VGDistrict is Looking for Some Writers!

[William Carpenter]

Do you consider yourself a video game enthusiast? Do you like your opinions and want to share them? If so, this is the thread for you. Really!

VGDistrict.com, while not a new site, is looking to finally expand in size. We have been around for over a year now and, in that time, managed to develop a very large and loyal community. For the past several months, however, we have been hard at work developing a new site layout which we plan on launching within the coming weeks. Now we just need to gather a proper staff!

The primary mission of VGDistrict is to bring the truth about games to as many people as possible. We strive to maintain a personal, real attitude to separate ourselves from the corporate suits within the journalism business. What we need is someone who shares this enthusiasm for both video games and honest journalism; any previous writing experience is also a major plus. We are looking to bring aboard at least two or three news editors and reviewers to round out our staff.

Unfortunately, we are unable to pay our staff at the current time, but by throwing your lot in with us you are guaranteed to get your writing out there.

If this gig sounds like it's the thing for you, please contact me at [e-mail], or by posting in this discussion. Please be prepared to divulge the following information:

- A brief run down on who you are (age, education, interests, where you live, etc.)
- A few examples of your writing (Anything will do, but video game related writing is preferred. And no, forum posts don't count!)
- A list of previous publications that you have written for (E-Mails of references would also be great, so I don't have to look for them myself!)
- Gaming interests (Preferred genres, platforms owned, etc.)

Now would be the time to apply, as with our new site layout launch we will essentially be experiencing a rebirth. Looking forward to hearing from you.

[Nathan Meunier]

Urgh. Love it when the phrase "looking to hire" is almost immediately followed up with the phrase "unable to pay." By its very definition, the act of hiring someone involves the exchange of money for services.

[William Carpenter]

Good point, and duly noted.

[Lewis Denby]

"We strive to maintain a personal, real attitude to separate ourselves from the corporate suits within the journalism business."

...Hmm.

Not to be a bastard, but it seems every publication around at the moment is boasting about how they're not corrupt and dishonest "like all the rest of them."

It seems to be creating a real rift between people that should, by all rights, be working together to make games journalism better.

[Greg Orlando]

This site has been flooded with help wanted ads for volunteer workers.

Honestly, it's great you're looking to give some kids, out of the kindness of your heart, the chance to work for free and donate the fruits of their labor to your web site.

Me? I'm a little saddened that a forum for game journalists has devolved into a feeding ground for ham-and-eggers willing to drop trou in exchange for the opportunity to be exploited. Until we take a professional approach to our efforts, game reporters/writers/critics will never be considered anything more than a joke to the public at large.

I'd suggest that professionalism begins with the basic idea that you should be paid for your work unless you're doing an internship for college credit or volunteering for charity.

Thus endeth the rant.

[Lewis Denby]

Hmm.

Not every site has masses of funds to dish out to writers, and not every site run with a professional attitude has any intention of generating funds.

I don't see anything wrong with this. If you're only looking for paid work, that's fine. Don't apply for the position. A lot of writers, whether they're just looking for a place to hone their craft or build their portfolio, or whether they just have some spare time on their hands and are looking to expand their writing base, are happy to write for free - for exposure, experience, whatever.

In other words: as long as the attitude is professional, I fail to see why it's a problem. And if you want VGJN to be filled with intelligent discussion between professionals, why not make the first move, instead of venomously ranting against anyone who dares to think otherwise?

[Greg Orlando]

I'm not that invested in this site to care overmuch.

But I will tell you you are wrong. Cultivating the mentality that work, any work, should be given away for free is bad business.

Once again, pay the writer:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mj5IV23g-fE

[Lewis Denby]

I'm not wrong, though, am I? We just don't quite share the same viewpoint.

I'll freely admit that *I'm* not interested in taking on any unpaid work. But plenty of people are just up for contributing to a decent site. I don't see why that's a problem, or why it's "bad for business." Bad for whose business?

[Lewis Denby]

As an aside, I do agree that sites that aren't run with a degree of professionalism probably don't have any place at networks like this. But if you're doing it well, and putting the effort in to produce quality content, I cannot see the problem at all.

[John "Wardrox" Kershaw]

I'm terribly sorry I am not a funded individual, and lack the backing required to meet your demands that I pay people money for writing. I wasn't aware that money is the only benefit writing for a site has.

A few years back I responded to a very similar post asking for writers to work for free, right here on this very network. That's how my career in gaming came about. I learned a hell of a lot, did get my name out a bit and it was worth my time, even though I wasn't being paid.

I don't want to defend VGDistrict, but I do want to defend my call for writers I posted here last November (linked previously). I recently had a second round of new writer requests and am now glad I didn't post it here if this is the bitter reaction it would have got.

I understand these petty sites are well below your threshold of quality and scale, but there are a lot of people who view this site looking for a way in. Some of the sites advertising non-paying positions here are such entrances. Discouraging them off the site I think would be a bad move for all evolved.

As Lewis said above, why not start your own discussions of the finer points of "journalism" in the gaming world? Be more constructive with your feedback. Saying that this place has become "a feeding ground for ham-and-eggers willing to drop trou in exchange for the opportunity to be exploited" is rather unfair, misleading and inaccurate in my opinion.

I also don't see the relevance of the Harlan Ellison rant. Not exactly the same situation is it? Perhaps if VGDistrict could afford to, but was choosing not to pay writers, I could see it.

[Lauren Wainwright]

Sure it sucks to not get paid to do a lot of the work I put into but the rewards I've received so far have been worth it all. It has helped me pick out the career I really want, getting into places I couldn't before and meet new people.

I can see where you are coming from if say the guy running the website is making a massive profit. However most web masters tend to share the profits if the money goes beyond running the website.