As an Odyssey Content Creator (our fancy way of saying writer), there are expectations and responsibilities we agree to once we decide to apply and join a community. And as unique as each community may be, there are a few common struggles we all face because we're all basically in the same boat.
1. Picking a topic idea that hasn't been done a million times already
The amount of times EICs and CEs see articles or listicles based on Friends or The Office is ridiculous. You'd think we would all branch out to explore other TV shows or films, but ultimately the more popular series' get the most attention. So, as much as we grow tired of writing or editing articles of that sort, they will never truly go out of style.
2. Actually writing on Muse
We all know the struggle of using Muse in general, but sometimes there are network issues or simply connectivity problems that slow Muse down to the point where we log off without even thinking if our article saved. Most of the time it doesn't and we have to start the vicious cycle all over.
3. Formatting for a listicle
It was very confusing at first knowing how to format a listicle, where to put the image, and how long a description should be, if any was needed. Somehow we all get the hang of it, but I know it's still a pain.
4. Finding images or gifs
This one is a struggle only because it's so time consuming to gather all 20 or so images or gifs for each listicle that aren't copyright or "all rights reserved," the proper size, to attribute all of them, center them, title them. . .geez, I'm tired just explaining it.
5. Copyright
When I was a creator, I used any image I could find as the cover photo and would always get the "Link up your cover photo" comment in the revision. It wasn't until I learned why choosing the right cover photo is so important that I took more time in finding the right picture, making sure it wasn't copyrighted, and properly accrediting the source.
6. Submitting during Finals Week
I know for a fact that I'm not the only one who struggled submitting during either Fall or Spring Finals Week. There are so many exams and papers to complete that Odyssey wasn't even on the same realm of things I needed to do until the day of submission where I had to rush to write something in time for the deadline. For those who wrote and submitted it ahead of time, you're all WAY ahead of the ballgame.
7. Sharing Articles
I know I blow up my friends and family's news feed on Facebook and tag them till no end on Instagram and Twitter, and they have always been and probably always will be supportive so they like and share and pass it along. So, I just want to take this moment to thank them for putting up with my endless notifications without complaints. Every Odyssey creator will agree.
Needless to say, these struggles only make us grow as creators, writers, and owners of our own work. We endure the long nights researching and perfecting our pieces in order to share our thoughts, opinions, and our voice with our friends, family, and the world. It's the platform Odyssey created and we'll always treasure.