Summary

The content discusses a user's experience with the website called "Marker" and the subsequent realization about the misinterpretation of the term "original self-owned content" regarding content submission requirements.

Abstract

The author of the content has published several stories on "Marker," a platform for selling stories, and has come to realize a misinterpretation of the site's content submission guidelines. Initially, the author believed that "original self-owned content" meant that previously published stories could be submitted. However, after a closer read, the author concluded that "original" likely implies new, unpublished content. The website's emphasis on avoiding plagiarism and the use of the term "upload" contributed to the confusion. Despite the clarification, the author notes that the site seems to accept both new and previously published stories, advising caution and personal discretion for writers considering submitting their work. The author apologizes for the oversight and plans to keep readers updated on their interactions with the site.

Opinions

The author initially misread the content submission guidelines on "Marker" and attributes this to the site's emphasis on plagiarism and the terminology used.
It is the author's opinion that "Marker" should more clearly define "original" content to avoid confusion among potential contributors.
The author advises other writers to exercise caution when submitting stories to "Marker," especially considering the ambiguity surrounding the definition of "original" content.
Despite the mistake, the author does not dismiss "Marker" as a potential earning resource for writers and acknowledges that each writer must make their own decision based on their goals.
The author feels a sense of responsibility to clarify the mistake publicly and to provide updates on future engagements with "Marker."

ANOTHER ONLINE EARNING RESOURCE

A BIG Mistake Reading the Fine Print About Selling Stories!

What does original self-owned content mean?

This story is the fourth one I’ve published within a span of one week; all regarding a website called Marker.

NOTE: This story points out what was perceived as an error in understanding the rules of the website, however another correction has been made (9/20/22) after this story was published. LEARN MORE HERE

The mistake that I discuss in this particular story is apparently no longer an issue, but feel free to read what the initial cause for concern was.

In the previous stories that I wrote about the website (SEE BELOW), I shared some information that I now want to correct and clarify.

Once I was finally ready to upload the first story, I noticed a statement contained in their checklist, that I apparently overlooked before.

They used the term: “original self-owned content” when they spoke about the content requirements.

As I considered the word “original”, I realized I hadn’t noticed that particular description previously.

After reading over the other details on the website again, I could see how I misread things in my haste.

They use the phrase “upload” when referring to submitting your stories. To me, this creates the image of making multiple submissions in succession; something you can only do if they’re already written.
Also, the only thing I noticed being emphasized about content requirements, was the issue of plagiarism.

The statement about being “original” content is presumably meant to refer to fresh, new, and not previously published content.

Although the website doesn’t define or spell out their specific definition of “original”, it makes sense that they would want new/unpublished stories.

Why they don’t emphasize that point, I don’t know, but this seems to be the case, when it comes to “uploading” stories.

Even still, I apologize to readers, and fault myself for misreading the fine print.

Final Thoughts

So, to re-emphasize the point for those who are thoroughly confused by now:

THIS SITE DOES appear to accept previously published stories (like I originally believed before I started writing the story you’re now reading).

Since the details seem to indicate “original” work, but at the same time, they say you can submit “old stories”, I’d suggest using caution when submitting.

Does that mean I’ll start crafting a bunch of new stories, specifically to sell on Marker?

Definitely not.

However, that doesn’t mean that other writers should automatically say no to this potential earning resource site.

Every writer has to decide for themselves, based on what they do and don’t want from their future (and previous) writing endeavors.

I’ll keep you posted on whatever my next step will be with this site, whenever I decide to take it.

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