Journalism training news

July 1 2008

Leisure network recruiting writers

A leisure guide website is trying to recruit a network of contributors covering the UK.

But there's no cash on offer for writers - just the offer of feedback and a chance to have work professionally edited and published online.

Contributors are asked to publish by posting online - and the feedback will be posted publicly too.

Myvillage.com announced its plans in a recruitment ad on the website journalism.co.uk.

The portal describes itself as "a network of local area websites dedicated to uncovering the best of each town and city around the UK". It has 54 websites covering districts of London and major towns and cities in the UK. It claims to have three million readers.

A statement on the site says: "Our aim is to have a website in place for every postcode in the UK - with topics ranging from What's On, Bars & Music, Restaurants, Community and all sorts of wonder. Local bands? We want an interview. Local artist? We want a feature. Best bars to go drinking? We want to go there and pull up a stool. Nicest place to relax? We want to praise it to the sky.

"And we want you - oh lovely would be writer. We can help you build a published portfolio by offering you a chance to get your work professionally edited, give you advice and feedback, and ultimately to publish your work online for all to see."

A style guide outlines what the editors want - including advice to avoid the words funky, trendy, groovy and cool.

Find out more on the contributors section of the site.