do a couple offers to increase your pay rate. There are a few which don't cost anything. Every 1,000 points of special offers completed is equivalent to $1, and for the month of July every user to sign up gets an extra 1,000 points.
Their payout is at $50, which is a little bit high, but they pay by check, which I think is nice and convenient, but costs them a little bit more, so I can't knock the minimum here. This may be the best opportunity I've found so far, because it pays reasonably well, and you can see your earnings add up before your eyes.
Saturday, July 7, 2007
Cold Hard Cash
It's official. I just got my first actual payment from this gig. $5.01 from Associated Content for one article. Hurrah! Success!
I've just started to figure out a system for doing this, and while your time constraints and interest may vary, it should be pretty easily adaptable to anyone's earning money online demands.
I've just started to figure out a system for doing this, and while your time constraints and interest may vary, it should be pretty easily adaptable to anyone's earning money online demands.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Decisions Were Made
I cut the paid review sites from the stats sidebar since none of them have offered me anything as of yet.
I added Associated Content since they offered me $5.01 for the only article I submitted. Pretty good, huh?
I also found a couple sites which involve playing games to earn money or prizes. As usual, none of them require any investment to play or earn. The first isMoola. They give you a penny whenever your account is empty, and then you play double-or-nothing games against other players in real time. You can cash out whenever you want, and they pay by PayPal. The second is Prizee, where you play games for their points, which are directly equal to Euros.
I added Associated Content since they offered me $5.01 for the only article I submitted. Pretty good, huh?
I also found a couple sites which involve playing games to earn money or prizes. As usual, none of them require any investment to play or earn. The first isMoola. They give you a penny whenever your account is empty, and then you play double-or-nothing games against other players in real time. You can cash out whenever you want, and they pay by PayPal. The second is Prizee, where you play games for their points, which are directly equal to Euros.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
I Hope I Get It!
Having found a lovely and fairly complete list of paid review sites, I went through it systematically to see which ones this blog might be eligible for. I didn't apply anywhere that had clear requirements which would rule me out. If I did, they might be bitter and not take me when I do meet their standards!
I've applied to Sponsored Reviews and LinkWorth. Both of these sites have to approve your blog before you can do anything, so let's keep our fingers crossed!
Note: Blogsvertise is another option for newer blogs, but I've already signed up for them!
Edit: That was fast! LinkWorth approved me in just 25 minutes!
I've applied to Sponsored Reviews and LinkWorth. Both of these sites have to approve your blog before you can do anything, so let's keep our fingers crossed!
Note: Blogsvertise is another option for newer blogs, but I've already signed up for them!
Edit: That was fast! LinkWorth approved me in just 25 minutes!
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Progress and Standstills
I think the weekend strategy was a good one. It really brought into clarity what enterprises were making progress and what ones had stalled out.
Progress: My Triond earnings increased by $0.30 which puts me at $0.64 cents total. Because that exceeds their payment minimum of $0.50 I'll get paid through PayPal when they do their June payments (July 15th). Unfortunately I am no longer on the Hot Members page, even though I have a lot of recent views. Maybe that means the site is getting more popular overall. Whatever it is, I'll have to write more to stay in the game.
Helium had further earnings of $0.02 for me, which is really just negligible. I like the site and it's fun, but because of how they're set up you have to write to answer the specific question they have on the site. Given that and my lower earnings, it doesn't seem worth it to work at that.
Global Test Market sent me two surveys over the weekend. One I was ineligible for, and the other had filled up by the time I tried to fill it out. Even so, they gave me 15 Market Points for the attempt, which is equates to $0.75. Not bad. I don't feel terribly helpful, but I'm getting paid pretty well.
Standstills: Survey Spot sent me a lot of surveys, almost none of which I was eligible for. Their payout is much bigger at $2-$10 per survey, so I guess I'll keep trying.
Blogsvertise has yet to send me a single "task" (paid post). I am on probationary status, but their suggestion to get off of probationary status is to accept and complete the tasks they offer you! Well Blogsvertise, I've done every single (n)one!
Google AdSense has yet to approve me. They said they would get back to me within one week of my application. That was on June 24th, exactly one week ago. Am I a difficult case? Worse blogs than this have Google Ads on them! I can't give you a link because really, why would I save a link to a blog worse than this one?
Other: AGloCo, Constant Content, and Slash My Search are all dependent on my activity, and as such have not changed over the past few days.
Progress: My Triond earnings increased by $0.30 which puts me at $0.64 cents total. Because that exceeds their payment minimum of $0.50 I'll get paid through PayPal when they do their June payments (July 15th). Unfortunately I am no longer on the Hot Members page, even though I have a lot of recent views. Maybe that means the site is getting more popular overall. Whatever it is, I'll have to write more to stay in the game.
Helium had further earnings of $0.02 for me, which is really just negligible. I like the site and it's fun, but because of how they're set up you have to write to answer the specific question they have on the site. Given that and my lower earnings, it doesn't seem worth it to work at that.
Global Test Market sent me two surveys over the weekend. One I was ineligible for, and the other had filled up by the time I tried to fill it out. Even so, they gave me 15 Market Points for the attempt, which is equates to $0.75. Not bad. I don't feel terribly helpful, but I'm getting paid pretty well.
Standstills: Survey Spot sent me a lot of surveys, almost none of which I was eligible for. Their payout is much bigger at $2-$10 per survey, so I guess I'll keep trying.
Blogsvertise has yet to send me a single "task" (paid post). I am on probationary status, but their suggestion to get off of probationary status is to accept and complete the tasks they offer you! Well Blogsvertise, I've done every single (n)one!
Google AdSense has yet to approve me. They said they would get back to me within one week of my application. That was on June 24th, exactly one week ago. Am I a difficult case? Worse blogs than this have Google Ads on them! I can't give you a link because really, why would I save a link to a blog worse than this one?
Other: AGloCo, Constant Content, and Slash My Search are all dependent on my activity, and as such have not changed over the past few days.
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