Rob O'Regan's Blog

I need a great story - just not from this site

Earlier this week I received a press release on the launch of iNeedaGreatStory.com, which touted (in really large type) "a new resource for anyone in need of well-reported, well-told, well-illustrated content for websites and publications at an affordable price." Sort of like a textual iStockPhoto.

I thought, hey, I Need a Great Story. Lots of 'em! So I checked it out. I created an account and filled out the request box: 

The top four results: 

  • Whistle While You Work:  Just because you’re at work doesn’t mean you can’t like what you do – starting right now
  • Moving Forward
  • Overstay your welcome: What does it take to turn a part-time gig into a full-time prospect?
  • The $50,000 Bed: Is it the cure for insomnia or just insane?

OK, not so good, though I can see how "journalism" would be considered a career-related theme. (Not so sure about the bed angle.)

Let's try again. Search "publishing":

  • Make a Little Space to Organize:  To unclutter your small home efficiently and effectively, you must first eliminate your emotional baggage.
  • Get It Right, Right Away: Why the first 12 weeks of your job are the most important
  • A Veiled Attempt: Crafty brides can create their own cover-up to suit any style .
  • The Caregivers’ Workout: Fitness can fuel optimism, giving caregivers the strength they need to keep on giving
  • Foolproof Houseplants: Forget watering. Some houseplants are so simple to care for even you won’t kill them.

Hmm. Brides? Houseplants? 

One more try. Search "emedia": 

  • Damage Control: With the warm weather also comes the effect of the winter season. Here are the potential home disasters to detect, avoid and remediate
  • Tweaking Weakness
  • Out with the Mold: Keeping Your Home Fungus-Free

Damage control? Weakness? Fungus? Now it's just plain mocking me, and my profession.

Back to the drawing board, boys... 

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Anonymous on December 31, 1969
Hi Bob, Thanks for the link! You are correct - you're not going to find many stories discussion journalism on ineedagreatstory.com We specialize in niche features - yes, covering topics such as bridal, home and garden, etc. Areas that newspapers use to market local niche advertising products that bring revenue into newspapers, so they can pay their reporters to cover local news - rather than writing houseplant features. Maybe fungus is not your bag, but many people in your community may find that information helpful - and there's probably some local businesses that might like to advertise next to such a feature. Our content is written by professional free-lancers being paid at a professional rate. We hope you'll find the opportunity to actually read some of the features, we think you'll appreciate the quality of writing! In any event, we appreciate your feedback. Best regards, Neil Dixon Smith ineedagreatstory.com contentthatworks.com neil@contentthatworks.com