Let’s compare online writing to the reality TV shows, American Idol or Britain’s Got Talent, Australia’s Next Top Model.  Most folks, whether or not you want to admit to watching these shows, are familiar with them.  Well, rather than think about the singing or modeling contestants, think about your writing.

In the Beginning

These shows gained popularity over time.  I don’t know about you, but the first few seasons of most of these shows, I can honestly say they were not on my radar.  As the seasons progressed and the hype began to build, eventually I watched a show or two.

As the shows gained in popularity, there were more and more folks clamoring to tryout for the various reality shows.  Unfortunately, some individuals were exploited just for the entertainment value.  However, those with talent or raw ability were selected to go to the next level.

Ask yourself: When did I start writing for ______ ?  Did I wait until I ‘heard’ folks were making lots of money and then decide to join or, did I find a site that had promise and decided to get in on the ground floor?  Better yet, do I have what it takes to create my own site(s)?

Quality

As time goes on, the contestants are challenged.  They have to perform different genres on different stages under trying situations.  What we see in the hour long show are the results of their hard work during the week, learning the ropes.  At the end of the week, some continue on to the next week and some go.

In my opinion, it’s not always the best that stays, but the most tenacious and the ones that give the best performances.  The ones who show that over time, they have what it takes (after all, they have to put up with some rather harsh criticism sometimes).  Sometimes it’s the one who has shown the most improvement week after week.

Ask yourself:  Is my writing the same now as when I started?  What have I done to make improvements?  Am I learning the ropes?  Do I understand keywords and SEO? Can I convert 1st person to 3rd person writing and still hold the reader’s interest?  Do I take critique personally?

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During the show’s season, each contestant has to perform several times.  From the time they are accepted they must perform, practice and perform again.  There is no way they can go from the first audition to being a finalist based on one performance.

They practice and perform and practice and perform over and over again so that each week when we tune in, we see the best they have to offer.

Ask yourself: Am I looking to make a ton of money off of two articles or 200 page views?  How many articles have I written?  How many page views do I get?  Do I have enough articles published to earn the amount of money I want to make and develop the type of following I’d like to have?

(An Aside:  I chuckle when I hear things like “I’ve had 600 page views and only earned .05.  Does the term CPM sound familiar? CPM means cost per thousand.  Most online advertisers pay a rate per thousand page views. So, 600 views may seem like a lot, but in the advertiser’s eyes it’s just a drop in the bucket).

The True Test:  Time

How many times have you watched as seemingly mediocre contestants improve over time?  Week after week the contestant shows a new ability or wows the audience with a new sense of confidence.

The very same contestant that caused you to wonder if the show was fixed when the judges said, “Congratulations, you have made it to the next round,” turns out to be a true artist.  As the contestant displays her abilities and continues to perform week after week, the fan base grows exponentially.

Ask yourself: What is your fan base?  If your fan base is money, is it growing?  If your fan base is traffic, is it growing?  If not, why?  My guess is that you need to review your Quality, Quantity and Time.

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