anybody looking for a columnist/writer?

Hi,

The only concern I have here is the copyright of your work. Generally, if you OWN it, most publications won't touch it, as they can not "gain" from it. Thus, it is a double edged sword, in a "business" world. No one is gonna pay out money, when they can get it for free, and that is the worst part of the work out there, IF there is any at all. 

A couple of websites, like this one, are volunteer organizations as far as I know ... and that makes it tough, but it also ensures that the folks involved care enough for what they do. In general, they do, but a couple of the websites, are NOT about the music ... they are something totally else, and keep the fans "invisible" as much as possible in the name of a genre, or concept. And at that point, I'm not sure that those places are trustworthy at all ... mostly taking advantage of it all. And adding a comment, is for them, not you ... again, the writer is "invisible" in the name of the concept or idea. You won't ever gain a nickel in that group I don't think!

I have, for example, over 600 film reviews (mostly foreign film) and in 30 years, I have never gained much from it ... maybe a nickel, or a dime, if that. But I have had a couple of my reviews used in two film festivals, which I have to admit was really far out ... and I have one letter, from the Festival in Singapore, that really appreciated my review, and thought it was very nice ... though I don't know how the film came out in it. If it is like the Film Festival here in Portland, it's a joke. I'm always fighting for the smaller films and lesser known material, and their propaganda machine makes sure their American and English films are sold out, so they "can pay the bills" ... so they say! And the film from small country in Africa, just got 12 people in the audience, and the one from Chile, got 15 people in the audience, and no one gives a fart about their value and incredible love for even putting it together. Most of it goes right down the loo. And you think that they folks at the Film Festival care? They never even said thank yo, when I did some volunteer work looking up information about some films so they could put together "notes" for the viewers. AND, get this, they didn't want material from a "reviewer" so they did not get called on it, and have to pay royalties on it ... I guess they thought the same about myself ... but they didn't care. I was not interested in all the American and English films, knowing they all would be in video the next week (1990's) ... but the smaller stuff ... never to be seen again!

I feel the same about a lot of things I write ... and when I say to many folks here that within the "new music" are "our children" that deserve an opportunity, the only thing you hear is the silence of death and anger ... and you know right away they don't even give a poop about their own children. Let them eat cake!

Hey Mosh,

Thanks for the long-winded answer because I found it very interesting to read. I also found nothing that we can disagree on! 

As far as the state of the market and the media, I am very well aware of it all. I still have people telling me stuff like "why don't you try this or that with this kind of music that you enjoy?" and I'm like yeah yeah I know though it may be difficult and so on. As hard and adverse as it may be, I am still willing to give it a try - not least because of desperately needing pocket money and just putting a skill and hobby to a work context. 

As far as other websites where I read people's comments and extract info, there is only SH forums, RYM, and Progressiveears that I know of. I figured that signing up for a big magazine or publication isn't the way to go if you want to write about Prog, and as you say these old niche publications have gone by the wayside sadly 

I am just trying to be recognized for my knowledge and enjoyment of Prog at the moment. I am willing to start anywhere relevant and proving myself before even earning a decent salary. 

I wish I could pin this topic, but I don't know how - I hope to bring more eyeballs here! 

Please, if anyone here represents a prog-related publication or webzine and needs a hire in the writing department, consider me the most willing candidate! 

Thank you Mosh and everyone!  I hope we keep this topic going! 

Hey guys!

I just want to let any of our Magazine/Webzine Publishers/Editors know that I am looking for a part-time "job" opportunity at the moment to balance with school. I study journalism and would call writing my greatest skill or asset. 

If anybody here works for or owns a publication with an emphasis on progressive music, I would be happy to acquire a position somewhere along the lines of Columnist/Editor in Chief/Reviewer, you name it - as long as writing is the focus! 

I would be happy to offer a "prototype" of any sort for you to get a preconceived notion of my abilities and knowledge. I am willing to start with minimal pay and then gradually take it from there! 

I will be taking any offers! 

For any inquiries, please see below... or just post in the discussion