Triond Hot Content List: So, What’s The Secret?

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Triond Hot Content List: So, What’s The Secret?

Posted on September 30th, 2009 in Online Writing by Westbrook

I wrote and published an article (Triond Hot List) about the perceived incredibility of Triond’s “Hot Content List” in January of this year and it received a lot of attention.

I just read Louise Jerome’s Triond article, titled “Why Hard Work Will Not Get You Onto The Hot Content List.” Since so many readers had read and commented on his article by the time I read it, I thought I would publish my response as an article.

The description of my previous article on the hot content list was as follows: “Is the Triond hot list fair? What are the criteria for writers to make it onto the list? Is it truly based on great content, or is there also a popularity contest going on for some? This is a blunt opinion and is not directed at any particular writer.” You may want to read the article and the great comments that it garnered – the link is below.

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For what it is worth to Jerome, I have to say that if he is happy for making it onto the list, then, good for him! There is no doubt that the subject is a hot one based on the number of comments he has gotten on his article.

I personally have made it onto the list several times, but I believe there really isn’t any rhyme or reason how articles make it onto the list. I have read comments on Jerome’s article suggesting that the number of “I likes” on an article gets you on the list, and some think the number of comments and “reads” garnered does it. Then, some say you must write well and often.

I had this argument with Triond almost a year ago. I also had a thread on Triond’s forum. I pretty much got the same suggestions as Jerome’s article. Most comments suggest that no one has a clue how articles make it onto the list.

I have seen filthy, vulgar, demeaning and shallowly written articles on the hot content list. Most of you who have been around for awhile probably know who wrote some of these nastiest articles. I try to maintain a friend’s relationship with the writer, so I will not mention the writer’s name. Now, tell me, how do those kinds of articles make it onto the list? Does the list have merit?

I have also noticed that some writers are always on the list regardless of what they write or how they write it – they can do no wrong. These writers swear that you must write well and often. Of course they would say that, bless their hearts. If I were in this select group, I would also try to justify my position. Some of these writers are my friends, so I will not mention their names. So do these writers always write so well on such great subjects that they should automatically make the list? I think not. I have seen great articles by others, which could not have been written better, on very important and contemporary issues, but they never made the list.

So what’s the secret? When I forced an answer from Triond, they told me it is all about algorithms. I had to laugh on that answer. (I even had a writer or two echo Triond’s answer. Maybe they also fished it out of Triond.) My previous preoccupation on this subject and the answer that I received from Triond gave me the feeling that editors pick and choose both articles to be on the list and the writers on the so-called “hot writers list.” After expending so much energy and getting such unbelievable results, I was convinced that the list is ridiculous and not credible, and therefore, I have ignored it since.

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Tags: authors, editors, fairness, hot content list, recognition, triond, Writers, Writing

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15 Responses to “Triond Hot Content List: So, What’s The Secret?”

Darla Smith
September 30th, 2009 at 10:10 am

Very interesting article.
Fornis
September 30th, 2009 at 11:31 am

Westbrook,

It seems you forgot to put the link to your older article. Waiting to read that.
Westbrook
September 30th, 2009 at 11:47 am

I am not sure why the link to my previously published article regarding the Hot Content List was not included here, but here it is:

http://writinghood.com/online-writing/triond-hot-list/
Goodselfme
September 30th, 2009 at 11:23 pm

I have been on here for a while and I hope, if you determine to write vulgar material that you will put some caution in the title. I support your writing since you have value to your statements. As in the past, I agree fully with you in that the I avoid that list too. Your opinion is a valuable one.TX for sharing your thoughts here since I did not read the other post.
Westbrook
October 1st, 2009 at 5:24 am

Hi Goodselfme, unfortunately, the writer that I mentioned who I have seen on the Hot Content List with vulgar material, did not caution anything. You are right. If a writer plans to write something vulgar, they should warn readers, however, this is assuming the writer cares.
sihana
October 1st, 2009 at 10:00 pm

What does being on the hot list get you?
Wealth, glory, fame, place in history, sex, tickets to the WNBA championship game or what?
Yovita Siswati
October 2nd, 2009 at 1:01 am

Very interesting thought. I never thougt much about the Hot Content List. Prefer to read my friend’s work rather than any hot content list Excellent article.
Fornis
October 2nd, 2009 at 2:27 pm

There is an insider information in this article. Generally many others write about writing through their speculation only.

Westbrook,

There is truth in this article. I never dared to ask questions to Triond to know about hot content list or its workings. Good work. I won’t forget this information.

It does not matter to me whether my articles get onto the hot list because I know very well that brings only a short term reads for the article. After a week or two the traffic disappears and my article drowns in hell. Can’t see that situation.

Also if you write a hundred articles in a week, there is no way you can get all of them to hot content list. Then what is the point in getting there or trying to get there. You only get a little amusement by seeing 2-3 dollars per week and nothing more. I already earn more than that by doing other things in the same time.

But knowing that it is based on algorithm and not a manual selection relieves lot of suspicion.
Ruby Hawk
October 2nd, 2009 at 6:33 pm

I have no idea how anything gets on the hot list. I thought it was the clicks but you guys say no. I don’t think it means anything anyway. I like Triond for the fun of seeing my work published and I love the few dollars it brings in so that’s enough for me.
Shari86
October 8th, 2009 at 10:47 am

Great journalist article seeking the truth…I don’t think I’ll ever be on the Hot List because I write about what I am interested in (Movies), not random articles with the latest ‘buzz word’ in the title, engineered to garner the most views!
Westbrook
October 9th, 2009 at 5:13 pm

Salikhana, generally, many writers believe that getting on the Hot Content list means more exposure for their articles and therefore, hopefully, an enhanced reputation as a writer. Also, it is generally believed that the increased exposure of their articles will result in more clicks and therefore more pay.
Ruby Hawk
October 11th, 2009 at 8:42 pm

LOL, Oh my goodness. I don’t think it means a thing. I used to think it was how many visits were made to the article but you all tell me it’s not so.Maybe they toss them all in a box draw the lucky ones out. One guess is as good as the next.
samuel augustin
October 12th, 2009 at 11:32 am

thank you for this article
Peter Cimino
October 12th, 2009 at 1:54 pm

I agree with you 100% Wess. I have seen a lot of trash on that list. There is no rhyme or reason to it that’s for sure. I have also seen some topics that are completely off the wall make it. So you can throw the word HOT out the window. I have also noticed the same people over and over again on there…and I have to agree…I just don’t know why. Personally, I think quality of writing and content needs to come first, but that’s just me. I have been on there a few times and it meant nothing. I have ingored the list along with every other list on this site. I just do my thing and let the chips fall where they might. The people are what make this community…..and I focus on that….as well as my own writing. Good job Wess.
shanthu
November 7th, 2009 at 12:40 am

interesting article