Why Demand Media Works For Me
Ever wonder what it's like to work for Demand Studios?
We checked in with our community of freelance creators — writers, copy editors, filmmakers and titlers — and asked them to share their experiences. Hundreds of people chimed in about why Demand Media works for them. Here are a few of their responses.
Libby Wiersema, Writer
My name is Libby Wiersema, and I’m a writer and copy editor with Demand Studios. The decision to leave my job at a daily newspaper was grueling—if I was no longer “Libby Wiersema, features editor for the ‘Morning News’”—then who was I? One year later, this is who I've become: “Libby Wiersema, poet, homemaker, cook, traveler—and CE and writer for Demand Studios.” Being able to work from my kitchen, my daughter's house or even a hotel has permitted me to exchange crushing deadlines and office hours for a more authentic life with room for family, artistry, pleasure, contemplation and work. Demand Studios has helped me be available for my own life.
Kandra Sperling, Writer
My name is Kandra Sperling. I have 30 years’ experience in journalism and photography. My last job as community editor, writer and photographer for a major daily was a great job, but for personal reasons, I decided to "retire." A bad economy changed everything. My husband's work depends on a good real estate market, which is non-existent these days. Looking for work, I stumbled upon Demand Studios. The flexibility of working for Demand Studios takes away the stress of a full-time job. The ability to work from anywhere in the world gives me freedom, which is the greatest bonus for two photographers who love to travel.
Larry Parr, Writer
My name is Larry Parr. I've been a full-time freelance writer for more than 30 years. I spent 25 years writing and story editing cartoons for TV. My fondest memory was working for Marvel Productions in the ‘80s under the legendary Stan Lee. I can sum up my reasons for loving Demand Studios in two words: flexibility and reliability. Demand Studios gives me the flexibility to write as much or as little as I need to, and I never have to worry about being paid the proper amount or worry about being paid on time. This gives me a peace of mind that many freelance writing jobs simply can't supply. I love Demand Studios.
Jim Hagerty, Writer
My name is Jim Hagerty, and I’m a full-time writer. I have degrees in journalism and public relations from Northern Michigan University in Marquette. Aside from writing for Demand Studios, I am a feature writer for a weekly newspaper in Rockford, Ill. Demand Studios provides me with the flexibility to expand my writing portfolio and make as much money as I wish. It affords me the opportunity to choose projects at will and work a schedule that is deadline-driven yet flexible enough to allow me to thoroughly enjoy each assignment I take. It is a superb system run by some of the most efficient and professional people in the business.
Lisa Fenderson, Filmmaker
My name is Lisa Fenderson, and I am a Demand Studios filmmaker. I have 20 years’ experience in TV and video production. Demand Studios works for me because it is a consistent and reliable source of income, not to mention I have the ability to make my own schedule and work as little or as much as I want, doing what I love: video production. For more than three years, I have produced hundreds of "How to" videos for eHow.com, EquestrianLife.com and LIVESTRONG.com, and I have had a blast. From growing lavender and horseback riding to car restoration and golfing, I have learned so much—not to mention that I have handled a few special projects for Demand Studios. In addition, I have picked up quite a few extra projects from the contacts that I made through my assignments. So that in itself has been an added bonus. The growing pains have been challenging, but overall it has been a great experience, and I only hope to handle bigger and better assignments down the road. If you are good at what you do, can follow the guidelines and looking for consistent income with one of the fastest-growing media companies in the country, give Demand Studios a try! I highly recommend it.
Aaron J. Patton, Title Editor
My name is Aaron J. Patton, and I've been acting professionally and screenwriting for the past seven years. When the work is there, it's great, but dry spells tend to last longer than everyday bills allow. So when I found out about Demand Studios, I became very excited about the potential to put my eagle eye for the English language to work. I started out as a title proofer, and now I'm a title editor. What are the gas prices like? It makes little difference, because my work for Demand Studios allows me to stay home, take care of my responsibilities and have the flexibility to pursue my creative endeavors. This is one artist who is definitely not starving thanks to Demand Studios!
Christopher Earle, Writer
I’m Christopher Earle. I’ve been working as a writer and photographer for nearly 25 years and have had stories picked up by the Associated Press and National Public Radio. I’ve written either as a contractor or direct employee for Boeing, Umax, Microtek, Acer and many other companies. Demand Studios offers me the opportunity to write on a wide range of subjects. As time goes on, Demand Studios continues to surprise me. From offering basic health coverage to donating books to charity based on writer performance, Demand Studios shows a rare commitment to both freelance and social issues. And let me say again: The book donation program was INCREDIBLE. Thank you!
Heather Vale Goss, Writer
I'm Heather Vale Goss, and I've been working as a journalist and freelance writer in all media—TV, radio, print and online—for more than 15 years. I love the flexibility and control Demand Studios gives me; sure, I could spend days sending out queries to magazines and waiting weeks for replies—and I do that sometimes—but even if they pay a higher rate per word, it's a big gamble with a lot of wasted time. On the other hand, with Demand, I can just log in any time from home and focus on doing what I love: writing! Not only that, I can write as much or little as I like and get paid for it quickly. As the parent of a young toddler, that's crucial in being able to manage my time, and my freelance writing career.
Charles Calmbacher, Writer
I am Charles Calmbacher. I have been publishing articles for the past 42 years. Some of the articles are technical in nature. I have worked as a sports editor, technical editor and restaurant critic. I have written for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Occupational Health and Safety magazine, Inside Environment Magazine and Environmental Protection magazine. I started working with Demand Studios last June. I enjoy the flexibility in choosing topics. I can indulge myself by writing about topics of which I have knowledge and that interest me. It is a great way to help satisfy my need to write.
Shannon Cottongame, Writer
I'm Shannon Cottongame, and I spent nine years writing for a small-town newspaper before becoming a stay-at-home mom. My husband and I quickly realized that we would need more income to make ends meet, and I missed writing. I found the solution to both of these problems when I applied at Demand Studios. I love the flexible schedule that allows me to care for my children, and I enjoy having the freedom to choose from so many titles and determine how much money I want to make. I can’t imagine ever being satisfied with a traditional office job again.
Jerry Shaw, Writer
I’m Jerry Shaw, and I have spent more than 35 years in newspapers, magazines and book publishing. My career includes writing for Gannett newspapers and for AMI tabloids, such as National Enquirer, Globe, Sun and Weekly World News. I started with Demand Studios when LIVESTRONG.com launched. I am now making real money for the first time since newspapers began folding. Demand Studios allows me to work on my own time, but it also has given me the chance to make a full-time living again. So long, print world. It was nice knowin’ ya. Hello, Demand!
Kevin Rail, Writer and Topic Manager
My name is Kevin Rail. I have a degree in sports management, and I specialize in building faster, stronger, leaner and more flexible bodies. Along the path of my fitness career, I started writing articles for clients, which morphed into writing gigs for Park City Exercise Guide, Flipside Magazine, Gurlfytrz and Ron Jones-High Performance. My writing career spans about nine years, and I've been with Demand Studios for about a year and a half. My favorite thing about writing for Demand Studios is the fact that you can write anytime, anywhere. This makes relocation a lot easier knowing that you already have an income.
Karen Gaskell, Writer
Hi, I'm Karen Gaskell. I have more than 25 years’ experience in radio and TV news. I have worked as a reporter, anchor and news manager. I studied journalism and political science at the University of Wisconsin, Superior. I have also been freelance writing for several years. I stumbled onto Demand Studios about four months ago. Since then, I really feel as though I am “living the dream!” I loved broadcasting and writing, but I always detested the structured schedules and never-ending deadlines that my jobs required. Now I can write when I want, how much or how little I want and only on subjects I am genuinely interested in. I am so grateful to be a part of this company and hope to keep writing for Demand Studios for a long time
Angela Atkinson, Writer and Titler
My name is Angela Atkinson. I'm a freelance writer, editor and researcher. Currently, I write and edit for several websites and private clients. I love working with Demand Studios for a number of reasons. First, Demand Studios offers me the flexibility I need—I can work as much or as little as I like. This is ideal because I can take the time to focus on a private client's project if I need to. I also love the fact that our copy editors are picky. I know that sounds odd, but as an editor myself, I appreciate the high standards Demand Studios requires of its writers (despite the claims of many naysayers in the writing community). Some of the other sites I've written for in the past aren't so concerned with quality, and in my opinion, that makes the entire publication (or site) look sub-standard (and its writers by association). Thanks Demand Studios for everything you do. I am so very grateful to have found you and honored to be among your writers.
Don McMullen, Copy Editor
My name is Don McMullen, and I have been in the newspaper business for 30 years as a writer, copy editor and editor for sports sections in papers, such as The Florida Times-Union, The Dallas Morning News, South Florida Sun Sentinel and The Miami Herald. I've been a copy editor for Demand Studios for about two months, and what I really enjoy is the diversity of topics I get to edit on a daily basis. In some ways, working for Demand Studios is kind of addicting. Once you start reading files, you want to keep opening new ones because of the challenge of pushing yourself to do more and make each article better. Sure, making money for editing is the tangible bonus, but to me, the real bonus is expanding my editing horizons with each new article.