Make Money As An About.com Guide

Here’s how to become an About.com guide.

Why bother?

One online marketer listed it as a primary revenue source for online income.

As I promised here, I’m now sharing a “real online money” story that’s triggered by receiving a nice cheque in the mail today. I can’t really discuss things in detail about my work. But, if you’re wondering whether you really get paid if you become an About.com Guide or not, then rest assured that yes, Guides do get compensated. And, apart from the financial benefits, there are a lot of other great things about being a Guide.

I first became an About Guide in early 2000. My initial contract ended late in 2001, just after 9/11. It was a sad time, because I really loved my work then. So, when an opportunity came for me to re-apply early in 2004, I did. And, my new site launched in February 2004 after the usual gruelling process of application, training, and orientation. Now, nearly 1.5 years later, I’m still as thrilled and excited as ever. I guess, I just can’t get over the fact that I’m doing something that I love — and getting paid for it in the process. I also enjoy being a part of the About community of Guides, staff, leaders, and members. And, I know that I’m not the only Guide who feels this way.

Anyway, if you ever wonder about applying as an About Guide, one of the first things to do is to check the Available Topics list. It’s updated every few weeks or so. If there’s nothing in the list that you’re interested in, just keep checking it until something comes up. That’s what I did between 1999 and 2000. And again (but not as frequently as my plate was really full at the time), between 2001 and 2003.

You can also read the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) to get some extra info about the process. To find out more about About.com, go to this page.

Apart from what is readily available online, I’m afraid that I can’t offer more information on this matter. If you have other questions, here’s About’s contact info.

Well, I think that’s it for now. I’m off to prepare my cheque for deposit soon…