Living Dead

I'm curious. I remember last year some time DVDTalk had an open call for reviewers, and I kicked myself for seeing the post too late. I sent an email to the webmaster a few days ago asking about any current or upcoming need for reviewers, but I'm guessing the email is not going to be answered because I haven't heard anything.

So my question is is this: How does one become an online DVD or film reviewer? Not necessarily on this site, but anywhere. I am a published writer (only short stories at this point) interested in keeping in practice by writing about things that I enjoy... mainly movies. I used to do it for my college newspaper, but that was years ago. I don't want it to be a living, like Roger Ebert or something, just a hobby to enjoy in my downtime.

Any advice?

joltaddict

It involves ten minutes alone in a room with Bandoman.

Still interested?

Living Dead

As long as he promises to shave "down there."

big whoppa

I just want to know how much they are paid, if at all.

joltaddict

After ten minutes in a room with Bando getting paid is the least of your concerns.

big whoppa

What should I expect from being in a room alone with Bandoman?

CKMorpheus

I used to work at the now defunct DVD Shrine.com, and I applied with a sample review and they hired me on the spot. They weren't as affluent as DVD Talk, but they paid me in product compensation. I got to keep the DVDs the sent me. Unfortunately I didn't stick around long, I just didn't have the time to keep up with the DVDs as well as classes.

joltaddict

Walking normal after would probably be concern #1.

big whoppa

Paging LiquidSky...


Yeah, free DVDs are nice but I'd expect some compensation.

Living Dead

I don't even need the money. But it would be cool to keep the products. I seriously just love to write and I love movies. So writing about movies in my spare time is a no-brainer.

I've been applying to some places on Cragslist, but they all seem to want me to have expereince at other websites, which I don't.

big whoppa

Living Dead, if you like watching pron, Geoff might hire you.

Living Dead

Pizza Man: "Excuse me ma'am, did you order something hot and fast?"
Horny Housewife: "Sure! Cum on in!"

BONK-chicka-BONK-chicka-BONK


I've never really enjoyed porn.

joltaddict

Youre fired.

Adam Tyner

I responded to one of DVD Talk's first open calls almost...yikes!...nine years ago.

In general, I think the best thing to do is:

1) Write, write, write, even if it's just to your own blog.
2) Once you build up a decent number of samples, pass a link along to some of the editors of a few different sites. Be sure to highlight the reviews you feel the most proud of, but just speaking for myself, I'd like to see that a writer can keep up some sort of volume even if I don't read every last review myself.

bishop2knight

I'm not even sure what this means.

mbs

Porn is to be used, not enjoyed.*

* At least for me. It's not like it's so enjoyable that I keep watching once I've gotten there.

Kurt D

I drove a couple railroad spikes into my ears ...

Then watched some porn.

MrE

Sounds like Bandoman brought a friend.

Dragon Fly

Nope. No money, just DVDs that you get to keep after you review them.

Adam Tyner

There are some review sites that do pay writers -- admittedly, not much, and they're definitely the exception -- but they are out there.

Living Dead

I'm probably the only guy on earth that doesn't get off watching porn. If I'm not getting any, my idea of fun is not watching other people have sex. I'm not a prude or anything, I just don't really feel anything when I watch it (except sometimes I find it funny) and don't need it to get off. If I want to get laid I just put forth a little effort and eventually go do it.

Or I call Bandoman.

Living Dead

THis is the kind of info I'm looking for. Thanks.

Touchofevil58

I have applied three times (twice as a reviewer of porn) for DVD talk and they never got back to me.

Yakuza Bengoshi

If you didn't submit a sample review, that could be why. On the other hand, if you did submit a sample review, that could be why too.

Kurt D

OK, for reals; write a lot, read a lot, get the hang of what you think makes a good review, and then just be persistent.

I ended up sending a few emails and copping a snarky attitude with G! in order to get signed up here at DVDTalk, but be careful what you wish for ...