None of them stand out. I get more joy out of reading the comments of posters on here, than I do them.
At least on here you can tell someone they're a biased, arrogant, illiterate *****. In the "pro" game it just stands. My list of a ****wit "journalists" grows faster than my list of ****wit posters (who are also really good at getting themselves banned).
I'll tell you what's really ****, going to some horrendous local GAA match to report on where you'll only be paid 10 cent per word, only to then be told after submitting said report that they wouldn't be printing it(not due to quality, potential employers:hey), thus leaving me without the 50 I thought I had bullshitted my way to, and having the read only the score the next day - which was incorrect.
Boxing News is a dreadful employer. I know a few freelancers who got fleeced by them for expenses. Boxing Monthly is decent. Relatively low paid, but respected and well-treated. The Ring pays terribly, but the access and prestige makes it worth it. Having that on your CV near guarantees future work, unless you were part of the crew GBP fired last year. ESPN pay well. I've done some subbing for them in the past. Sports journalism is poorly paid. There are very few Bunces who make a good living out of it.
Paid for when I was doing a bit for Boxing News mag. I get paid a bit for a site i write for and the Boxing Monthly feature on Lee will be paid for as will my Thomas Oosthuizen piece in next month's issue. But getting paid in this game is a tough, tough ask. It's taken me 4-5 years to get to where I am now.
It's a nasty industry and there's not a huge amount of money in it except at the very top end. But patience and hard work does pay off eventually. You, however, are one of the few that takes it seriously rather than as a place to air your biases and agenda.
Yeah I had a little dabble a few months back and asking for money was like hitting a wall. Everyone wants you to contribute to their sites, but dont want to pay for the privilege. It's hard for me as I'm helping out in my grandad's window business, but i'm in a factory most days, so i cant even write essays on the sligh. I was literally getting home from work, eating and showering, then i'd pick up the phone, do an interview and write the piece. by about midnight im shattered. up again at half 6 for work and i start the day over. You have worked hard over the last few years. Glad it is paying off mate :good
The day I have an agenda is the day I will physically shoot myself. Besides I'll always be count on you and others mate to bring me back down to earth should I ever reach those unfortunate heights.
To be honest not being in full-time work is allowing me to do it. But when I was working I was combining early nights, sleepless nights (2 young kids), late finishes and writing at ridiculous hours. When Mr Cameron puts jobs in my area and i get one I'll be back in that boat. Just taking things a bit at a time.
Andy Dunn once did a piece on Calzaghe for the News of the World. I seem recall he later apologised for some inaccuracies.
Shaun has worked hard and deserves all the breaks in the world. It's a hard industry to get ahead in. Personally, I started contributing to websites and felt that was a way in the back door. However, a few years back I thought 'sod the back door, I'll go through the front' and went to uni to do a sports journalism degree. I graduated last year and am now a full-time journalist, but boxing only accounts for around 30 per cent of my income. I write about finance and property most of my day. When I was doing things for nothing I looked at it two ways 1) I was getting paid in experience 2) I was gaining contacts for the future. Me and Shaun are in similar boats. We've both served our dues and are beginning to get something back for it. I wouldn't claim to be the best writer in the world (and you're right there are some on here which do and have little experience) but I look at the guys which have made it and I don't think their quality of writing is leagues ahead of mine. In regards to websites wanting you to contribute for nothing, that's because they don't generate the revenue for many staff. Most will start paying if/when you can get into some kind of lower editorial position. They're a start and can lead on to bigger things. My work for SecondsOut eventually led me to becoming assistant editor and then that led to me working on the side for Hatton Promotions. Boxing News also throw me the odd bone as well.
good insigit,i used to write my own blog on scottish boxing but couldent give it as much time as i would like to ,but im involved in other ways and i have seen my work in print ,but the pay is nothing to write home about,the pleasure of seeign my work in print is enough. Wakey what property/finance sites do you work for? And if you dont mind me asking,did you get paid for the editing role on Seconds out?