WoW.com is LFM: Priest and Hunter columnists
by Dan O'Halloran 
Dec 4th 2009 at 2:30PM
If this sounds like the chance you've been waiting for, you'll find all the information you need to apply on our applications page. Be sure to submit everything asked for. Being able to follow simple instructions is part of the job. You have until end of day, Friday, December 11th to send in your app.
As for the former column writers, fear not. Matt Low is staying on board here at WoW.com to continue his raid healing column and sharding of legendaries (and you can also catch him at World of Matticus). Eddie Carrington is focusing on his personal site, The Hunting Lodge, one of the premiere Hunter community destinations on the Internet.
P.S. Yes, this is a paid position.
EDIT: We have found the columnists we are looking for and are in the process of contracting them now. You should be seeing them in January. Thanks all who applied. In both cases, it was very close call among the top contenders. We'll make an announcement on who they are when the ink on the contracts are dry.
Filed under: WoW Insider Business
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 5)
Ametrine Dec 4th 2009 2:35PM
I'd offer to write the Hunter column... but I can think of nothing to say that hasn't already been covered by sites like Petopia and Huntsman's Lodge plenty of times already...
crschmidt Dec 4th 2009 4:19PM
Really? I find that there is plenty to say about the hunter class -- whether it be lore, exploration of abilities and niches, playstyle, or mechanics -- that isn't being said by most of the hunter bloggers. The information may be out there, but there's a significant difference between "I can google a bunch of stuff, come up with 10 different conflicting answers, and put together something reasonable" and "Here's a blog post talking about this core aspect of the hunter class, exploring some things that most players know, and some things that very few do."
Ametrine Dec 4th 2009 4:48PM
Eh, maybe, but I'm more about lore than strategy, personally, and this place already has a rather thoroughly-covered roleplay column for that.
Besides, I couldn't really cover facets like PVP and endgame raiding - I only enter WG for mining and the occasional VOA run, and my hunter's barely done much past Naxx, OS, and the occasional TOC pug, since my main raider is my mage. Kinda leaves me in the dust for being able to give good info there, lol.
brigwyn Dec 4th 2009 7:20PM
If you truly have a Passion for the hunter class, (I mean Passion with a capital P that's not a typo.) then go for it. Write your passion. Yes, there's a ton of stuff that's already been written or can be gathered. But that's the beauty of writing something. No matter what, it's not coming with you're insight, your viewpoint.
I got criticized a lot for not writing more about endgame. but that's not what I felt was needed when I first started. I felt there were a ton of new hunters that didn't know where to get started. I really felt that people needed that core information here, so that's what I wrote. That's all done now.
In a few days you'll have Patch 3.3 hit and all of Icecrown. Give it a few weeks and I'm sure the world will be a buzz about Cataclysm and how Focus, Master and the complete rewrite of the hunter class is going to be affected.
So there's a TON of stuff to write. But here's my advice (MAN! So much for that blog post at the Lodge.. lol Anyways.)
1. Truly love the hunter class. It can't be just another class you play. Hunters can smell it when you're not feeling it. And they'll let you know it.
2. You have to have a thick skin. There are trolls everywhere in life. But none so harsh as those on the internet. You have to learn to ignore the troll and walk away.
3. Read all the comments, EVEN the worst of the trolls. Think of this as a way to toughen up your skin for #2. But really, most trolls are really trying to help. They just have a hard time expressing it. Come on.. look at those tusks, you know they have to make talking a bear!
4. Write with you're voice, not the voice your audience wants. This is hard to explain, but trust me. When you start writing how you think your audience wants you to, you'll be chasing squirrels your whole time.
5. Rinse and repeat!
If you think you got what it takes then go for it. That goes for everyone, not just Ametrine. I've said it at least 100x's. Working here was one of the best experiences of my life.
remlap79 Dec 4th 2009 2:39PM
I would SO apply... except that I play a warrior...
So I guess that means Rossi would have to retire...
"Fear not, Matthew Rossi is staying on here at WoW.com to continue his new column "The Care and Feeding of Large Men with Lots of hair who also happen to raid."
Maybe not...
Meethan Dec 4th 2009 2:41PM
Wow.com has gone through quite a few hunter columnists haven't they? Good luck to the applicants. I need to go level my hunter and priest :O
jfofla Dec 4th 2009 2:42PM
So did the caustic reader responses finally wear them down?
Not surprised....
Brigwyn Dec 4th 2009 6:55PM
@Jfofla
No, the comments didn't wear me down. I'll be honest, except for the obvious trolling comments, most were given with the intent to help. The delivery may have been lacking, but that's okay. The internet tends to do that to people.
Here's a good way to put it. There's this coach. He has an entire football team of kids. Well one day he gets called up from from the local college to the big time. We're talking a chance at a bowl game here. So he packs up the family and they all move to the big city. After being there a while, the wife ends up getting a major book deal and the dad has to take care of both home and team. Hard to do with 12. So he juggles back and forth only to realize he really was happier back at his smaller school. (recognize the movie? Here's a hint: Steve Martin and Bonnie Blair.... Yep Cheaper by the Dozen! *DING*
Anyways, that's basically it. I'm not a real journalist/writer like these guys. I have a 50-60hr work week mixing that on top of writing for WoW.com just didn't give you guys the attention and responsiveness you deserve. But WoW.com gave me a shot and I'm truly honored for it.
However, it's better for you guys to have a writer that can do that. Create a post on the same day when news is released not on Thursday 2 or more days later. ;)
Killrah Dec 4th 2009 2:49PM
I think the wow.com readers are fair in their criticism (and praise) of the columnists. Those who make glaring mistakes and show a lack of knowledge on gameplay mechanics are called on it. Those who provide in-depth analysis or insight that goes beyond numbers and facts you can look up in wowhead are rewarded with good discussion in comments. I appreciate the columnists who take the time to join the discussion in comments with the readers. I hope the new priest and hunter columnists can live up to the lofty standards set by some of the other class columns (yes I know not everyone can be Allison Robert but I can dream).
Elwoods Dec 4th 2009 2:49PM
What happened to the current hunter writer?
Smurk Dec 4th 2009 3:29PM
feigning real life
Brigwyn Dec 4th 2009 4:10PM
I'm still around. Just not working for WoW.com anymore. :)
But as Smurk said. Real life is just stepping in too much.
If you want, feel free to join me over at The Hunting Lodge or hang out in the THL Forums. Heck, just sit in on The Hunting Lodge Podcast and join us for squirrel hunting and yes... druid taming. (sorry, I had to do it.lol )
Anyways, Dan posted the link, but if you don't want to scroll back up, you can find me at http:/www.brigwyn.com.
You guys will be in great hands. I know Liz, Dan, Adam, Alex and everyone else will make sure you guys have an awesome hunter columnist.
Medros Dec 4th 2009 8:08PM
*shakes fist* Don't make me get my worgen ya old dwarf, and then you go ahead and try to cast tame on me!
Brigwyn Dec 4th 2009 8:17PM
@Medros
hehe.. dude. you are so first on my list. I might just transfer servers just to make sure and have first crack at ya! >}
Nozze Dec 4th 2009 2:53PM
Very tempting, but Matt Low's shoes are so big to fill. D:
Matticus Dec 4th 2009 2:59PM
No actually, they're not. If you have an understanding of the class and (more importantly) are motivated to do it, then do it. It requires hard work and thick skin. But even if you're thinking about trying a hand in professional writing, just give it a shot. You have nothing to lose and it could open more doors down the way.
The biggest regrets I have in all aspects of my life is not taking a chance and taking a leap of faith.
jimbob Dec 4th 2009 3:38PM
Matt, if you are leaving, us holy priests will miss you a LOT!
Skonged Dec 4th 2009 3:37PM
A Goal Without a Plan is Just a Wish.
Why make a leap without a plan?
jimbob Dec 4th 2009 3:38PM
Not a riswk taker? Matt that sounds so unlike you. Please tell us why you are moving on!
Lemons Dec 4th 2009 3:48PM
Thick skin? Probably don't even need that if you just /ignore the comments section entirely :P