New Hubbers Please Read

1. 61

   Dale Mazurekposted 14 years ago

   New Hubbers.  HubPages is not a place you are going to make a lot of money overnight.  Hell for the most part most people on HubPages will never make much money.
   
   It is important to read all of the TOS and to read other peoples Hubs.  There are several people here on HubPages with such great Hubs that will answer every one of your questions.  I would like to mention names but won't in fear I will forget someone.
   
   Every possible question you may have is either answered in the TOS or in a Hub somewhere here on HubPages.
   
   It's just important to know that if you really want you can make decent money using HubPages as a stream of income but you need to know it is going to take a lot of effort, time, patience, learning and a lot of writing and reading.
   
   Now, I'm not telling newbies to stop asking questions.  What I am saying is it really is worth the effort to take the time and read many of the great Hubs that explain exactly what you need to do to earn money here at HubPages.
   
   Happy Hubbing to all the newbies and veterens alike.
   
   Dale
   
   Cheers

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      Will Apseposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      If you gave them a few clues it would be kinder. As it is, despite your disclaimer, it might seem you are telling them to be quiet while the grownups talk .
      
      Personally, I try to help out newcomers and I don't care what questions they ask. After all, their is no obligation to answer.

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         cosetteposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         far out! i asked a couple of questions when i first started hubbing and everyone was nice about it. and yes i did do a search before asking and they either came up empty or there was too much information to wade through, hence, the question(s) got posted. i would feel terrible if i thought my asking questions really placed a hardship on my fellow hubbers. as for me, i am the kind of person that, if i see someone wandering around looking confused, i will try to help them. it seems to me that some people are really annoyed by things like how many questions are asked or whether or not a newbie uses "correct" terminology e.g. using the improper, hence ignorant term "blog" instead of the proper and correct term "hub" - that seems petty and arrogant to me - you can always ignore it, right?

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2. 78

   cashmereposted 14 years ago

   Cheers!
   That should put a break on the endless new threads that crop up about all the old issues.

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3. 82

   earnestshubposted 14 years ago

   Nice post Dale, that is the best way to help our newer hubbers.

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   GeneralHowitzerposted 14 years ago

   Yeah you're right there Dale... Thanks for the info...

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5. 78

   frogdroppingposted 14 years ago

   You know, there should be a way of sticking some stuff. I know it's tough when you start here, I remember not having a scooby.
   
   However, instead of asking questions that have been answered a hundred times or more, I read. I used the search facility and simply hunted for what I wanted and that's how I've learned.
   
   Now - I'm not saying folks shouldn't ask. Of course they should, we're a community. Some of the queries are relatively unique etc.
   
   But to anyone that has recently joined or is new, seriously, use the search facility. There really is a wealth of info contained within the site.
   
   I completely echo Dale, in other words. Help us to help you

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   1. 61

      Dale Mazurekposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Very well put.  I bet I use the search a couple times a day and many more than that when I first started and the information I find in almost all cases is second to none.

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      1. 78

         frogdroppingposted 14 years agoin reply to this

         Dale, I read, voraciously. And still do on occasion. I'm not a pro at this but I've been taught a lot. I sometimes wonder is some of our writers realise just how much they're actually teaching, as opposed to sharing information.

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   2. 73

      Maddie Ruudposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      There is a sticky thread in the Need Help? forum, with frequently asked questions.  The problem is, most people don't bother to poke around for an answer to their question--a lot don't bother even with the help section.  They just post a new thread or request, or email me.

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   3. 61

      ColdNoseDreameryposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Gotta say, I'm sorry I didn't think of it first.  I am on  the verge of posting my 1st hub and did direct a query to a fellow hubber. I will be thankful for his advice, but realize it was not necessary to ask. I'm thinking a good mantra might be, "search, not ask".  Thanks to both of you!

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6. 61

   JSwansonposted 14 years ago

   I'm not moving very fast here but pretty much everything I needed to know here I have found through using the search.
   
   I do appreciate all the help I receive from the hubbers who have been here much longer than myself.
   
   I agree that many of them do not even realize how much they help us newbies.

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7. 54

   Genniferposted 14 years ago

   Great post and nice advice for new hubbers!

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8. 78

   frogdroppingposted 14 years ago

   It is great advice. And don't anyone think they can't ask questions. Of course they can, and should!
   
   But to make it easier for all, simply try a search first. You may be surprised at what you find. And it's likely that in a hub you'll find for more info than a simple answer to a question.
   
   There's hundreds and hundreds of articles detailing (and I really do mean detailing) about 'how to X' and they're thoroughly well written.
   
   Many are aimed at sharing what the writer has learned through trial and error, or because they've put into practice what does work, as opposed to what doesn't.
   
   Search, read, search and read some more. And of course still ask if you're stuck!

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9. 57

   LVMposted 14 years ago

   Every forum i've seen requires everyone to do some searching before posting, and hubpages forum is no exception.  But that's more easily said than done.
   
   Try searching for a specific topic, and since there's a multitude of related posts on that specific topic, you might end up reading a lot of post that does not answer the specific problem at hand.
   
   Forgive me, but I would rather post at once and be answered instantly by the thousands of hubbers monitoring the forum rather than waste my precious time digging a bottomless pit.
   
   The use of stickies, in my opinion, is the best way to limit unnecessary duplicate posts.

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   1. 78

      frogdroppingposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      I agree with you about sifting through what it is you specifically want. Been there, done that.
      
      However, wasting your precious time V that of those you seek knowledge from? Whilst many of us do frequent the forums, some of us consider our own time just as precious. 
      
      And neither do we zip up the back. I doubt anyone minds helping fellows hubbers out (I certainly don't) but I'd like to think that a bit of effort was being expended on the seekers behalf.
      
      And when I or others are suggesting using the search facility, we are still supporting asking questions directly in the forum.

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   2. 76

      Uninvited Writerposted 14 years agoin reply to this

      Like this sticky?
      
      http://hubpages.com/forum/topic/4668

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10. 78

    frogdroppingposted 14 years ago

    Ahhhh Nicely done UW!

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11. 76

    NaomiRposted 14 years ago

    Great advice! Everyone here has been very helpful so far.

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12. 60

    Jane@CMposted 14 years ago

    Great advice, unfortunately, I think it will get buried unless new hubbers know where to go.
    
    I too asked my fair share of questions.  I received great replies and links to provide me with answers. I also read a lot of information, provided on Hubs and the HubPages FAQ, along with Knowledge Exchange, etc.

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13. 73

    AEvansposted 14 years ago

    Great Job!!!! Couldn't have said it better myself.

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14. 76

    Uninvited Writerposted 14 years ago

    But before they ask a question, people should at least look at the first page of the forum to see if it's been answered. I don't mind answering questions but I don't like it when the same questions are asked within an hour of each other.

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15. 84

    Connie Smithposted 14 years ago

    Hasn't this issue already been discussed on a lot of different threads? 

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    prziloczekposted 14 years ago

    Thank you for the tip! I started just a few hours ago. It all seems very strange at the moment!

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17. 60

    jessicabposted 14 years ago

    Great! I am a new hubber and I have read alot of hubs on how to promote your hubs, and I have accepted all.  Nice advice I will try to do my best.

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18. 61

    myawnposted 14 years ago

    Thanks for all the tips and suggetions I'm new and everything I read help,but sometimes i run out of time.

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19. 78

    frogdroppingposted 14 years ago

    Then hello new hubbers
    
    Seriously, you can ask for help you know. The OP was just highlighting the fact that there's some great info already available.

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    1. 57

       LVMposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       frogs know damn well what's going on.  In forums where newbies are instantly flamed for vague and innocent questions or not searching before posting or making duplicate posts, newbies become intimidated.

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       1. 78

          frogdroppingposted 14 years agoin reply to this

          Is that a tantrum LVM?
          
          I for one have never intimidated anyone. Not even slightly. If others have, take it up with them. I've hunted a link out many a time for anyone that's asked for help, if I've been around and A) have seen it and B) can help. Or if all that's required is an answer I can give - then I've given it.
          
          And it's worth bearing in mind that I was a noob, not so long since. Whether others have felt intimidated or not, for whatever reason, I haven't.
          
          And check what Maddie said in her reply, the part about most don't bother looking for an answer.
          
          That's all the OP was highlighting, as I've said before. Not that you or anyone can't ask - simply that new hubbers may not realise the wealth of info that's already on HP.

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20. 0

    Louidam1posted 14 years ago

    Great job!

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21. 60

    Jane@CMposted 14 years ago

    Bump

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22. 80

    Mighty Momposted 14 years ago

    Um. Is it ok for old hubbers to ask new questions?

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    1. 60

       Jane@CMposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       I would hope so

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23. 0

    Crazdwriterposted 14 years ago

    Thanks you Dale...still new to this too and yes I need to go to the FAQ pages more when I need help with something. Thanks again for the nice post!

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24. 61

    Dale Mazurekposted 14 years ago

    I would never say to stop asking.  All I am saying is take advantage of the great info you can find in many of the great hubs.
    
    Hell I have only been here a couple of months and I enjoy answering questions but even more so I enjoy learning from some of the great Hubbers here by reading their hubs. 
    
    Cheers

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    finsoftsposted 14 years ago

    Nice help from your side for new hubbers thank you..

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26. 92

    rmcrayneposted 14 years ago

    Dale, 
    
    I appreciate your remarks.  I have been reading for several weeks now, and still feel pretty lost, which I figure is about where I should be realistically.  Absolutely there is great information out there.  I would say an overwhelming amount of info.  I’m no dummy, and no stranger to a computer, but most of what I’ve read thus far on backlinks, keyword selection, ad placement etc, is well above my head.  But I keep plugging along, reading, re-reading etc. 
    
    I get it that content is important, and I feel optimistic about this.  From what I’ve read, I think I’m “hearing” that initial income may be 3-12 months in coming, and well short of being “a Lissie”, I think $200-$300 a month, after a year or so might be something to shoot for. 
    
    So being a newbie, I’ll name names, as I don’t think anyone would hold omissions against me.  I have read tons of Lissie’s (Sowerbutts) hubs, her personal blog, her recommended readings/blogs like Griz, even some of her travel blogs, like on today.com.  I’ve also read a few Hubs by wanderer, freelanceworld and The How to Hub. Lastly, I'm reading a variety of Hubs on topics that interest me.
    
    RMC

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    Jane@CMposted 14 years ago

    I have noticed lately that when newbies ask questions, they are getting rude comments from members on the forums.
    
    Yes, there is great information on this site, yes, research to find what you are looking for (white box just above) and YES, become involved in the forums.
    
    Sometimes I believe someone new people, just wants to dive in to start a hub & the forums seem to be the easiest route for a newbie to ask questions.
    
    I get the feeling when a newbie is snubbed by rude comments, that the replier either a) doesn't want more competition b)agitated by newbies.
    
    I think its important for hubbers to make a great first impression to the new hubbers.
    
    Everyone was new here ONCE!

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    1. 73

       AEvansposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       Jane, I said that in many threads and some senior hubbers will ignore it. My suggestion ignore the negative and look for the positive responses.

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    2. 70

       darksideposted 14 years agoin reply to this

       A question or two in a thread is easy to deal with, but when a person has a loooooong list of questions and it's obvious that they've got the smarts to figure it out, but want to be spoon fed, then it gets a bit tedious.
       
       When there are that many questions then the best prescription is 1) read the FAQ, 2) read this stickied thread from the "Need Help? Ask Here" subforum, 3) use the search function on the forum, and 4) find some 'how to hub' hubs.

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