Style changes in my writing

For the last two years I have struggled with writing for the web. I do most of my articles for upfront pay I still havent’ reached a solid number of page views for my articles. Although I don’t expect too many page views I do like the residual pay that is sent to my Paypal account each month from Associated  Content and Examiner. 

Recently, Josh purchased a copy of the Yahoo!Style Guide for me and it has made a big difference in my writing. With the recent Google algorithm change my daily views dropped from nearly 1000 a day to under 100 on Associated Content. Unexpected to say the least.  So my  page view pay out was less than pocket change.

Now, it’s back  in the 200′s. I can’t complain too much but I have realized  what the web considers to be good writing looks like something a second grader can read. In the style guide it states that web readers only scan articles and  43% of its readers have below average reading levels. Of course, instead of raising the standards for education, the web writers have to reduce their style of writing to a level that  actually embarrasses me.

On the other hand, I have been picked up for a beat assignment for Your Wisdom from Shine and Shine from Yahoo!

Photo is of an old article ranked with Google. This is a piece from Examiner. Luckily, my views from Examiner have not dropped substantially.

3 Benefits of using a spotter during exercise

A spotter offers an additional amount of confidence that you normally would never have if you were training by yourself. Exercisers will push harder with heavier weights in order to gain muscle and strength. Without a spotter you may not feel confident enough to move up by twenty, fifty and even a hundred pounds. You’ll also realize after the movement has been performed you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment for increasing your weight and keeping good form.

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How to decorate a gingerbread house

For weeks now my daughter and son have been asking to decorate a gingerbread house after seeing the kit at our local Jewel-Osco and then again at Wal-Mart. The package says it’s pre-assembled and decorating it is up to whomever makes the purchase. I decided against it and talked the kids into baking gingerbread men cookies. Two days later my husband walks in from work and has the gingerbread house box under his arm. Looking at him and the kit I asked “how hard can this be to decorate.”

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Valentine’s Jewelry: How to Choose the Right Setting

Valentine’s day offers a set day of the year for romance and to show your affection for your significant other. St. Valentine’s Day often accompanies a gift that includes candy, flowers and jewelry and choosing any of these are difficult but buying jewelry can open up an entirely new world. Jewelry has it’s own set of rules and depending on the style or design you may not have a clue of what you’re buying. Are you looking for a large center stone in a bezel setting? What about a channel set band with milgrain work? Don’t have a clue of what that means?

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Back exercises to increase this beast

I know the diet will come in time so I’ll sweep that under the rug for now. Doesn’t sound like the right mentality?  For me it is… Every one deals with post-contest struggles differently.I find worrying and being neurotic is worse than not eating the right amount of protein for two weeks.lol 

Back exercises to increase this beast

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My Trendsetting Outfit for 2011

Boots are an absolute weakness of mine and I fall pray to a good pair when ever I see them. 2011 is offering many trendy boots created in leather, suede, pleather and material accentuated by studs, zippers and whatever else floats the designer’s fancy. Of all the boots on the market my most recent trend-setting pair is a very tight napped black velour 5″ stiletto. Although I have many knee high boots these stood out because of the thin elastic bands, which look similar to Granny Laces, connecting to bold silver dime-sized buttons that run on the outer portion of the boot.

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6 Do’s of Christmas

It’s that time of the season. Christmas trees and wrapping paper are everywhere. Sale signs are in the windows of every shop. Windows are dressed to the hilt with mannequins in their best apparel and accessories to die for. People are shopping and carrying bags with purchases from their favorite stores and all it does is remind you of how you dread shopping and that you haven’t even begun. If you’re just now getting started on your shopping list for the holidays you’re not the only one but before you hit the stores for your purchases keep these “do’s” in mind.

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