AFC Ellen: I'll introduce the topic and then ask for questions
Let's all be polite and take turns so we don't need to use protocol.
Ok? <smile> If you have anything to say to another member, please use IM's.
If you want to tell us something in the chat, please feel free to share, but use
your best manners (mama would be proud).
>>>Tonight! Online Jobs!
>>>Where are they and how do *I* get one????
AFC Ellen: First, we'll talk a bit about AOL. How do you get an online job on AOL? First, check out your own personal interests.
AFC Haynes: There are jobs to fit MY personal interests??
AFC Ellen: If you're into desktop publishing, have a business, like playing games
::bonking Haynes::
or designing graphics, you need to go where your interest takes you.
Hang around those forums and see what's happening.
SpeedyDrew: <---------Loves playing games, especially Mac CD-ROM games!
CORE2: <<interested in Ellen
AFC Ellen: If you like to chat online or are interested in discussing the news
::bonking CORE::
CORE2: ouch.
AFC Ellen: then check out those Forums.
RicoV: ::bonking myself before Ellen does it to me::
AFC Ellen: The best way to get an online job on AOL is to know somewhere who works where you want to go.
Draco: "Finding an information service job"? Gawd, who would want to work on an information service?
SpeedyDrew: <---------------------Thats me, always talking on AOL.
AFC Ellen: Hiya Kent (Draco)!!!
Duo Dave: hey guys! I'm getting a SLIP/PPP connection on Monday!!!
AFC Ellen: Second part (and then I'll take comments)
::bonking Duo Dave::
Draco: Hi Ellen!
AFC Haynes: Oh no! the cat dragged in a Draco!
Draco Hi Danny!
AFC Ellen: is that working online takes certain qualities:
First, you have to like helping people.
Second, you need lots of patience.
Third, you need lots of time.
AFC Haynes: and you have to give up your present life
AFC Ellen: and fourth, you have to enjoy being online.
Draco: and fifth, you need to ahve your head examined.
AFC Ellen: Now let's have other comments. First, Draco, how about telling the group what it is you do and have done.
Draco: Me? I'm a network bum! I pretend to work, they pretend to pay me.
Bear: And you pretend to spend it .
Draco: Bingo .
AFC Ellen:: (Robb let a Bear in here?)
CORE2: Is Draco the infamous data mine God Kent Fillmore?
AFC Ellen: Draco tell us how you got involved in working online.
Might be an exemplary tale.
Draco: Actually, I'm the manager of Apple Online Services new eWorld version of INdustry Connection:"Straight To The Source".
AFC Ellen: Draco, how did you get started?
Draco: How I got started? Well I opened a BBS about12 years ago, and met George Thornally.
SpeedyDrew: If you have your own online service then why are you on this one?
Draco: Speedy - 'cause I have a special place in my heart for the people here.
(like Ellen, Bear, George, Danny, etc.)
RicoV: Draco congratulations I hear eWorld is now "real"
SpeedyDrew: What do you need to start a BBS?
Draco : Yes, it is.
>>>Speedy - a dedicated computer and second phone line.
RicoV: <has a free eWorld account
Draco: You also need a lot of patience, and a topic to focus on.
SpeedyDrew: What do I need for my computer if I want to start a BBS?
CORE2: And a passion for the secretive.
Draco: Well, first you need software. I suggest First Class.
Then create you BBS, plug it into the phone system, and start advertising.
Duo Dave: I want to learn how to make money on the internet.
SpeedyDrew: I have first class.
AFC Ellen: Let's not lose sight of our topic tonight
>>>Please -online jobs and how one gets one.
Chewie8625: How do you get to become a manager or moderator of a certain board. This is the type of thing I would like to do.
AFC Ellen: Danny, (AFC Haynes) how about some comments?
Duo Dave: as online, do you mean AOL exclusively?
AFC Ellen: No, I mean with a large information service.
Duo Dave: ok.
AFC Ellen: If you set up your own BBS, presto, you have a job
CORE2: I have not advertised and I have over 400 hundred users on mine.
Duo Dave: i want one that makes money
DarkBishop: Hello AFC Ellen, so are you guys saying that in order for one to obtain a job at a known service you must have a forum to contibute to the service ??
AFC Ellen: Dark, not necessarily. Wait a bit to see where this conversation goes.
AFC Haynes: I think a lot of us started by first being a user of a bbs. Then things pick up from there. The next thing you are saying is hey I can start my own bbs and then the telecommunication bug really hits you...
SpeedyDrew: I have First Class CLIENT- is F.C. client, 1 phone line, and a Mac LC with ten megs. RAM enough?
CORE2: No Speedy you need the host software to do it.
AFC Haynes: ... but to get an actual job online is another story. Once you start tc'ing with others then one gets to know a lot of people doing the same thing.
RicoV: The best way to get an online job is to ask for one
Roberbarry: Communications is not necessarily a BBs..
AFC Haynes: I became a beta tester that way
ArtGal29: beta testing whta, Haynes?
AFC Ellen: Rico, you have a point. Any tips on that?
Duo Dave: Rico I've tried that tac.
AFC Haynes: but I would like to know if one can make a living working online. Draco has been doing this for quite a few years.
SJMN A2Z: BTW -- I have a Monday night opening for a "Tech Chat" host --needs to be a Californian
ArtGal29: Sure. Ask steve case :)
RicoV: Sure look for the forum leader and ask to be a consultant
Chewie8625: I would be interested in just trading my time for free time online or something of that nature
AFC Haynes: Beta testing AppleLink PE which in those days was "Samuel."
Draco: Remember those days, Danny? <whew>
RicoV: Haynes I wrote some of the code for AL/PE
AFC Ellen: The old days
AFC Haynes: Keep one thing in mind, a job online can take a lot of time.
I so far have been able to keep my online job as a fun thing to do.
Roberbarry: You're not that old, Ellen..
AFC Ellen: Ok to address Chewie's question, I'll tell you what we do here on MCM
Here on MCM we ask people to show us what they can do. We ask them to answer questions on the Message Board...
ArtGal29: she's never even seen a dinosaur, Roberbarry..:)
AFC Ellen: ...upload great files to our software library
Roberbarry: Thanks, Art..
AFC Ellen: ...and stop by our chats and contribute comments and ideas for future chats
ArtGal29: Ellen, does AOL check out people on MHM for their potential?
AFC Ellen: Anyone have any conclusions?
>>>ArtGal, on our Forum (MCM), you need to tell us you are there
AFC Haynes: Kent you started making a living tc'ing with GEnie, right?
SJMN A2Z: Most hosts, board moderators "recruited" from among membership participating.
ArtGal29: i'm not sure what you mean, Ellen ?
Chewie8625: Actually i have and do all of that except I don't stop by the chats to often as I'm not home at those times. 7pm on the west coast is kinda early for these things.
Draco: Yes, Rico - indirectly.
SpeedyDrew: I really don't know what I want to be when I grow up. I know that I want to have a job with Computers. Maybe work for an online service or work for BRODERBUND and make computer games.
AFC Ellen: ArtGal, what I mean is, you have to let us know you are interested.
ArtGal29 gotcha.
AFC Haynes: The most important quality of being an online staff is dependability.
Duo Dave: I have a job in computers, but I want to increase my earnings.
AFC Ellen: Right, Haynes. You gotta be there
RicoV: <undependable
Duo Dave <<very dependable person
ArtGal29: well, with a powerbook, you can be very dependable.
Jennifer: From my experience, the best way to get a job online is to know your environment (AOL) well, polish up your communication skills, talk to *lots* of people, get involved, and *volunteer* to help!
AFC Ellen: Ok anyone have any questions?
AFC Haynes: If you HAVE to be online nightly, that then can become a job instead of fun. It's like vacationing, lots of places are nice to visit but not so nice to live there
ArtGal29: i would think you'd need excellent interpersonnal skills, and great tolerance for diversity.
Draco: Network, network, network!
SJMN A2Z: Right Jennifer -- those who appear knowledgable in some area are best hosts
Chewie8625: Have to be online nightly I am on almost every night already.
ArtGal29: Lol, draco..
RicoV: notwork,notwork,notwork
Jennifer: Volunteering shows the powers that be that you are truly interested in the area, and not out for money or power.
CORE2: Patience with newcomers cuz if you scare them off they might never come back on. Can be scary.
ArtGal29: so, are you advocating or indicting, Haynes?
SJMN A2Z: Chewie--not necessarily -- there are jobs for good board people, too
Also, all the downloaded files have to be checked that they are virus-free and "work."
Duo Dave: <<very patient person
Draco: There is no power in this industry, and very few can make enough money to live off of.
Jennifer: Exactly.
Chewie8625: Volunteer?? How would you even do that online here? I answer peoples' questions when I know the answers - is that what you mean
Duo Dave: I am good with chats but threads I am not so fond of
RicoV: power is only for those that own the lines
AFC Haynes: Getting an online job is not hard if that is all you want is an online job but as Draco said, making money online is a different story.
Draco: Bingo, Rico!
CORE2: Those that can make enough money to keep the lines up and running.
RicoV: Sprint is making the money.
Jennifer: Online is still a new medium -- I think that as it evolves we'll see more paying jobs crop up online.. but I wouldn't hold your breath. ;)
SJMN A2Z: You have to hitch up with one of the "IPs" (Information Providers)make money
6/22/94 continued
CORE2: If you can make it break even then you are doing good.
AHYPMC: Boy, you guys really picked a doosey of a night to discuss an interesting topic, the only reason I am on now is that it's halftime in the Knicks Rockets game.
RicoV: anyone have the score?
AHYPMC: Rockets up 45 to 43.
ArtGal29: Lots of new enterprises don't make money for years and years.
Draco: Jennifer - new opportunite ARE constantly coming up!
ArtGal29: Sports Illustrated. for example, lost money its first *ten* years.
Jennifer: Draco, they are limited, though -- and you often need influential contacts to get them. But not always! If you are perserverant, you can get a good job! ;)
AHYPMC: will a transcript of this be available?
AFC Ellen AH, transcript available by Sunday. Look under "New Files and Free Uploading"
DarkBishop: Question: with an online job, would the service pay for the telephone expense or is it added & worked out in their salaries???
AFC Ellen: Dark, depends on the position. There are few paying positions on AOL. It's usually compensatory time.
RicoV: <has one of the best jobs
RicoV <gets to play with all the online services for free
Jennifer: Something I rank highly when I recruit for hosts and staff is communication skills, btw.
SJMN A2Z: Jennifer, what area are you in?
ArtGal29: compensatory time is okay, if it's not your living.
Chewie8625: compensatory time is actually what I would be looking for.
AFC Ellen: ArtGal is right. I've been doing this for almost 5 years of my life.
They couldn't pay me enough! But I enjoy it.
Roberbarry: Does anyone get information Week? Great interview with Steve Case and the future of AOL..
Jennifer: Well, I've been the staff coordinator for OMNI Magazine Online and now for Saturday Review Online and other affiliated areas. I've also been asked to coordinate training for remote staff.
Duo Dave: That would make you OMNIAngel?
ArtGal29: Also, you have to start somewhere. it gets you into the network, and gives you experience.
Jennifer Yep! :D
SJMN A2Z: Ellen, One of the Mercury women is holding a class on using AOL --- charging $30 apop!
AFC Ellen: A2Z? Really? ::thinking about 900 number::
SJMN A2Z: Those who know this well MIGHT consider giving classes in their communities. $30 x 20 people $600 in an evening, not bad.
Jennifer: Is she having success in getting students, A2Z?
AFC Haynes: Want to know how to get an online job? Here's what to do to get an online job no matter if it is here, on a bbs, or another service
>>>First, as Ellen said, pick an area that interests you.
Second, PARTICIPATE in that area
Third, be consistant by participating regularly...
SJMN Dox: A2Z I could see some of present company as *top notch* instructors!
AFC Sarah: Note: the Merc online class includes a copy of the AOL Tour Guide Book ($25 value) so it's a good deal.
AFC Haynes: Fourth, after some time in that area, you will be asked if you want an online job - simple as that.
ArtGal29: How much time do AOL forum consultants have to spend offline getting prepared for their spots?
AFC Ellen: Everyone taking notes on what Danny (AFC Haynes) is saying?
Bellegonia: What do the online jobs entail?
SJMN Dox: Hmm Sarah I wonder what the AOL book cost the *instructor*
ArtGal29: <--taking Danny as GOSPEL!
AFC Haynes: Some online jobs here on AOL merely provide compensatory free time online... others may provide an overhead account. The difference is that as a regular paying user, your account is credited with so many hours each month for helping out.
AFC Ellen: ArtGal, I average 2-3 hours/night on and offline with email and stuff
ArtGal29: Five nights?
Jennifer: I average 60 hours a week at my online jobs (eek!)
RicoV: <overhead
Duo Dave: ::like the occasional free hour tossed out by a grateful forum leader::
Roberbarry: Free AOL, send the contract..
Bellegonia: I guess I am asking, what are they paying you (compensating) for?
AFC Sarah: Re: Book w/ AOL affil I expect it was about 40%-50% off)
AFC Haynes: Some online jobs such as the big guys have like AFL George, provide an overhead account. That is, the account is free.
SJMN A2Z: One online friend I know does Career Counseling online for pay
Bellegonia: What about group facilitation? Does that count?
AFC Haynes: Most of the staff here on AOL works for compensatory time
SJMN A2Z: But DON'T think that free hours is going to make your bill smaller!!!
You wind up with more friends online and more to do and your bill actually goes UP
SJMN Dox: There are also some new services, I hear, that will let you create your own forum easily. Anyone interested in that?
Bellegonia: Yes Dox.
RicoV: Dox only if they pay me
AFC Haynes: You get compensatory time for doing various chores like maintaining the libraries or putting up with Ellen
Bellegonia: LOL.
AFC Haynes: and where is Sarah?
AFC Ellen: ::bonking Danny TWICE:::
Jennifer: Exactly, don't expect to save money by working online!
AFC Haynes: I just love the way that woman bonks!
SJMN Dox: Ah I think being with Ellen *is* the compensatory time! ;)
AFA Andy: I'm worse than both of them put together, Danny
ArtGal29: Thank heavens Ellen makes you look good, Danny ;)
Chewie8625: Ellen.. Would you send me a transcript of this?? I have to leave.
Duo Dave: ::bonking Danny::
Bear: Yeah, but Ellen is considered a taxable benefit by the IRS.
SJMN A2Z: The Mercury Center gets a percentage of the money the folks who sign up through them bring in
Draco: LOL!
Bellegonia: Can you repeat how you get this all in writing?
AFC Sarah: LOL..re: what Dox said it is true that sometimes it is easier to try out your online forum efforts on a local board to see if you *really* want to do it!
AFC Haynes: To get this all in writing download the log of the chat
RicoV: I seem to remember that AOL pays real forum owners a percentage of hourly connect time
Bellegonia: Thanx Hanyes.
SJMN A2Z: Bellegonia, you can also get a pretty good log by hitting FILE/SAVE AS right now
Duo Dave: How does one arrange to make a forum?
Bellegonia: Thanks A2Z.
>>>Do the "forums" have to fall in certain guidelines?
ArtGal29: Ellen, Danny lives in total fear of the day you're gone.. ;)
AFC Ellen: Bear, sure.
Bear: I know a certain Forum Leader that is going to be looking for an AFC during the first part of July. And I can almost guarantee that he will be choosing and offering the spot to people who contribute regularly in his forum ...
Draco: Oh, Mr. Bear! Oh Mr. BEAR!
DarkBishop: Question, what training is required for "employees" to take to work for AOL ???
AFC Sarah: A fuzzy forum leader? I can Bearly Imagine!
Bellegonia: LOL.
AFC Haynes: Well, contracts between AFL's and AOL are confidential and take on varying shapes depending on the Forum
Duo Dave: Can you give me an idea, Danny?
ArtGal29: groan, sarah..
SJMN Dox: Bellegonia, depends on the particular service.
Bellegonia: I am particularly interested in a forum on Infertility. Would that qualify?
SJMN A2Z: Are you the Bear with the new AOL book?
Jennifer: DarkBishop, right now it differs for each individual area.
AFC Haynes: Lots of people want online jobs but you know what? AOL is ALWAYS looking for help and can't find it. Know why?
ArtGal29: know, why?
Bear: ... And I must disagree with some of my esteemed colleagues on one point -
with the right arrangement, you will save your online time, even as an AFC .
You just need to be good, work smart, and negotiate well.
AFC Haynes: The perspective online staff HAS to make a commitment to time, and most people can not do that
Duo Dave: Danny, if I had an idea for a forum, how could I make it happen?
SJMN A2Z: Bell, probably already is one back in Medical Interests area.
Bellegonia: A2z, there is I started it, but if I can make it an official forum, why not?
SJMN A2Z: Yes . then you should go for it !
AFC Haynes: that commitment is usually 1-3 hours a night...
ArtGal29: Danny, doesn't the time commitment vary depending on the forum?
For example, Windy City Chat hosts sometime only have one hour a week.
AFC Haynes: ...EVERY night of the week
>>>The commitment does vary, but if you are dependable, somehow the commitment tend to G R O W over time. Some areas of AOL are less demanding than others, the Forums are the busy spots...
Jennifer: I agree, Haynes -- different areas have different personalities. ;)
Bellegonia: A2z, I am interested because the "professional" speakers I have invited have requested to be reimbursed for their time but I don't know how to do that.
SJMN A2Z: Whenever you see new artwork being added, you can bet there's a forum leader needing help!
ArtGal29: So, it's really a true part time job in terms of time, and you can probably only expect free time and personal satisfaction?
AFC Haynes: Forums having libraries, message boards, chats, searchable db's are very time consuming
SJMN A2Z: Bell, we give guests time through the Mercury News, or send folks the software good for 10 hours, but we NEVER pay them "gratuities."
Bellegonia: A2z, I am unfamiliar w/ Mercury News explain?
AFC Haynes: ArtGal, you have that correct
ArtGal29: Does AOL allow a very specialized forum consultant, that excells in one or two tasks? Seems it would be worth their while, because a good discussion host, obviously, increases their $$$.
SJMN A2Z : Toute loo! Come on over when this is !
AFC Haynes: All staff in a forum 'work' for the AFL and not AOL
ArtGal29: Okay, then would an AFL allow it?
Bellegonia: AFL?
AFC Haynes: So each staff in a forum has an agreement with that particular AFL
Getting an online job is like getting any other job, you must work at it.
ArtGal29: Danny, you have definitely inspired me..:)
knicks are down by six
AFC Haynes: ah, inspiration to all:)
AFC Ellen: Anyone who's interested in getting a job on AOL
send me email. I have a file for you. [ Ed. note: If you are reading this log and would like the file, email me.]
------------------------- End of Log ----------------------------------
