Recently done a Google search on a health or science topic? Then you’ve probably come across wiseGEEK, a Wikipedia-esque website that provides easy-to-understand, practical information on numerous topics, including health conditions and common biology topics. Like Wikipedia, all of wiseGEEK’s content is user-generated–the exception here being you get paid to do it.

Review of wiseGEEK: What to Expect

wiseGEEK is similar to Demand Studios because writers–the people providing the content–can claim a set amount of titles to write and submit to an editor, where it is either accepted or sent back for a rewrite.

Because wiseGEEK is essentially Wikipedia in a simplified, easier-to-understand format, writers are required to stick to an ‘enclopedic’ style–providing information free of ‘catchy’ words or phrases is the key here. Writers who do not stick to this format, or refuse to, are usually let go.

So what’s the upside to wiseGEEK? Their payments. Typical wiseGEEK writers make anywhere from $11 to $14 per article, which easily beats out the upfront payments of other UGC websites, such as Associated Content and BrightHub*. Payments aren’t regimented on a weekly, bi-weekly or a monthly basis either: instead, you receive article payments two to four days after approval.

Review of wiseGEEK: Benefits

Aside from wiseGEEK’s speedy payments, there’s a lot to like about this website–many writers even prefer this over Demand Studios, despite the fact Demand Studios actually pays a dollar more for content. But why?

• Unlike Demand Studios, you work with your editor to correct flaws in your article. You can continue to rewrite your article until it is approved by your editor.
• Your articles do not have a due date. Articles can be submitted at your own leisure, provided you submit at least 10 articles per month (the minimum amount required to keep your wiseGEEK account active).
• References aren’t always required. Many times articles can be completed without listing the references you used–this isn’t an option at Demand Studios.

Review of wiseGEEK: Disadvantages

Sure, having access to an editor and unlimited rewrites are great, but like with all writing websites, there are downsides to wiseGEEK. This includes:

• Editors are strict–this means more rewrites if you do not stick to their format. If there are grammar issues, issues in writing style or the article is poorly written, expect a rewrite.
• Your article claim limit is small. Some writers report only being able to claim six at a time; it appears active writers have a bigger limit.
• You must write at least 10 articles per month to keep your account active. If you cannot keep up with this limit for any reason, you can lose your writing privileges with wiseGEEK.
• wiseGEEK doesn’t have creative or necessarily interesting article topics. If you can’t stand the tediousness of Demand Studios’s article titles, you probably won’t like wiseGEEK.

Review of wiseGEEK: Verdict

If you’re looking for a dependable, steady writing website that pays quickly, wiseGEEK is an excellent choice. Unlike other writing websites at this pay range ($10-15 per article), wiseGEEK is easy to use, is very flexible with deadlines and won’t require you to do additional side work, such as adding keywords or needless reference links to articles. The pay isn’t great, but guaranteed to be available as long as you stay active on the site.

* Featured contributors on Associated Content usually make $10 per article; regular BrightHub writers make $10 per article.