©2013 by Raymond Alexander Kukkee
Changes in the Wind
Happily, a new and unquiet revolution in the world of writing is on the wind. Writers are increasingly realizing it is a good idea to step away from traditional content mills with good reason. Site ranking and revenues of various sites have fallen, punitive search engines are inferred to be the reason. Sites shut down, or promise "change". Writers, having been burned with severely diminished incomes, are smartly moving on to potentially bigger and better personal opportunities. Let's face it, even in the optimism of the writing life, eventually reality has to set in; writing free content for promises of mere pennies for thousands of page views, and "maybe or maybe not" reader clicks on ads --euphemistically called 'revenue share'-- with tiny if any 'upfrontnothing' payment offered for new content --was hardly a guarantee of income for neophyte or professional. The disquieting and unacceptable, unethical content mill "Terms of Service" including a self-assigned 'free license' to "use" writer's content and copyrighted material 'forever' without compensation was, and remains both arrogant and problematic. The refusals to take down content, --even if the author leaves the site requesting content deletion and withdrawing permission to use the content--- is hardly ethical business practice or logical enticement to submit additional free content. "Why would that be?" you ask. Copyright infringement comes to mind. Arbitrary theft of intellectual property comes to mind. A clear lack of business ethics comes to mind. Arbitrary, heavy-handed and less than stellar treatment of writers that have generated millions of dollars in revenue for content mills comes to mind. "Let us NOT write more FREE content for unethical content mills" most resolutely comes to mind. Karma does that. How predictable. Who says destiny isn't predetermined? No matter. Let us cheer for common sense and Karma.Moving On
It seems to me writers shall prevail. Writers are a hardy lot; we shall not be silenced or discouraged. The pen continues to provide power. We studiously move onward and upward to better things, new beginnings. Publishing. New blogs. Specialized niche websites built on new and more honest business models. High-earning, custom-written articles. Books. Self-publishing of books both in print and eBook formats is growing exponentially. Why not? Life is what you make it and 2013 is The Year of the Writer WeNew Beginnings- My Gardening Network ( MGN )
Guess what? New, GREAT projects are sprouting. I am happy to be involved with a start-up gardening specialty website, "My Gardening Network" which recently went online and is already "Growing a community of gardeners' Flower garden -- photo courtesy of MGN My Gardening Network (MGN) was conceptualized and founded by outdoorsman Mike L.Williams, writer and blogger at Saturday Sunshine, ( -stories ,outdoor adventures and outdoor skills, --yes, the adventurous rascal himself .... Mike dares to test deep waters, catch fish the hard way, and shoot rapids simultaneously while others stand in awe. ) MGN is unique in that the content remains the exclusive intellectual property of the authors and contributors; content on MGN is used only with the express permission of the creators. My Gardening Network offers specialized garden content written by experienced and expert gardeners --especially for the use of gardeners at all skill levels from the neophyte starting out in the back yard to highly experienced gardeners who may delight in the technical aspects of botany as well as the mysteries hidden in compost. MGN is taking off fast. Drop in and check out the progress of the garden at MGN -- "Growing a Community of Gardeners". .....and this just in---more good news, MORE wonderful 'incoming' !
Christy D Birmingham
"Birmingham’s intense collection of poetry follows the trail of a woman’s journey from the end of an abusive relationship to the valiant growth of a newly-awakened, independent spirit. Inner light shatters layers of powerful verse....
Pathways to Illumination
an encouraging post, especially for the twice bitten and thrice shy who have tested the muddy waters of content sites…entrenched in self preservation, i now write for a narrower purpose–to leave a poetic legacy of prose and portraiture of passage on earth.
compliments to Christy B. may the rewards be sweet.
Right on, Nadine, thank you. We shall universally celebrate Christyb’s launch of her new book, –and meantime we shall also enjoy writing for purposes OTHER than content mills. Times are changing, and for the better! Nadine, leaving a fine poetic legacy and a trail of prose wherever we go is an excellent reason to write. Thank you for reminding me of that. “:)
Major congrats to both Mike and Christy! It is so nice to see some encouragement. Thank you, Ray.
Thanks Red, no doubt, major congrats are in order for both Mike and Christyb and encouragement is always good. A LOT of work done by everyone. Both projects turned out great. Again, thanks.
Great Post Ray and thanks for plugging our site.
Hearty Congrats to ChristyB too. Looking forward to reading her poetry.
MJ
Thanks, Mike! A little extra exposure can’t hurt MGN, beneficial all around,,,,, and our new author ChristyB certainly deserves congrats for her excellent poetry, dedication and hard work.
Oh how wonderful – thank-you Raymond for including me in this post! Wow, I did not realize Mike has begun such a great new site. Congrats to him and to you for joining him there! How nice of you to spotlight me so generously on your quality site here. Wow, I am honored.
You’re welcome, Christyb ! I am proud to be able to include you in IncomingBytes. We always needs the best incoming, and your book launch today the launch of a unique poetic voice– is wonderful news–a genuine event.
You, Christyb, shall be very successful, and we’re looking ahead to your next book! “:)
As for MyGardeningNetwork, Mike deserves congrats too–he’s done so much work on the new site –it can’t help but be successful with his knowledge, skill and dedication. Thank you Christyb.
Wonderful!!!!
I am so proud to be associated with incredible talent. Congrats to Christy on her new book release and congrats too to Red and Redmund Productions too.
And also Congrats to Mike too ….. wonderful working with you yet again, and I love the atmosphere and team at MGN. Proud fo you too.
Yes, Mandy, this is wonderful isn’t it? Amazing how beautifully things come together with dedication and care. Congrats to all concerned! Yes, MGN has a great start! “:)
Ahh it is so nice to see the best of the best succeed. Nice Post Raymond.
Congratulations to “our ” Christy. 🙂
Thank you, Olivia! Yes, definitely congratulations to ‘OUR’ ChristyB ! “:)
Wonderfully done, congratulations to both Mike and Christy for their wonderful accomplishments.
Thanks Val. Their accomplishments are wonderful and certainly a result of great talent, dedication and hard work. Well earned.
Thank you, Ray! And congratulations to Mike and Christy, for their accomplishments and foreward movement in the sphere of writing and cooperative ventures.
I look forward to reading!
Thanks Gail. The writing world is changing-for the better.