of note
a) now, granted, i always knew a lot of (hip! new!) bands were rip-offs of joy division. but now that i've finally got around to listening to them (joy division, that is), i'm amazed at how blatantly these bands rip off joy division. the killers basically are joy division, with a slightly more melodic singer and slightly less complicated melodies/lyrics/music in general. it's really kind of sad.
b) popmatters is calling for columnists. after spending three paragraphs flattering potential applicants (and their own magazine) as "intelligent and entertaining" (what, with their "international sensibility" and all)--and just before a paragraph informing us that their columnists are "called upon for their opinion by notable members of the media such as the BBC, NPR, MSNBC, Radio Australia, and VH1"--they finally tell us how to "get started" applying for this "opportunity":
[S]end links or pdfs to three magazine-style writing samples, preferably published work. Write a 2-3 paragraph column proposal providing a clearly-defined concept for your column that will guide you through limitless topics. That proposal should include 5 future topics you are eager to write about, should you work as a PopMatters columnist. Indicate why the regular deadline of a column appeals to you over the option of submitting an occasional feature piece for PopMatters' consideration, as well as the publishing frequency offered that appeals to you. Write your first column that, if accepted, will be your debut issue. Provide a few column titles that you think succinctly capture your column concept. Also, provide your bio and any personal information about yourself that you would like to share. Proposals not providing complete information, as outlined, will not be considered.
did you catch all that? okay; now, read the fine print:
Note: we are unable to pay you monetarily for your work at this time. But you would not go uncompensated in some form; your 'pay', as it were, is the privilege of publishing with this reputable magazine, wherein you are rewarded with this platform to broaden your readership, currently over 1.2 million unique readers per month, and counting.
i will not comment further upon this, except to note that the phrase "reputable magazine" seems ever so slightly out of place.
if they're hiring proofreaders--which they should, since they have a(n obvious) typo right there on the "call for columnists" page--i'm totally there. they won't even have to pay me--well, not "monetarily" anway...
b) popmatters is calling for columnists. after spending three paragraphs flattering potential applicants (and their own magazine) as "intelligent and entertaining" (what, with their "international sensibility" and all)--and just before a paragraph informing us that their columnists are "called upon for their opinion by notable members of the media such as the BBC, NPR, MSNBC, Radio Australia, and VH1"--they finally tell us how to "get started" applying for this "opportunity":
[S]end links or pdfs to three magazine-style writing samples, preferably published work. Write a 2-3 paragraph column proposal providing a clearly-defined concept for your column that will guide you through limitless topics. That proposal should include 5 future topics you are eager to write about, should you work as a PopMatters columnist. Indicate why the regular deadline of a column appeals to you over the option of submitting an occasional feature piece for PopMatters' consideration, as well as the publishing frequency offered that appeals to you. Write your first column that, if accepted, will be your debut issue. Provide a few column titles that you think succinctly capture your column concept. Also, provide your bio and any personal information about yourself that you would like to share. Proposals not providing complete information, as outlined, will not be considered.
did you catch all that? okay; now, read the fine print:
Note: we are unable to pay you monetarily for your work at this time. But you would not go uncompensated in some form; your 'pay', as it were, is the privilege of publishing with this reputable magazine, wherein you are rewarded with this platform to broaden your readership, currently over 1.2 million unique readers per month, and counting.
i will not comment further upon this, except to note that the phrase "reputable magazine" seems ever so slightly out of place.
if they're hiring proofreaders--which they should, since they have a(n obvious) typo right there on the "call for columnists" page--i'm totally there. they won't even have to pay me--well, not "monetarily" anway...