Time to move on!?

1. 88

   SimeyCposted 10 years ago

   I think it is time for me to look for pastures new - my earnings on Webanswers and Hubpages have been decimated - my WA traffic has gone down by a whopping 90% and my traffic on Hubpages is 33% down - it seems the penguin hates me as well! I cannot sustain this loss so have to go and work where I can maintain a decent return - I'll be back but for now I think HP must take a back seat.....

   replyreport
   1. 89

      WryLiltposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      We'll miss you and good luck.
      
      My only advice would be DON'T put all your eggs in one basket. Find lots of different ways of driving traffic (OTHER than Google), different sites to write on, different ways to monetise. Then loosely interlink them all so you drive traffic from popular content to less popular content. I'm working with a friend on creating a web of articles and information using about 10 monetisation methods that spans Hubpages, Wizzley, social media, Youtube and a handful of our own sites.
      
      Each site has different types of information and layout, different methods of monetisation and different topics for different demographics. Hopefully it means that if one gets slapped, we have plenty of backup.

      replyreport
   2. 73

      Barbara Kayposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      When you find better pastures, let us know where. I've been enjoying your posts here, so you will be missed.

      replyreport
   3. 85

      sholland10posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Good Luck, SimeyC!  Check in and let us know how it is going.  I always love learning of new adventures.  Take Care and Best Wishes! :-)

      replyreport
   4. 72

      lorlie6posted 10 years agoin reply to this

      HATE to see you go, Simey, but best of luck.  Your talent doesn't need that luck, not at all!
      Take good care.
      Laurel

      replyreport
   5. 84

      Tealparadiseposted 10 years agoin reply to this

      Wow!  I just found you on Web Answers.  Your stats put me to shame.  I am only at about 1200 answers, but the pay rate is keeping me quite happy.
      
        90% down?!  When did it happen?  Often on Web Answers, people are very defensive about the site and won't go into earnings details.  I would really appreciate a "full answer" about what is going on over there.  I get absolutely ZERO views from awarded answers, which leads me to believe that most/all outside traffic has dried up.  However, the unawarded stuff keeps my pocketbook full enough that I don't mind.
      
      I am there under this same username if you want to find me.

      replyreport
      1. 88

         SimeyCposted 10 years agoin reply to this

         I lost my traffic last week when Google updated Panda! I went from 300 views a day to about 30 views. I was earning $1-$2 a day now I'm lucky if  earn that a week! WA has to focus on quality and remove all the garbage otherwise they will not recover!!!

         replyreport
         1. 84

            Tealparadiseposted 10 years agoin reply to this

            I agree and am currently looking at the answers to your question on the topic LOL.
            
            About to go check my adsense and see what my stuff looks like.  Thing is, I never ever have any views on "awarded answers," so all of my stuff comes from open questions.  This means, I assume, that despite the "rules," Web Answers users themselves are clicking most of the ads.  Otherwise I would see outside traffic coming in on awarded answers. 
             
            Hm.  My numbers are in a steady upward trend, but that could just be because of what I said above.  I am constantly active, meaning more and more users see my stuff every day.  For people who were relying on older questions, I have no doubt that earnings have taken a nosedive.

            replyreport
      2. 75

         WriteAngledposted 10 years agoin reply to this

         I experimented a bit with WebAnswers. With over 1500 answers, I am lucky to get one or two clicks a week for a couple of pennies per click.
         
         Quite frankly, most of the content there is very low-quality, in part due to the fact that many contributors are from third world countries and have little mastery of English and even less knowledge of the actual matter of most questions.
         
         One of the most prolific posters, from the US ironically, specialises in pontificating on legal matters, although he does not appear to be qualified in that area, The same person also illegally posts many copyright images.
         
         The fact that links to sources are discouraged really does not help. I am also highly amused by all the pompous statements made by many of the participants that they are supposedly not there for the money at all. Oh yeah?
         
         BTW, you will not find me there under this ID or any other ID I use for serious work on the Net. I would not wish my real name blackened by association with that site.

         replyreport
         1. 84

            Tealparadiseposted 10 years agoin reply to this

            The interesting thing is that users are actually banned from signing up from certain countries.  This makes me wonder how they made an account in the first place.  I know this because a friend of mine in Romania tried to sign up and could not.  Yet a certain someone who I will not name, but who is top poster nearly every day, is obviously from a similar place and somehow got on.  He answers every question, whether he knows anything about the topic or not.  I wish the site owner would ban this guy.  A lot of his answers are just long-winded restatement of the question with generic advice that isn't really related.
            
            You are right in that people post a lot on the legal categories with no actual experience.  That is because the CPC is higher.  It brings up your numbers, and a ton of the questions don't require real legal knowledge, just a quick google.  I personally get about 2.50 a day, up to $5 on days when I actually make an effort to participate.   I don't answer a question when I really don't have an answer, but I do work in the legal section as much as I can.  CTR and CPC are both higher on questions in that category.
            
            PS your amount earned is based on the quality rating, which plummets if you aren't active on the site.  If you want to see your earnings stay stable you have to post at least once every few days.  If you've abandoned it, that is why you aren't earning.

            replyreport
2. 78

   elayne001posted 10 years ago

   So sad to see your post and know you are moving on, but understand. My 50 cents I make a day on Hubpages can't keep me in the lifestyle that I am accustomed to, so I have taken on other writing gigs, and have not quit my day job.....best wishes in your future endeavors! The sky is the limit! Aloha oe!

   replyreport
3. 69

   Anamika Sposted 10 years ago

   As an Ex-Banker, my advice to anyone who wants to make money on the internet is not to put all your efforts in one place. You should write on 2-3 revenue sharing sites, maintain your own blogs and websites, earn money developing and flipping domains,  take up freelance jobs, promote CPA and Affiliate products, do social media tasks and earn money marketing your skills to mention a few. SimeyC, I would advice you not to move your existing content here even though it is not profitable at the moment. HubPages have always survived the storms. So keep trust in the HP Team.  Wishing you all the best for your future endeavors!

   replyreport
4. 85

   rebekahELLEposted 10 years ago

   So sorry to see your post!  I wouldn't do anything too quickly.  You know how traffic ebbs and flows during these updates.  Maybe take some time and you can figure out what the problem may be.

   replyreport
5. 84

   Marcy Goodfleischposted 10 years ago

   Simey - I would hate to see you leave the site - and I hope you indeed come back if you take a break.  You're a great contributor to the community, you're a good writer, and we love you.  It's understandable that you need to go where you'll make a living, though.  We will be waiting for you, when the time is right for you to return!

   replyreport
6. 84

   gmwilliamsposted 10 years ago

   Don't leave.  We love you.  You are a valuable member of this wonderful community.  What can WE say to make YOU stay!  Will miss you and wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors!

   replyreport
7. 88

   lobobrandonposted 10 years ago

   Well, Simey don't leave exactly. I've not published a hub in a long long time almost a year now (That's half my existence on the site). But, things are getting better and I'm sure they'll work out for you as well.

   replyreport
8. 0

   DigbyAdamsposted 10 years ago

   I write at Wizzley and Squidoo as well as HubPages and have many of my own sites. I admit that there are times when I spend more time at other work. I truly don't get the need to "leave." If things seem unstable at HubPages, then write more other places. But there's no need not to frequent the forums or to hang out. Unless this is just a way to voice frustration.

   replyreport
9. 93

   jansharesposted 10 years ago

   Oh no, not another familiar face of comfort and stability leaving? Well, I've enjoyed your down-to-earth, no nonsense posts in the forums, Simey. You're a cool hubber. I appreciate all the help you've given me. Good luck, see you soon after your hiatus.

   replyreport
10. 87

    Simone Smithposted 10 years ago

    I'm sorry to see you stepping away, SimeyC, though HubPages will be here waiting for you when traffic returns and your Hubs' traffic and earnings stats begin to look a bit more impressive!
    
    On behalf of HubPages staff, I wish you very happy trails in the meantime.

    replyreport
11. 96

    theraggededgeposted 10 years ago

    Sorry to hear this, Simey - you are one of the HP stalwarts. However, I'm following you right out the door. I shall leave my better performing (joke) hubs here, but unpublishing and moving some content to my own sites. It's the only thing I can think of doing

    replyreport
12. 95

    wildernessposted 10 years ago

    Sorry to hear that, Simey, and hope you return every once in a while at least back to the forums.  You've always been helpful here and will be sorely missed.
    
    I do think it's smart to spread out some, though - hope it works well for you!

    replyreport
13. 77

    CloudExplorerposted 10 years ago

    Give Youtube a try, traffic is always plump there, and especially if you make reaction videos, just be careful with the copyright infringement thingy there, they are harsh. I'm doing good there so far, and ever since we got hit hard here I made the switch there, plus loading my hubs up with videos I make helps a great deal as well, so I won't ever leave Hubpages till they tell me I need to move if anything.
    
    Good luck bro! I hope you change your mind and maybe shift gears a bit toward the Tube, it is powerful, and if you have tried it there already, maybe try to find ways to maximize your presence there. I'm earning some respectable revenue there as well. I hope this helps a bit. Contact me if you need any more info on it whatsoever, I will do my best to help you if so bro!

    replyreport
    1. 88

       SimeyCposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       CloudExplorer - I do have a channel on Youtube and did earn a whole 55c there this month!
       
       I'm pretty new to the Youtube thing and really need to work out what to focus on there. I'm trying to create a niche website which I hope will do well and have joined a few other wring sites - my content is staying here and if the next Panda update benefits me then I may be back sooner than later!!!

       replyreport
14. 90

    Judi Beeposted 10 years ago

    Simey, I was lucky enough to be on your team through the AP and you were such an asset.  Best wishes!

    replyreport
15. 77

    CloudExplorerposted 10 years ago

    OK cool bro, I sent you a Facebook friend request and a message. I will stay in touch whatever the case may be if you choose to friend me there. I hope everything works out for you. Maybe we can trade notes about Youtube sometime in the future, I help many folks and collaborate with others there on FB and in various communities/groups. Chat with you soon there if you choose to connect. Have a good day bro and I hope things work out for you.

    replyreport
16. 60

    paradigmsearchposted 10 years ago

    Random thoughts...
    
    Do what brings you pleasure.
    
    HP brings me pleasure.
    
    Other things bring me pleasure.
    
    Do it all.
    
    Find more things that bring you pleasure.
    
    Do those, too.
    
    Really, do it all.
    
    Burned bridges are just that. Don't do that.
    
    Wander here. Wander there. Wander everywhere.
    
    Setting aside versus deletion is almost always the better course.
    
    Two years hence. An eternity really. What will be? Kind of scary actually. My thoughts seem to have wandered beyond HP... And that is perfectly fine, too.

    replyreport
    1. 60

       paradigmsearchposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Bumped for the heck of it to get it on the new page.

       replyreport
17. 68

    Rosie2010posted 10 years ago

    Although I'm no longer active here on Hubpages, I'm still going to miss you, SimeyC.  It had always been a pleasure to see your smiling face in the forums.  Take care and best wishes.  Cheers!

    replyreport
18. 59

    bydojoposted 10 years ago

    The best solution would be to create your own blog/site with content and re-write/re-think some of your articles (if you haven't done it yet). Hubpages and other similar sites are great for some advertising revenue, but you should always strive to build your own blog/online persona.
    Anyway, good luck in all you do

    replyreport
19. 74

    brakel2posted 10 years ago

    Good luck Simey. May you find what you are looking for. Will miss you on forums. Hope everyone doesn't leave. May you make lots of money--or at least what you need. Hugs.

    replyreport
20. 80

    RetroBrothersposted 10 years ago

    Ah Simey, I've always enjoyed your posts, articles and comments.
    
    Do what you've got to - but please drop by here again.
    
    All the best mate,
    Martin.

    replyreport
    1. 84

       TIMETRAVELER2posted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Simey:  And here I thought you were one of the HP writers who was really doing well!  I am so sorry to see you go, you've been a big help to me and many others.  Please come back to us after the ashes settle...we need quality writers here if we are to survive.

       replyreport
21. 0

    Sarra Garrettposted 10 years ago

    No No, don't go Simey!

    replyreport
22. 73

    Kangaroo_Jaseposted 10 years ago

    Simon,
    
    If you haven't already, why have you not expanded into your own blogs and/or websites? Your writing is excellent you have enough topical niches to play with, and you, I am very sure would excel and get a large amount of traffic from building guest posts/articles on other networks/blogs/websites.
    
    I will not say good luck as I know your endeavors elsewhere will do well and you already work hard and smart

    replyreport
23. 92

    GoodLadyposted 10 years ago

    It's sad Simey, but it's an interesting move and I wish you the best next round.  Appreciate your help and contribution on the A P.  Really good knowing you here and hope to be in touch.

    replyreport
24. 88

    SimeyCposted 10 years ago

    OK so it's memorial weekend and I'm pretty close to being drunk! I just realized that this is a very selfish post  - i've been with HP for three or four years and have had day when I've seen traffic of 20k+.Suddenly I see my traffic go down and I abandon HP 0? What an a-hole - without HP I would not have seem any traffic! I will contine to expand my horizons, but I will also continue to support HP and promote the fact that without them I would not have an online prescence - thank you HP and particularly thank you Simonw - wihout your suport I would be nothing! I will continue to particupate in HP even if I don't publish - the drunken Simon says "never forget your roots...."

    replyreport
    1. 96

       theraggededgeposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Pontypridd?
       
       There's no reason why you can't expand your horizons and stay on HP at the same time. It's not going anywhere, so we can leave the door open a little bit.
       
       Have a great night and rest of the weekend, Simey, boyo.
       
       Bev

       replyreport
       1. 88

          SimeyCposted 10 years agoin reply to this

          :d I so wish I could fly back to Ponty!

          replyreport
       2. 75

          WriteAngledposted 10 years agoin reply to this

          I live not that far from Ponty - in Treorci.
          
          And I was a member of TABI, did the course, became a reader for the free readings service and also ran the shop for a while some years ago. I left a while back after being messed around by an obnoxious committee member.

          replyreport
          1. 96

             theraggededgeposted 10 years agoin reply to this

             Wow, small world, WriteAngled. I'm quite near Llantrisant. And just rejoined TABI the other week after about 8 years away from it.
             
             Sorry, Simey, we just hijacked your thread.

             replyreport
       3. 82

          DreamerMegposted 10 years agoin reply to this

          Pontypridd? I spent most of my childhood there! <link snipped>

          replyreport
    2. 73

       livewithrichardposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Don't think of it as abandoning your roots... think of it as graduating.  Take the knowledge you gained here and apply it to your own sites.  If you commit half the time on your own sites as you do here then you will truly see results from your efforts.  My sites are doing pretty well considering I re-used most of the content I removed from this site on those sites.  The key is to concentrate on one niche at a time until that site is earning a steady income and you are not relying on Organic Google Traffic.  Sure that type of traffic is nice, and usually free, but if you are wanting to make a living online then your investment has to be more than just your time... Those days are long gone!!! 
       
       Before someone chimes in, I'm not suggesting paying for traffic to your Hubs... that is a ridiculous waste of money.  Paying for targeted traffic to your sales page on your own sites is an investment into your business... Adwords, and FB adds are what I use but there are so many ad networks you can choose from.  Start small... $10 a day, and you will know when and if you should scale up.  It's a tax deductible investment.
       
       It's pretty much what I do with my time now days... I've only published one hub this year and only 10 last year... I stick around because I really like this community... I've learned and shared during my time here and I hope to continue sharing the things that work for me but earning around a $100 month is not worth the effort to continually give away my content.

       replyreport
25. 88

    SimeyCposted 10 years ago

    Wish I could type when drunk! I was trying to thank Simone!

    replyreport
    1. 88

       lobobrandonposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Wow! you're really drunk or since you stopped writing hubs, your spellings have gone down the drain
       
       Anyway I liked what you said at the end of your last post "Don't forget your roots" same applies to me too. HP was the first place I began and then spread out. It's still doing fine for me though, the ups and downs are a roller coaster, but I'm still hanging in there.

       replyreport
    2. 73

       Kangaroo_Jaseposted 10 years agoin reply to this

       Most of us are fluent in drunkenese......except you have to be drunk at the time to conversate .... lol

       replyreport
26. 60

    paradigmsearchposted 10 years ago

    I have read this thread. Scares the hell out of me. If it happens to me, I will not respond well.

    replyreport
27. 60

    paradigmsearchposted 10 years ago

    Dear God (you know who are). Ya know what? Give me 10X or kill me. Serious. I really do care and have done the best that I know how.

    replyreport
28. 80

    Bard of Elyposted 10 years ago

    I have articles at InfoBarrel, Wizzley, and Xobba and have been looking for work on Elance but for me I find this the best site to actually make money from my articles on. and that is a good reason for me to be here. I am sorry to hear you have been doing so badly here!

    replyreport
29. 60

    baja2013posted 10 years ago

    I read your posts and ask myself should I continue or not?
    Answer is simple, I will continue, since I am only a few months here. I read your stats and hope that some day in next few months I will have same stats. Looks that is very important to set a goal here and try to reach it. That's the only way to stay here and make it good, for readers and for myself.

    replyreport