Want to Write for Cultural Zest?

[The Highway]

We're currently holding an open application for anyone interested.
By anyone interested, we really do mean ANYONE interested. But I'll explain that later.

Most of you may have noticed around these forums that my signature is plastered everywhere advertising Cultural Zest. Some of you may have even visited it, even after the constant annoyance it brings to my posts. And some of you may have even thought, "That would be the most awesome thing to do, to write for an online magazine..."

I can tell you that, if you don't count stuff like extreme sports or overseas travel, then yes, writing for an online magazine is pretty awesome!

We began in May (I think), and already we have 3 members on our writing staff. But we want more. And here's where the ANYONE interested comes into play.

At Cultural Zest, we have an idea, an idea that, since 1 hour ago, is called Multi-Cultural Zest, and basically what that means is that, at Cultural Zest, we want to be the world's first online magazine/review/interview site that has staff from every part of the world. That means that it doesn't matter if you're from Chile, France, Uganda, Luxembourg, the USA, Australia, Canada, Antarctica, whatever! Just as long as you can type in coherent English and have an internet connection!

So, anyway, enough of this mumbo-jumbo, on to the submissions part!

If you want to have a shot, this is what you need to do;

Conduct an interview with someone notable, review a game that's come out recently, or put together a story about something happening in the cultural scene wherever you are.
PROOFREAD IT FIRST!
Send it to me at culturalzest@gmail.com
Sit back and wait for the announcement

Me, Haggis and OzzieMonkey will go through all of your submissions and whoever we think has the most potential will most likely get a writing position at Cultural Zest.

PLEASE DO NOT THINK THAT IF YOU DO NOT GET PICKED IT MEANS YOU SUCK

If you aren't picked, it's probably just because, well, with only one spot going in this "audition", it will be difficult to be assured a place even if you have a super awesome article.

That is, of course, unless the absolute worst possibility happens and only one or two people try. But I like to be optimistic.

The two closest runners up, as well as of course the one who is picked, will have their articles posted on the site.

Happy Writing!

DEADLINE
Have your review sent to the previously mentioned address by no later then 11:59pm on the 30th of August in whatever timezone you are in.
Don't worry. We won't start looking until the 1st of September (nice round date), but we want to make sure that;
a)You can work with a deadline (although that won't be necessary much - just for games reviews)
b)You get your reviews to us on time for us to read them

Keep in mind that if I find anything in my inbox on the 2nd of September, no matter how great it is, you've missed your chance. Sorry.

By the way, for any smart asses, that's September 1st 2010.

We will try to announce the "winner" and "runners up" by September 7th - 10th, so the winner can celebrate on September 11th and feel like a dick...

Oh, and only one article per person will be judged.

[caeska]

One question though: We do get paid for this right?

[BoneFreak]

Dang, I used the contact email asking about this and no reply! Oh well, I guess I'll send in the review, then! :D

P.S Will we have to include pictures or just picture links?

P.S.S I'll probably be seeing Scott Pilgrim as well, so I'll probably have some ready material :)

[Icedhope]

Dang, if I didn't have so much stuff going on I'd apply.

[corruptbiggins]

Just as long as you can type in coherent English...

Damn, that's out me!

[caeska]

Let's just hope seibert doesn't apply, then none of us will have a chance of getting the position.

[The Highway]

One question though: We do get paid for this right?

Not yet, we're all doing this for free at the moment (Haggis is even LOSING money over it, so yeah), but once we start getting a s&%#load of web traffic as our coverage broadens, we will probably start to be getting paid (maybe in a year or a bit). But right now it's a labor of love, plus, it's fun! (You DO get to play games before the release date... for free...)

Dang, I used the contact email asking about this and no reply! Oh well, I guess I'll send in the review, then! :D

P.S Will we have to include pictures or just picture links?

P.S.S I'll probably be seeing Scott Pilgrim as well, so I'll probably have some ready material :)
What contact email? The jack@culturalzest.com one? Because I see no email, and I'm confident in the fact that that email is true.
You will have to include pictures, it makes the job of evaluating the articles much easier.
I look forward to reading your review on Scott Pilgrim then!

Let's just hope seibert doesn't apply, then none of us will have a chance of getting the position.
I had to resist putting that joke in the OP!

Dang, if I didn't have so much stuff going on I'd apply.
By "other stuff", do you perhaps mean your own website (http://gamesgoldglory.com/)?
----------------------------------------------------------------------
Well, at least the amount of people interested in such a short time has stopped me feeling like this would be a failed attempt! Oh, wait, I should probably set a deadline... Uhhhh... Look in the OP!

[BoneFreak]

What contact email? The jack@culturalzest.com one? Because I see no email, and I'm confident in the fact that that email is true.
You will have to include pictures, it makes the job of evaluating the articles much easier.
I look forward to reading your review on Scott Pilgrim then!


I went to the contact section on the site @_@

But anyway, I'm sending in my review of Lego Universe (with pictures) and also I'll have a link to my review of The Penal Zone I made for Adventure Click (which I have no official affiliation with) as well.

[The Highway]

I wonder if we (Cultural Zest) should allow more than one review/interview/general article per applicant?
I'll talk it over with the guys tomorrow.
By the way, it would be great if you indicated your country, name and age in your email, thanks!

[BoneFreak]

I wonder if we (Cultural Zest) should allow more than one review/interview/general article per applicant?
I'll talk it over with the guys tomorrow.
By the way, it would be great if you indicated your country, name and age in your email, thanks!

Sent by personal stuff in a seperate email because you keep changing everything :mad:

Also, can it be a little eariler of a deadline? Scott Pilgrim will become dust by the time the winners are announced :rolleyes:

[The Highway]

Sent by personal stuff in a seperate email because you keep changing everything :mad:

haha, sorry bout that, i really didn't expect a submission to come so soon, so yeah

actually, i'm sorry to do this to you, but i actually think it might be better if it all got sent to a different email address im editing in now, as it then reaches all 3 of us instead of just me

[BoneFreak]

actually, i'm sorry to do this to you, but i actually think it might be better if it all got sent to a different email address im editing in now, as it then reaches all 3 of us instead of just me

http://knowyourmeme.com/i/000/064/189/original/1234931504682.jpg?1281130184

Oh well, I'll copy paste my emails into one bigger email to the new address.

[The Highway]

http://knowyourmeme.com/i/000/064/189/original/1234931504682.jpg?1281130184

Oh well, I'll copy paste my emails into one bigger email to the new address.

heh, yeah, sorry

[BoneFreak]

heh, yeah, sorry

then what's the email goshdarnit

[The Highway]

then what's the email goshdarnit

that is the email. i was apologizing for changing it

[BoneFreak]

that is the email. i was apologizing for changing it

What? I'm asking if it's jack@culturalzest.com or culturalzest@gmail.com

[The Highway]

What? I'm asking if it's jack@culturalzest.com or culturalzest@gmail.com

both, preferably the second one though

[BoneFreak]

both, preferably the second one though

Alright, I'll just keep it sent to your address then.

[The Highway]

Alright, I'll just keep it sent to your address then.

trouble is, i haven't received it, but if i dont see it by this time tomorrow im going to tell you, and then you might have to send it to the second one after all

[Haggis]

Dang, I used the contact email asking about this and no reply!
When did you send the e-mail? It can take some time before mail sent with the contact form actually arrives.

[RingmasterJ5]

I'll try to write a review of Monday Night Combat once it's out.

[BoneFreak]

When did you send the e-mail? It can take some time before mail sent with the contact form actually arrives.

I believe I sent it sometime last week (aka first week of August). I don't know for sure because I used the website form after all.

[BoneFreak]

I guess I'll bump this for no real reason, but more people should be getting interested in this.

[The Highway]

I'd just like to say that, BoneFreak, first of all, I still haven't received your review so maybe try the second email address, or check your sent mail box. It might not have sent.

Secondly, Fealiks, I just read your review and I am... puzzled. Is it supposed to be this funny?

[Haggis]

I believe I sent it sometime last week (aka first week of August). I don't know for sure because I used the website form after all.
That's odd, I didn't get anything... I think I might just remove the contact form and just publish the e-mail addresses there instead. Spam isn't really an issue these days anyway, with spam filters and what not.

Also, Fealiks, you have a lot of potential as a food critic. You should develop that talent by starting your own food magazine!

[ShaggE]

I'm tempted, as I've written for Just Press Play and GamersInfo, and it was a blast. On the other hand, my free time is and will be shaky at best for awhile, and I want to give creative writing another go for now.

So I'll sit this one out, and good luck to the entrants. :)

[BoneFreak]

I'd just like to say that, BoneFreak, first of all, I still haven't received your review so maybe try the second email address, or check your sent mail box. It might not have sent.

Secondly, Fealiks, I just read your review and I am... puzzled. Is it supposed to be this funny?

Ok, I'll get it sent to the other address. Maybe it's because I live in the U.S? Oh well, I'll send it anyway (with personal information and the review combined this time).


EDIT: Sent it, and I don't think you got the review because I saw that it was apparently still in my outbox @_@

[The Highway]

Ok, I'll get it sent to the other address. Maybe it's because I live in the U.S? Oh well, I'll send it anyway (with personal information and the review combined this time).


EDIT: Sent it, and I don't think you got the review because I saw that it was apparently still in my outbox @_@

Just found out that there's DEFINITELY something wrong with the @culturalzest address, so yeah, and also, i got your review now.

[BoneFreak]

Just found out that there's DEFINITELY something wrong with the @culturalzest address, so yeah, and also, i got your review now.


SUCCESS!
We have secured the enemy intelligence!

[The Highway]

Enemy? I demand you buy a mug to make up for that insolence!

[BoneFreak]

Enemy? I demand you buy a mug to make up for that insolence!

Shameless Plug.

And I THINK that by enemy I meant, like, the other guys entering the contest?(?)

[The Highway]

Oh, right. I order you to buy something to make up for this misunderstanding!
(Hey, it's not for me. It's for poor Haggis. Think of the Sheep's Stomach! Oh God, why won't anyone think of the Sheep's Stomach?!)

[BoneFreak]

Oh, right. I order you to buy something to make up for this misunderstanding!
(Hey, it's not for me. It's for poor Haggis. Think of the Sheep's Stomach! Oh God, why won't anyone think of the Sheep's Stomach?!)

The mousepad is of interest.. but there's really only one "design" that doesn't even show the words "Cultural Zest". The mousepad is fine without it though.

...and are these the lowest prices possible? I'm just wondering.

...and in no way should this ranting go against me in the vote of who will be the next writer.

[The Highway]

The mousepad is of interest.. but there's really only one "design" that doesn't even show the words "Cultural Zest". The mousepad is fine without it though.

...and are these the lowest prices possible? I'm just wondering.

...and in no way should this ranting go against me in the vote of who will be the next writer.

Well, at these prices we get $2, so its the best we can do without earning basically nothing. It's not too bad, so long as you don't want tons.

[roberttitus]

I iz dam good righter. Can I have Jaerb?

[BoneFreak]

I iz dam good righter. Can I have Jaerb?

Are you Coach Z?

[Fealiks]

Also, Fealiks, you have a lot of potential as a food critic. You should develop that talent by starting your own food magazine!

Thanks, I've already written for TIME Magazine a total of 38 times. Each time I reviewed a Snickers in a different accent. None of them have been published yet for some reason but it usually takes a while so I'm not worried.

[roberttitus]

Are you Coach Z?

Glad someone caught the subtle reference :)

[Rather Dashing]

Subtle like a shotgun to the face.

[The Highway]

I hope some people are going to see Scott Pilgrim!! Then you can review it (wink wink, nudge nudge)

[anonima]

it depends about what games to review

[coolsome]

I could review WWE Summerslam or TNA Hardcore Justice if I see them

[Remolay]

Want to? Yes. But I am unable as I am under 18 and I don't think my parents would let me. Although I am tempted to write an article on the Art on the Rocks and Outback art faires or the Peoples faire Metaphysical gathering anyway. Any objections to this?

[anonima]

i am not sure

[RingmasterJ5]

Want to? Yes. But I am unable as I am under 18 and I don't think my parents would let me. Although I am tempted to write an article on the Art on the Rocks and Outback art faires or the Peoples faire Metaphysical gathering anyway. Any objections to this?

I'm 13 and I'm going to send a Monday Night Combat review in.

[anonima]

i may do it and i am younger than that
p.s. i am 11

[RingmasterJ5]

i may do it and i am younger than that
p.s i am 11

That explains SO much.

[anonima]

that is why i don't have seasons 1 and 2

[Comrade Pants]

i may do it and i am younger than that
p.s. i am 11

You suddenly made me, Telltale's resident troll, grow a conscience. Either I should feel awful or I have been artfully counter-trolled. In either case, well played selfpity999!

[Giant Tope]

Is it alright if I just write a single article just as a guest type article?

[Remolay]

That was pretty much my question. It would be nice to just do one thing

[OzzieMonkey]

Want to? Yes. But I am unable as I am under 18 and I don't think my parents would let me. Although I am tempted to write an article on the Art on the Rocks and Outback art faires or the Peoples faire Metaphysical gathering anyway. Any objections to this?

Age doesn't matter. I'm under 18 too, but I'm writing for the site, so that's fine. Those articles sound sweet, btw.

[Secret Fawful]

I'm going to do a movie review, but I have a question. Are comic book/graphic novel reviews feasible at all as a submission? And is there any hold on the length of the review or how much personal opinion versus objectivity can be allowed in the review? And what about cursing or vulgar terms like "sucked the big one" or "stank like a monkey's hairy ass"? I'm serious by the way. If I want to rant and rave or if I hate something, I pull no punches.

[The Highway]

it depends about what games to review
Anything you want!
Want to? Yes. But I am unable as I am under 18 and I don't think my parents would let me. Although I am tempted to write an article on the Art on the Rocks and Outback art faires or the Peoples faire Metaphysical gathering anyway. Any objections to this?
Age doesn't matter at all. I myself am 16.
i may do it and i am younger than that
p.s. i am 11
Hey, cool, any submissions are welcome!
Is it alright if I just write a single article just as a guest type article?
Sure, why not? We've already had a guest article from tabstis, so I see no reason why not!
I'm going to do a movie review, but I have a question. Are comic book/graphic novel reviews feasible at all as a submission? And is there any hold on the length of the review or how much personal opinion versus objectivity can be allowed in the review? And what about cursing or vulgar terms like "sucked the big one" or "stank like a monkey's hairy ass"? I'm serious by the way. If I want to rant and rave or if I hate something, I pull no punches.
Any review is feasible, anywhere from 300 words or more is a good size for a review, about a 50:50 split on personal opinion versus objectivity, vulgarity is fine so long as you don't go above the cuss level of "crap". That means ass, sucked, stank, etc.

[BoneFreak]

Hey, cool, any submissions are welcome!

Yay, I thought my 13 year old age would give me a lower chance! ;)

...but then again, you are talking to silentboat938... *shudder*

Unless it's got proper grammar and spelling and is an acceptable review, of course.

[anonima]

You suddenly made me, Telltale's resident troll, grow a conscience. Either I should feel awful or I have been artfully counter-trolled. In either case, well played selfpity999!

i was not liying

[anonima]

i can review sam and max ep.5

[BoneFreak]

i can review sam and max ep.5

It would kind of be hard to put that review on the site.. they'll all get a review copy and post a review of it before the game's out.

[roberttitus]

I could review WWE Summerslam or TNA Hardcore Justice if I see them

HardCORE Justice was kinda meh... it wasn't a bad PPV, but it certainly wasn't good either. Raven vs. Dreamer was the best match on the card if you ask me. It was the perfect end to there feud... if Tommy would have won, it would have just completely destroyed everything the feud established. RVD & Sabu was also really good, but it just didn't have the same iMPACT (see what I did there).

Sadly the rest of the PPV (minus the Gangstas spot & Joel Gertners promo) could have & should have been aired on free tv. Don't get me wrong... none of the other matches were really bad (well minus 3D vs. Balls & Axl... the split screen & Axl botching every three seconds killed it) but they just weren't PPV quality.

[Remolay]

Yeah, I'm gonna write an article on all 3 of mine + Da yoopers tourist trap. I likely won't make the deadline as my main keyboard is my iPod. I may be able to do it on mi mothers computer while she is at work. My thought is stuff in the U.P.

Not as contest though, I still feel I couldn't for at least a year

[anonima]

there has to be something to review

[BoneFreak]

there has to be something to review

There are a ton of movies coming out right now, it's summer blockbuster time after all.

Reviews could be: Vampires Suck; Eat Pray Love; The Expendables.. anything's ok.

AS LONG AS IT'S NOT SCOTT PILGRIM.

[Icedhope]

there has to be something to review


Why not try something classic make it a retro review, something that has made a dent in culture?

[The Highway]

i can review sam and max ep.5

Not that.

[Ribs]

Not that.

I mean, it's not like we're already playing the episode or anything.

[splash1]

So do I, yes me, have to review a game that is out or is coming out. And by interview, do you mean someone important or someone who just walked off the street?

[OzzieMonkey]

So do I, yes me, have to review a game that is out or is coming out. And by interview, do you mean someone important or someone who just walked off the street?

Someone important would be nice:)
Of course, if you can find someone off the street who is also important, go ahead:D

[Comrade Pants]

there has to be something to review

Review the original Max Payne duology. There was no movie.

[The Highway]

I mean, it's not like we're already playing the episode or anything.

Yeeaaahhhh...

[BoneFreak]

yeeaaahhhh...

yeaaah.... (?)

[Icedhope]

yeaaah.... (?)

Yep.

[Fealiks]

Yeah.

[splash1]

Someone important would be nice:)
Of course, if you can find someone off the street who is also important, go ahead:D

When I said someone off the street, I meant just some forum member I can randomly PM or something. If that's allowed and if it'll work.

[The Highway]

yeaaah.... (?)

Just think about what I was replying to.

[Rather Dashing]

review a game that's come out recently
How recently is "recently", by the way?

[anonima]

Why not try something classic make it a retro review, something that has made a dent in culture?

define classic

[BoneFreak]

How recently is "recently", by the way?

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3653/3390182310_f86c82cb95.jpg

[Fealiks]

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3653/3390182310_f86c82cb95.jpg

validquestionpalm.jpg?

[BoneFreak]

validquestionpalm.jpg?

Fine, then Dashing should read a book. (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/recently)

[Javi-Wan Kenobi]

I find it's a valid question too. A game six months old might be considered recent by someone and old by someone else...

[anonima]

you havent ansered my qustion

[Fealiks]

Well if he were to read a book, he'd find that the word "recently" is an adverb of time and that, as with most adverbs, the context in which the word is used usually denotes the intensity, or in this case recency, of the word's semantic value, meaning that his question was perfectly valid. My client and I rest our case.

[JedExodus]

overusedfacepalm.jpg

You're trying too hard

[anonima]

please tell me what that guy meant by retro

[coolsome]

please tell me what that guy meant by retro

old stuff like star wars the snes Mario donkey Kong mortal kombat yoshi's island ahh nostalgia

[Avistew]

I too am curious whether "rencently" is supposed to mean "within the past few weeks" or "within the past few months" or "within the past few years".

[BoneFreak]

I too am curious whether "rencently" is supposed to mean "within the past few weeks" or "within the past few months" or "within the past few years".

AGH.

I know I don't work at cultural zest (yet ;)) but here's how I see it:

Movies: If they're not in theaters, don't bother.
Games: Should be in the "New Releases section". i.e, first 2-3 pages in the steam store, or in the local game store under "New Releases".

It should be a review of something released the same month, really.

I'm surprised people don't know what "recent" means. You don't see reviews for games on IGN for games that were released last year. That's ridiculous. You make a review shortly after said reviewed object is released so that people will know to get or not, not after everyone has already bought it.

[Avistew]

Well, you could also review a game that you think was excellent but didn't get enough coverage, so that people can discover it and decide to give it a try. In that case, you might limit it to recent games (like, the past few years, not the 80s) but they don't have to have just come out yesterday.

In general, it's best to explain what you mean when you say something like "recent", since as this thread shows, different people will interpret it differently :p

[Secret Fawful]

He said "any review is feasible".

[Fealiks]

AGH.

I know I don't work at cultural zest (yet ;)) but here's how I see it:

Movies: If they're not in theaters, don't bother.
Games: Should be in the "New Releases section". i.e, first 2-3 pages in the steam store, or in the local game store under "New Releases".

It should be a review of something released the same month, really.

I'm surprised people don't know what "recent" means. You don't see reviews for games on IGN for games that were released last year. That's ridiculous. You make a review shortly after said reviewed object is released so that people will know to get or not, not after everyone has already bought it.

This is an audition and not an actual journalism gig. It's unlikely that the guys at cultural zest are going to turn down a sample review because it's not giving the readership (the three people currently working at cultural zest) a representative enough view of the game so that they know whether or not to buy it. That's not the purpose of these articles.

[Icedhope]

please tell me what that guy meant by retro

Woot! After years of trying I have finaly made it to That guy status!

Yeah, what Sailor meant, something retro as in 10-20 years ago.

[The Highway]

How recently is "recently", by the way?
This year, or...
This is an audition and not an actual journalism gig. It's unlikely that the guys at cultural zest are going to turn down a sample review because it's not giving the readership (the three people currently working at cultural zest) a representative enough view of the game so that they know whether or not to buy it. That's not the purpose of these articles.
Precisely.

[Icedhope]

If you guys want a sample of how to write a review to make it easier for you all. Here is the style a prefer.

Intro
Information
Story Synopsis
Plot
Graphics(Unless it's a movie then just add visuals.)
Sound.( Unless it's a movie then talk about the music.)
Gameplay(Unless it's a movie then talk about the genre or style of the movie.)

Then the final conclusion.

Sorry, Highway, just trying to be helpful.

[The Highway]

If you guys want a sample of how to write a review to make it easier for you all. Here is the style a prefer.

Intro
Information
Story Synopsis
Plot
Graphics(Unless it's a movie then just add visuals.)
Sound.( Unless it's a movie then talk about the music.)
Gameplay(Unless it's a movie then talk about the genre or style of the movie.)

Then the final conclusion.

Sorry, Highway, just trying to be helpful.

Nah, it's cool

[Hayden]

Do you think you'd ever branch out into music reviews? Or would you rather stick with film and gaming?

[The Highway]

Do you think you'd ever branch out into music reviews? Or would you rather stick with film and gaming?

I have already decided that when the Season 3 soundtrack comes out that I'm going to review it. So, yeah, we'll eventually review music. We'll eventually review everything.

"See that guy, walking down the street?"
"Yeah...?"
"His walk is weird. I give it a 3/10"

[Hayden]

I have already decided that when the Season 3 soundtrack comes out that I'm going to review it. So, yeah, we'll eventually review music. We'll eventually review everything.

Cool. So I would be able to submit a music review if I wanted to? I probably won't end up submitting anything, but I'd just like to know just in case. Simple 'yes' or 'no' answer will do :).

"See that guy, walking down the street?"
"Yeah...?"
"His walk is weird. I give it a 3/10"

Hehe! That's what Twitter is for.

[The Highway]

Cool. So I would be able to submit a music review if I wanted to? I probably won't end up submitting anything, but I'd just like to know just in case. Simple 'yes' or 'no' answer will do :).


Yes.

[BoneFreak]

"See that guy, walking down the street?"
"Yeah...?"
"His walk is weird. I give it a 3/10"


I thought it was silly! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqhlQfXUk7w)

[coolsome]

I could rate this guys walk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0s9OC6rzAA

[JedExodus]

I could rate this guys walk

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e0s9OC6rzAA

I could review his fantastic theme. Also i'm convinced that G-Man's voice is based on Torgo

[coolsome]

I could review his fantastic theme. Also i'm convinced that G-Man's voice is based on Torgo

I downlaoded his theme to play when Im getting stuff out the car

[Icedhope]

Yeah, well...I found a whip in my garage, and I had "The Raiders March on a set list, and Vampire Killer." I felt it was pretty epic, and cracking the whip..I felt awesome.

[BoneFreak]

Wow, over 100 posts..

[The Highway]

Wow, over 100 posts..

That means people respect Cultural Zest!

[splash1]

Actually I think it means that people want to play Back to the Future, free and before it's even released.

[The Highway]

Actually I think it means that people want to play Back to the Future, free and before it's even released.

Don't be silly; we just make up what happens in the games!

[Haggis]

Oops, I should really go on these forums more...

Okay, regarding 'recently': to be honest, I wouldn't say recency is that important. When it comes to films, for instance, I'd prefer reviews of films that are currently in cinemas, but if you feel you can write a great review about a classic film, that's fine too. The same goes for games, and books (yes, book reviews would be nice as well, and that's something that's definitely not limited to recent books).

We have 'cultural' in our name, and that's not just about popular culture; articles about high culture are also more than welcome. If you feel you can contribute something on classic literature, symbolism in art, classical music, you name it... I'd be very interested in that.

Oh, and also, I know I probably shouldn't take the bait, but...

This is an audition and not an actual journalism gig. It's unlikely that the guys at cultural zest are going to turn down a sample review because it's not giving the readership (the three people currently working at cultural zest) a representative enough view of the game so that they know whether or not to buy it. That's not the purpose of these articles.
What the heck is that supposed to mean, man?

[Avistew]

I think Fealiks means the articles sent as an audition aren't meant to be published (although I don't see why they wouldn't be if they're good) so they don't have to follow the specific guidelines of more "official" articles (the ones written once you're hired).

If you're accepting book reviews, I think I just might review some originally French books that have been translated into English. I'll add a part about how good the translation itself is and stuff.
I don't feel like being a regular contributor but if you're interested I'll send you some stuff to run as guest articles (if you think they're any good).

[The Highway]

I think Fealiks means the articles sent as an audition aren't meant to be published (although I don't see why they wouldn't be if they're good) so they don't have to follow the specific guidelines of more "official" articles (the ones written once you're hired).

If you're accepting book reviews, I think I just might review some originally French books that have been translated into English. I'll add a part about how good the translation itself is and stuff.
I don't feel like being a regular contributor but if you're interested I'll send you some stuff to run as guest articles (if you think they're any good).

Sounds cool

[Haggis]

I think Fealiks means the articles sent as an audition aren't meant to be published (although I don't see why they wouldn't be if they're good) so they don't have to follow the specific guidelines of more "official" articles (the ones written once you're hired).
Yes, well, still... I'm not sure I like the remark about our readership consisting of just 3 people... we have 4 readers at the very least! ;)

Also, I guess this is a good moment to explain why I started Cultural Zest. I don't know if it will ever grow into a big magazine (although that would be nice), but that's not the main reason why I started it. I mainly want to offer a platform to people who like to write about culture. They can test the waters a bit, see if they really like journalism (yes, even amateur journalism is journalism), get a chance to build a readership, develop their writing style... okay, so I'm not in a position to offer monetary compensation right now, but I really hope that those things I just mentioned are worth something. If not, feel free to apply to another publication that suits your needs better.

If you're accepting book reviews, I think I just might review some originally French books that have been translated into English. I'll add a part about how good the translation itself is and stuff.
That sounds good. I'm currently reading a book with stories by Turgenev, translated into Dutch, featuring the excellent Torrents of Spring, and I'm working my way through Don Quixote in audiobook form (in English). Unfortunately my knowledge of Russian and Spanish is rather limited, so I can't comment on the source languages, but I do think reviews about such classic works could have a place on the site. So in short, feel free to send in book reviews! :D

I don't feel like being a regular contributor but if you're interested I'll send you some stuff to run as guest articles (if you think they're any good).
That's okay, I'll be glad to publish anything that's good. :)

[Icedhope]

Hey, hey I read cultural zest all the time...I better be the fourth. OH LOOK A SHAMELESS PLUG! www.Gamesgoldglory.com Wich was featured in www.culturalzest.com

[The Highway]

Hey, hey I read cultural zest all the time...I better be the fourth. OH LOOK A SHAMELESS PLUG! www.Gamesgoldglory.com Wich was featured in www.culturalzest.com

You owe us a pittance! Interview us!

[Avistew]

Yes, well, still... I'm not sure I like the remark about our readership consisting of just 3 people... we have 4 readers at the very least! ;)

I'm pretty sure the point was that since it's sent to you and possibly not going to get published, the only people reading it would be you, the current staff, who if I'm not mistaken are 3 people :p

I wasn't thinking about classics specifically, although the books I had in mind are oldish (like, up to the 90s or so) rather than super recent (but if I hear of super recent stuff that has been translated I'll definitely give it a try).

[Haggis]

I'm pretty sure the point was that since it's sent to you and possibly not going to get published, the only people reading it would be you, the current staff, who if I'm not mistaken are 3 people :p
Ah, okay. Sorry, Fealiks, for grossly misinterpreting what you said! I hope you're not too mad at me, and that you still want to keep reviewing Snickers bars. One day, Time will publish them, I'm sure.

I wasn't thinking about classics specifically, although the books I had in mind are oldish (like, up to the 90s or so) rather than super recent (but if I hear of super recent stuff that has been translated I'll definitely give it a try).
That's fine. They could even be the classics of the future! :)

[The Highway]

Ah, okay. Sorry, Fealiks, for grossly misinterpreting what you said! I hope you're not too mad at me, and that you still want to keep reviewing Snickers bars. One day, Time will publish them, I'm sure.

That's fine. They could even be the classics of the future! :)

I liked that review...

[BoneFreak]

Oops, I should really go on these forums more...




What, are you very busy at the moment making the Cultural Zest forum?


And also, I'd like to know: what access am I granted if I join Cultural Zest? I'm pretty sure it runs on Blogger or Wordpress (correct me if I'm wrong), and I can't make an account on those since I already made 2 before, and I don't know how I can find them.

[Haggis]

What, are you very busy at the moment making the Cultural Zest forum?
Well, I've been playing with that idea... it's on my to-do list. :)

And also, I'd like to know: what access am I granted if I join Cultural Zest? I'm pretty sure it runs on Blogger or Wordpress (correct me if I'm wrong), and I can't make an account on those since I already made 2 before, and I don't know how I can find them.
The site runs a standalone WordPress installation, so you would create an account specifically for the site. Any accounts you've registered on wordpress.com don't factor into the equation.

[BoneFreak]

Well, I've been playing with that idea... it's on my to-do list. :)


The site runs a standalone WordPress installation, so you would create an account specifically for the site. Any accounts you've registered on wordpress.com don't factor into the equation.

Nice to see there could be a forum and that I can actually make an account :D

What about the Facebook and Twitter? I know Facebook pages can have admins, but what about Twitter?

[Ribs]

Nice to see there could be a forum and that I can actually make an account :D

What about the Facebook and Twitter? I know Facebook pages can have admins, but what about Twitter?

CoTweet (http://cotweet.com/) seems to be popular.

[Haggis]

Well, right now we're just feeding our RSS into Twitter... CoTweet looks interesting though. If you'd be interested in tweeting stuff as well on our Twitter account, BoneFreak, you're welcome to. (Provided you manage to work your way into the team, of course. ;))

[BoneFreak]

Well, right now we're just feeding our RSS into Twitter... CoTweet looks interesting though. If you'd be interested in tweeting stuff as well on our Twitter account, BoneFreak, you're welcome to. (Provided you manage to work your way into the team, of course. ;))


@TechnoGamerBG, you're welcome. I should probably follow Cultural Zest now, though :rolleyes:

[The Highway]

@TechnoGamerBG, you're welcome. I should probably follow Cultural Zest now, though :rolleyes:

EVERYONE should follow Cultural Zest. Our soon-to-be-formed dictatorship cool-awesome-all-the-time-site-expansion-that's-totally-happening-and-not-just-being-made-up-here will be the new doctrine for the world!

[BoneFreak]

EVERYONE should follow Cultural Zest. Our soon-to-be-formed dictatorship cool-awesome-all-the-time-site-expansion-that's-totally-happening-and-not-just-being-made-up-here will be the new doctrine for the world!

Yeah! Wait, what?

[The Highway]

Yeah! Wait, what?

Get in fast, so you have power!

[The Highway]

Wait, was someone going to review Scott Pilgrim?

[anonima]

i thought about it

[Fealiks]

Wait, was someone going to review Scott Pilgrim?

Bonefreak said he might. Seibert thought about it.

[anonima]

i wanted to

[The Highway]

Bonefreak said he might. Seibert thought about it.

Bonefreak didn't. I might go review it then.

[anonima]

who will because i may see it

i may even see it today

[Fealiks]

Seibert may see it. Maybe even today.

[Comrade Pants]

Can I have an opinion column in cultural zest? Pretty please?

[The Highway]

Can I have an opinion column in cultural zest? Pretty please?

Write one then, and send it in.

[Comrade Pants]

Write one then, and send it in.

Oh, wow. Seriously? I'm on it. Totally on it. It may take a while because I'm writing a book, but I'm on it.

None of that was sarcasm, actually. Deadly serious.

[Ribs]

Oh, wow. Seriously? I'm on it. Totally on it. It may take a while because I'm writing a book, but I'm on it.

None of that was sarcasm, actually. Deadly serious.

I seriously want to know if you mean you are writing a novel under the persona of Andrew Ryan, and if so you are my idol.

[BoneFreak]

Yeah, I've been delayed like 50 times on seeing Scott Pilgrim, so I doubt I'd even see it anytime in August.

[Comrade Pants]

I seriously want to know if you mean you are writing a novel under the persona of Andrew Ryan, and if so you are my idol.

I wasn't. It could totally be generic enough to be a nom de plume, right? Whatever it is, it has to sell a fake astronomy book.

[Ribs]

I am more scared at the fact most of the people on the internet who want to discuss Scott Pilgrim are 13 and under.

[Secret Fawful]

They (the 13 and under crowd) should also totally review Kick-Ass and Cannibal Holocaust.

[The Highway]

Oh, wow. Seriously? I'm on it. Totally on it. It may take a while because I'm writing a book, but I'm on it.

What do you expect in a thread called "Want to Write for Cultural Zest?"

[Comrade Pants]

What do you expect in a thread called "Want to Write for Cultural Zest?"

I don't know... we're on the Internet, so truth is subjective - no?

[The Highway]

The internet is just an illusion

[Haggis]

Can I have an opinion column in cultural zest? Pretty please?
It does depend on what you have an opinion about, of course, but I think the principle of having an opinion column would work very well! :)

[anonima]

Wait, was someone going to review Scott Pilgrim?

i think i will be able to see it and email you at the last minute

[The Highway]

i think i will be able to see it and email you at the last minute

ok then, go!

[BoneFreak]

iwantthedeadlinetobepushedupearlier.exe

[The Highway]

iwantthedeadlinetobepushedupearlier.exe

no. So far we only have 3 entries, and I saw more interest at the start of the thread, so there might still be people who haven't finished. Patience!

[splash1]

I'm interested still, I'm just having trouble finding the right person to interview.

[The Highway]

I'm interested still, I'm just having trouble finding the right person to interview.

Its always a good idea to have another type of article up your sleeve just in case.

[Remolay]

I'm still interested, I just have the problem of being unable to write my thing until after the deadline

[Haggis]

I'm still interested, I just have the problem of being unable to write my thing until after the deadline
Just send it in whenever you're ready. I'm not sure why Jack set a deadline in the first place... :confused: ;)

[The Highway]

Just send it in whenever you're ready. I'm not sure why Jack set a deadline in the first place... :confused: ;)

Well, there always has to be a point where we decide "Ok, it's time to go through the submissions."

Although, actually, maybe a deadline pertaining to the number of entries rather than the date would work better...

[Haggis]

Well, there always has to be a point where we decide "Ok, it's time to go through the submissions."
True, a deadline works best for this sort of thing.

That said though, if you have something interesting to hand in after the deadline, we'll be pleased to take a look at it and consider it for publishing! :)

[anonima]

i am going to see a movie on friday or saturday

p.s.who is joe?
i hate you shellbait952

[The Highway]

Last day! Submit like the wind!

[markphil]

i am a bit far from you. can i apply for the position and is that paid? how much will i be get paid?

[Hayden]

Last day! Submit like the wind!

I didn't know the wind did that.

[Haggis]

i am a bit far from you. can i apply for the position and is that paid? how much will i be get paid?
Physical distance is not a problem. Monetary compensation is currently not an option, but we offer lots of love and you'll get the satisfaction of seeing your writings in (virtual) print.

I didn't know the wind did that.
It does. I've received plenty of submissions from the wind already, but they're a bit light on text.

[Avistew]

Today's the last day?

Dang, I just found this post. I wanted to do an article on the state of games these days.

Irony! (considering your name..)
Anyways, you can still send an article. They just didn't start looking at the articles until now, so that they would have enough of them before making a decision. You're still free to send articles whenever you want.

[Comrade Pants]

I missed the deadline? Dreadful.

[BoneFreak]

...bump I guess?

Oh boy, so, who's going to win grand prize? Me? What about Runner-Up #1? Me? And #2? ME?

[BoneFreak]

Bump, again.

When will the winners be announced?

[Fealiks]

From what's been said so far, I wouldn't feel discouraged by the deadline. Maybe if you were to submit something amazing late they wouldn't mind...

[The Highway]

We ARE still deliberating: Haggis has a busy week so it should be a few more days.

Nuff said

[Haggis]

What he said. And I sincerely apologize for the delay, people, but at least we're being thorough! ;)

[The Highway]

What he said. And I sincerely apologize for the delay, people, but at least we're being thorough! ;)

At least to the untrained eye... ;)

[The Highway]

Ok, so, we have our first place winner...
Tabstis!!!

2nd and 3rd place to be announced shortly!

[The Highway]

2nd Place: Ben! (Not from the Forums)

3rd Place: BoneFreak!

4th Place: Fealiks (seeing as comedy isn't the theme of the site, which is a shame, because it made us all laugh out loud)

[Fealiks]

Whey! I wasn't expecting that. Congratulations, Tabstis and Bonefreak (and Ben who I assume will never read this) :D

[The Highway]

I DID promise you guys the results would be out by the 10th :D

[Haggis]

Whey! I wasn't expecting that. Congratulations, Tabstis and Bonefreak (and Ben who I assume will never read this) :D
We'll consider you for a possible comedy column writer position, but you'd have to lower your fees. :p

[The Highway]

We'll consider you for a possible comedy column writer position, but you'd have to lower your fees. :p

To like, negative zero ;P

[tabstis]

Really looking forward to writing for the magazine, guys!

[Fealiks]

To like, negative zero ;P

Negative zero actually sounds quite reasonable...

[The Highway]

Really looking forward to writing for the magazine, guys!
It's really fun! And we're all really nice!
Negative zero actually sounds quite reasonable...
Well then, we'll just see...

[BoneFreak]

Darn, except a mention is still good enough to brag about :)