How to get Published on HubPages

Typical reasons hubs don't pass review or get de-indexed:

• Duplicate content: This happens when you cut and paste word-for-word from any other online source. Even if you’ve only used a short piece of an item, you can be flagged if the information is not public domain. HubPages expects its writers to contribute original material, not content that is churned from other sites. Even if the content is your own work, if it was published elsewhere, it can be flagged.
• Just so you’ll know, duplicate content can be a reflection on the entire site, not just your article. It’s a violation of copyright guidelines and it amounts to stealing. Unfortunately, many people erroneously assume anything online is free for the taking (music, videos, and content). Not so – writers own their content. Respect that ownership and you won’t get flagged for duplicate content (and if you’re writing a term paper, you won’t get an ‘F’).
• Poor quality: If your hub is flagged during the review process, or after it has been published, you may want to check for errors in writing or grammar. You can also be flagged for poor quality of photos, and for general formatting (such as one long giant block of text, or other types of formatting that discourage people from reading your work.
• Spun content: This happens when content is ‘rewritten’ through use of synonyms or other copycat words. It can be done automatically or (more painstakingly) by hand. Either way, someone lazy or dishonest is trying to get mileage and/or money from someone else’s work. This site frowns on it (as in, it’s serious stuff), and search engines will spot it. An experienced writer will spot it, too – we recognize when words are close but no cigar. This type of writing looks different from unskilled writing, where someone inadvertently uses the wrong word but you can tell they’re trying. If you’re spinning, it will get caught and flagged.
• Short content: Aside from poems, or perhaps recipes, articles on this site (HubPages) should have at least 500 words. It also helps to have multiple text capsules and at least one good, properly used photo.
• Poorly translated content: This can be either from translation software (which really stands out – resembles spun content), or from a writer who just isn’t fluent in English, which is the language this site uses.
• Low traffic: This can cause the system to put your hub on "idle." If the article has good writing and good content, simply go in and edit it a bit to give it another boost.

New writers, especially those who are new to online publishing, sometimes have a learning curve in figuring out what the appropriate writing style and guidelines are for various sites compared to more personal types of writing, such as blogs. Some of the following styles can put you in jeopardy of being flagged or having your content moderated on sites such as HubPages:

Blog-like content: A blog will differ greatly from informational articles a site such as HubPages, for example prefers. If your hubs are purely personal or have almost the tone of a journal, or are full of anecdotal information with no advice or details that will help the reader, then you might be happier writing a blog. Hubs that ask readers for advice on problems, or that ramble on with no real storyline or point (a style you might use if you are writing on a social site) can be flagged as being too personal. If you're writing on a site that hosts a variety of authors, check the site's guidelines to see if your content matches the site’s goals for its content.

Poorly written: Just like anything else, writing takes practice. If you’ve been flagged for poor content, check some of the many hubs on this site that address writing skills, grammar usage and other rules for turning out a professional product. You will find a wealth of information from professionals. Then, practice, practice, practice! In the meantime, leave out shorthand terms you might use in a text message (such a LOL, or other abbreviations) and check your spelling in every hub.

There are other reasons an article can be flagged for poor writing. If you’re not used to putting words on paper or online for an audience, you may want to read articles written by seasoned writers here or on another site, and get an idea of the style the site (and Google) will prefer for articles that will eventually be monetized.

Purely promotional: Sometimes you might stumble on articles that are written simply to advertize a business. Product reviews are not prohibited online, but an article that focuses on only one business (repeatedly), or contains more than two links to the same site can raise red flags for site moderators and be reviewed. If there’s a blatant sales pitch in an article, the moderators will probably examine it to see if it meets guidelines.

Inappropriate content: Wait – weren’t all the above examples inappropriate for some reason? Well, yes. But the actual term, ‘inappropriate content" refers to other issues. A site such as HubPages, for example, is designed for a general audience and its guidelines prohibit adult content (something you wouldn’t want your kids or your elderly grandmother to read). Other guidelines caution against abusive content, hate messages or mature content that is too suggestive for general audiences. Read the site’s guidelines to learn more.

These are just a few of the reasons a writer's articles can be flagged for review. Since some guidelines are more subjective than others, there can be a variety of reasons one reader might report content compared to another.

If you get a notice your content has been flagged, don’t panic! On most sites, moderators will review the content and they’ll let you know if you need to revise the article. Often, they will un-publish it to give you a chance to make revisions. In severe cases, where violations are repeated or egregious and can put the entire site in jeopardy (such as porn, or stolen content), the author can be banned from the site.

Just as editors have expectations from writers, most sites have guidelines that are quite reasonable and, once you know them, very easy to follow. Some guidelines might require an author to learn a few new skills, but there are numerous resources for this, and you’ll be glad you tackled the assignment. You’ll also get plenty of support along the way!

Keep Writing!

Keep writing, and learn from the set-backs. Every writer goes through many learning curves, and you'll be thankful for the tips you get to improve your work. Many small businesses need writers, and there are several ways you can earn money through your writing.

Meanwhile, find your own niche by checking which topics readers follow on this site to see if you can fill a void! You will improve with each hub you write, and you'll gain more followers as you become an expert in your field. You'll also learn how to write more than one story on topic or theme, which expands your earning potential.

Happy writing!