SquidU

Kimberly is a real Squidoo Community Organizer, not an actress, so to help tell her story, we’ve pretended to hire that announcer guy from the movies.

*Enter Don LaFontaine voice*

Should smoking be banned in all public places?
Is paper really better than plastic?
Are cats the hip pets to own? Or do dogs take the cake?

These are the burning questions our lensmasters have. Now, they have a place to ask them.

HeyMonkeyBrain.com

The key to a great debate on Squidoo is the Duel module, where you can invite readers to key in on the important issues, like whether Iowa really is a great place to live (not looking good) , or if Peets really IS better than the almighty Starbucks (right now it’s Peets 3, Starbucks zip!)

Hey MonkeyBrain isn’t so much about picking a fight as it is about promoting your passionate and informed opinion. Use the lens to state your case with links, photos, and video back up. Help readers learn more about the issues with books (a top selling product on Squidoo), and use news and blogs to solidify your case.

The next time you come across that urgent argument, argue smart.

HeyMonkeyBrain.com

Now playing on the Internet.

And now back to your community organizer.
*End Don LaFontaine voice*

*****

Howdy Doody lensmasters!

If you’re a frequent forum-er you know that in December, we posted some awesome stats about how well our top earners are doing and how you can cash in on our most popular products. This month we have even more awesome info for you.

1. Fun February Financial Facts
2. Etsy Bitsy PDF
3. Interview with a Writertiff

Kimberly Dawn Wells
YOUR Community Organizer

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1. Fun February Financial Facts
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1. We paid 1,500 top lensmasters more than $32,000 in cash total for their December royalties (paid out in February)
2. It pays to be the best: our Giant Squids were the top earners
across the board (people with more than 50 great lenses) — most of
them earned more than $100, or close to it
3. Lensmasters donated nearly $10,000 to the Squidoo Charity Fund in
December. Hooray for the power of many people with a similar goal!
4. Tens of thousands more dollars were donated to specific charities.
The top 5 charities getting the most direct donations were:
#1 Room to Read
#2 Save the Children
#3 ASPCA
#4 Acumen Fund and
#5 Donors Choose
5. BONUS: there’s a bit of a revenue report on here that basically
says… if you’re in it for the money, sell books!
http://www.squidoo.com/squidoo-bestselling-books-2007

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2. Etsy Bitsy PDF
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Are you an Etsy user? Do you know someone who is? Are you wondering how to make the most of your Etsy shop by using Squidoo? This ebook is for you!

http://cobrand.squidoo.com/SquidooHeartsEtsy.pdf

Feel free to share it, post it, email it, distribute it, or otherwise use it to get the word out about Squidoo and Etsy. Have fun!

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3. Interview with a Writertiff
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Join us on SquidU as Guest Editor N376 aka Glen secures a killer interview from frequent forumer, and prolific lensmaster, Writertiff!
http://www.squidu.com/profiles/writertiff

Ttttttthat’s all, folks!
Make it a splendid Squidoo day!

Howdy doodie, lensmasters!

In 2007, thousands of lensmasters created thousands of new lenses on thousands of new topics. From newbies to dedicated veterans, our Angels sorted through the best of the best that were developed last year and nominated 11 of their favorites to be in the running for 2007’s Lens of the Year.

Who was nominated, and who won the top honors? You can visit http://best.lens.ever.com to find out.

Winning contests is always a fun honor, but what makes a winner? Angels and top lensmasters know that these nominees all contribute a variety of traits to their lenses and Squidoo that everyone can appreciate.

1. They are passionate about their topic
Passion, passion, passion. It’s what oozes out of each of our top lenses. Our best lensmasters love their topics, and love to talk about them, share tips, research new resources, and teach others. When you’re passionate about your topic, you’re rarely at a lack for new ideas and engaging copy.

2. The lenses are in “learning order”
In grade school we learn the basics, and as we grow we learn the finer details. On our best lenses, lensmasters start out with an introduction to their topic that will have even the most novice reader saying, “Oh, cool! I get it!” Often left out, the introduction IS a very important component of your lens. Start with the basics, and build up on them.

3. They add new information often
Even static topics can be rejuvenated by adding new information you discover online, new research to back up old thoughts, or new theories that creative people are applying. Someone who loves Elvis will continue to seek out new information about him, even though Elvis himself is no longer around (or is he?) That new information could come from you!

4. They use appropriate money makers
Many new users test the water by adding money making modules. Our top lensmasters have monetization down to a science. They know exactly how to pull the most relevant products from our dozens of cash producing gadgets and create a great mix that keeps the reader guessing. A visitor may not need another Elvis t-shirt, but tempt them with a great deal on airfare to Graceland, and you have a winner.

5. They share and share alike
Top lensmasters know they can’t do it alone, and that when they share, everyone wins. How and what can you do to share your knowledge? Link to relevant lenses and websites. Join groups and participate on the headquarters. Us digg, del.icio.us, stumble, and other social networks. Direct visitors to websites where they can buy what they really want. You may not make money off every single click-out, but the reputation you’ll build will be priceless.

You many also notice that most of our nominees are active forum members and prolific lensmasters. This is no coincidence. In all walks of life, success breeds success. By hanging out with peers at the SquidU forum and building, building, building, you too will learn the hottest tips for developing the best Squidoo lenses out there.

What else are we learning from our top lensmasters?

1. It’s ok to be a little long
While some lenses are best split up, these lensmasters have perfected the balance of quantity with quality, and leave the door wide open for additional lenses to be built.

2. They love visuals
Great original photography is coveted eye candy. There are thousands of resources for getting free and low-cost photos that will add a mint to your lens. Or, try your hand at the shutter. (And remember those credits!)

3. Update and publish often
Readers are more likely to return to websites they know are frequently updated. With SquidCasts it has never been easier to keep your fans informed.