Screenshot of Associated Content's front page.
Associated Content (AC) is an online publisher and distributor of user generated content. Associated Content enables anyone with Internet access to publish their content on any topic and then distributes that content through its website and content partners.
History
Associated Content was started in November 2004 by Luke Beatty. It is based in Denver, Colorado, with business development offices in New York City.
There has been some controversy over the presence of Tim Armstrong, head of advertising for Google in North America, on AC's board. According to Elinor Mills some marketing professionals have suggested the tactics used by AC in attempting to gain revenue, such as ensuring keyword placement in articles and embedding adware/spyware are gaming the system and that Armstrong's presence is a gray area. However others contend that these are legitimate tactics used by many content providers.[1]
Publishing platform
In addition to text content (articles), AC has categories for videos and audio content, and slide shows. There is also an online community where users share expertise, network and voice opinions.
In contrast to many user generated content sites AC does pay some users for content upfront. Most contributors are not paid,[2] but when they are payment is based on AC's own criteria.[3] The criteria are not public but according to their FAQ "high quality, unique and search-oriented content" may be eligible.[4][5] Only authors who are over 18 years old and are US citizens or legal residents are eligible for upfront payments.[6] Users may also submit content for publication without an upfront payment. All articles whose users agree to the contract agreement are eligible to receive payments based on the number of times their content is viewed.[7]
AC claims not to exercise any editorial control over content. Sending work back to users only for "polishing" and rejecting work only for violations of the site's terms of use and guidelines.[4][8] Beatty claims their content is "all about content".[9]
References
External links
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