@ BK – You’re welcome

@ Catherine – I highly advocate jumping in. It can become addictive, though, I’ll warn you.

@ Magnolia – Like the 2nd to last paragraph says, I’m releasing a full report on May 12. As to the type of writing, Helium allows me to explore a bunch of different areas, from business writing to writing about writing (like I do here) to writing about hobbies. Some areas seem to make more money than others. As to your writing voice, just keep at it! Keep writing. Your voice will develop, in time, probably without you even realizing it.

@ Glenda – I actually had a similar experience. I signed up with Helium when they first started, but didn’t really “get it.” Helium has come a long way since those early days.

As to the question of being overextended, I use Helium to expand my creativity rather than using it up. I can do things there that I’d never be able to do here, because it just doesn’t fit.

Here’s a great example: I wrote an article at Helium (for a contest) on getting started with model trains. I’m not a model train collector, but I’m interested in the hobby from an observer’s perspective. Writing in that contest gave me the opportunity to learn a little about model trains and earn a couple of bucks in the process.

But, leads me to a question: I write for two blogs now, which takes some time since I type with my left thumb. Is it possible to over extend yourself and to over use your writing muscle and creativity?

Really, I’m quite impressed that you pulled in over $1000 there. What type of writing did you do?

I’m still trying to find my voice truthfully. I think I’ve got potential, but I can’t find what it is just yet. Do I sound like a frustrated artist? I am.

I think that voice in me is screaming to get out, but I just keep standing in the way. How to get out of the way? Suggestions would be greatly appreciated…….and, tell me what kind of writing you’re doing for Helium.

Magnolias last blog post..I see old people…….

BKs last blog post..Life is Like a Box of Jigsaw

@ Karen – I’ve not done much in the way of press release marketing. There are those who swear by it. Ezine is particularly effective for marketing. I found Helium to be less effective for marketing, but again, I actually see some cash from Helium. I still use Ezine for SEO.

@ Courtney – You’re welcome. Those results will be wonderful, over time, if Helium stays relevant. The “bird in the hand” is all right, but I’m most excited about the potential for recursive income. It will be interesting to see how sustainable it is. One of my Helium friends pulls in a consistent $200-300 a month in residuals. That’s not money you can live on, but it’ll pay my cable, electric and phone bill each month.

Courtneys last blog post..“Funny” Blog

Article marketing is a good SEO and PR strategy. There are hundreds of article directories and I’ve used a good many of them over the years. When I’m launching a specific PR effort, I’ll upload new articles to Ezine and use press releases. I signed up for Helium but did the math and opted not to spend time on it. Your experiment is interesting and for those starting out it could be a good option. Looking forward to the report.

BKs last blog post..Breaking Through Your Limits!

@ Naomi – The weekly contests are a blast. The rating system isn’t perfect, and I like to whine about it, but they do all right overall.

@ Magnolia – welcome, I’m glad you stopped in. I’m going to go into how I made gangbusters at Helium in the free report. The Reward-athon was the big thing, but I see the potential for ongoing revenue as even more significant. My $2 a day today will be another $730 in a year, $1,460 in two years and $3,650 in five, assuming Helium doesn’t grow in popularity at all.

I’ve been using it as a platform to hone my writing skills. At fifty-one, I’m just now venturing out into a passion I’ve had my entire life, but have not pursued for one reason or another.

I would be interested to know how you managed to make over $1000 with Helium. I’ve scrapped in a few pennies, but then again, earnings have not been my primary motivator there.

I haven’t been back since October or November (when they ditched the contest I was aiming for) but I’m glad to hear it worked out for you.

Everyone else – read Wendi’s last post on Having Faith. It’s seriously good stuff.