The AC Daily

We count on him to update our pageview counter, unveil the latest AC developments and bring us the most recent updates across AC channels.

Jason Curran has been with AC for over 3 years, a critical part of the web development team and a die-hard fan of all things AC.

I had a chance to squeeze in some Q&A time with this busy coder to find out what in the world Jason does at work, what the average CP can do to improve their content, and what he’s busy doing when he’s not stuck in the office:

S: How did you get started with AC?

J: I joined AC in Feb 2005. Previously I worked with one of the founders and when the site started to take shape they needed more help. As one of the first employees, it has been a great experience building the site, watching it grow into the current platform. We all have a lot of responsibilities, but my main focus is developing the platform and database.

S: What’s the best thing about working for AC?  Why?

J: The challenge of making AC the best place for people to contribute and share their experiences. We are developing a new way of publishing content and everyday I am truly challenged to make the site perform better.

S: Your favorite form of caffeine?

J: Coffee. Large with 3 sugars in the raw.

S: Your biggest pet peeve with the AC Community at large?

J: I have no pet peeve, I am thankful for there contribution and dedication. They provide a lot of great ideas and feedback that goes into the development of the site.

S: Three content categories you’re usually caught reading?

J: Poetry, because I am amazed how many poems that are submitted. Food, because I love eating and finding new recipes and reviews. And I search a lot, the amount of information within all the content is great.

S: Two websites or blogs you visit regularly, outside of AC

J: sfgiants.com, because I am a huge Giants and baseball fan and wikipedia.com, it is a great example of what an online community can create.
I am constantly searching for new sites and ideas, seeqpod.com is a really cool site that is creating a new way of interacting with content.

S: Two must-have items on your desk at AC:

J: My MLB baseballs, music, a little wise man and a jar of Jolly Ranchers.

S: Three hobbies/interests that keep you occupied outside of the AC grind:

J: My kids, it is really fun to share your interests with them and watch them grow. Anything that involves the outdoors, snowboarding, surfing, fishing, camping, mountain-biking, golf, baseball, etc. Eating, I love trying new things, finding a new restaurant, and when I travel I am always planning something around food.

S: Are you a writer yourself?  If so, what style/type of writing do you do?  If not, what other writing-related interests do you have?

J: No, the only thing I can write is code. But I really enjoy a reading, I read the Wall Street Journal everyday, read Wired monthly, and of course associatedcontent.com.

S: Your all-time favorite article?

J: I enjoy the content that has created controversy outside of AC, unfortunately they end up be removed.

S: Three things a CP can do to succeed with Associated Content

J: 1. Create content that is honest, accurate and means something to you. You will be surprised how many other people have similar interests and are actively looking for it on internet.

2. Create a lot of content, the more content you have on the site the more likely you will be found and enjoyed.

3. Tell others about your content on the site, get them to link to it, share it with others.

S: Your favorite quote?

J: “You do not walk off the island” In reference to Raul Mondesi, LA Dodger outfielder at the time, not being selective enough at that plate and striking out swinging to many times. I like it because it says a lot about taking chances and making an impact, a walk is nice but you are never going to hit a home run if you are not swinging for the fences. Aspire to do something great.

The web is all abuzz with tips on using  that stimulus check on its way for most of us.  Have you made plans for a shopping spree?  Ready to pay off those high-interest credit cards?  Or are you just going to save it and rack up a few dollars of interest this year?

Here’s what CP’s think about this year’s gift from the IRS:

yapbuzz makes it easy to calculate when you’ll actually get your gift with Stimulus Checks Deposited Overnight.

If you’re a struggling content writer like Chadd De Las Casas, you’ll need to read this article on How the Economic Stimulus Plan Could Help Struggling Writers.

Modern Impressionist debates whether the stimulus package is really valuable with Stimulus Package Including Tax Rebate Checks - Too Little, Too Late?

Robbrian joins the critical crew with Stimulus Package - A Deception

If you want to get more bang from your buck, read Shawn Zapalac’s tips on How to Make Money Off the Tax Rebate.

Play it smart and avoid the temptation of the spending spree with decker’s tips:  Rebates Will Be Coming - A Few Tips to Spend Wisely.

Look on the brighter side of the tax rebate debate with JMichol’s article The Proposed Economic Stimulus Package Will Help My Family.

When you’re logging in hours of online time for research, blogging or just killing a bout of boredom, don’t miss out on these great tips your fellow CPs have discovered:

Squeeze in some quality reading for the day with Eric Fleming’s tips on How to Download Free E-Books Off the Internet.

Thinking of launching a website?  Make sure you pick up the right web host with David Hamilton’s Tips and Tricks to Help You Choose the Best Web Host.

Valentine’s Day may be long gone, but Jasmine Starr shows us Where to Find Love Notes on MySpace and How to Use Them.

Do you really know how to Google?   Learn How to Fully Utilize Google’s Features from kataztropy.

When you’ve got some time to kill but don’t want to drop off the internet just yet, give your AC articles a boost.   Erich Rosenberger shows provides A Review and Introduction of StumbleUpon.

If you’ve been procrastinating Mother’s Day, don’t miss out on gadgets and gifts for your tech-savvy Mom.  Amy Cox lists some Mother’s Day Gifts for the Technologically Savvy.

Need more time in your day?  Learn about Practical Life Hacking - Technology and Pitfalls, courtesy of Digital Ink.

The Article:  How to Stop Interruptions When Working at Home

The Author: K. Ray

Why It’s Worth a Read:  If kids are screaming, pets are out of control and the neighbors keep popping over for a chat, it’s time to take control and establish some boundaries.  Read up on these strategies to make your home office as productive as possible.

The Article: Steps You Should Take If Your Computer is Ever Stolen

The Author: John Messina

Why It’s Worth a Read: After filing a police report and canceling your credit cards , there are a few more important steps to take if that laptop mysteriously disappears.

The Article: 10 Ways to Celebrate Spring

The Author: Stephanie Modkins

Why It’s Worth a Read:  Because you forgot to start that poetry club in the garden and need a few more ideas to celebrate the season.  These are some fun tips for anyone ready to enjoy the warmer days ahead.

The Article:  How to Think Correctly

The Author: Ralston Heath

Why It’s Worth a Read:  All this time, you could have been doing it all wrong…

The Article: Top 10 Mother’s Day Gifts for Any Budget

The Author: Eyer

Why It’s Worth a Read:  You need to get going on that Mother’s Day shopping roundup (May 11 should already be penciled into your calender ;).  Pick from these ideas to get started on that unique present for Mom.

The Article:  International Backpacking - Overcoming the Language Barrier

The Author: Blair Mathis

Why It’s Worth a Read:  You’ve worked up the courage to head off on that eco-tourism  trip in  South America…but don’t speak a word of the native language.  Use this handy guide to get through those tough days like a pro.

Some days the words just flow and you fill up those pages with plenty of great ideas. Other days may leave you with a blank page and a blinking cursor waiting in anticipation for that next clever word.

If you need some motivation to keep on, keeping on, turn to the writing masters of days gone by for a few pointers.

Here are some quotes from a few notable writers; scribble them down or commit them to memory and give your creative spirit a nudge:

“It took me fifteen years to discover that I had no talent for writing, but I couldn’t give it up because by that time I was too famous.” - Robert Benchley

“Put it before them briefly so they will read it, clearly so they will appreciate it, picturesquely so they will remember it, and above all, accurately so they will be guided by its light.” - Joseph Pulitzer

“The act of writing is the act of discovering what you believe.” -David Hare

“To me, the greatest pleasure of writing is not what it’s about, but the inner music that words make.” -Truman Capote

“What is written without effort is in general read without pleasure.” - Samuel Johnson

“When I sit down at my writing desk, time seems to vanish. I think it’s a wonderful way to spend one’s life.” -Erica Jong

“Words are, of course, the most powerful drug used by mankind.” - Rudyard Kipling

“Either write something worth reading or do something worth writing.”- Ben Franklin

“Write only if you cannot live without writing. Write only what you alone can write.”-Elie Wiesel

“I write when I’m inspired, and I see to it that I’m inspired at nine o’clock every morning.” - Peter de Vries, writer and satirist for the New Yorker

Have a quote of your own to share? Post it below!

The Article: Thoroughly Cleaning Your Bedroom - The Complete Guide

The Author: PaulaK

Why It’s Worth a Read: If the Spring cleaning bug hasn’t reached that bedroom closet, make sure you’re sprucing up the place with these strategies in mind.

Catch up on those New Year’s Resolutions to get in shape and take charge of your health with these pointers from fellow CPs:

Make sure you’re diet’s on track each day with Should You Drink Water with Meals? courtesy of Kristie Leoung, MD.

Brush up on the basics with the Ten-Step Guide for Getting Your Body in Shape.

Add a new snack to your weekly lineup; E Harmon tells us why Quaker Simple Harvest Granola Bars Won’t Disappoint.

Love to shop at Trader Joe’s? Learn how to stick with your gluten free diet with Racheline Maltese’s article: Gluten Free at Trader Joe’s.

Live a long and healthy life with these Eight Simple Things You Can Do to Live to 100 courtesy of IceCucky.

Is Starbucks really good for your health? Rachel Boehm discusses Lattes: They Do the Body Good? in this article about the milk campaign.

Don’t use office hours as an excuse to get out of shape. Donna Talarico offers some tips on How to Exercise at Work to Keep You Fit.

She’s an avid web surfer and works as a virtual assistant in North Carolina. Joyce Priddy, also known as SkyeDanzer captured readers’ attention with her insights on being the ‘perfect wife’ last year.

Since then, this CP has built up a collection of articles about consumer issues, product reviews and even a few craft projects. I caught up with this talented writer to learn who in the world SkyeDanzer really is:

S: What first got you interested in writing for AC?

J: I became interested in writing for AC after hearing about it on another writing website. I thought that I would give it a try and have not stopped writing for them since.

S: Your favorite content category to browse at work:

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An aspiring novelist and talented Content Producer, Linda McCloud has built up an extensive library of unique articles with product reviews, weight loss tips and tips for the budget-conscious consumer.

She enjoys spending time with her family and spoiling her two cats and dog – when she’s not busy penning another article, of course. I caught up with this talented to CP to learn who in the world Linda McCloud really is:

S: What first got you interested in writing for AC?

L: Actually, I was in the middle of a severe case of writer’s block. One day, I was surfing the net and found this site. It sounded interesting and I really loved the idea of making money quicker. Before AC, I was selling a few fictional stories and poetry via magazines. As you know, you have to generally wait upon publication for payment from print media. I always hated waiting so long for payment.

I gave AC a try and soon liked the site. I never even thought about writing nonfiction pieces before AC.

S: Your favorite content category to browse at work:

L: Lifestyle and entertainment. I am really impressed at how talented and knowledgeable the writers here are.

S: Do you write for other online sites or publications, or are you an ‘AC lifer’?

L: I write for the common sites: ehow.com, helium, informativepost.com
I am also trying to sell my articles on dailyarticle.com. Actually, made my first sell this past week (an article AC rejected). Plus, I ghostwrite for a few sites. My new goal for the year is to go back to my writing roots: my fictional stories and my poetry. Would also love to find an agent to represent me and my romance novel

S: What is your most popular article, and your inspiration for writing it?

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This published author is ready to take on the world with his talents with the recently released The Tales of Tanglewood: The Lon Dubh Whistle, a modern tale of folklore and fantasy, but when he’s not following his dreams as a professional writer, Scott Kessman is sharing his talents on AC.

This CP’s articles touch upon travel, product reviews, current events and health. I caught up with Scott to learn about his aspirations and inspiration for writing on AC and otherwise so we could all learn who Scott Kessman really is:

S: What first got you interested in writing for AC?

S: I found AC by browsing a forum about freelance writing, and immediately started writing about anything and everything. I found that writing for AC was a great way to learn more about other things I love, as I usually researched several resources for many articles

S: Your favorite content category to browse at work:

S: Probably the Lifestyle category, because you can find such a broad mixture of interesting, informative, and entertaining articles

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