http://contributor.yahoo.com/blog Welcome to the official blog of the Yahoo! Contributor Network. Check back often for the latest news and updates. en-us Wed, 16 May 2012 12:43:37 GMT Wed, 16 May 2012 12:43:37 GMT Copyright (c) 2012 Yahoo! Inc. All rights reserved. http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss games events tutorials Halloween Luke Beatty contests awards Yahoo Finance campaigns rising stars announcements farewell social media 2011 roundups superfan rising star yahoo sports yahoo tv guest post yahoo contributor awards yca community profiles content spotlight ycas content drives contributor spotlight content showcase contributor tips ycn sports beats yahoo contributor network sports yahoo contributor network sports beats no peeking fantasy finance http://l.yimg.com/ck/siteimg/YCN_blog_header_company.gif http://contributor.yahoo.com/blog http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/236/fun-yahoo-finance-fantasy-game-lets-trade-11335940.html Fri, 11 May 2012 13:51:39 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/236/fun-yahoo-finance-fantasy-game-lets-trade-11335940.html Yahoo Finance games fantasy finance http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/230/contributor-spotlight-laura-sauer-11247436.html
Laura Sauer weaves the components of her life together into one colorful, comprehensive package. Her love of writing pairs swimmingly with her profession: Laura is a high school English teacher. Her role as teacher intersects with her role as mother of two. And, Laura’s experience as a mother has led her to develop a support network for parents of children with special needs--her youngest son has disabilities. ]]> Fri, 20 Apr 2012 08:55:12 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/230/contributor-spotlight-laura-sauer-11247436.html contributor spotlight http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A2332/2332114/150_2332114.0 http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/232/april-showers-accolades-our-monthly-winners-11249794.html Thu, 19 Apr 2012 12:45:28 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/232/april-showers-accolades-our-monthly-winners-11249794.html awards rising stars yahoo contributor awards http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/228/thanks-making-dream-come-true-11201368.html Fri, 6 Apr 2012 12:47:52 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/228/thanks-making-dream-come-true-11201368.html farewell Luke Beatty announcements http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/226/content-spotlight-personal-health-care-stories-11186814.html
Last week, the Supreme Court heard arguments for and against the Affordable Care Act (“ObamaCare”) health care overhaul. In June, the Court will decide the constitutionality of the law, particularly the stipulation that most Americans will be required to have health insurance. In light of the proceedings, Yahoo! News asked readers to share their own perspectives via Yahoo! Contributor Network, and share they did. ]]> Tue, 3 Apr 2012 12:00:17 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/226/content-spotlight-personal-health-care-stories-11186814.html http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A2312/2312994/150_2312994.0 http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/224/content-spotlight-lessons-authentic-experience-11163850.html
We love it when you write articles so steeped in your personal experiences that you, and only you, could have written them. That's why our second submission guideline says: “Be yourself: authentic and unique.” Personal experience always enriches content—especially when this experience comes from an area of expertise, or a topic you are particularly passionate about. You not only make your content more engaging, you establish trust with the reader. You let your audience know that you are coming from a place of authority. On the flip side, readers get a taste of your world. The readers walk in your shoes, and they learn along the way. Here are some recent articles in which contributors drew on their personal experiences for compelling, unique content that can teach us all a thing or two. ]]> Fri, 30 Mar 2012 08:22:53 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/224/content-spotlight-lessons-authentic-experience-11163850.html http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A2306/2306690/150_2306690.0 http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/212/content-spotlight-top-seo-performers-qa-yahoo-11079404.html
When we say that Yahoo! Contributor Network members make an impact by amplifying their voices, we mean it. It's true for many reasons, but we’d like to highlight one special way that our contributors have been scoring some really big wins: via search. A few weeks back we showcased some content that reached a large audience by getting featured, but this time around, we'd like to emphasize some amazing SEO wins. Specifically, many of our Yahoo! Sports contributors have been knocking it out of the park lately through search engine queries. ]]> Mon, 19 Mar 2012 12:29:45 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/212/content-spotlight-top-seo-performers-qa-yahoo-11079404.html content spotlight http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A2295/2295076/150_2295076.0 http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/214/contributor-spotlight-maya-black-11106882.html
Maya Black lives a vibrant lifestyle – traveling, cooking, tasting as she goes – and documenting all of it. It is clear from both her YCN content and her personal blogs that Maya’s adventurous nature extends to the kitchen as well. Maya is always whipping up something scrumptious, and she even finds ways to keep her creations healthy. Although her travels have taken her across the globe, Maya remains level-headed and full of sound advice. Maya is a real estate agent by trade, and as a Featured Contributor in Business & Finance, she brings her business chops to Yahoo! Finance. With tips on social networking as a business tool and on smartly negotiating commission, it's clear that Maya brings a lot to the table! ]]> Fri, 16 Mar 2012 11:03:25 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/214/contributor-spotlight-maya-black-11106882.html http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A2290/2290842/150_2290842.0 http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/216/spring-into-march-monthly-awards-11108444.html
It's time once again for our monthly awards! This month, the Yahoo! Contributor Award category was Movies. The talented movie experts in the Yahoo! Contributor Network community are "now playing" everything from reviews and lists to interviews and Oscar coverage. We needed an extra-large bucket of popcorn to go through all the great content published by our Movies finalists, but in the end, a star worthy of our Oscar equivalent emerged. And the winner is... ]]> Thu, 15 Mar 2012 20:19:24 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/216/spring-into-march-monthly-awards-11108444.html awards rising stars yahoo contributor awards http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A1656/1656219/150_1656219.png http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/210/yahoo-contributor-network-uk-cheers-11073822.html
We're excited to announce that Yahoo! Contributor Network has launched in the UK! British bloggers, writers, students, experts, and enthusiasts from many different fields now have the opportunity to share their knowledge and passion on some of the most popular UK websites--starting with Yahoo! News UK and Yahoo! Lifestyle--where they'll be able to claim paid writing assignments and earn Performance Payments just like contributors in the US. ]]> Mon, 12 Mar 2012 07:08:16 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/210/yahoo-contributor-network-uk-cheers-11073822.html announcements http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A2280/2280226/150_2280226.2 http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/208/sharing-voters-voices-super-tuesday-11067232.html Wed, 7 Mar 2012 16:03:29 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/208/sharing-voters-voices-super-tuesday-11067232.html content spotlight http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/206/content-spotlight-writing-remember-11026946.html
Sharing our stories, and those of the people whose lives intersect with ours, is an important part of keeping memories alive for generations to come. Sometimes a story – a life – can touch the lives of many to teach and inspire. ]]> Wed, 29 Feb 2012 12:08:58 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/206/content-spotlight-writing-remember-11026946.html content spotlight http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A2266/2266728/150_2266728.0 http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/202/contributor-spotlight-l-vincent-poupard-10997218.html
L. Vincent Poupard is a versatile writer, tackling many subjects aptly. This horror movie buff approaches film topics fearlessly, diving into complex, well-supported arguments that relate film to society. Film fans love L.'s commentary on both sweeping trends and small details. L. also brings local Detroit area reporting to a new level with his coverage of events, intriguing interviews, and his original voice. L. Vincent also loves to travel, particularly to Vegas, and offers up super helpful tips he has gleaned over the years. L. Vincent has displays his film chops on Yahoo! Movies, shares his knowledge of Detroit on Yahoo! Local, and coverstravel on Yahoo! Voices as a Featured Contributor. Possibly most impressive of all, L. Vincent has been using this platform to share his voice since 2006! This veteran has racked up millions of page views and earned several impressive awards during his time here. In a recent conversation, L. Vincent filled us in on his interests and accomplishments, offered some thoughts for the future, and told us what he’s learned along the way. ]]> Fri, 24 Feb 2012 09:17:31 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/202/contributor-spotlight-l-vincent-poupard-10997218.html http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A2258/2258858/150_2258858.0 http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/204/your-content-light-11001884.html
We’re proud to introduce Yahoo! Contributor Network’s new and fully integrated Content menu! Starting today, you will have a brand-new way to visualize how your content lives and thrives across the Yahoo! family of sites. The legacy Content menu, which you’ve been using, was built back in the days when our publishing platform revolved around a single website (the site now known as Yahoo! Voices). The scope of our platform has expanded by leaps and bounds since then, and we’re happy to say that the tool our contributors use to manage and track their submissions has advanced to address the expanded needs of our platform and community. ]]> Thu, 23 Feb 2012 11:01:40 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/204/your-content-light-11001884.html announcements http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A2260/2260468/150_2260468.0 http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/200/first-monthly-award-winners-2012-10991220.html
It's time to honor the first monthly award winners of the new year! Last month, we celebrated our year-end Yahoo! Contributor Award winners. Today, we're excited to announce the first YCA of the new year, and to recognize five new Rising Stars. This month's award category was Finance, an always-competitive niche that requires on-point writing and sharp, consistent topic selection, as well as extraordinary personal and/or professional experience. And the winner is... ]]> Wed, 22 Feb 2012 09:17:29 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/200/first-monthly-award-winners-2012-10991220.html awards yca http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A1656/1656219/150_1656219.png http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/198/content-spotlight-recent-stories-struck-big-10950848.html
How does a piece of content become a runaway success? Maybe you’ve got the perfect attention grabbing headline, one with real “READ ME” quality. Perhaps your article contains a successful blend of hot topics, helpful personal insight, and expertise. Possibly, you’ve captured a trending topic from an original angle. Maybe your story is so unique and captivating (ahem, Content of the Year winner Sean Durity) that it catapults across social networks. Or maybe your story has grabbed the attention of our editors and landed on the Yahoo! homepage - a singular destination viewed by millions of people every day. Now it's become crystal clear you’ve scored a real hit – your page views are flying off the charts and your voice is being amplified with magnitude. There's really nothing like the feeling you get when your words are traveling around the world at the speed of light! Let’s take a look at three recent heavy hitters from Yahoo! Contributor Network who made it to the coveted Yahoo! front page: ]]> Tue, 14 Feb 2012 08:22:51 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/198/content-spotlight-recent-stories-struck-big-10950848.html content spotlight http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A2245/2245424/150_2245424.0 http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/196/contributor-spotlight-jenny-peters-10935050.html
Jenny Peters thrives under pressure – and manages to find her footing in almost any situation. Whether in heels on the red carpet or in flippers while scuba diving, Jenny takes her experiences and runs with them, creating in-depth articles that transport the reader to each unique scenario she finds herself in. For example, Jenny takes on travel from many angles. An educated wine connoisseur, Jenny has attended classes with some of California’s top winemakers, and has explored and written about wine valleys in the United States, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. She has traveled across the globe to stay in fine hotels and basked in the some of the world’s most luxurious spas. Jenny’s explored nearby locations too, making the most of every minute. She has also been known to “rough it”, staying in hostels and navigating local public transportation to get around. And, when it comes to the stars, Jenny takes a similarly hands on approach. Jenny attended Critics Choice Awards , BAFTA Tea Party, and Palm Springs International Film Festival and had her original reporting published on omg! and Yahoo! Movies. This entertainment maven certainly knows how to write for different audiences – her career, spanning over 20 years, has brought her face to face with tons of different celebs for many different media outlets. In the following interview, Jenny dishes on her jet set lifestyle, her career, and much more. ]]> Tue, 7 Feb 2012 15:45:16 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/196/contributor-spotlight-jenny-peters-10935050.html contributor spotlight http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A2240/2240602/150_2240602.0 http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/191/awards-season-perspectives-yahoo-contributor-10909759.html
Like every New Year’s Eve reveler-turned-New Year’s Day repentant, Hollywood likes to look at the best of what came before upon turning over the newest calendar. For fans of movies, TV, and celebrity news, that period of reflection is awards season, a time when all the stars come out to shine and recognize the best and brightest. With the arrival of the Oscars , the Grammys , and more on the Hollywood stage (not to mention “the little people” – critics’ and viewer awards from every city, group, and genre imaginable), media coverage makes the last few months of winter the hottest time of the year. The Yahoo! Contributor Network is diving right into things, providing comprehensive original coverage of everything from who’s who and wearing whom on the red carpet; which small screen stars are the ones worthy of awards; and how films fared in and out of theaters with critics, A-list peers, and the people. Check out what Yahoo! Contributors had to say in the categories of Entertainment News, TV, and Movies below for more on awards season 2012. ]]> Mon, 6 Feb 2012 15:12:01 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/191/awards-season-perspectives-yahoo-contributor-10909759.html content spotlight http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A2239/2239540/150_2239540.0 http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/195/content-spotlight-notable-content-year-nominations-10920917.html
As you can guess, choosing 2011 Content of the Year was a positively ENORMOUS process. Our judges perused thousands of carefully crafted, uniquely informed, and eloquent pieces before narrowing it down. They hogged conference rooms and duked it out on behalf of their favorite contenders for hours. With so many amazing options to consider, the final decision wasn't easy! Still, with so much great content getting so much attention behind closed doors, we figured it would be a shame not to share more of it. So we rounded up five more community nominations that generated a lot of discussion. Read on and see for yourself just how stiff the competition was! ]]> Fri, 3 Feb 2012 09:38:54 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/195/content-spotlight-notable-content-year-nominations-10920917.html content spotlight http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A2237/2237288/150_2237288.0 http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/185/the-best-yahoo-contributor-network-2011-content-10903045.html
How do you choose the five best pieces of content among thousands? Nominations poured in throughout December 2011 for our Content of the Year Awards. All through January, we enjoyed reading each piece our community had designated as among the most powerful, well-executed, meaningful, useful, original, inspiring, and moving. In the end, five pieces stood out. On its own, each is an extraordinary article. Together, they serve to demonstrate what happens when exceptional writers have the opportunity to amplify their voice in front of the world's largest audiences. And the winners are... ]]> Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:23:27 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/185/the-best-yahoo-contributor-network-2011-content-10903045.html yca awards http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A2232/2232199/150_2232199.0 http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/189/outstanding-our-top-contributors-2011-10907863.html
The Yahoo! Contributor Network community is growing every day. In 2011, we published more original content than ever. Our contributors shared first-person news stories; incisive commentary; fan perspectives on every major sport; passionate responses to television, film, and celebrity culture; and practical advice about nearly every subject imaginable. 2011 was also a year of evolution. Through our launch of Yahoo! Voices and a revision of our Submission Guidelines, we're providing an enhanced platform where unique, powerful voices connect with Yahoo!'s audience of millions. Our three winners are among the strongest and most distinct voices in our contributor community. It's with great pride that we present our Outstanding Contributors of the Year! And the winners are... ]]> Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:15:51 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/189/outstanding-our-top-contributors-2011-10907863.html yca awards http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A2232/2232247/150_2232247.2 http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/181/contributor-spotlight-s-alexander-cooke-10851855.html
S. Alexander Cooke is an academic Clark Kent of sorts. By day he is an English teacher with 12 years of experience at an Ohio high school, by night a devoted law student. This teacher and student wears even more hats outside of the classroom – he is also a tech savvy self-taught musician, a sports enthusiast , and a devoted father. ]]> Thu, 19 Jan 2012 06:43:12 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/181/contributor-spotlight-s-alexander-cooke-10851855.html contributor spotlight http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A2216/2216759/150_2216759.0 http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/179/yahoo-contributor-network-now-pinterest-10811315.html
We're expanding our presence in the social media world using Pinterest - a virtual pinboard where you "collect the things you love." If you're already a member, follow our boards. Currently, we're sharing content from Voices’ Lifestyle categories and content that's published on Yahoo! Shine. We’ve shared almost 100 articles – is one of them yours? On Pinterest, you can pin and re-pin your favorite content from around the Web - including your own! It's a great way to expose your best work to a whole new audience. ]]> Fri, 13 Jan 2012 15:33:32 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/179/yahoo-contributor-network-now-pinterest-10811315.html social media http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A2211/2211615/150_2211615.0 http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/175/the-most-wonderful-time-year-10713619.html
It's the most wonderful time of the year! On Yahoo! Shine, our contributors are getting into the holiday spirit by decking the halls, roasting chestnuts, and dreaming of a white Christmas. And... gearing up for Santa Claus! ]]> Thu, 22 Dec 2011 11:00:00 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/175/the-most-wonderful-time-year-10713619.html content spotlight http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A2182/2182623/150_2182623.0 http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/177/the-best-2011-celebrity-edition-10722535.html
As we waltz into the waning weeks of 2011 we have to admit: It has been a big year for celebrities! We’ve weathered divorces, baby drama, wardrobe malfunctions, celebrity feuds, and more. We’ve watched our favorite celebs stun in stylish frocks, adopt new tots, and walk down the aisle. Yes, our favorite celebrities have certainly kept our Featured Entertainment Contributors busy! Here’s a look at some of 2011 moments that made us say "omg!" ]]> Wed, 21 Dec 2011 09:22:52 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/177/the-best-2011-celebrity-edition-10722535.html content spotlight http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A2179/2179507/150_2179507.0 http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/157/contributor-spotlight-karen-wyman-10632503.html
Karen Wyman has a taste for adventure. This Featured Travel Contributor has backpacked in Europe and traveled throughout Mexico, South America, as well as nearly all of the United States. She writes about the great outdoors extensively, and as a Sports: Recreation Featured Contributor, Karen dishes on all things camping. ]]> Tue, 20 Dec 2011 11:47:21 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/157/contributor-spotlight-karen-wyman-10632503.html contributor spotlight http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A2146/2146205/150_2146205.0 http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/173/congratulations-last-monthly-award-winners-10690197.html
It's once again time for our monthly awards, and these winners are extra special, because they're the last winners of 2011. The next awards announcement will be for our year-end Yahoo! Contributor Awards (so don't forget to nominate your favorite contributors and content)! This month, we examined the always-popular Lifestyle category, with a special focus on Holidays, Crafts & Hobbies, and Food & Wine content. Even though we narrow the field by choosing three focus areas each time it's the Lifestyle category's turn to award a YCA, it was still tough to choose from among the many contributors producing stellar content. Given that it's December, strong holiday content spoke well of several nominees. In the end, however, there was one clear choice. And the winner is.... ]]> Fri, 16 Dec 2011 08:26:53 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/173/congratulations-last-monthly-award-winners-10690197.html rising stars 2011 yca awards http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A1424/1424882/150_1424882.jpg http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/135/remembering-john-gugie-10557401.html Thu, 15 Dec 2011 19:04:04 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/135/remembering-john-gugie-10557401.html contributor spotlight http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/159/tis-season-our-guide-college-footballs-bowl-10633569.html
Another college football season in the books, another season full of BCS. BCS controversy, that is.  College football's bowl season begins Dec. 17 when Temple meets Wyoming in the Gildan New Mexico Bowl. It's the first of 35 postseason games on the slate, culminating with LSU (13-0) facing Alabama (11-1) on Jan. 9 in the Bowl Championship Series national championship--a rematch from November, which has fans, experts and coaches once again questioning the system. To get you in the bowl spirit, Yahoo! Contributor Network's Sports contributors have college football's postseason covered from every angle. ]]> Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:30:32 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/159/tis-season-our-guide-college-footballs-bowl-10633569.html content spotlight http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A2160/2160323/150_2160323.0 http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/131/introducing-yahoo-voices-10455243.html
We’ve got some big news! I’m proud to introduce Yahoo! Voices: a new online home for millions of pieces of content created by our community of experts and enthusiasts. Yahoo! Voices replaces Associated Content as the official digital library of Yahoo! Contributor Network, encompassing the best content we’ve published over the years, and continuing to grow with new articles, video, and slideshows submitted by you. ]]> Thu, 1 Dec 2011 12:52:59 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/131/introducing-yahoo-voices-10455243.html announcements http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A2082/2082391/150_2082391.0 http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/133/yahoo-contributor-awards-best-2011-10544027.html
Nominations are now open for the 2011 Yahoo! Contributor Awards! These year-end awards will honor the most outstanding Yahoo! Contributor Network content and contributors of 2011. We're offering a total of 8 prizes. ]]> Thu, 1 Dec 2011 11:51:46 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/133/yahoo-contributor-awards-best-2011-10544027.html awards http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A2122/2122331/150_2122331.2 http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/129/congratulations_to_this_months_winning.html
Welcome once again to our monthly Yahoo! Contributor Network awards announcement! This month, we scouted out our strongest Technology category contributor, based on nominees' recently published content. Whether it's the latest consumer electronics release or a list of practical apps for winter sports, our technology contributors aptly handle every high-tech topic under the digital Sun. But, when the (silicon) dust settled, a clear leader appeared. And the winner is... ]]> Wed, 16 Nov 2011 08:24:00 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/129/congratulations_to_this_months_winning.html yca rising stars awards http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A1656/1656219/150_1656219.png http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/125/tips_for_yahoo_tv_superfans.html
Calling all Yahoo! TV Superfans! Whether you’ve been covering a show for a year or more, or you're just starting to cover a new show, it can be hard to come up with original topic ideas. If you're currenlty a Yahoo! TV superfan, here are some fresh ways to approach the show or shows you cover. ]]> Tue, 8 Nov 2011 12:28:14 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/125/tips_for_yahoo_tv_superfans.html contributor tips yahoo tv superfan http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A2059/2059445/150_2059445.0 http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/127/scaring-stellar-halloween-content-10312287.html
It's the one time of year when we send out assignments hoping our contributors will respond with a resounding chorus of "BOOS": Halloween! Spooky coverage from the Yahoo! Contributor Network community has haunted readers this month on Yahoo! Movies, Yahoo! Shine, Yahoo! TV, and more. Witch contributors scared up the best Halloween pieces? Read on and see--there's more than a ghost of a chance one of your pieces will be among our faves! Yahoo! Movies There's no holiday more fun for horror film buffs than Halloween. The specter of trying to include all of the great Y! Movies content around Halloween in our blog roundup was just too ghastly to bear, but we were spooked by the thought of leaving someone out. Thank goodness for Movies editor, Y! Adam, who put on his caped adventurer costume and rescued us by publishing his own roundup of contributors' Halloween content on Yahoo! Movies: Contributors on the Best Halloween Viewing and More Here's a little sample of what you'll read in Adam's roundup:   Brett Chukerman  opted to look at the lighter side of Halloween. He invited readers to "laugh at Halloween" with a crop of " frightfully funny " movies... ... Thomas West  showed just how diverse movies ideal for Halloween viewing really are. He lovingly described " classic Halloween cartoons " but also found meaning amid the gruesome gore of the torture movie , horror's bloody younger cousin... ...As though the visuals in horror movies aren't haunting enough,  Sean Kernan  identified the genre's most " terror-inducing phrases ." Closing your eyes won't be enough after you've read these spooky quotes.   Yahoo! TV If there's anything more fun on Halloween than a horror movie outing at the cinema, it might just be a marathon of your favorite Halloween TV specials, or a full slate of truly terrifying moments that crop up in unexpected ... ]]> Fri, 28 Oct 2011 18:25:00 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/127/scaring-stellar-halloween-content-10312287.html Halloween content showcase roundups http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A1142/1142236/150_1142236.jpg http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/121/tails_are_wagging_over_yahoo_shine.html
At Yahoo! Contributor Network, tails are wagging about the new Yahoo! Shine Pets! Now you can find everything about pets on Shine, including those funny moments with your dog and advice on budgeting for your pet’s health care costs. And the best treat? It’s a brand new way for Yahoo! contributors to share their passion on Yahoo! Shine. ]]> Mon, 24 Oct 2011 12:01:00 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/121/tails_are_wagging_over_yahoo_shine.html content spotlight http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A2032/2032031/150_2032031.0 http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/123/congratulating_yca_and_rising_star.html
It's time once again to give a hearty cheer for the outstanding contributors who earned this month's Yahoo! Contributor Award and Rising Star Awards! This month's YCA is in the Sports category, honoring the Sports contributor with the highest overall level of quality in their recently published content. This was an especially difficult choice, because we're publishing an incredible amount of your amazing content to Yahoo! Sports, but in the end, we agreed that one Sports superstar was especially deserving. And the winner for this month’s YCA is....  ]]> Fri, 21 Oct 2011 11:13:02 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/123/congratulating_yca_and_rising_star.html yca rising star awards http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A1656/1656219/150_1656219.png http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/119/contributor_spotlight_eric_brennan.html
When it comes to all things DIY, Eric Brennan is your man. A second-generation master carpenter with a keen focus on green living, Eric shares his knowledge via Yahoo! Contributor Network and through his personal home improvement site, Construct101. ]]> Thu, 20 Oct 2011 10:49:04 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/119/contributor_spotlight_eric_brennan.html contributor spotlight http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A2022/2022785/150_2022785.0 http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/117/the_world_series_beyond_the_game_from.html
Why not make the Fall Classic, well, classic? Here at Yahoo! Contributor Network, we have the World Series covered from appetizers, parties, invitations, and, of course, drinks. (And you thought the World Series was just about memorable home runs, pitching duels, and radio calls.) ]]> Fri, 14 Oct 2011 13:05:42 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/117/the_world_series_beyond_the_game_from.html content spotlight http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A2012/2012069/150_2012069.jpg http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/115/guest_post_essentials_for_writing_stronger.html
Can you entice, captivate, or stop readers in their tracks with just a few words? You can with a strong introduction. After the headline, the introduction is your only bait to draw the reader in. Most Web readers will only give you a few seconds before deciding if they should keep on reading or click away to something more interesting. Engage your reader by crafting introductions that are impactful and make the reader hungry for more. Your introduction should serve as both a teaser and a brief summary of what's to come. ]]> Mon, 10 Oct 2011 12:06:00 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/115/guest_post_essentials_for_writing_stronger.html guest post tutorials http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A2001/2001481/150_2001481.jpg http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/113/steve_jobs_apple_and_my_relationship.html
Wednesday was a sad day for many in the tech world, following the news of Apple founder Steve Jobs' passing at the age of 56. It didn't necessarily comes as a surprise, as Jobs had been fighting a well publicized battle with pancreatic cancer for some time, but the end caught many of us off guard and led to a widespread outpouring of grief and rememberance both online and off. For many, the loss of Steve Jobs truly represents the end of an era . YCN was able to help Yahoo! celebrate the life and career of the tech pioneer with a collection of memories and reflections from our contributors, all focused on the role Jobs played in their own technology use. The posting was featured on the Yahoo! front page last night as part of their obituary package, and made later appearances on Yahoo! News and Yahoo! Finance. ]]> Thu, 6 Oct 2011 13:50:00 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/113/steve_jobs_apple_and_my_relationship.html content spotlight http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A1999/1999879/150_1999879.jpg http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/111/contributor_spotlight_kelly_herdrich.html
Kelly Herdrich is a busy stay-at-home mom to three young children. When she's not parenting or publishing, she designs and publishes popular knitting patterns, one of which has been replicated over 400 times. Kelly also maintains a blog and has just finished her first novel. As a freelance writer, her byline regularly graces numerous publications, including six Yahoo! websites. She’s also well-traveled! Kelly lived with her family in Harrogate, England from 2006 to 2009, and took the opportunity to travel throughout the EU with her husband, friends, and tiny tots in tow. Perhaps "busy" is an understatement. In her Yahoo! Contributor Network content, Kelly's personal experiences make her a top-notch Featured Contributor in three categories: Lifestyle, Travel, and Health & Wellness. She provides helpful insight into topics like traveling with toddlers, crafting with kids, and the experience of pregnancy. She reveals the joys and quirks of mommy-hood, incorporating extremely readable and engaging first-person knowledge into compelling narratives. ]]> Wed, 5 Oct 2011 12:00:00 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/111/contributor_spotlight_kelly_herdrich.html contributor spotlight http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A1997/1997435/150_1997435.jpg http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/109/cover_and_comment_on_breaking_news.html
Yahoo! News is inviting you to help cover the biggest news stories of the day. Every day, contributors provide unique angles and valuable perspectives to Yahoo! News’ coverage. We’re expanding that approach to Twitter – starting with Thursday night’s GOP debate. If you’re following along live, making pre-debate predictions or playing armchair analyst afterward, use this hashtag in your tweets: #YWatchers ]]> Thu, 22 Sep 2011 10:14:00 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/109/cover_and_comment_on_breaking_news.html announcements http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A1823/1823437/150_1823437.jpg http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/105/congratulations_to_more_award_winners.html
We're congratulating another fantastic group of award winners this month! As always, competition was intense both for the monthly Yahoo! Contributor Award and for our five monthly Rising Star Awards. However, these six winners truly went above and beyond, and we think you'll share our enthusiasm when you see their excellent work! This month's Yahoo! Contributor Award is for the Local category. And the winner is… ]]> Wed, 21 Sep 2011 11:52:19 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/105/congratulations_to_more_award_winners.html rising stars awards ycas http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A1546/1546836/150_1546836.png http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/107/emmy_awards_2011_what_yahoo_contributor.html
This week in Hollywood the stars were shining as television’s biggest names popped a pose on the red carpet at the 2011 Emmy Awards. Here at Yahoo! Contributor Network our entertainment writers were ready to dish on all of the festivities for omg! Here’s a look at what your fellow, celeb-loving, contributors had to say. ]]> Wed, 21 Sep 2011 08:18:00 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/107/emmy_awards_2011_what_yahoo_contributor.html content spotlight http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A1820/1820253/150_1820253.jpg http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/103/how_september_11_changed_us.html
How did September 11 change you? That's the question Yahoo!, in partnership with the 9/11 Memorial, is asking its contributors and readers as we approach the 10 years since the attacks on America. In the past month, we've published hundreds of your stories: New Yorkers recounted fleeing the twin towers that morning. U.S. soldiers -- just schoolchildren 10 years ago -- explained how they saw the attacks as a extraordinary chance to serve their nation. Grieving families told us about their loved ones who died on September 11, lost but not forgotten. And we've heard from Americans of all backgrounds; whether we were immediately and tangibly affected that day or not, 9/11 impacted us all. The attacks were a singularly democratizing experience -- Americans everywhere could not escape their effects then or find themselves unchanged today. ]]> Fri, 9 Sep 2011 17:07:05 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/103/how_september_11_changed_us.html content spotlight http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A1757/1757025/150_1757025.png http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/101/yahoos_homepages_for_homerooms_helps.html
If you've ever been a schoolchild, a parent, or a teacher yourself, you know that many teachers go above and beyond the call of duty in making their classrooms into inviting learning spaces on a shoestring budget. Some teachers personally purchase school supplies not covered by their school districts. Others hold donation drives or bake sales just to have enough textbooks for an entire class. This fall, Yahoo! is helping to reduce the burden placed on great teachers to create classrooms conducive to learning. Homepages for Homerooms, a partnership with DonorsChoose.org, allows anyone to support a teacher just by changing their homepage to Yahoo.com. ]]> Fri, 9 Sep 2011 13:17:40 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/101/yahoos_homepages_for_homerooms_helps.html http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A1804/1804301/150_1804301.jpg http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/99/contributor_spotlight_brad_sylvester.html
When it comes to contributor Brad Sylvester, there is far more than initially meets the eye. Although he lives in the mountains of New Hampshire, he has a background in consumer electronics. He raises a flock of chickens in his backyard- but also devotes his time to observing the wild birds of New England. Brad is concerned with the environment but extends his sights beyond earthly matters, regularly writing on outer space. Although his homestead is largely self-sustaining (5.25 acres including raised vegetable gardens and a passive solar house heated partially by firewood grown on the property), his passions frequently bring him beyond the confines of his abode. Just last summer Brad volunteered with the Great Bay National Estuarine Reserve to determine the effects of rising ocean levels on critical wildlife habitats. His travels have also brought him to Jamaica and his expose on eco-tourism in the Galapagos Islands earned him a People's Media Award in 2009. ]]> Thu, 8 Sep 2011 13:55:00 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/99/contributor_spotlight_brad_sylvester.html contributor spotlight http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A1804/1804105/150_1804105.jpg http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/89/our_contributors_have_the_mlb_playoffs.html
Put that pigskin down. The marathon that is the Major League Baseball season is nearing the finish line. In a 162-game season, the final month of the regular season usually provides the most drama with the division wild card races reaching their peak. Right now, out of the eight playoff spots up for grabs, five divisions are too close to call, with the NL Central all but locked up for the Milwaukee Brewers. In the American League East, the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox have all but punched their tickets to the postseason (one will win wild card). In the AL Central, the Detroit Tigers are holding off the Chicago White Sox and the Cleveland Indians for the moment. And in the AL West, the Texas Rangers own a 3.5-game lead over the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. ]]> Tue, 6 Sep 2011 08:18:00 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/89/our_contributors_have_the_mlb_playoffs.html content spotlight http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A1800/1800821/150_1800821.jpg http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/87/ycn_at_the_2011_nlgjas_national_convention.html
Last Friday, we were happy to attend the National Lesbian and Gay Journalist Association's 2011 National Convention and LGBT Media Summit held in Philadelphia (where it's always sunny!). Each year, the convention brings together LGBT journalists, major media companies and publications, and influential leaders from the media and journalism industries (like this year's keynote speaker, Ann Curry) for this three-day event, providing a forum for journalism professionals to participate in insightful panel discussions, network with fellow journalists, and learn about new writing opportunities. ]]> Fri, 2 Sep 2011 09:56:00 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/87/ycn_at_the_2011_nlgjas_national_convention.html events http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A1795/1795407/150_1795407.jpg http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/41/yahoo_contributor_network_yahoo_shopping.html
The opportunities keep growing as we continue to publish great content from the Yahoo! Contributor Network on more and more Yahoo! websites. Today we're thrilled to announce that we are now sharing our contributors' unique insights with the readers of Yahoo! Shopping. We're also pleased to announce that all content published on Yahoo! Shopping will generate monthly Performance Payments at a PPM of $1.20! ]]> Thu, 1 Sep 2011 08:31:00 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/41/yahoo_contributor_network_yahoo_shopping.html announcements http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A1794/1794821/150_1794821.jpg http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/85/apply_to_become_a_getitguide_guru.html
Are you a social-media savvy blogger? Do your friends call you first when they want suggestions, info, or advice related to your fashion, food, parenting, beauty, fitness, or other niche? If so, Shine from Yahoo! is looking for you! Shine from Yahoo! is building a new review guru program to support Get-It-Guide, the ultimate one-stop, what-to-buy guide curated from what the women of Shine's community want most. Launching in October 2011, Shine is looking for women to share honest opinions about all kinds of products in a guide for their readers. Ten Get-it-Guide Gurus will be selected to make trusted recommendations, review products, and give advice. Product categories include fashion, beauty, health, food, fitness, parenting, and more. ]]> Mon, 22 Aug 2011 16:32:00 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/85/apply_to_become_a_getitguide_guru.html announcements http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A1780/1780187/150_1780187.jpg http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/83/congrats_winners.html
Hello, and welcome to another monthly awards post! As always, we're enthusiastic about sharing a few of our most successful contributors with you. ]]> Tue, 16 Aug 2011 16:56:00 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/83/congrats_winners.html announcements awards http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A1546/1546836/150_1546836.png http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/81/my_evolving_role_in_the_yahoo_contributor.html
Some exciting things are happening in our community. I've accepted a contract position with the Yahoo! Contributor Network and will be working as Community Advocate. I'm still a community member but will have the opportunity to serve the community in a new way. I will be your go-to person when it comes to what the community wants and will serve as your voice when presenting ideas and concerns to staff members. ]]> Tue, 9 Aug 2011 12:18:00 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/81/my_evolving_role_in_the_yahoo_contributor.html announcements http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A1762/1762557/150_1762557.jpg http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/79/how_has_september_11_changed_you.html
On Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks on New York, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania killed almost 3,000 people. The survivors, families of the victims, and first-responders found their lives irrevocably altered -- as did all Americans. Ten years later, the Yahoo! Contributor Network is asking you: How have you changed? Perhaps you lost someone close to you. Or the attacks compelled you to join the military or volunteer more of your time. Or, perhaps more simply, you now pay closer attention to the loved ones in your life. In honor of the victims, survivors and heroes of 9/11, we want you to share your stories and memories of that day; tell us how 9/11 changed you. ]]> Mon, 8 Aug 2011 11:49:00 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/79/how_has_september_11_changed_you.html content drives http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A1757/1757025/150_1757025.png http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/77/blogher_2011.html
Yesterday evening marked the official launch of the BlogHer '11 conference in sunny San Diego and the Yahoo! Contributor Network is proud to be sponsoring such an amazing and empowering event! Each year, thousands of women bloggers from around the world descend on the conference to connect with fellow writers, take part in insightful discussions, learn how to grow their readership, and explore new opportunities. ]]> Fri, 5 Aug 2011 09:18:00 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/77/blogher_2011.html events http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A1756/1756435/150_1756435.jpg http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/75/contributor_spotlight_rianne_hill_soriano.html
We're excited to kick off our new blog series that will shine the spotlight on exceptional individuals from our Yahoo! Contributor Network community. In our first installment, we spoke to the talented and successful Rianne Hill Soriano, a contributor since March 2010 and a Yahoo! Featured Contributor in the categories of Movies and Travel. ]]> Thu, 4 Aug 2011 08:47:00 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/75/contributor_spotlight_rianne_hill_soriano.html community profiles http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A1751/1751929/150_1751929.jpg http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/73/last_days_to_apply_to_be_a_yahoo_trending.html
Are you on top of trending content and an influencer in social media spaces? If so, Yahoo! Trending Now is looking for you as part of a new contest. You could win $5,000 and a MacBook Air! Finalists will receive a trip to New York City, where they'll get exclusive training in keeping up with the latest news and trends. Then, they'll return to their hometowns and compete for the grand prize by sharing insider Yahoo! Trending Now content provided exclusively to the Influencers selected through this competition. Our contributor community knows all about the importance of keeping up with trends online. A story posted just as a hot topic reaches the boiling point will garner far more page views than one that goes up after the public has lost interest. Yahoo! Trending Now knows that our community is full of the sharp minds and social media skills they're hoping to attract. ]]> Fri, 29 Jul 2011 07:51:00 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/73/last_days_to_apply_to_be_a_yahoo_trending.html contests http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A1744/1744595/150_1744595.jpg http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/69/congrats_to_another_set_of_stars.html
Today's Rising Stars are tomorrow's Yahoo! Contributor Network superstars. We expect great things from each contributor thus honored. Rising Star Award winners are selected based on publishing success, community involvement, content manager feedback, writing skill, voice, and, of course, the contributor's potential for future success. ]]> Tue, 19 Jul 2011 14:09:00 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/69/congrats_to_another_set_of_stars.html http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A1561/1561140/150_1561140.jpg http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/67/congratulations_to_our_award_winners.html
It's once again time to honor a Yahoo! Contributor Award winner and a quintet of Rising Star award winners! This month's honorees are a diverse group in terms of experience and interests, but they have one thing in common: They're talented writers with unique voices, putting our publishing platform to great use. First, let's meet our Yahoo! Contributor Award winner, in this month's category of Politics. The winner is... ]]> Fri, 24 Jun 2011 11:33:09 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/67/congratulations_to_our_award_winners.html rising stars ycas announcements http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A1424/1424882/150_1424882.jpg http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/65/getting_to_know_you_getting_to_know.html
Would you like to check your email one morning and discover that a high-paying assignment has been targeted to you, which perfectly matches your expertise, geographic location, and interests? Up until now, we could only offer these highly specialized and personal opportunities to contributors who we've gotten to know very well through their long, active history with us, or to individuals in elite groups like the Featured Contributors program. While we're proud of the relationships we've built and the opportunities we've already offered, we also know that new and experienced contributors alike deserve even more recognition. We'd like to be able to give you opportunities that are a tailor-made fit for your background as a matter of course, not just an occasional happy accident. We'd also like to extend these opportunities to everyone who has the skills and experience to take them on, not just the people we know best. That's why we're launching a new tool today that will allow you to, at your discretion, tell us much more about you--and in turn, it'll allow us to find you when we need writers fitting a particular description for a special assignment. ]]> Mon, 20 Jun 2011 16:08:39 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/65/getting_to_know_you_getting_to_know.html announcements http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A1681/1681725/150_1681725.jpg http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/61/and_the_winners_are.html
It's time to celebrate the successes of six more outstanding Yahoo! Contributors: One Yahoo! Contributor Award winner, and five Rising Stars who are growing rapidly and show great potential. This month's Yahoo! Contributor Award is for the Finance category, with a $500 prize and a YCA profile badge awarded to the writer whose recently published Finance content showed the most eloquence, enthusiasm, and expertise. And the winner is.... ]]> Fri, 27 May 2011 16:45:00 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/61/and_the_winners_are.html awards rising star yca http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A1656/1656219/150_1656219.png http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/59/new_central_hub_for_top_yahoo_sports.html
The Yahoo! Contributor Network now has its own index page within the Yahoo! Sports directory! This will be a place where we can feature the top content being published to Yahoo! Sports through the Yahoo! Contributor Network. We'll update it regularly to reflect big events and seasonal sports topics. ]]> Wed, 25 May 2011 07:29:00 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/59/new_central_hub_for_top_yahoo_sports.html yahoo sports content spotlight http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A1651/1651935/150_1651935.jpg http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/57/everyones_a_critic_but_theres_only.html
After the long journey of reading over 300 movie reviews, and narrowing it down to the top 5 critics last Friday, we are finally ready to announce the winner of the Everyone's a Critic contest! ]]> Fri, 13 May 2011 15:52:00 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/57/everyones_a_critic_but_theres_only.html announcements contests http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A1547/1547818/150_1547818.jpg http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/53/twitter_tips_connecting_with_tv_celebrities.html
Yahoo! Superfans are passionate contributors who regularly cover their favorite television shows for Yahoo! entertainment sites. Recently, two Yahoo! TV Superfans were surprised and delighted to discover that one of their articles had been tweeted by the major stars of the shows that they cover, as well as one of the official show pages... It's an exciting experience that many contributors can enjoy if you're smart and savvy about sharing your work online. If you're a Twitter user and you'd like to maximize your chances of connecting with stars and fellow fans, without becoming a "Twitter Spammer," read on. ]]> Fri, 6 May 2011 16:42:00 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/53/twitter_tips_connecting_with_tv_celebrities.html tutorials social media http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A1624/1624919/150_1624919.jpg http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/55/our_top_5_yahoo_movies_critics.html
Numerous movie reviews flooded in last month from passionate movie buffs competing to be named the next Yahoo! Movies Featured Critic by winning the Yahoo! Contributor Network's Everyone's a Critic contest. Although many applied, only one contributor could win this prestigious position. The submission process officially ended on April 24, and the review process began. Our team of Yahoo! Movies editors rose to the challenge of selecting 5 finalists from among the many strong contenders. ]]> Fri, 6 May 2011 11:46:20 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/55/our_top_5_yahoo_movies_critics.html contests announcements http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A1547/1547818/150_1547818.jpg http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/51/our_shakespearean_sonnet_contest_winner.html Wed, 27 Apr 2011 11:05:00 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/51/our_shakespearean_sonnet_contest_winner.html contests http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/47/contributors_celebrate_earth_day_yahoo.html
Today is Earth Day! On this day, set aside for environmental awareness, people around the world will pause to consider how they affect the natural world. For those of us who spend a great deal of time in front of a computer screen, it's a great reminder to step outside and appreciate fresh air, blooming spring flowers, and all that Mother Nature has to offer. But even if you can't get out to plant a tree or walk in the park right now, you can get into the Earth Day spirit with some great, green content published by our contributors. Here are a few especially thought-provoking and fun pieces! ]]> Fri, 22 Apr 2011 11:35:18 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/47/contributors_celebrate_earth_day_yahoo.html content spotlight http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A1606/1606503/150_1606503.jpg http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/49/expanding_the_reach_of_your_yahoo_identity.html Thu, 21 Apr 2011 13:20:00 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/49/expanding_the_reach_of_your_yahoo_identity.html announcements http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/43/yahoo_contributor_awards_entertainment.html
It should come as no surprise that the winners of our first-ever monthly Yahoo! Contributor Awards embody all three hallmarks of the new Featured Contributor program--expertise, enthusiasm, and eloquence--in their respective fields. In fact, we were so impressed by the caliber of our finalists, and especially this trio of honorees, that we decided that the $150 prize we announced simply wouldn't cut it. We've very pleased to announce that each of our Yahoo! Contributor Award winners will receive a $500 bonus (!) as well as a shiny new badge for their profile page. Please join us in congratulating these Yahoo! Contributor Network superstars! ]]> Sat, 16 Apr 2011 09:40:00 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/43/yahoo_contributor_awards_entertainment.html announcements awards ycas http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A1546/1546836/150_1546836.png http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/45/congrats_to_our_monthly_rising_stars.html
It's time once again to recognize five new Rising Star Award winners! This batch of honorees stood out in a variety of ways, from excellent writing ability and unique voice, to positive community involvement, and loads of potential for future success. It was a tough field this month, but five stars shone especially bright. Best of all, we have a special surprise to announce... but you'll have to read on to find out what it is! ]]> Fri, 15 Apr 2011 18:43:00 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/45/congrats_to_our_monthly_rising_stars.html announcements awards http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A1561/1561140/150_1561140.jpg http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/40/five_ways_to_stand_out_and_five_pitfalls.html
We're busily preparing for our first round of Yahoo! Featured Contributor Program application responses'"remember, all applications submitted from March 1st through March 15th will receive a reply by April 1st'"and we've noticed a few common threads, both good and bad. To share these insights, I've compiled feedback from the Yahoo! editors and Content Managers who are reviewing applications. If you haven't applied yet, are considering additional categories, or if you discover next week that you'll need to reapply, keep these tips in mind. ]]> Fri, 25 Mar 2011 06:59:00 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/40/five_ways_to_stand_out_and_five_pitfalls.html tutorials http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A1546/1546844/150_1546844.png http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/38/congrats_to_our_rising_stars_for_march.html
Congratulations to another incredible group of Yahoo! Contributor Network Rising Stars! Each of these winners began publishing in the last four months. Each rapidly learned to excel as a Yahoo! contributor, standing out in terms of content quality and performance. We feel that each winner has the potential to be a Yahoo! Contributor Network superstar--just keep up the good work. Let's greet our March winners! ]]> Tue, 15 Mar 2011 07:42:00 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/38/congrats_to_our_rising_stars_for_march.html rising stars awards http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A1561/1561140/150_1561140.jpg http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/32/everyones_a_critic.html
They say everyone's a critic, and that may very well be true, but one very talented and fortunate movie critic is about to turn her or his opinions shared with one of the biggest audiences on the Web. We're thrilled to announce that the Yahoo! Contributor Network is teaming up with the team of Yahoo! Movies -- an extremely popular online destination for movie news, trailers, and more -- to find the next Yahoo! Movies Featured Critic! As a Featured Yahoo! Movies Critic, this talented contributor will receive a year's worth of weekly assignments to review films for Yahoo! Movies, and his or her reviews will appear prominently on this site that is viewed by millions of visitors every month, alongside the reviews of prominent critics like Roger Ebert. ]]> Fri, 4 Mar 2011 14:47:00 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/32/everyones_a_critic.html contests announcements http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A1547/1547818/150_1547818.jpg http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/36/honoring_the_best_of_the_yahoo_contributor.html
Today, we're happy to announce two exciting new ways that the Yahoo! Contributor Network is recognizing our extraordinary contributors: The Yahoo! Featured Contributor program and the monthly Yahoo! Contributor Awards! Applications are now open for the new Featured Contributors program. If you have a unique voice, a library full of brilliant content, and the real world experience to back it all up, you can apply to become a Featured Contributor within nine distinct categories: Automotive, Entertainment, Finance, Health, Lifestyle, Politics, Sports, Technology, and Travel. But that's not all! We're also happy to announce that the Yahoo! Contributor Awards (YCAs) don't just come around once a year anymore. ]]> Thu, 3 Mar 2011 14:34:00 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/36/honoring_the_best_of_the_yahoo_contributor.html announcements http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A1546/1546844/150_1546844.png http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/34/yahoo_contributor_network_does_the.html
The 83rd Academy Awards rounded out the 2011 award season last Sunday. An array of commentary from the Yahoo! Contributor Network accompanied Yahoo!'s extensive coverage of the ceremony, with both fresh voices and established contributors weighing in on Oscar films, fashion, flubs, and more. Here's a quick round-up of highlights... ]]> Wed, 2 Mar 2011 09:37:50 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/34/yahoo_contributor_network_does_the.html content spotlight http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A1545/1545338/150_1545338.jpg http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/30/the_evolution_of_quality_relevance.html
By now, many of you have heard about the major adjustments Google has made to its algorithm, and you've seen that it's affecting some of the content published to AssociatedContent.com. While it's too early to tell what the long term effects of this change will be, it's clear that some of our content is receiving less Google search traffic while other pieces received a bump. Frankly, it seems that more content has gone down than up for the time being, but the degree of variation shows that this was a nuanced attempt to improve search results. This is something we embrace, provided that the standards are applied carefully and piece-by-piece. Just as search engines have an ongoing prerogative to evolve their definition of relevance, publishing platforms like ours must continually raise the bar and refine of our own definitions of quality as we strive to bring an abundance of eyeballs to our best contributors and their best pieces of content. A number of initiatives are underway to improve our library, platform, and editorial processes, with the overarching goal of boosting both quality and consistency. ]]> Mon, 28 Feb 2011 13:33:00 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/30/the_evolution_of_quality_relevance.html http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A1542/1542696/150_1542696.jpg http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/28/congratulations_to_our_rising_stars.html
Get ready to meet a double batch of newer contributors who are excelling in quality, performance, and more! With our Yahoo! Contributor Awards taking center stage in January, we held last month's Rising Star Awards until February in order to ensure that all honorees get the recognition they deserve. Hence, this month we'll introduce you to ten new Rising Stars. Let's get started! ]]> Thu, 17 Feb 2011 11:43:00 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/28/congratulations_to_our_rising_stars.html awards http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A1424/1424882/150_1424882.jpg http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/26/featured_contributors_onward_upward.html Wed, 16 Feb 2011 12:36:00 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/26/featured_contributors_onward_upward.html announcements http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/22/love_is_in_the_air.html
In honor of Valentine's Day, our contributors shared their heartwarming, funny, and hopeful love stories. Here are a few of our favorites: Contributor Courtney Crass chronicled her long-distance love between Taiwan and the U.S. Her inspiring portrayal of love across an ocean scored was published on Your Wisdom from Yahoo! Shine, and is currently featured on the Shine homepage. Will Courtney get engaged this Valentine's Day? You'll have to stay tuned to find out! Seraphina Sterling shared a sweet tale of a romantic first date. While the romance didn't last, the memory of dancing in the headlights under falling snow stayed with her. Sometimes Valentine's day isn't all roses and rainbows. Contributor Elizabeth Lott's hilarious story of a Valentine's dinner date gone horribly wrong had us laughing out loud. Her husband's embarrassing moment at the restaurant will make you laugh and cringe. Lori Garcia's doggone awkward marriage proposal will, too. ]]> Mon, 14 Feb 2011 11:19:00 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/22/love_is_in_the_air.html content spotlight http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A1523/1523534/150_1523534.jpg http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/20/a_tribute_to_dena_e_bolton.html
Today we received tragic news: Dena E. Bolton , a gardening expert whose gardening and home improvement content demonstrates incomparable knowledge and experience, has been diagnosed with cancer and is in hospice care. She is not expected to recover. Friends and fellow contributors are asked to send prayers and positive thoughts toward Dena and her family in what will likely be the last few days of her life. Dena has been a part of our community since 2008. In that time, she made many friends and touched readers around the world. We asked a few contributors who were comfortable sharing a story about Dena to do so for this post, in hopes that Dena and her family will have the opportunity to see how much love and generosity she has brought to this community and how many loving memories of Dena are held in her fellow contributors' hearts. ]]> Tue, 8 Feb 2011 17:03:00 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/20/a_tribute_to_dena_e_bolton.html community profiles http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A1515/1515374/150_1515374.jpg http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/18/the_2010_awards_keep_rolling_out.html
If you didn't win one of our 2010 Yahoo! Contributor Awards, don't fret! We're not done giving out badges today. If you were one of the top performing contributors from 2010, you'll soon find a brand new Top 100 or Top 1000 award on your profile! ]]> Tue, 25 Jan 2011 16:11:00 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/18/the_2010_awards_keep_rolling_out.html awards http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A1493/1493072/150_1493072.jpg http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/14/content_of_the_year_winners_for_2010.html
In 2010, our platform got a lot more purple, and synced up with some of the world's most popular online destinations. Because extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures, we decided to commemorate this very special year by expanding our Yahoo! Contributor Awards "Content of the Year" category to include ten winners rather than the usual five! We just announced our first set of honorees. Here are our final five Content of the Year selections, rounding out an amazing double batch of winners, representing the incredible insight that our contributors bring to sites across the Yahoo! network. ]]> Tue, 25 Jan 2011 12:17:00 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/14/content_of_the_year_winners_for_2010.html announcements awards http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A1492/1492734/150_1492734.jpg http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/12/content_of_the_year_award_winners_for.html
When we asked you to nominate your best content and your favorite pieces from other contributors' libraries, you came through in a big way! Thousands of "Content of the Year" nominations were tallied, and from this impressive collection of content, our judges were asked to select five winners to receive our $500 prize. It wasn't an easy task, but we're honored to present our winning pieces, which truly exemplify the power of our publishing platform. ]]> Tue, 25 Jan 2011 11:54:00 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/12/content_of_the_year_award_winners_for.html announcements awards http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A1492/1492738/150_1492738.jpg http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/16/yahoo_contributor_awards_celebrating.html
Once per year, we get the honor and the privilege of selecting some of the brightest stars in our community for special recognition and cash prizes. It's never easy to weigh the merits of each nominee against the others and come up with a winner. After all, the Yahoo! Contributor Network platform was founded on the belief that everyone brings something unique to the table when they "show what they know." Yet, there are contributors who truly go above and beyond -- and the Yahoo! Contributor Awards were designed to call out those kinds of achievements. We're thrilled to present our 2010 Rookie of the Year and Outstanding Contributor of the Year awards. Our talented rookie will receive a $1,000 cash prize and our outstanding veterans will receive a $1,500 prize. Each receives a shiny, purple profile badge and eternal bragging rights within our contributor community. ]]> Tue, 25 Jan 2011 11:06:00 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/16/yahoo_contributor_awards_celebrating.html announcements awards http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A1486/1486510/150_1486510.jpg http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/10/yahoo_contributor_awards_who_will_win.html Fri, 21 Jan 2011 16:13:00 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/10/yahoo_contributor_awards_who_will_win.html awards http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/8/haiti_the_international_rescue_committee.html
It's hard to believe it's been more than a year since a devastating earthquake decimated Haiti's infrastructure and left a trail of death and disease in its wake. The world was captivated--and compelled to action--by news coverage of the disaster for weeks and months, ranging from heart-rending stories of human suffering to uplifting examples of generosity and heroism. Associated Content contributors mobilized immediately after the 2010 earthquake, giving their time to raise money for Haiti. In response to our community's desire to help Haiti, we partnered with the International Rescue Committee. Our "write-a-thon" for Haiti allowed contributors to pitch in by using their time and skills to create content, the profits from which went to the IRC to fund their work in Haiti. Thanks to donors like the contributor community, the IRC's work has helped hundreds of thousands of people affected by the disaster in Haiti. ]]> Fri, 21 Jan 2011 09:18:00 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/8/haiti_the_international_rescue_committee.html campaigns http://l.yimg.com/ck/image/A1370/1370694/150_1370694.jpg http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/6/welcome_to_contributor_connect.html Thu, 20 Jan 2011 10:21:00 GMT http://contributor.yahoo.com/blogpost/6/welcome_to_contributor_connect.html announcements