There are two things you'll need to be successful as a writer, whether online or in print. First, you have to actually like writing. Secondly, you have to have a decent working knowledge of the craft.

Courtesy of the Internet, anyone can log on and call themselves a writer. Consequently, there are reams of garbage littering websites everywhere. Poor spelling, bad grammer, plagerism, and the willingness of so-called writers to give away their articles for free or next to nothing have damaged the reputation of legitimate writers. For far too many, writing online is viewed as less work than 'real' writing. Would-be writers try to cash in on the idea of an easy, stay at home job and would-be editors take advantage of them and their egos.

Writing in any media is not easy by any stretch of the imagination. It takes hours of research, marketing, and practice to become successful. It also requires a thick skin to withstand the rejection letters until they become acceptances and pay cheques. Until you build a portfolio that potential customers can view, finding contracts is a hit and miss gamble. There are hundreds of websites which list consumers looking for writers (start with http://www.writersdigest.com) . Stick with topics that you're interested in and have knowledge of, and search for markets looking for articles in those areas.

Read everything you can...from how-to books to novels. Reading will make you a better writer if you pay attention to how successful writers string words together. Study basic grammar and practice with writing exercises everyday (i.e. I use Hubpages as a writing exercise, NOT an income). Join online writing communities that will give you feedback on your work so you can be more polished before banging on an employer's cyber-door. Lastly, study the tone of the publication you wish to write for. Are they cheeky, informative, serious, funny, etc.? You can have the world's best article, but if it doesn't 'fit', it won't sell.

Sound like work? That's because it is. Don't make the mistake of trying to write online because you want an easy job. You'd be better off finding an 8-4 shift in the outside world.