Content of the Year Winners

The 4th Annual People's Media Awards are complete, and we at AC are proud to announce our five Content of the Year winners. These spectacular pieces aren't just the best of 2009; they stand among the best content we've ever had the privilege of publishing on AC.

Each of the five winners will receive $500.00 and, of course, lifelong bragging rights. Congratulations to all!

Galapagos Islands Threatened by the Wrong Kind of Tourism -- Brad Sylvester

This article takes on an unusual, compelling subject and its author goes above and beyond in his research. Brad Sylvester interviewed an expert and seamlessly incorporated the interview into his article.

Speech, speech!

Confessions of a Bone Collector -- Rochelle Connery

Talk about unique! This is a quirky personal narrative that you wouldn't find anywhere else on the web or in print media. Rochelle Connery takes readers on a funny, slightly grotesque tour of her unusual hobby.

Speech, speech!

Challenge for Metro Detroit Charities: Fewer Donors, More People in Need -- Michael Thompson

Michael Thompson's news writing is on par with that found in any major newspaper. Thompson's interviews, statistics and opinions create a striking snapshot of working America during a recession.

Speech, speech!

A Widow's View on the U.S. Health Care Debate -- B.L. Boitson

B.L. Boitson shares painful memories of her late husband's battle with cancer, and in the process illustrates that the health care debate isn't a matter of black and white or good versus evil.

Speech, speech!

Coping with a Child's Cancer Diagnosis -- Maria Roth

Maria has written several articles about her daughter's leukemia, but this selection was particularly poignant and useful to other families in the same situation. Far from being morbid or depressing, Maria's writing about her daughter's cancer treatment showcases the Roth family's strength and positivity.

Speech, speech!

But wait!

There's more!

I know I said we'd chosen five pieces as Content of the Year, but there's still a sixth award to announce.

Say Yes to Happiness -- Betty Malone

Betty Malone, a contributor who was very active and much loved in our community, sadly passed away on November 17, 2009. We're honoring her memory and her impact on our community with a special memorial award. Betty never got to write the biography she'd often talked about, but this article stands as a testimony to the challenges she overcame and her unique insight into the human condition. We'll make a donation in her honor to BeTheMatch.org and we're gathering loving memories of Betty from our community to share with her family. If you'd like to share your favorite special memory of Betty, please send a private message to me (AC Jelena).

Congratulations to all the winners, and here's to a great 2010 in the AC Community. Don't forget to check out our contributors of the year, too!

Starting the New Year with Associated Content

Welcome to 2009! This time of year is always thick with talk of New Year's Resolutions aimed at self-improvement that is mental, economical and physical (ever notice how the crowd at the gym increases exponentially in January?) . Content Producers on AC have written a great deal of articles with practical and creative suggestions about New Year's Resolutions. If you haven't settled on yours yet--as if you don't know what you need to work on--why don't you consider reading these articles for some ideas?

Dirk McFergus explores the psychology behind the resolution phenomenon. Why is it that this time of year makes us want to change for the better?

First is 6 New Year's Resolutions for Freelance Writers by Jane Rutherford. If you're looking to increase your earnings from your online writing, this article offers some challenges that are sure to be beneficial such as "Build a Website/Blog" and "Stop Procrastinating." I'd add "Write more for Associated Content."

Gamers, listen up. Eric Gustafson suggests 10, 2009 New Year's Resolutions for Hardcore Gamers. He's funny but serious when he tells you to get off the couch and walk, think carefully before buying that new game and to stop quoting Family Guy.

Linda Settles is determined to "Give Rather than Consume" this coming year and her five-point plan reads like a roadmap to success. Her resolutions are behaviors that everyone would be better off doing more of, like "be a more generous person."

Emma Gin has easy ways to go green, Heather Mark lists suggestions for getting out of debt or, if you're feeling contrary like Stoneskin, try some indulgent Non-Resolutions.

Now that you've made all of these resolutions (or have broken them already), learn how to stick to them.