Writers and Reviewers: Techgage Wants You!

[Rob Williams]

It's that time again. We're seeking to add several new authors to our staff, to ensure that we can continue to provide the best in cutting-edge PC hardware and software news, reviews, and industry analysis. You think you can do what we do? Here's your invitation! We're planning some serious growth in the near future, but we need people that can help make it happen.

All positions for Techgage are voluntary, but can be rewarding. In addition to being a great way to get your fix of the 'shiny-shiny', you get to build your reputation as a knowledgeable authority in the world of PC technology, and you get a cool Techgage.com email address. You'll also join a spirited team of dynamic individuals who care deeply about providing our visitors with the best experience possible.

To be the best candidate for a position at Techgage, we suggest that you:
Are passionate about PC technology (being opinionated is a plus!)
Are a "self-starter" who is willing to work independently on projects
Be able to write with proper grammar, spelling, and punctuation
Are generally knowledgeable in most areas of PC hardware (CPUs, motherboards, graphics, storage, peripherals, accessories), software (gaming, productivity, operating systems), or consumer electronics (home theater, audio, video, 'connected home' products)
Have an entertaining writing styleApplicants must submit a writing sample of no less than 1200 words (we can help with this if necessary), or an example of previous work. We'd also like to know what area of PC technology you're most interested in. To apply, send an email to Rob.Williams [at] Techgage.com for consideration.

[sbrehm72255]

Sounds like a great chance for someone to get into the game............;)

After about 5 years of playing in the game, I just stepped out myself and I'm totally enjoying my free time and real life again.............:)

[Merlin]

Any part time applications available, or maybe an author on a rotating basis.
Do companies send products to you for evaluation? Or do you buy your own ( I've wondered about that ).
I started on a Commodor64 back in 87 on a Hayes 800 baud modem...lol

Merlin

[Tech-Daddy]

If I Wasn't so damned bizzy.... and writing for anohter site... ;)

[Rory Buszka]

Well, a Techgage Staff Writer position isn't meant to replace your day job. First of all, unless you can live on video cards and motherboards alone, you'll run out of money pretty fast. Generally, companies send us stuff to review, or we can request items that we think would be of interest to our readers.

Right now, we're looking at adding four or five Staff Writer positions within the next few months - we're definitely fattening things up here. If you apply, and you've got the right stuff, we'll have you up and running as soon as you can be, but we're hoping to meet that goal by the holiday season or sometime in January at the latest. With more writers, everyone can adopt a much more leisurely pace.

Sbrehm, what web site did you write for?

[sbrehm72255]

Sbrehm, what web site did you write for?
I've written for several in the past, some that are now shut down (System Cooling and Tech Mods) and a couple of others that I just sort of gave up on here in the past couple of months (OCIA, Pro-Clockers). Here lately it just got to be more trouble than it was worth dealing with some health issues along with a few site issues.

[moon111]

I've written for several in the past, some that are now shut down (System Cooling and Tech Mods) and a couple of others that I just sort of gave up on here in the past couple of months (OCIA, Pro-Clockers). Here lately it just got to be more trouble than it was worth dealing with some health issues along with a few site issues.

Hmmm... think I know what you're refering to when you say 'site issues' LOL.
You truly are a gentleman to word things so kind. It can be extremely frustrating working for a site, promising something and then not delivering because the site ownership never gets around to it. Reviews not posted, a promised banner not added to the rotation, site closing without warning, etc. LOL. I've watched Techgage and it really seems like an effort is being put forth. Anyone thinking about helping, might be surprised at the amount of time it can take. Honestly if you don't get a 'big' product every once in awhile, it's a huge waste of time. But it can be fun too.

[Rory Buszka]

People may wonder how we ever expect to attract anyone with 'volunteer' positions (that have their perks, albeit), but I think that the volunteer nature of Techgage positions helps to create a more tangible team spirit. Everyone who's here is here because they want to be, and the progress of the market is what helps keep it interesting. I'm coming up on my first full year with Techgage this winter, and I'm still committed to the site as long as other factors in my life will let me be.

Let me provide an analogy - online forums. The best online forums, while still being voluntary in nature, still regularly attract people who are knowledgeable and willing to donate their time and effort to helping people. Writing articles for Techgage is similar - only you get to be more in-control of what you write about, and you get to really get your name out there in a big way, especially if you can bring something distinctive and great to the team. Volunteer experience also counts as professional experience, and technical and journalistic writing is a very transportable skill in the working world, and highly sought after. While you can't claim very much about your affiliation with an online forum, you can definitely put a site like Techgage on your resume. Actually, moon111, I wouldn't say it's a waste of time at all. While we don't consider it very professional to talk about the manner in which we are compensated, we are compensated. And in a way that doesn't bias us - I'm not talking 'payola' or anything of the sort.

[madstork91]

Knowledge. That would be the pay off for me.

Alas, I am stretched in too many areas at the moment. ;-p One day though... one day...

[sbrehm72255]

People may wonder how we ever expect to attract anyone with 'volunteer' positions (that have their perks, albeit), but I think that the volunteer nature of Techgage positions helps to create a more tangible team spirit. Everyone who's here is here because they want to be, and the progress of the market is what helps keep it interesting. I'm coming up on my first full year with Techgage this winter, and I'm still committed to the site as long as other factors in my life will let me be.

Let me provide an analogy - online forums. The best online forums, while still being voluntary in nature, still regularly attract people who are knowledgeable and willing to donate their time and effort to helping people. Writing articles for Techgage is similar - only you get to be more in-control of what you write about, and you get to really get your name out there in a big way, especially if you can bring something distinctive and great to the team. Volunteer experience also counts as professional experience, and technical and journalistic writing is a very transportable skill in the working world, and highly sought after. While you can't claim very much about your affiliation with an online forum, you can definitely put a site like Techgage on your resume. Actually, moon111, I wouldn't say it's a waste of time at all. While we don't consider it very professional to talk about the manner in which we are compensated, we are compensated. And in a way that doesn't bias us - I'm not talking 'payola' or anything of the sort.

Most sites, except for the biggest, are all volunteer in nature......;). I have yet to be paid for any of the writing I've done with the exception of a article I wrote for a hard cover pub (also now closed down) a few years back.........:eek:. All the professional experience in the world doesn't do me any good at all and printing it on a resume is just a waste of time in my case as I'm already retired, sort of anyways. I'm a disabled vet and only do writing for fun and to pass the time while I'm pretty much stuck here at home most of the time.
Anyways, I do hope that you guys get some quality folks to fill your ranks as I do enjoy reading your site.

Bset of luck to you all...............;)

[moon111]

People may wonder how we ever expect to attract anyone with 'volunteer' positions (that have their perks, albeit), but I think that the volunteer nature of Techgage positions helps to create a more tangible team spirit. Everyone who's here is here because they want to be, and the progress of the market is what helps keep it interesting. I'm coming up on my first full year with Techgage this winter, and I'm still committed to the site as long as other factors in my life will let me be.

Let me provide an analogy - online forums. The best online forums, while still being voluntary in nature, still regularly attract people who are knowledgeable and willing to donate their time and effort to helping people. Writing articles for Techgage is similar - only you get to be more in-control of what you write about, and you get to really get your name out there in a big way, especially if you can bring something distinctive and great to the team. Volunteer experience also counts as professional experience, and technical and journalistic writing is a very transportable skill in the working world, and highly sought after. While you can't claim very much about your affiliation with an online forum, you can definitely put a site like Techgage on your resume. Actually, moon111, I wouldn't say it's a waste of time at all. While we don't consider it very professional to talk about the manner in which we are compensated, we are compensated. And in a way that doesn't bias us - I'm not talking 'payola' or anything of the sort.

If one has the time, no it isn't a waste of time. It can be a very rewarding experience. But if one is only in it for the 'goods', one would be better cutting grass or babysitting, because it does take time. I like finding sponsors and making contracts. I found getting quality pictures the most frustrating. Getting to use neat products like my Buttkicker Gamer or Indus harddrive switch was cool. Stuff I wouldn't normally buy for myself but enjoyed immensely. Right now I am working on a special mod from scratch - a computer case/test rack which will make testing stuff allot easier.

[DarkSynergy]

Hmmm... think I know what you're refering to when you say 'site issues' LOL.
You truly are a gentleman to word things so kind. It can be extremely frustrating working for a site, promising something and then not delivering because the site ownership never gets around to it. Reviews not posted, a promised banner not added to the rotation, site closing without warning, etc. LOL. I've watched Techgage and it really seems like an effort is being put forth. Anyone thinking about helping, might be surprised at the amount of time it can take. Honestly if you don't get a 'big' product every once in awhile, it's a huge waste of time. But it can be fun too.


We are here because we want to be and I expect no less from anyone else who might with to join us at Techgage. To imply that a staff writer would be wasting their time seems a bit silly and narrow minded. If someone feels that way, they can leave at any moment.

As for the time required, it can be rough if you don't stay on top of things. I know this personally. But for me, seeing a review, editorial, or article posted with my name attached to the Techgage site still gets me going. It's nice to know that people across the globe will be reading my words and opinions. It also helps keeps your work up to snuff as I personally don't enjoy making an ass out of myself in a poorly written review.