DS backup website

[VeronicaM]

What website do you think would be good as a DS backup? I'm thinking Qualitygal, content divas, and wisegeek are good ones (but I haven't applied to any of these yet)? I currently work for DS, but I know that I also need to work for other up-front pay sites in order to diversify.

What are all the up-front sites that you use? (no residuals please)

[AG1976]

Bright Hub is a good one.

[VeronicaM]

I heard that it's hard to navigate. And I hear that they pay residual plus upfront. How's the residual potential?

[AG1976]

The upfront is $10 per article, a bit less than DS. The residual potential is good; some people make $100 or so a month on top of their upfronts.

The site isn't so bad when you get used to it.

[Willowsidhe]

WiseGEEK is my most reliable backup, mostly because they pay within 2 or 3 days of submission. I was almost fired because I haven't written much there in the past few months. DS is just so much easier and they pay better.

However, with the recent rate increase, I think they are well worth holding on to. I'm going to get in gear and write my minimum 10 articles before the end of the month so I don't lose the gig. I'd highly recommend the site to anyone. They are very professional, always pay on time and have articles available on a wide variety of topics. Good luck!

[Irish1970]

Willow,

I only wrote 5 articles last month. Did they send you something when you went below 10?

[Willowsidhe]

They sent a notice after I didn't write ANYTHING for two months. They are giving me this month to get my required articles submitted and then I can keep the account. I think you'll be fine as long as you don't go 3 months without meeting the minimum.

Also, for anyone interested or considering applying, I've just posted an updated review of WiseGEEK on my blog that includes my experiences with the site over the past year, payment information, advantages and disadvantages and comparison with DS.

The Freelance Home Writer: Updated Review of WiseGEEK: Rate Increases and My Experiences as a Writer

[Irish1970]

Thanks for the heads up. Like many have said, WG articles are not particularly exciting but now that the pay is more, I have a lot greater incentive!

[VeronicaM]

II think Brighthub sounds pretty sweet. I love the idea of getting upfront pay plus residuals. That's pretty sweet.

Are they hard to get on with?

[christent04]

I think I may look at WG and BH too.. Just b/c I want to branch out of DS. I only just started there 2 months ago, but it's definitely something to think about :-)