Polling the Audience
81An Idea Taking Shape
For several months I have been toying with an idea that has been niggling in the back of my head, scratching at the surface of my thoughts and waiting for expression. The seed was planted some time ago while working on building a website for women. That site was built, had it's moment of glory and success and has since been shut down. But during the whole process, from the idea to the completed project, I was enabled to go to many places I would not have gone otherwise.
As a result I have met many successful women, whom I would love to be able to acknowledge and perhaps provide an avenue for recognition. They provided an amazing support group, were always there with suggestions, constructive criticism, assistance with promotions, back links and contributions to the website and blogs. Some of these women have become fast friends.
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The Idea
During this time I managed to write a weekly newsletter. I found it an exhilarating experience, mainly because I had no one to answer to but myself. So the whole thing was mine from conception to completion. Each week I was able to meet and interview some of the great women who were members of the site.
So, what's the idea?
With that experience behind me I thought perhaps others would be interesting in hearing the success stories of some of these ladies. Perhaps I could bring some attention to them and what they have managed to accomplish with a newsletter or a published article of some type.
Interviews on HubPages?
Is HubPages a good vehicle for this idea?
See results without votingHow to
There is no lack of opportunity to do this. With a little thought, and perhaps a little help, just about anyone can build a blog, start a website, create an online newsletter, and even build a social networking site - and you can do this free.
One of the biggest drawback and reasons why I have not yet pursued this idea is because I really lack any skills at promotion or marketing and without an audience, what's the point?
I have often considered writing a single hub to mention these women but each hub allows only a certain number of outside links (for good reason). I know so many, that one hub wouldn't do it. Just listing their names and what they do would not be of interest to anyone (not even myself).
But each of these ladies has a story, a success story, and I'd sure like to tell it.
So I keep going back to the idea and asking myself two questions.
- How?
- Who Cares?
I think you can follow my line of thinking and realize that I have been considering writing about these ladies on HubPages.
But seriously, who cares?
Successful Women
Would you be interested in reading these success stories?
See results without votingPolling My Fans
On my way to work this morning I asked myself the questions again. And then I thought, why not just ask ? But who?
Who better than you? You are here on HubPages, you know the ropes, and I'm sure you have an idea of what would be of interest. You don't have to think about what would be interesting to the masses, just what would interest you?
So, I decided to ask you. If you have a moment, feel free to respond to the poll questions, or comment if the poll questions just don't say what you want to say.
- Hello Hub World, Did You See My Hub?
So, you want to write a great hub and you want to get it featured on the main page of hub pages? It's not easy but it's not complex either. This is not to do with Google AdSense, but a lot to do with the...
Why are you asking?
You might be sitting there wondering why I would ask, what to you may seem like silly questions. Well, I have just finished reading one of Rebecca_E's hubs (you should read it - it's right here to the right).
She talks about Hub Traffic and how we need to be concerned when it goes down. If you could see my stats you'd understand why I hesitate. They are all down, so obviously I am not doing something right.
So, I'm polling the audience to see if I can get some input on this particular idea. I could write several hubs on these successful ladies, but I don't want to go against the rules, and I'm not quite clear on this.
The seed once planted has continued to scratch away at the surface of my thoughts. I'd sure appreciate your help in alleviating the "itch".
I think the idea has merit, I'm just unsure if this is the right vehicle.
Your thoughts would be most welcome.
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Comments
I am always willing to listen to success stories. It is the negative stories that people write that I try to avoid like the plague negativity is. I think that publishing success stories is a very uplifting idea that would be an inspiration to us all. Kudos!
Leslie, your comments are very welcome and give me food for thought. Thank you for taking the time to express them so well.
Advisor4qb, thank you for that encouragement. I'll keep that in mind while I make up my mind.
Ladies, your input was much appreciated.
Duchess, first of all don't worry about the stats. I go to sleep at night with a rating of 92, and I wake up in the morning to a rating of 88. What happened? Did someone come while I was sleeping and steal all my adjectives and adverbs, rendering my writing dull?
I would be very interested in reading the thoughts of successful women -- in fact I would love it. I'm always happy to hear of the success of my sisters. So please, go ahead. I can't guarantee your ratings will go up, but I can promise I will read them.
And I read everything you write -- just in case you were wondering if anyone out there was reading you.
Follow your own heart, and stop worrying about what others may think. That's not the point.
I do, to a certain extent, agree with Immartin: Follow your own heart. Don't worry about traffic and what others think. If you are really worried about traffic, you can build some nice backlinks (again, 2 is the max per article) at Ezine Articles. They are awesome and the only real downside to them is that it takes up to 4 weeks for your first article to get approved. After that, it takes 7 days. I'm doing okay with them so far and have gotten a couple of hits thus far.
Another thing that you can do is try out the idea bank in addition to your pursuit of writing what your heart desires. With the holiday season coming up, I see a lot of seasoned veteran Hubbers cranking out lots of commercial hubs. Just do a little bit of both, as this will suffice your traffic needs and your "heart" needs.
I hope this helps, Duchess!
I think it is a great idea. What interests people?? The answer is, often, other people.
Duchess,
I totally agree with lmmartin. Go For IT!!!!!
Just voted, Duchess, and realized that all before me had also voted similarly!
Of course I'd be interested to read the stories. Partly because one enjoys your writing, and partly because one can always learn something from people who have been successful in what they set out to do. And it matters little whether they are men or women. Or maybe it does - women are always more interesting in every way! :)
I am intrigued about that website you started and then closed. And also about why you shut it down. Did you lose interest in it? There are so many social networking sites out there: Facebook, Orkut, Myspace, Twitter, and many other lesser known ones. I'm a member at one or two, but the interest wanes after some time, the novelty wears off or one just feels he's outgrown that kiddish stuff.
@ Immartin.
Thank you Immartin, you are such a joy to have as a fan! Imagine reading everything I write! I will return the favor. (I loved your series on snowbirds and their travel habits!)
I’m not so much interested in the ratings really except that it certainly makes you feel good when they are in the 90’s. And I fluctuate back and forth on what to write about, but I think I need to stick to what I know, which is definitely not selling. I’m just not very good at it. Thanks for your encouragement.
@dohn121
Thank you for the backlink suggestions dohn, I will look into them and consider those options. Although I can’t see myself spending time at the moment. I’m having a hard time keeping up with ya’ll!
About selling, dang I wish I had that skill! :) Thank you for your help.
@Rochell Frank
Thank you Rochell, I just need to keep in mind the reader and what would interest them? Good point.
@Legacy Wellness
Thanks you, I think I will go for it!!! :)
@Jaspal
Thanks for being a loyal fan Jaspal. Apparently I am narcissistic, because I love hearing that people like to read what I write. I’m not sure if that is a bad thing or not, but it is who I is. Your vote and your comments are always appreciated and carefully considered.
The website (The Twisted Sisterhood) - No I didn’t get tired of it or loose interest in it. It’s a long, involved and not very interesting story really. But I learned a lot and met some great people. I’ve developed quite an interest in the successes of others I met during that 2 year period. And I thought some of them would make for some interesting reading.
Like the rest of the people above I always read what you write. I would be very interested in reading an interview that you have done. Unfortunately I have no experience in the online world this is the first time I have every shared my writing with anyone but family and friends.
Like you it is baffling to me how my stats go up and down. I figure I will slow down and enjoy the ride and read other success stories and figure out this world. I have a quarter of the fans/readers that you have. As far as I am concerned (I don't know much) I really like to read your stories; I always feel there is something I can relate to. Keep writing I got your back.
Tammy, thank you for adding your voice to those who have been so encouraging. I'm blushing! But very appreciative.
Thank you everyone. I will start work on the first one and see how it goes.
I'd enjoy these interviews (I think--probably everyone except sportswomen would be of interest to me, but I'm sure others would be interested). Go for it if you feel like it and they agree. Nothing wrong with trying--if it sinks like a stone, there's no penalty.
I really enjoy your articles, too.
I've noticed my own HubTraffic is way down lately, for some reason. I think it goes in waves, and if you ask the long-timers, I'll bet they've seen people come and go, getting discouraged at the trough of the wave after being encouraged at its peak.
Hi Paradise7, thank you for commenting and complimenting.
I hear you about the traffic! There seems to have beens some sort of glitz with the computer servers. I wonder if that had anything to do with it? It just seems very strange, because it is such a drastic change.
I'll keep plugging along though, cause I like it here.
Hello Duchess, I believe your ideas have merit and would enjoy reading the hubs.
You will not be able to please everyone; there is no universal hub content that will appeal to everyone. I believe if you write quality content, and you always do, readers will be drawn to it.
People act as their own filter. Some of your fans may like all of your content; some may read only certain topics.
All you are in control of is what you create.
I also agree with what dohn121 had to say.
I’ve recently had my first article approved on Ezine, six days after I submitted it.
Thank you hublim. I'm not surprised to hear your article was approved on Ezine. Your hubs are all well researched, documented and presented.
Thank you for taking the time to read and let me know your thoughts.
Duchess, Everyone cannot be wrong. Definitely go for it.
We all love to write and read others experiences or we would not be here. Your experiences are enlightening too. so yes let us see them through your eyes. We may learn the hows and whys along the way. thanks for sharing this with us.
Thank you Eileen, I think I have pretty much decided to do just that. I just need to make those contacts now
Nicely written article with interesting tips and wothwile ideas.
Sorry success, meant to come back and comment earlier and got sidetracked (very easy to do here on HubPages).
Thanks for your comments and for dropping in. I have some in the works, and hope they do prove worthwhile. We will see
Leslie L. Sanders says:
2 weeks ago
Obviously, the thing that would work most is if the topic was of interest to the reader/visitor. If you're targeting hub writers then a lot of us love to read and learn about, well, writing.
And if you're talking success stories, the interview would have to somehow inspire us to strive for similar successes. You know, that "You can do it too" attitude. It can be a lot of work but it's very possible to do.
Just first figure out who your target audience is and give them what they want, or start with a specific topic (and stick to it) and they will come running.
Also in regards to "Who would care?" That's not the question, the question is "How can I make them care?"