Reasons I'm Mad at Ehow

Introduction:

I wrote for eHow for two years and loved it, but they could make you crazy too. Here are the things I didn't like about eHow.

The Software Was Always Buggy

It seemed like every time they rolled out a new feature, then something else wouldn't work. The writers developed all sorts of work-arounds just to get an article published.

They Took Away Open Submissions of Articles

I can understand why they wanted to switch to Demand Studios editorial oversight of the article submission, but I really miss the freedom to write about anything how-to. Because too many sloppy writers churned out junk, they spoiled the site for everyone.

Read, Rate and Recommend

The eHow experiment in social networking ran amok as groups recruited newbies into RR&R circles to boost their articles. These activities got in the way of creating quality content.

The Forums Could Get Really Nasty

Many friendships developed through the forums and many newbies picked up tips and encouragement there. Unfortunately there were some real mud-slinging at times and that turned some writers off to the site.

The Dreaded Sweeps

As eHow worked to clean up the junk articles, they never offered an appeal process for articles arbitrarily removed in the sweeps. The notification system was off-and-on, so the writers were frequently in turmoil.




Final Thoughts

The social networking on the site broke down after the Writer's Compensation Program was closed. Participation in the forums dropped and writers visited the site only to check their earnings. Despite this, having a profile with all the writer's articles made it easier to steer traffic there. Now that is going away as well.


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Comments

  • goodselfme 3/1/2013

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    I can't complain about Ehow since I paid my property tax for 3 years and when they bought out my articles they offered me $1000.00 and of course I took it.

  • tracyann 4/30/2011

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    They also took 12 of my articles, of which I worked very hard on...Great list.

  • snowfence 2/20/2011

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    Thanks for the ehow list. H5!

  • bossypants 2/15/2011

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    Agreed! You speak for many of us!

  • NancyHardin 2/9/2011

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    Virginia, I'm in complete agreement with your list. I was fortunate that I had a good eHow teacher from my very first article and so I did not fall prey to the RR&R circles. Thanks for sharing this list.

  • JoyceTeresaMann 2/9/2011

    Flag This Comment

    Great list. I, too, got caught up in the RRR stuff. I was brand-new to online writing and hadn't yet learned the ropes. Brava on a great list.

  • PriscillaBenfield 2/9/2011

    Flag This Comment

    Ehow was where I started and I never got into the forums much. I did get too wrapped up in the whole RRR garbage which I now know was unnecessary. It is sad how unprofessional the site turned out to be but for many it was a learning experience and many good friendships were made because of it.
    Great list and I agree with all your points.

  • Snakesmom 2/9/2011

    Flag This Comment

    I share all your reasons for being mad at eHow. I hated all the "bugs" on there and even to this day the tech's on eHow never get any problems solved, I swear all they do is repeat the question asked in different words then say they will look into it and never do. That was my most frustrating issue by far. I like this site so much better and thankfully I have not had even ONE technical problem here EVER. H5!

  • Jennywrites 2/8/2011

    Flag This Comment

    Great list, I feel the same way.. And now they are removing their forums, and wanting us to use facebook to log in.. They just keep pushing us further and further away.

    Thanks for this list!

  • Wasatch 2/8/2011

    Flag This Comment

    I dislike a lot of what happened with ehow. I do however love how high they rank and my articles earn more there than anywhere else I have found. Bugs and all I wish the format was back. I do hope LM5 can get more traffic and rise in the Google rankings over time.


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