A Primer for CloudCrowd Newcomers

by Travis Block

Working at CloudCrowd can be a great experience, but it may take a while for newcomers to fully grasp the expectations, rules, and Special Instructions. Resources are available that will help you understand and master the ins and outs of the platform.

Style Guide

Reading and understanding the Style Guide will go a long way in helping you succeed with CloudCrowd. Whether your specialty is writing or editing, the guide provides the foundation for all of the writing work done on the platform.

Special Instructions

Some assignments have Special Instructions that will overrule the Style Guide. Paying attention to these instructions will help you avoid a rejection. Special Instructions can be found under a specific task page.

Become Familiar with the Dictionary

CloudCrowd uses The Free Dictionary as the final word on spelling. Any questions on definitions, spellings, or hyphens can be answered by going to this site. Exceptions will be noted in the Style Guide.

Editors Should Know the Editor Essentials

We have a special resource for editors called the Editors Essentials. This document provides them with easy-to-follow steps for improving just about any piece of content that comes their way. You should read and familiarize yourself with the Editor Essentials before beginning work here.

Getting Started on the Credential Tests

You need to pass timed credential tests in order to begin writing or editing tasks. Tests can be found under the Credentials tab in the Available Work section. All newcomers must pass the English Comprehension Test before trying one of the marketing, writing, or editing credentials.

Before taking these tests, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the expectations. CloudCrowd expects that its writers and editors have a strong grasp of the English language and task instructions. Your test will be strictly reviewed, with little leeway for mistakes. Don’t fret if you fail your first credential test. You can take each test up to four times. Look at where you went wrong, familiarize yourself with the instructions and try again.

The CloudCrowd Workflow

Once you have successfully completed your credentials, you can now write or edit on the platform. Remember that there is a time limit for each task you begin on this platform. After you have written or edited your first piece, your article will go to a Content Reviewer or Edit Reviewer. If you have followed the Special Instructions, Editor Essentials, and Style Guide correctly, your work will pass and you’ll be paid.

Credibility

Your credibility will determine your eligibility for certain tasks. The higher your credibility, the more tasks you’ll be able to do. Credibility will be lost if you have a task rejected. Don’t worry if you lost credibility due to a rejected task. You are allowed to correct mistakes on some tasks. Take note of where you went wrong and resubmit the task to receive your credit and pay.

Appeals

You are allowed up to sixteen appeals per thirty days. Don’t appeal every rejection, instead learn where you went wrong and correct your mistakes. Save your appeals for the ones that are truly incorrect.

Read the CR and ER Checklists

When working on a task, it’s helpful for writers to become familiar with the Content Review Checklist and for editors to know the Edit Review Checklist. This way, you know what is expected of your work so it can pass to the next level. These guides can be found in individual tasks.

Check the Forums

The Worker Support Forum is your line of communication with other CloudCrowd workers and admins. It is essential for you to pay attention to this forum for any news or updates regarding changes in the Style Guide or individual task instructions.

Never Be Afraid to Ask

If you’re unsure about the instructions or a review of a task, it never hurts to ask. Simply go to the forums and ask your question. Someone will be by to help you out.

When in Doubt, Skip

All tasks, including credential tests, have a skip button at the bottom of the page. If you are unsure of how to write or edit the task, you can skip it without being penalized.

Learn the Assignments By Writing or Editing Before Reviewing

While you may want to try your hand at reviewing writing or editing right away, it’s best to learn how the assignments work by doing them. Working on these assignments will help you learn the Special Instructions and voice specifications, so you can better determine what constitutes a successful task on the review side.