TSS Needs You! We’re Looking for Writers!
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TSS Needs You! We’re Looking for Writers!

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Author Dreadknux
105 Comments

Hey you. Yeah, you! No, not the guy next to you (well, maybe him too), YOU! You’re here because you absolutely love the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, right? Do you think you have the same passion as myself, T-Bird, Bmn, Brad, Shadzter, nuckles87 and Jason? Well, good, because we’re looking for people like you.

The Sonic Stadium is looking for volunteer writers to help keep our awesome content rolling. In the words of Sonic 2’s marketing slogan, “Are you up 2 it?”

You need to have the following qualities:

  • Write in fluent English and have a formidable grasp of grammar
  • Have an amazing – but level-headed – passion for Sonic the Hedgehog
  • Be available to write on a regular basis
  • Have the drive to contribute all kinds of articles
  • The initiative to dream up new ideas gets you a Dreadknux Bonus.

What you need to do in order to be considered, is submit two sample articles to us:

  1. One Sonic-related news article, can be about anything past or present. The point is to see how well you can write a news story when the time comes, and to analyse your style of writing. No longer than 250 words.
  2. A brief ‘blog’ article, in which you talk about something that strikes you as interesting about the Sonic the Hedgehog fanbase. Can be a cool video you saw, some impressive fan artwork, musings over a scene in a recent Sonic game, or something else entirely. Blogs are all about keeping it personal, and we want TSS to be as personal and friendly a fansite as can be – so get creative on this one. No longer than 300 words.
When you’re finished, send them over to queries@sonicstadium.org with the Subject heading “TSS Writer Position.” There’s no real deadline for this one guys, but we’ll let you know if you’re successful or not. And we’ll be sure to parade newbies around on the homepage and introduce them to you all before giving them a good old fashioned towel-whipping initiation. Haw haw haw.
Get writing!

Edit: Seems we didn’t actually set the email address up properly! Apologies to everyone that tried to send in their app to us and got an error – can you send it again?

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Published by

Dreadknux

Founder of The Sonic Stadium and creator/co-organiser of the Summer of Sonic convention. Loves talking about Sonic the Hedgehog in his spare time. Likes Sonic Colours a little too much for his own good, apparently.

105 Comments

  3. I don’t think I’ll be able to do it, seeing as I have school and on weekdays, I’m only on the computer from 5:30 PM EST to 8:30 PM EST. Good luck to everyone else though.

  4. I do not quite understand number one. Do you mean anything like talking about a release of an old Sonic game?

  5. Oh boy! This is a great opportunity to express- my writing in a useful way! I shall get started!

  6. Hmm… I’m interested, but I’m afraid I would end up not being available to write enough cause I’m always so busy with school, etc. I might apply, who knows.

  7. interesting, only with school work and well me having a tendacy to talk way too into detail about simple stuff, I’ll pass, thanks anyways dreadknux

  8. How regular is ‘regular basis?’ I really, really want to apply but I’m not sure if I should unless I know I’d actually be able to commit to it.

  9. I applied to be a Sonic Wrecks writer, but I sincerely believe you have a better chance of getting the position if you are a regular in the forums, and in this case the SSMB forums. I can testify that I can accomplish all of these tasks and have previous journalism experience but I won’t just for that reason

  13. Meh, I’m not much of a writer. Maybe if jolly ol’ school wasn’t harassing me with so much homework, I would give it a shot.

  14. **Imagines being a TSS writer**

    THAT WOULD BE SO COOL!
    But I’m not gonna apply cuz sometimes I get really busy. Besides, though my English is very good, it’s my 2nd language so I might have problems in writing an ‘article’.

    I wish the best of luck for those of you who apply!

    1. Oh wait, I got it! Damn new Gmail may look lovely, but is picky the way you write email addresses. It had to be in brackets apparently.

  16. How much does this gig pay? Because if it’s anything less than seven chaos emeralds and 100 rings, then i’m OUTTA here!

    1. Sorry Doc, we lost the last Emerald. The pay is six Chaos Emeralds and 110 Rings, though. Just try not to let any Crabmeats or Motobugs touch you.

  17. Quite a job opening, I should be getting rest right now. But listening to the “Super Sonic Racing Remix”, and reading this fun article. I think I may give this a try.

  18. Yeah, how old do you have to be? I’m 13 but I’m right more gooder than lots!
    XD But seriously I do have the necessary qualities! 😀

  21. Hmm Writer eh? Might see if i can go for it. Though, when you’re still at school, you do get 6 hours to miss all the Sonic glory. How boring… D:

  22. Ah-I’d apply, but I was hired by Wrecks the other day. Good luck to the applicants though, looking forward to what the new writers (once selected) will do for this already awesome place! 😀

  24. I’m going to enter. Just got to think of what to write. I’m afraid that my articles will be too short though. 🙁

  25. I’d consider it, but the fact is that I don’t know if my passion for Sonic is quite at the correct level. I mean, I’m the guy who enjoys playing Sonic Shuffle and grew up with Sonic Adventure, then didn’t realize Sonic Adventure 2 was on the Dreamcast until AFTER I got Battle. Oh and I somehow don’t have the orginal Sonic for Genesis, even though I have 2 different copies of Sonic 2, one normal, one NOT FOR RESALE copy in box, as well as a boxed copy of Sonic 3 and then Sonic & Knuckles. Found a NOT FOR RESALE copy of the original, and it had like 15 yeard sof dirt on the connector. Now I am Sonic 1-less. Who knows, I might give it a shot anyways. I definitely have fluent English and a firm grasp on grammar, and I can probably write whenever I need to.

    Somehow I typed that “write” at the end as “Wright” the first time. Why is Phoenix Wright on my mind?

    Boy I sure needed to explain my childhood and possessions to everyone, didn’t I?

    1. Dreadknux says there’s no real deadline.
      “There’s no real deadline for this one guys, but we’ll let you know if you’re successful or not.”

  31. You need to be aware that over a hundred people will be reading what you’ve written, so ensure that you use good informative English.

    You need to know how to embed videos, use HTML and make the article look better than anything you’ll see in the comments section.

    You need to understand that an audience of many ages will be reading the article, so if you can help it, don’t flood sentences with profanity and vulgarity, as the readers will just read a bunch of useless swearwords jumbled into a sentence.

    You need to know that Hyper Shadow was a misprint in the strategy guide of Sonic Adventure 2.
    You need to know the difference between Super Tails and Turbo Tails.
    You need to know that Sonic has never once directly confessed his love for Amy in any game or cartoon series
    You need to know that the Master Emerald can grant super transformation.
    You need to know Shadow’s history.

    If you have any Sonic OCs, game ideas, fanfictions e.t.c. You need to know that they do not belong in a news article.

    If you post news, you need to back it up with evidence that we, as readers, can see for ourselves (Screenshots, links to the pages you found the information, videos etc).

    I’m not trying to get in, I’m just making sure any CHILDREN who think they’re up to the task are aware of what they’re getting into.

    Finally, you need to find the computer room.

  32. @Goma

    I already knew eveything you posted there,but i don’t think i can find that damn fourth computer room 😉

  34. hey dreadknux quick question. I don’t have school over the weekend but only on weekdays and i get up early and i got home at around 4:30 am i still eligible?

  36. OK! Since Google mail’s being a idiot, I’m gonna send this on Hotmail. Hope my articles are good enough to be.. a TSS writer. 😀

  38. I would join, but I am rather unreliable, so It’s probably not a good idea. If it was on a monthly basis though…

  40. Cool. Been looking for ways to expand my writing portfolio. Definitely will apply. Question though. Do you need a resume or references? Also, do you need any past experience? Do you consider people who currently work for another blog?

  41. My apologies to everyone that’s sent in an email before now – the email address in the article wasn’t set up correctly, so that’s why you’ve been getting those errors.

    The address is working now, so can you send your emails again please? Sorry again, guys.

  42. I’m suggesting the people who get the job, will get complete access to site, or will they just get article access?

  47. Soo… Even though there isn’t a date, are there any great entries so far? Hope mines one of them!

  49. Funny that, I was just wondering if I could ever write for this awesome site one day. I can’t miss this opportunity!

  51. I would apply but I don’t really have the time. If it was just writing reviews i’d say yes as I’m pretty level headed there and can write decent reviews.

  52. I would love to enter this, but my time is being currently consumed by college and work. Sorry.

  53. Just out of curiosity – will you need some kind of web experience? I know nothing of HTML and that kind of jazz (crazy I know). And what about finding news and the like? Is it a case of blind luck finding news? Like others here, best of luck to all who enter.

  55. Just sent my entry.

    But I exceeded the word limit with the blog entry :C

    Luck to all of you who enter!

  56. So Goma…
    I take it that “CHILDREN” comment was directed at me? Trust me. I KNOW my Sonic. I know the story of Shadow. I’m not even interested in READING a fan-fic let alone writing them. I respect other’s opinions and I am not an opinionated person nor would my articles be. Also i’m not vulgar. I’m just afraid to be hated because of my age. Thank you VERY much. XD

    1. Well, even if you know more then the average 13 year old, you’re still somewhat on the young site. There is (I assume?) moderating, discussing stuff with staff members, sometimes dealing with negative reactions in the comments, and a lot of other trouble I can’t think of atm. No offense, but I’m 19, and I surely know I can’t deal with this even I had more complete sonic knowledge and grammar skills(not native English). This job is tougher then it looks, especially for one as young as you. Although, to be honest, a really young writer would be fresh for a certain aspect of the sonic fandom, the really young people. They do get flak from the more unreliable older fans I heard..

      1. Being fair, I don’t think you’d be ‘hated’ for your age. I’m 13-I still won a writers position over at Wrecks. Just try your best, and you’ll have a good chance of attaining the position!
        Good Luck! 🙂

  57. Just a little advice for all of you applying: as dragonite said, writing like this is putting your heart on your sleeve and publishing with your (user)name on an article. Sure, no different from a comments thread or a forum post in that it will always be prone to scrutiny from others’ opinions or fandom, but there comes a certain level of professionalism to take in this case.

    In other words, don’t fire the flamethrowers your commenters even if they have some of the most batshiz insane reasoning. Opinions are like assholes, etc. Most importantly, while it’s always nice to think big for feature story ideas, be reasonable and grounded. You’re not going to get an exclusive unsanctioned interview with Yuji Naka, Iizuka, or other people still involved with Sonic. Think smaller and look around you. Despite all the flack its given, how some of the Sonic community displays its fandom is fascinating and certainly interesting. Just look at what Falk did with Sonic Unleashed’s music style.

    Lastly, as Brad said: Don’t suck. Seriously.

    Good luck!

  60. This is fantastic! I’d be thrilled to be affiliated with TSS, no matter how small the role. I assure you that I am a level-headed Sonic fan of the highest degree, and that my grammar is impeccable. Of course now I’ll be constantly worried about whether I ironically made a grammar mistake somewhere in this post. 😛

    I’ll get my sample articles to you this weekend. Thanks for this opportunity!

  61. I guess I could qualify for this. I’m a pretty good writer and all and I’m available. However, I haven’t the slightest clue how some of you catch news so early. I’m worried I wouldn’t be much of a help except for small things here and there.

    I can write about interesting fanbase stuff though.
    I’m also an animator. Perhaps I could make little shorts. I don’t know.

  62. I think that the opening line to this article could potentially start a major argument between two people who are sitting next to eachother while reading it…

          1. Hey hey hey!

            Svend’s actually on holiday right now in Japan. With him being the head honcho, I don’t think we’ll be going over your emails until he’s back in a week or so.

  66. The amount of people saying that they are going to apply in their poorly-worded comments that lack capitalization and/or punctuation is hilarious.

  69. Wonder who will make it… This job would seem fun to me, but I’m not native English, and my skill is lacking, I’m not into Sonic enough, have zero experience operating websites, and uh… don’t have time. XD So I will cheer the rest on.

    1. Being honest here, I really don’t have hopes for me.

      I just know that there’s someone else that did it better than me.

  71. Hey guys, I’d just like you to elaborate on the first article we have to do.

    When you said any news from past or present, do we have to count it as if it’s new news? Example, If i’m writing news on the sonic 2 preview trailer, do i have to write it as if we’re all in 1992 and super hyped for another sonic game, or write it as if that preview trailer somehow has some significance all the way here in 2011?

    Cheers, good luck to all who enter and I appreciate your help in advance.

    Kind regards,
    Kevin “Solon001” Morris

      1. Cheers Blue Wisp! I thought it was like that but I just didn’t want to write it that way in case I looked like an idiot. Then again, if I do get this writer job, then chances are I’ll be looking like an idiot anyway so I suppose It wouldn’t have mattered either way. 😀

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