Yahoo Contributor Network/Yahoo Voices Shutting Down

In an announcement that caught several hundred thousand writers by surprise, Yahoo announced it was closing the popular Yahoo Contributor Network which is had acquired from Associated Content only a few years earlier.

Yahoo told its writers--some of whom had been with the site for a decade--that it would keep articles up for the month of July, make one final payment, and then delete all content. At that time the rights would revert back to the writers.

In limbo are the articles made "for hire" which Yahoo said it might chose to keep or delete, reminding writers that works for hire become the property of Yahoo and they can do what they want with them.

The Yahoo site had been having major issues keeping tracking of page views and dealing with changes in the Google algorithms, most recently "Panda." But some writers are speculating that the acquisition of Associate Content was merely a ploy to get rid of its content competition on the web and that Yahoo may have never had any long-term plans for the Yahoo Contributor Network. It is unknown if any attempt was ever made to sell the site to any interested parties.

Stay tuned for more details and updates.

A Great Opportunity to Own Your Own Turn-Key Business

Hard at work over wine and appetizers

The link below goes to a photo of me hard at work... on a yacht. I went from being a shop girl standing all night behind the counter of the Macy's cosmetics department to cruising on a yacht or sitting with my friends over wine and appetizers to work in the lucrative anti-aging skin care industry.

I don't carry any product, I don't spend long hours on my feet, I don't carry a sample case, and I don't have to fool with orders and returns. All I have to do is tell my story to friends and acquaintances over cocktails, appetizers or at other fun events.

If you want to see more photos of me hard at work setting my own hours and running my own business, check out the photos at: Rodan + Fields Skincare News

And if you would like to talk more about a business opportunity in the lucrative anti-aging skin care business contact me.

Mother's Day Gift Suggestion

Mother's Day is just around the corner. Do you have a gift yet? Read on to discover how you can find the perfect gift tailored to your mom's or spouse's unique skin needs as well as how to plug in to an award-winning business opportunity.

Rather than the same old candy or flowers, give Mom the gift of healthier skin. Get mom (or yourself) some great skin care products for Mother's Day!

Dermatologist-Created Skin Care Products

Four dermatologist-created regimens fight the basic issues of aging skin and restore a healthier, more luminous complexion:

• Wrinkles, fine lines & loss of firmness
• Brown spots/age spots & melasma
• Red, sensitive skin & rosacea
• Adult acne & post acne discoloration

How to Make Money Writing on Seekyt

For writers who know how to put a decent article together, Seekyt is a great writing platform for writers that want to diversify how they get paid. It has similarities to Examiner and other sites that pay based upon page views, but it is quite different in how the money is earned.

Instead of paying a percent of a penny for each page view, Seekyt pays their writers a percentage of ad revenues. However, as page views translate into purchases, there is a direct correlation between page views and earnings.

Seekyt requires original articles with a minimum of around 250-300 words. Writers can earn money by incorporating one or all the following ad types into their articles: Google AdSense, Chikita and/or VigLink. Product-based articles like reviews and how-tos seem to work best on the Seekyt site.

VigLink

Seekyt now uses an affiliate  program called VigLink. One reason signing up for VigLink should appeal to writers is VigLink is a good fit for international writers as well as Stateside. VigLink is affiliated with over 30,000 sites, including big name retailers like eBay, Amazon, Walmart, Macys, Nike, Home Depot, Forever 21, Neiman Marcus, Dillards, etc. Writers can earn by letting VigLink create links to specific product names or by copying and pasting links to specific merchants. VigLink has a referral program that enables writers to earn for referring friends and readers: Click Here for Details.


Referrals


Using the affiliate advertisers mentioned above, Seekyt pays writers a percentage of all ad sales on our articles. Writers increase their ad share by writing articles, by referring new writers, by gaining new followers, and by interacting on the site in other ways.  Seekyt also pays bonuses for followers, comments and other activity on the site. Click here for my Seekyt referral link.




By the way, if you ever see anything you are interested in buying from Amazon on one of my Seekyt articles,  it won't cost you any more to use my link to purchase, but I will earn a percentage of the sale.


Let me know if you have any questions in the comments below.

How to Earn Money Writing for Examiner.com

Although I write for 10 or so different websites, the one where I earn the most money is Examiner.com. Back when print was king, I earned $400 - $450 per article writing for magazines, but those days appear to be over. Now I write for less than a penny per page view, but the place that penny goes the furthest for me and where I regularly earn several hundred dollars a month is Examiner.

Not only does Examiner pay a higher percentage of a penny than the other sites I write for, but it attracts many viewers so I don't have to do all the work of promoting my articles. Examiner will also frequently feature me on the Examiner site, or on their popular Facebook page, Google Plus and Twitter.

Examiner's minimum word count requirement is only 150 words per article, so it isn't difficult to come up with ideas and articles. If you know a little basic SEO and have some social networking skills, it helps pull in readers, page views and earnings more quickly.

Earn an Easy $25

Right now Examiner is also offering a "signing bonus" of $25 if new writers contribute two articles of 150 words or more for their first two months. This helps cover the first two normally low-paying months while a writer starts to build a library of articles and begins to get the word out. 

If you have not tried Examiner, you should check it out. It is not "get rich quick," but for any writer who can steadily generate articles of 150 words or more each month, it is a good way to earn several hundred dollars a month once you have a library of content up. That is definitely money I can put to good use!

My January 2014 stats

Examiner is currently in the US and Canada. I am not sure what other countries it might be in now or expanding into.

Click Here to find out more or save this link to use in the future: http://exm.nr/Mo5A9X

What I Examine:

• Skin Care,
• Barbie Collecting
• Nashville Doll Collecting, 
• Nashville Gospel Music & Entertainment  
• Nashville Skin, Health & Beauty 
• National Rodan + Fields

Also see: Make Money Writing Online: Where to Write

Gray's Disposal in Nashville--A Yelp Review

My Review of Gray's Disposal in Nashville on Yelp

PILES OF TRASH: 

Gray's Disposal hit a new low last holiday season when my trash was not picked up from Thanksgiving until after the New Year leaving piles of garbage at Christmas that my multiple calls could not get hauled away. I had to repackage my trash bags into boxes to try to keep critters out and to make neater piles around my trash can while I called and called to no avail. I had paid a quarter in advance for the service, so there was no excuse for them leaving that trash for so long.

HAULED AN ANTIQUE CABINET AWAY: 

Then in May of 2013, they hauled away my mother's antique Electrolized-Electroweld storage cabinet which was NOT sitting next to the trash but was near the sidewalk to my back door while I made room for it in my utility room. I called right away as soon as I saw it was gone and asked that it be returned, but for whatever reason, Gray's Disposal Company could not return this valuable antique.

• Read the FULL REVIEW on Yelp.
• Also see: Open Letter to Gray's Disposal Company, Nashville, TN

Macy's Closing Stores and Laying Off Workers Again - Yahoo

I launched my career as a shop girl at Casterner Knott in the Green Hills area of Nashville in the late 1970s when I worked my way through college. I transferred to Castner-Knott in Bellevue Center when that mall was built but had to leave due to a family illness.

I resumed workingat the same store when it was Proffits a few years later for Christmas and returned again when it was changing over to Hechts at the turn of the century, which in turn became Macy's. Eventually the Bellevue Macy's closed during a "reorganization" period.

 Now  Macy's is going through another "reorganization" which means more layoffs and more store closings.

Find out more at: Macy's Closing Stores and Laying Off Workers Again - Yahoo

Forbes finds a direct sales skin care company worth noting - National Skin Care Examiner

What foes Forbes think about MLM businesses? In the case of one direct sales skin care company, Forbes has nothing but nice things to say!

Company grew from $10 Million in revenue in 2010 to over $100 Million in 2012

Forbes finds one direct-marketing skin care company worth examining

 With so many direct marketing companies out there selling skin care and beauty products, it is often enticing to consider a career in the lucrative skin care industry. While, some people remain skeptical about MLM businesses, considering them "pyramid schemes," don't count Forbes among the doubters.

Find the article at: Forbes finds one direct-marketing skin care company worth examining - National Skin Care Examiner

Earn Money Advertising on Twitter with Sponsored Tweets

Try Sponsored Tweets to make money on Twitter. You control which ads you select, what you charge per ad and how often they go out.

My Earnings with Sponsored Tweets

What could you do with an extra $200?

These are the earnings from one of my Twitter accounts. On this particular account, I am asking a  little more per Tweet than most advertisers, so I don't get as many offers. In spite of turning some advertisers away because I charge more than average, and although I turn down down about 1/3 of my offers, my total sales are $208.08, just for Tweeting posts related to topics I already post about on this one Twitter account. I have earned $166.53 from my own Tweets, I have declined $56.12 worth of ads, and I have made another $41.55 from referrals. Only 1% of my Tweets are ads, so I am careful not to spam my followers.

Find Sponsored Tweets here.

Avoid Black Friday Lines & Support a Friend's Small Business

Small Business Saturday is Nov. 30 this year. Do you have friends who operate small businesses selling Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, Avon, Thirty-One, Mary Kay, Initials, Rodan+Fields and other great products?

Instead of rushing all over town on Black Friday, stop and ask yourself if you have friends who operate small businesses with products that might make great gifts. Whether its purses or makeup, skin care or cookware, the chances are extremely high that you have friends who operate small businesses in the direct sales industry for their primary or secondary income. These people would LOVE to have your Black Friday business and you won't have to leave you home to shop!

Read the full article at:  Skip Black Friday Lines & Support a Friend with Your Holiday Shopping! Arts, Entertainment & Life

Advances in skin care with DIY technology innovations - Examiner

 

Advances in skin care with DIY technology innovations


Skin care companies are announcing exciting new DIY advances in technology that now make dermatologist skin care results  just a click away. According to Marie Claire Magazine, there are six new DIY skin care devices which "ramp up the performance of antiaging serums and creams." The list includes a facial toning device, an anti-aging facial device, a lymphatic drainage roller, a microdermabrasion device, a new Macro Exfoliator system, and a light-stem for wrinkles and fine lines.

Most of the in-home devices and exfoliating tools are designed to last for many months to a year or more and cost about what a treatment or two would cost at the dermatologist office. The pricing makes skin care affordable for those who could not afford to go to the dermatologist's office for regular treatments. For instance, going to a dermatologist in Nashville for microdermabrasion on the face and neck costs about $400 per session, but the Macro Exfoliator system costs only $279.00, and can be used for a year or more, once a week, to remove 5,000,000 dead skin cells a week.

Article at: Advances in skin care with DIY technology innovations - Examiner

Find out more about the Redefine Macro Exfoliator here. 

Also see: New Technology in Skin Care Provides Safe In-Home Treatments - National Skin Care Examiner

Why Direct Sales Can Work for You: Advantages & Disadvantages of Direct Marketing - InfoBarrel

Why You Should Consider Direct Marketing

The Advantages & Disadvantages of Direct Selling

Why Direct Sales Can Work for You: Advantages & Disadvantages of Direct Marketing

There are many misconceptions about direct marketing, direct sales and multi-level marketing. This article is an overview of some of the advantages and disadvantates involved in direct selling.

A couple of years ago, I was approached by a friend about joining her in a new Dermatologist skin care business opportunity.

Read more at: Why Direct Sales Can Work for You: Advantages & Disadvantages of Direct Marketing - InfoBarrel 

Leading dermatologist skin care company coming to Canada - National Skin Care Examiner

Leading dermatologist skin care company coming to Canada

The Great White North has not always been kind to skin with cold, dry winter winds and occasional extreme conditions wreaking havoc on the skin. However, the land of the big red maple leaf is about to experience some of the world's best skin care as Rodan + Fields Dermatologists comes to Canada in January of 2014.

Read article: Leading dermatologist skin care company coming to Canada - National Skin Care Examiner

Also see:

• Rodan + Fields Business Opportunity 
• New Technology in Skin Care Provides Safe In-Home Treatments - National Skin Care Examiner

 

Noodles & Company introduces three springtime asparagus dishes - Nashville Skin, Health & Beauty Examiner

Noodles & Company introduces three springtime asparagus dishes

Noodles & Company Restaurant -- keeping it fresh and attracting new customers with new dishes, low prices, and good service.

Pricing on three new asparagus springtime dishes at Noodl;es & Co.: The Garden Pesto Sauté is $8.50 for a regular-sized dish; the Springtime Flatbread appetizer and the Asparagus Stack are $2.99 each. All three springtime asparagus dishes are available at all Noodles & Company restaurants for a limited time.

Read more at: Noodles & Company introduces three springtime asparagus dishes - Nashville Skin, Health & Beauty Examiner

Hobby Lobby Increases Full-Time Hourly Employee Minimum Wage to $14 Per Hour | Christian Activities

 

Hobby Lobby Increases Full-Time Hourly Employee Minimum Wage to $14 Per Hour | Christian Activities

Hobby Lobby is raising the bar again for business by raising the minimum wage for it employees. The privately held, Christian owned retail chain with more than 500 arts and crafts stores in 45 states, announced a minimum wage increase in April to $14 per hour for full-time hourly employees of Hobby Lobby and its affiliate Hemispheres, effective immediately. The company also announced a minimum wage increase for all part-time employees to $9.50 per hour.

Read more: articles | Hobby Lobby Increases Full-Time Hourly Employee Minimum Wage to $14 Per Hour | Christian Activities

Also see: Rodan + Fields Business Opportunity

NAB to Induct Financial Expert Dave Ramsey into Broadcasting Hall of Fame | Christian Activities

Dave Ramsey

NAB Inducts Financial Expert Dave Ramsey into Broadcasting Hall of Fame

Financial author, television personality, motivational speaker and popular national radio personality Dave Ramsey will be inducted into the NAB Broadcasting Hall of Fame during the NAB Show Radio Luncheon sponsored by ASCAP on Tuesday, April 9 in Las Vegas.

Dave Ramsey began his career in financial counseling at his local church.

Article at: financial | NAB to Induct Financial Expert Dave Ramsey into Broadcasting Hall of Fame | Christian Activities

New Technology in Skin Care Provides Safe In-Home Treatments - National Skin Care Examiner

New technology in skin care provides in-home treatments

Skin care business provides cutting edge technology to give customers safe and affordable in-home  skin care treatments

The skin care industry is rapidly changing as lotions and potions meet cutting edge technology. In 2010, skin rollers which had previously only been available in clinics, became available for in-home use for the first time. A few years prior, devices with rotating heads and tiny silica crystals were sold to provide microdermabrasion at home. Now cutting edge technology has provided customers with a diamond tip device with multiple setting to safely provide microdermabrasion at home.

Read the article: New technology in skin care provides in-home treatments - National Skin Care Examiner

Wall Street Crime Drama "Arbitrage" With Richard Gere - Movie Review - Yahoo! Voices - voices.yahoo.com

Wall Street Crime Drama "Arbitrage" With Richard Gere


Arbitrage is defined by Webster's as "the nearly simultaneous purchase and sale of securities or foreign exchange in different markets in order to profit from price discrepancies."

"Arbitrage" starring Richard Gere, Susan Sarandon and Brit Marling, is an independent crime movie about the business of making money. "Arbitrage" takes a hard look at investment banking and the players on Wall Street.

Even though Richard Gere plays a greedy, amoral villain, the film has garnered positive reviews for Gere's ability to create sympathy for a man the viewer knows is detestable.

Full of twists and suspense, "Arbitrage" is worth watching and makes all of Gere's character's wheelings and dealings interesting..

Movie review at: Wall Street Crime Drama "Arbitrage" With Richard Gere - Movie Review - Yahoo! Voices

How Not to Do Business by Email

email

"Fine Mass Keeps One's Word"

Besides blogging about business, I also blog about skin care. Somehow just the fact I have a blog with "skin" in the title got me added to a spam email list from Qingdao Ouqiang Chemical Industry Co.,Ltd. This company purports to be a "professional chemical manufacturer and exporter." Somehow they missed the part where "professional" companies don't spam random people with offers to sell them Glycol as well as making their email addresses public in the "to" field. There was no removal information on the email... in fact, this is not the first spam I have received from "Tina."

Last time I sent a polite reply asking to be removed and explaining I had nothing to do with any kind of beauty product manufacturing. I got a disrespectful reply and was informed rather than "getting angry" and "being rude," I should just delete the email. 

Today when I got another spam, I sent a reply to "Tina" saying it was rude to continue spamming me and that maybe people needed to know just how unprofessional Qingdao Ouqiang Chemical Company was. A visit to their website showed the slogan "Fine Mass Keeps One's Word," whatever that means. I think "Fine Mass" also doesn't spam people with unwanted sales pitches for Glycol.

When I tried to reply to "Tina" asking to be removed from the spam list, the email apparently went to her email list, but bounced back from her email address at ouqiangchem.com. Instead of hearing from "Tina," some choleric staffer at The SkinSpa Institute, sent me an angry reply for spamming "Tina's" spam list with my reply to Tina. Wow! I sure wouldn't go to The SkinSpa Institute if I wanted to relax!

China businesses are getting such a bad reputation in the US for shoddy products and dishonest practices, not to mention killing our pets with sub-standard pet products. Spamming random people with emails about products they have no interest in and no need for only makes it worse. Based upon my email dealings with the company, I would avoid Qingdao Ouqiang Chemical Company and any other spammers at all costs.

Save Money on Auto Repairs by Buying Parts Online

Did you know you can often save hundreds of dollars off expensive repairs by buying your automobile parts online instead of through your local mechanic? Here are two online business sites I have recently discovered where you can order parts for your car at a substantial savings over going through your mechanic, Firestone or Sears.

www.partsgeek.com and www.RockAuto.com

Call first before you take a part to your mechanic. It is a good idea to let your mechanic have some input in what you order so you make sure you get the right part in addition, some mechanics will not use customer parts. For instance, there are two Midas shop on Charlotte Pike in Nashville several blocks apart. One will work with customer parts and the other will not.