Why does NWR use the phrase "hiring", anyway, given that they don't offer any pay?

AFICT, the word "hire" is pretty firmly associated with pay being exchanged for work (e.g., see http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/hire).

NWR (and before that, PGC) has used this odd wording for a long time, and it's alway made me feel kind of uncomfortable...  wouldn't it be a bit more honest to just say "NWR is seeking volunteers for positions in the XXX area"?

Definition:

"to engage the services of (a person or persons) for wages or other payment"

The "other payment" would be free review copies of games, free peripherals and hardware, and access to press-only game events and functions like GDC and E3.

Wow. Talk about being anal.

I think that was uncalled for.

I'm not objecting out of pedantry, but because I think NWR (ne PGC) is a great site, much more honest and straight-forward than most gaming sites, and this particular odd terminology has always seemed out of place, misleading in a way that might end up leaving some people feeling disappointed when they find out that it's not a "real" job.

I'm deeply sorry, but what you are doing is arguing semantics and derailing the thread over a definition.

I've only been a staff member for a few weeks, but I can assure you that its a job, even if you don't get paid in money. You have responsibilities, you have to meet goals and follow the guidelines. You may receive these free games and attend events but its your job to write about them so the readers can get an idea of what happened.

Sorry if my blunt honesty annoys you, but you are doing nothing but trying to prove a point that is mainly subjective. Its clear that you have a definition of job and that's fine. However there's no need to try and prove it. If Lindy decided to call this the hiring thread, then accept it and move on.

If you don't have anything good to contribute I suggest you end the argument here.

Well, I for one think this is a good idea, more proactive coverage in the two of the biggest places for game coverage is a step in the right direction.

Now hiring somebody with adept social skills as to allow networking among the close knit community of game developers and journalists would be an excellent thing to do. More hob knobbing and good ole boying please. That's how Billy did it, that how Jonny does it, and it's worked out pretty well so far. To peace! /Iron Man

We definitely need someone in the area as we have in recent times been invited to a number of press events in the area with a very small percentage of staffers available to attend.

As for compensation, games and press events as compensation is a pretty good gig. As the guy who sets up most of these appointments, I can tell you that the people holding the events almost 100% of the time have food and drinks which is nice for a night out. Additionally, if you are looking to break into the industry, imagine going out and hanging with all of the top journalists in the business. Contacts anyone?

Yeah, that's true I got to see Stephen Totillo, a guy from destructoid.com, a bunch of MTV staff and etc. on Thursday. Also NWR's compensation is pretty awesome as it gives you experience, free review copies, and access to media events. There are a lot of internships that only give you experience with no pay or stipend.

Awesome Flames, get the hookup, exchange twitters, and increase the mindshare. It's not just what you know, it's who you know.

Hmm so who lives in the Bay and LA area that would be able to cover these events?
I live in Southern California but I don't think I would be able to get out to LA. Pro is in the Bay Area.

Anybody else that I'm missing?

Sounds great, too bad I live in upstate New York (which the game industry likes to pretend doesn't exist as not events ever come here).

Haha, I'm FROM the Bay Area but I live in the Sac Valley.  No chance at me driving over to San Fran to rub elbows with GoHobo's beard.

I would love to do it (free games, peripheral, attendance @ E3), but I don't want to do the writing part. Not that I couldn't, but I just don't want to. Any way I could do the fun half, and phone in the rest so someone else can write about it?

BTW I live the Yay Area. CoCoCounty.

Hahaha, at least you're honest.  And oh yeah, GTFO

With the amount of stuff that we're invited to in San Francisco and Los Angeles, we need people that can get over there quickly.

Don't forget that even aside from press events, you may also be tasked with visiting developers and conducting on-site interviews.  That makes me jealous, because I can't do that here in Atlanta.

Furthermore, if you're trying to get into Journalism School, writing for a site like NWR would be a huge leg-up on your application.  It's tangible evidence of what you've been doing, and can show your skills across several journalistic disciplines (news-gathering, news writing, articles, reviews, etc.).  I applied to Journalism school at one time and was rejected, with the primary reason being lack of practical experience.  Ironically, nowadays my practical experience could probably get me a journalism job without a journalism degree.  Go figure.

NWR has a big benefit in that it hasn't been caught up in any controversies as well. The site doesn't have anything that would tarnish its journalistic integrity.

Let's see what we can do about that. We need more false rumors started in the funhouse.


Also, have you guys posted an ad on the California Craigslists or the like?

Hmm, I hadn't thought about that, but the idea kinda scares me to be honest.

I was just as dubious as you were, Lindy. But I heard a lot of people, close friends included, that the service does work.

I understand that you might want to hire people close to the site, but it wouldn't hurt to try and see who you get.

I use Craigslist to job hunt and it does draw a lot of attention. One of the places I attempted to apply at cut off their cut off date way early because they got over 150 apps. This was days early too. It is know to some as the 'Craigslist effect'.

If I lived there I would be all over it. Though I am near Redmond and NoA headquarters though if you need someone there... ;)

They do have safety measure in place so that you don't have to give out too much personal information though. They have an automated email system where potential applicants won't find out what your e-mail is if you don't want it given away.

The word "hiring" may give applicants the wrong idea about compensation, but it gives them the right idea about our expectations and standards.  So, I think it's beneficial overall.

Plus it's stated right in the description that it is a volunteer position. I agree it is clear enough.

We don't have anybody up there, and that would certainly be helpful.  Feel free to apply!

Lindy Luthor is a hiring maniac! He wants to tie everyone in the gaming world to NWR with lifetime contracts. ;)

I just might do that. And if I land an interview with you for the job it could boost my morale considering I have no good leads for a paying job.  ;)

Expect my resume in the next few days.

Since you guys are at it, how about hiring a proofreader?

If anyone needs a proofreader it's the gang at IGN. I've almost emailed an application to be an editor considering how many errors seem to slip though their sights.

I'm not saying the writing's bad (it isn't), but if I notice even one mistake, it bothers me.

I volunteer my services as an E3 correspondent if you need someone?
I just cleared my schedule for the beginning of June just for NWR, so I hope you make your decision soon.

p.s. this is a serious post.

I know what you mean. I'm a stickler even in forum posts and the other day I was chatting with an old friend on facebook and it took me a bit to adjust to the lack of punctuation and grammar. Quite funny as I felt I was breaking a law when I attempted to drop half my grammar. I hadn't chatted in a good while.

I don't notice all that many errors on NWR articles. I know you require someone else to check all your reviews before they are posted so that seems to get most of the glaringly obvious errors. A different pair of eyes does wonders to the editing process.