The AC Twitter Challenge

We're very excited to announce The Associated Content Twitter Challenge -- a great opportunity for AC Contributors to learn how to build relationships using the most talked-about social media tool on the Web and get a shot at winning one of six awesome prizes. Twitter, the ultimate "micro-blogging" platform, is a great way to broadcast your thoughts and connect with other users. Once you've built up a network of contacts, it can be a great way to share the best of the content you publish on AC.

The Twitter Challenge runs from today until October 15, 2009. Everyone who participates will be entered in a sweepstakes, and six lucky prize winners will be randomly selected on October 19th.

The grand prize winner will receive a brand new ASUS Eee PC Netbook Laptop - a perfect tool for writers on the go!



5 runners-up will get to choose between a $100 gift card to ThinkGeek.com (good for a whole bunch of geeky gear) or a "Laplearner" Lap Desk (another great tool for work-at-home writers).

You can enter the sweeps multiple times, by doing any of the following:

(1) Join Twitter.com (if you haven't already), follow the official Associated Content account (www.twitter.com/acnews) and "retweet" any of our AC Twitter Challenge contest announcements with this hashtag: #acsweeps. You can do this once a week for the duration of the contest for an additional entry.

(2) Join Twitter, follow Associated Content, and tweet a link to your favorite piece of your own AC content with this hashtag: #bestofac. You can do this once a week for the duration of the contest for an additional entry, choosing a different piece of favored content each time for an additional entry.

(3) Claim the “AC Twitter Challenge” assignment from your AC Assignment Desk before October 1, use Twitter for two weeks to build out a network and promote your content. Then, publish a summary of your experience.

By doing all of the above, you'll maximize your chances of winning and get a better sense of Twitter’s potential as a networking and promotional tool.

In the coming week, AC's content promoter and social media expert AC Jelena will be publishing guides to getting started on Twitter, building up your network and promoting your content in an authentic, ethical and engaging manner. Be sure to follow Jelena's AC profile so you'll be notified each time she publishes a new social media tutorial.

Click here to read the official rules for this contest. If you have any questions about the contest, include them in a comment to this post and we'll answer them.

Happy tweeting!

Happy Hour with Content Promoter AC Jelena

Next week, we’ll be hosting another Associated Content Happy Hour to introduce Jelena Woehr (aka AC Jelena), AC’s content promoter and social media expert. Jelena will be sharing her philosophy about social media participation, discussing its relevance to AC Contributors and answering social media questions from the community.

When:
Tuesday, 9/15
3pm - 4pm PDT / 6pm - 7pm EDT

Where:
We’ll be webcasting the live event via Ustream.tv. Simply log onto www.ustream.tv/channel/ac-happy-hour next Tuesday to join in (and be sure to RSVP in advance so you'll be notified when the webcast begins).

If there are social media topics you'd like to ask Jelena about during the Happy Hour, you can submit advance questions by commenting on this blog post. You'll also be able to ask questions during the event via Twitter (by tweeting to #achappyhour) or the AC Forum (by posting under General Discussions).

In the meantime, you might want to Follow Jelena on AC so that you’ll be notified each time she publishes a new promotion tutorial. The tips she shares will help you maximize the exposure, earnings and effectiveness of the content you publish.

RSVP for the Happy Hour

August Rising Star Award Winners

Our monthly Rising Star Awards recognize some of Associated Content's most promising new Contributors. Please help us in congratulating these five talented individuals, and welcoming them to the AC Community:

Jolynne M Hudnell writes about what she knows—and that's a lot. Her article topics range from parenting and health tips to crafting guides, all written from personal experience. She has earned over 20,000 page views in just over 3 months of publishing on AC.

Rachel de Carlos has lived all over Europe but now resides in California. Her content focuses mainly on life in Greece, Israel, London and Santa Barbara - a truly unique and worldly perspective on "local" content.

In just over two months, Roz Zurko has published 133 pieces of content, racked up nearly 60,000 page views and climbed to a Clout 8. Her content spans her many areas of interest, from arts & entertainment to health & wellness.

As a jewelry designer, Lorraine Yapps Cohen is able to provide readers a unique insight into gemstones, precious metals, jewelry settings and jewelry shopping. Her expertise over her subject matter is readily apparent in the content she publishes.

Drew Bush recently graduated from college with a Bachelor of Science degree. His content is informed by his studies, as well as his intimate knowledge of Nevada and interest in arts and entertainment. He has published over 130 pieces since joining AC in early June.

Congrats to all! Be sure to visit our Forum to start nominating your favorite AC up-and-comers for next month's awards!

August Best of AC Award Winners

We're very excited to announce the winners of Associated Content's August 2009 Best of AC Awards!

Marilisa Kinney Sachteleben is the winner of the award for Back to School Guides. This Clout 10, Top 100 Contributor has published nearly 1,000 pieces of content, including more than 300 in the Parenting & Education categories (where her experience as a mother and teacher really shines through). Check out her recent take on the importance of back to school eye exams.

Amy Brantley is the winner of our award for Food & Wine. Another prolific Clout 10, Top 100 Contributor, Amy has published more than 600 pieces of Food & Wine content in her 3 years on AC, including a handful of foodie reviews and how-to's in August. Be sure to check out her gourmet Halloween treat recipes.

Eric Brennan is the winner of our award for Home Improvement. After 15 years of working in the construction industry, this master craftsman has lots of DIY expertise to share with AC's visitors. He has climbed to Clout 10 on AC with over 300 published pieces, including lots of unique & highly-detailed Home Improvement guides. Check out his recent guide to building a simple birdhouse.

Congratulations to all three of these prolific and talented Contributors, and thanks to everyone who sent in nominations!

Looking ahead...

The categories for the September 2009 Best of AC Awards are Alternative Medicine, Fashion and Television.

If you'd like to draw attention to content you're publishing in any of these fields, or if you know of any other worthy Contributors you'd like to nominate for these awards, please do so here.