Themestream Provides Instant Gratification to Thousands of Authors Looking to Self-publish On the Web.

Business Editors & Publishers/High Tech Writers

SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 27, 2000

With More Than 12,000 Registered Authors and Over 75,000 Contributed Articles, Author Community Gives Themestream An Enthusiastic Thumbs Up

Launched less than three months ago, Themestream (http://www.themestream.com) is already fast becoming the Web's leading enthusiast resource, as well as a haven for writers looking to publish instantly on the Web. By expanding the definition of "author" to include everyone from established writers to the average consumer, Themestream has eliminated many traditional barriers to publishing by making it easy for members to contribute to the site. To date, more than 12,000 authors have contributed over 75,000 articles to Themestream on topics ranging from cooking and cave exploring to sailing and scrapbooking. Anyone can become an "author" on Themestream, and the process is simple: users simply register, write an article, and submit.

"If it weren't for Themestream, I wouldn't consider myself a writer today," said "budding author" Heather Winne. "I wouldn't be querying editors, walking the walk, or talking the talk. Without Themestream, I'd still be a housewife from Indiana, wondering if I could actually become a professional writer. There's no doubt, seeing my writing on Themestream has given me a brand new confidence in my abilities."

By providing each of its contributors with space on the site for their bio, photo, contact information and a listing of all their articles, Themestream has allowed new and experienced writers alike to easily query editors with an online portfolio of their work.

"Recruiting over 12,000 contributing authors in less than three months is a strong testament to the allure of Themestream," said Jeremy Goldstein, chief editor of Themestream. "Writers wouldn't flock to our site and trust us with their articles unless they believed we were offering something of value. I've had several publishers call me wondering how we created such a large base of quality authors in such a short amount of time. Themestream delivers - that's the only answer I have. We came with a strong proposition to the author community and they responded. Quite simply, we provide instant gratification for authors."

That gratification resonates with Themestream's authors, who are paid a small amount by Themestream every time someone reads one of their articles. Unlike other publishing opportunities, authors also retain all rights and are given complete editorial freedom over their work.

Besides providing authors with an easy way to self-publish on the Web, Themestream has allowed some contributors to greatly increase their public exposure and even create a following.

From Themestream author Joan Campion: "I've had two books and hundreds of articles published, but there was no such thing as Themestream when I was learning to write, and I went years without encouragement. Beginning writers are truly thrilled that you exist."

"What amazes me is the overwhelming response Themestream has received from the author community," said Goldstein. "I have literally hundreds of testimonials from authors thanking us for bettering their lives."

While many Themestream users are authors hungering for an audience, not everyone that participates in the community is required to contribute. With more than 2000 topic areas on its site, Themestream is building the world's largest collection of knowledge for enthusiasts interested in everything under the sun, from civil war re-enactment to antique collecting.

"I'm absolutely mad for antique dollhouses - I can't get enough of them," says Molli MacDonald, an avid "Themestreamer" as she coins it. "I've read so many articles about people's old dollhouses, and I've learned so much, I can't begin to tell you. I never knew so many people collected these things. Themestream is positively addictive."

Through its relationships with publishers like Simon & Schuster, Sunset Magazine and Shaw Guides, as well as other partners like Boats & Boating, Wine Lover's Page and Living Vine, Themestream delivers quality content to everyone looking for information on their passions. The site provides online and offline publishers and dot coms with brand extension, site traffic and subscriber acquisition.

About Themestream

Founded in August 1999 by first-generation talent from Netscape and Excite, Themestream (www.themestream.com) is building the Web's leading enthusiast resource, complete with articles, information and gear related to user's personal interests. Themestream has strategic partnerships with Netscape, Homestead, Sunset Publishing Corp., The Motley Fool and Simon & Schuster; boasts thousands of articles on specific topics; and provides access to relevant links and products based upon each enthusiast topic area. Headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., Themestream received venture funding from Kleiner Perkins and Redpoint Ventures and is privately held.