Posted Mar 20th 2007 3:00PM by Nick Doerr
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Mmm, Dragon Quest references. Well, you guys have noticed it for just as long as we have: PS3 Fanboy is understaffed and we need to get our ratio of writers to popularity in order! Let's start the briefing, brave soldiers. Keep in mind, if you read this post and honestly can say that the designations don't apply to you (on all four counts -- we're all guilty of one or two), you might be qualified to join the fight ... for our right ... to write.
Okay, time for a list, along with bold questions. Well, the font is bold ... the questions are fairly typical:
What do we want?
* Fantastic writers. People with spunk, with edge, but who can step back from the computer screen and say: "you know, that's funny with friends, but here it seems vaguely racist." Essentially, we want people who can write entertaining and informative articles. News is news, after all.
* People who like Sony, but understand that the company makes mistakes. In fact, mistakes are expected, acceptable, and often times humorous. Refer once more to the post about fanboyism. No blind faith, unless you've got a seeing-eye dog fluent in sarcasm.
When do we want it?
* Now!
Why would you want to work here?
* Well, believe it or not, we're a well-respected blogging community that strives to keep up standards of excellence, professionalism, reliability, and respect. This is a paid freelancing gig with flexible hours and workloads -- we work with you, not on you. Does that work? How about: "we ride together, we die together"? Nah. Let's mix them: "We ride alongside you, not on top of you." Fair enough. We're understanding, basically.
What do you need to work here?
* Got any previous writing experience under your belt? Besides writing those 5-paragraph essays on Great Expectations in high school English? Tell us. Also, let us know about publications or other media outlets you may have contributed to. (But please don't send us a laundry list of links!)
* Technical skills are important, too:
o First off, you'll need your own computer and reliable internet connection (trust us on this one ... losing a post because of a lost wireless connection really stinks).
o Have the software and knowledge to screw around with screenshots and images. Resizing is the minimum skill level; though it's generally enough. Don't worry, there are free programs like The Gimp to help you out.
o Know some basic HTML. Very basic. Like <center> and </center> ... if you know what that means, kudos.
o You must be eligible to work to, well, to work! If you live outside of the US, you're going to need a bank account and be able to accept payment via wire transfer.
o You've got to be reachable outside of these walls -- IM, email, phone, whatever. Some way to contact you quickly.
So ... what do we want from you?
* We want 1) a short bio, 2) your availability, 3) links to your three most favoritist posts that you feel showcase the best of PS3 Fanboy, 4) three suggestions for improving the site, and 5) most importantly, three blog samples in the style of PS3 Fanboy -- all compiled and emailed to us at: apply[at]ps3fanboy.com
o How will you impress us? Frankly, that's a flexible matter. And by that, we don't mean your ability to touch your toes. There's no gymnastics in the Blogosphere -- think about it. (But you can touch your toes, right?)
o Are you busy with college or have a full-time job, but still really want to get involved? Let us know about your schedule. Remember, we'll work with you to work it out. Be realistic. Don't push your expectations just to "impress" us.
o Writing on weekends is a plus. Let us know if you can/will/want to.
o Shove everything into the body of an email -- read: no attachments! Word docs will be nuked on sight.
o Send away! Remember, we're waiting to read them at: apply[at]ps3fanboy.com (send questions to this address too!)
* Don't forget about those three blog samples in the style of PS3 Fanboy. They're kind of a big deal.
