Welcome to HubPages!

Welcome to HubPages!

I would like to first start off by welcoming the newcomers to HubPages. This has been a great place to meet people. I first saw an advertisement for HP while visiting my facebook page. I love to read and write, so it didn’t take much to draw me in with its unlimited topics and advice on writing. (Of course, who is going to pass up the ability to make a few extra bucks?)

There are a few place to visit when you first sign up for HubPages.

The Learning Center has become my best friend. While undergoing changes, it has been helpful when I hit a rut or don't understand something.

The HubPages Forum has been an excellent way to keep up with Q&A’s or simply hang out. (WARNING: The forum has a way of becoming addictive.) A team of HubPage elites are on stand by for anyone needing guidance and the topics on HubPages are endless.

The HubPages Blog and The HubPages Newsletter is a terrific way to keep up in the news of HubPages.

I started out reading more than I did writing. I wasn’t the type of person at the time that could handle criticism. It scared me to death to think that this would be just another thing to fail at. After some coaxing, I publish my first hub and couldn’t believe how fast it took to get a couple of followers. Pumped up, I published a few more hubs. Then the discouragement hit. I wasn’t making any money for my hubs. It was back to the drawing board, as I spent more time reading about why I was failing on the money side of things.

When you are a newbie certain obsessions kick in. Money, Author Scores, (Money), Karma, (Money) and Hub Scores, are just a few. (Did I mention money?…) Then there is learning the placement of keywords, promoting new hubs, RSS feed, back linking, and protecting your hubs from theft. Oh yes, don't forget the ad sense. Just when you think you have things figured out, ad sense throws you a curveball.

I found out that money was a lot harder to earn than I first anticipated, since it is all about the topic, title, keyword placement, links, and promoting that get you the clicks one needs to make money.

My first mistake…I don’t write promotional, product selling hubs. I wanted to join HP to improve my creative writing. I had set a goal to practice writing that would eventually lead to a book. I had the delusional idea that if you write it, it would make money. These things take time and only with the right topics.

My second mistake…thinking that traffic would come as easy as my first follower did. It takes awhile to build up traffic and followers. This means I needed to rely on my patience.

My third mistake…not writing with consistency or quality. It wasn’t a matter of how fast or many hubs, but a talent of writing consistent quality hubs. Hubs with meat on them that kept the reader wanting more.

A variety of topics also helps. I had a wide range of topics. I am a Christian that didn’t have much to say till a forum I was reading sparked my interest and desire to state something. I grew up learning to hunt, fish, camp, bake, sew, cross stitch, and many other homemaking talents. I was a teen mom, that in November of 2010 celebrated my 20^th anniversary. My oldest child graduated in 2009 and my youngest will graduate in May of 2011.

For me, there wasn't a shortage of topics. It was a matter of how to write them in an informative and helpful way.

Four years ago I wrote a book from a killer’s perspective. (I was tired of reading the same ol’ detective novels.) I decided then that my goal would be to publish a book. I wasn’t in it for fame or fortune. I just wanted to see if I had what it took to write one. Unfortunately, I haven’t jumped the hurdle it takes to send it off to a publisher. Fear has once again stopped me. Which leads me back to HubPages.

My advice is just like any of the old heads here. If you are new to HubPages take the time to read the Learning Center Help Guide. It will answer a lot of common questions. From there go to the Forums and take time to read the common questions asked from other newbies that have ran into problems. If a person is here for quick money, my advice is that HP is like the lottery…some hit it right off and others don’t.

If you are still having problems, fill free to ask someone. There are plenty of people that are willing to take the time to help. (I have posted links on my profile page to help those just getting started.) Or check out my hub Addicted to HubPages Yet?. I posted a few authors that have been a great help to get me started.

Once you feel confident enough to start publishing hubs, try out a challenge on the HubChallenger’s Forum. Don't worry if it doesn't work out. It is mostly about making a goal for yourself. I have tried a few challenges and found them to be fun. This is my first 30 hubs in 30 days challenge. I am looking forward to seeing if I have what it takes to complete it.

Good luck and I wish everyone success. I hope to be reading your hub soon.