So, I have an idea and I want to see if anyone is game. Here goes…
Researching and writing The Brief usually takes us half a day or more. Shooting takes about 30 minutes and post production (editing, graphics, compression and uploading) takes about three hours. Check the Twitter transcripts. It’s pretty well documented.
This week, we’re slammed because we have an unscheduled trip to New York on Thursday and Cali has a speaking gig on Wednesday.
What’s the likelihood some friends of the brief would like to submit some stories to wiki {at} geekbrief {dot} com? We’re talking completely written stories with an attached product graphic or screenshot and links to sources so we know we’re not plagiarizing.
It seems like a fun experiment. If you’re interested in playing along, write a story about a gadget, Web application, game or piece of software. Length should be about five sentences long (keep the brief in Geek Brief). Include graphics or screenshots and links to your sources. Send it via email to wiki {at} geekbrief {dot} com.
You’ll be putting words in Cali’s mouth, so gold stars go to writers who are funny and still wholesome. Cali will edit you just like she edits me, but you’ll get the credit on the show and links in the shownotes on GeekBrief.TV.
One time, I worked at a non-profit organization where I had the opportunity to write a speech for Laura Bush. Hearing your words come out of someone else’s mouth is magical.
Ultimately, this experiment could lead to writing work for a future Geek Brief Gadget Blog…I’m just saying!
22 Comments
I would help, but my daughter says I’m not funny. I don’t even get eye-rolls, or groans.
I’d be happy to give it a shot! I’ve been looking for writing opportunities, and so far they don’t seem to be under rocks.
CVBRUCE.. don’t let that stop you.. daughters NEVER think you’re funny. That’s their job.
Yeah I am game. I have a slowish work week and this sounds fun.
I’m funny! But then again, I don’t have a daughter. But I do have a son and we can make mighty rude sounds together.
Neal,
This sounds like a great idea and I’m sure it will work out for the brief! I should have some time tomorrow afternoon to try to put something together. I was curious tho, what is your deadline for the writing? I don’t want to miss out.
Fantastic idea guys. Podcast by collaboration and shared interest.
Well since your podcast is one which generates revenue, one would hope you would appropriately remunerate your contributors for being producers of the show.
I’m in!
Oh wait, I cant write to save my life. I seriously hope some of you guys are good at that.
This is an awesome idea! I hate you! J/K, I just really yhink this sounds like fun, but I am really busy right now. Oh well, bring on the caffeine! I will definitely send something.
You may end up spending more time going through these emails than you would have spent doing it yourselves. In any case, sounds like fun.
My first submission is on its way.
Okay, I’m in. I can’t promise I won’t come up empty, but I want to help.
Great idea! At the speed I write, I’ll have a submission to you guys in about 3 months.
@ Neal, such a cool idea! I’m struggling to write something. I just can’t handle the pressure. I’m not sure that I can be witty on demand
Great idea! I’d love to help but since I get my gadget news from you guys, I don’t have any new gadgets or topics to contribute… I’ll keep my eyes open though.
I think I could give it a shot!
@ Neal, I woke up with a fresh start and I am going for it! I am super excited about the prospect of contributing a story/stories to the Brief.
Sorry to be a negative voice but I’m not so sure about this. I appreciate you and Cali work really hard and it must be tough to do a daily show but it’s *your* Brief: you have to do it.
GeekBrief’s uniqueness and excellence comes from your writing and production. Whatever you might humbly think, your writing style comes out on screen. Change the former and you *could* damage the Brief. In the end, and I mean no offence to the other commenters above, I think you’ll just spend as much time, if not more, trawling through a bunch of dross, as you would researching and writing the Brief yourselves.
This is an over-simplication for effect but I really don’t think you’ll both get the same satisfaction if Cali’s just the dumb presenter reading a script and you’re just the dumb cameraman recording and editing it, where would the fun be in that?!
And now to be unfairly harsh… you are now being paid (I assume) by Podshow: your viewers (the GIA) aren’t. There will be many agents willing to do this because you have a very loyal audience but wouldn’t you or wouldn’t you end up feeling that you were taking advantage of them?
But then perhaps there’s a compromise or spectrum between employing researchers and writers, paying for content on a piece rate or getting it for free.
Food for thought…
Done! In your inbox.
IanM-
You have a point, but keep in mind those people (aka me) that would NEVER have a shot at doing something fun, cool and publicly like this. That’s what makes Neal and Cali so different from other successful “tech celebs” - they truly enjoy helping others and getting their fans involved and I truly think that is their niche.
I think we have plenty of trust that Cali and Neal won’t let “trash/garbage” into their podcast…
Just my 2 cents.
Jeff
I think this is a great idea, and you could open it up even more. Imagine if there was an actual wiki page where people could submit leads, then others could follow up with draft stories, and others could add some final polish. Of course Cali and Neal would have final editorial approval, but this lowers the barriers to entry and should attract more contributions.
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