HowToDoThings.com Elite Author Articles

How To Use the Article Toolbar

The2 — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 19:26:06 -0600

The HowToDoThings article toolbar can be a little confusing at times, so here's an explanation of how to use it!

This is the toolbar that appears above the article field when you click on "Write an Article" from your HowToDoThings contributor dashboard:

Bold, Italic and Underline. Just like the tools in a Word document or most other content management systems, you can bold, italicize or underline anything in your article. Simply highlight the word, phrase or sentence that you intend to change and then click the appropriate icon:

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How To Set Up a Google AdSense Account

The2 — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 19:15:12 -0600

Our payment system is based on the idea that we’re in this together. All you have to do is sign up for a Google AdSense Account, input your AdSense ID into the HowToDoThings system and, from that point on, we’ll begin splitting the revenue of each article right down the middle, 50/50.

Starting from Scratch:

How To Promote Your HowToDoThings Article

The2 — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 19:12:18 -0600

HowToDoThings is a young site that needs your help to become successful. We work hard to find article topics of broad interest, but in order for your article to attract attention, we need your help. And, with our new revenue-sharing policy, it should be all the more enticing to do a little extra work to get your article seen. Here are a few easy steps to help promote your articles:

How To Follow the HowToDoThings Formatting Guidelines

The2 — Mon, 07 Jan 2008 19:03:33 -0600

Read the specific instructions related to your article very carefully. You will find these at the top of the "Write an Article" page directly below the "Title" and "Status" fields.
Include any tips, warnings or links. Just beneath the "Cost" and "Difficulty" fields you will find spaces where you can add any required tools, quick tips, warnings, related links, etc. This is where you can include any additional information that may be related to your article, but is not necessarily involved in the "how to" steps.

How To Earn Points on HowToDoThings

The2 — Tue, 13 Nov 2007 15:52:05 -0600

HowToDoThings members and contributors receive points for staying active on the site. You’ll get a certain number of points for each action you take, including getting an article published, commenting on another contributor’s article and rating other articles. Below is a breakdown of which actions will earn you points and how many points you’ll receive for each.

How To Navigate the Member Dashboard

The2 — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 17:05:20 -0600

The member dashboard allows you to easily manage your HowToDoThings experience. By logging in and clicking on the "my dashboard" link in the upper right corner, you'll have access to all of the articles you've written, your stats (including number of article views), your public bio and profile, and links to article guidelines and other writing tips. You'll also be able to easily add more areas of expertise and browse through article topic ideas.

Writer's Corner

How To Add and Edit Your Public Profile

The2 — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 16:26:33 -0600

Your public profile gives you the opportunity to tell readers a little bit about yourself. This is your chance to explain who you are, what your background is and why you're writing for HowToDoThings. You can share as much or as little information as you want to.

This is also a place where you can discuss your website, blog, book or business and link back to it.

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How To Write an Article

The2 — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 17:46:50 -0500

Submitting an article to HowToDoThings is easy. However, there are a few formatting requirements that can be a little tricky until you get the hang of the system. Below is an outline of the article submission process.

In general, before you are able to submit an article, you must have a numbered list present in the article, you must have a title entered in the title field and you must choose at least on subcategory that the article fits into.

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How To Apply to Become a Contributor

The2 — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 16:24:20 -0500

Applying to become a contributor is easy! Simply click "apply now" and begin the 3-step application process. The application allows you to select which categories you'd like to contribute to and gives you the opportunity to explain why you are qualified in each area. Please be sure to include an explanation for each subcategory that you apply to, otherwise the editors will have no way to determine your level of expertise for each area.

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How To Cook Food on Your Car Engine

The2 — Tue, 23 Oct 2007 13:44:56 -0500

You might wonder why you would ever want to cook food on your car engine. I say, why wouldn't you?

It can be a practical solution on long road trips: Now you won't have to eat that crappy fast food. Or it can be something to try just for fun. It's really easy to do. All you need is aluminum foil, a car and some food.

Decide what you want to cook. You can cook almost anything on your car engine. It works like a slow-cooking microwave, so, depending on how long you'll be driving, you can make most meals work. I wouldn't suggest soup, but other than that, have at it!

I chose a chicken sausage since I knew it was pre-cooked (so I wouldn't kill myself if I messed it up), easy to wrap and wouldn't take long to be ready.

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