We Want You (to Write)!
by FEMAELSTROM, HSM team writer
More than a few of my friends have told me that they have thoughts which they’d like to put out there for all to read and know. Like everyone reading, and in fact everyone out there at large, all people have an opinion: some people love Home, some are ready to leave Home. Some people have issues with one developer or another. Some people have issues with various concepts of Home. Whatever the view, we all have an opinion.
One thing that we do get used to, living in a nation like America, is having the freedom to speak our minds — and speak it we should. The platform I have to speak my mind is to write. Granted, I write for another person’s magazine, but I am still given a voice, and I like to speak it.
You can, too.
I’ll explain. For me, the genesis of my writing was when I gathered with the Grey Gamers (Burbie52’s club) at the request of a friend. I made contacts with the likes of NorseGamer and DarthGranny, the club’s host, Burbie52 as well as many other fine people. These people are all on my friend list, and are people I in fact consider to be friends. The first indicator I had that this was a friendly and fun endeavor was when I was talking to NorseGamer and DarthGranny, and they highly encouraged me to submit an article for review. There was a writing contest at the time, but as an amateur writer, I really only wanted to continue writing.
So I submitted. I didn’t win, but it set a fire in me that reminded me of the passion I have for writing, and the opportunity to tell my tale to whoever would read it. To this day I’ve enjoyed seeing many articles published that have been read and commented upon.
This isn’t about the recognition. To be frank, people don’t just walk up to you and ask for an autograph. This is about being able to tell those around you and in the community what you like or dislike. What Home means to you, and what your friends — or absence thereof — means to you. Anything you think of can be made into an article, and even if someone else has written on the topic, everyone’s view is so different that it’s bound to be a good, new angle.
We all have an opinion, let us know yours.
Many say that writing isn’t for them. I respectfully disagree. Writing is not about being eloquent or well spoken. It’s about telling your story here in Home. Letting the larger community know how you exist here. Because, believe it or not, others may very well be able to relate to your story through their own experiences. I know that one of my articles came to touch a friend in a way that moved them, because they could deeply connect to the story; another friend was moved to play a game because I spoke well of it. Others have commented on criticisms I had about a virtual item. These are people that share this walk through the fun and hazards of Home; for many, just knowing that others feel the same and experience it too lets them know that they are not alone in fears or joys.
There is an editorial process that is in place. This is needed, of course, to polish articles for various elements like proper punctuation, spelling, and grammar. But if you feel like you have somehting to say, then it’s worth taking a chance and submitting an article.
There are many things to write about here in Home.
There is the social dynamic. This is when you observe the way that people interact with each other, be it good or bad.
There is your own personal story. Fact is, we all discovered Home via different paths and have had different experiences that others can certainly relate to.
There is your opinion of commodities and properties that are either given out or sold. We all either buy or win items. Your reviews are important and helpful to others, including the developers.
There is what is called “Wishlist Saturday,” where we get to submit articles about the things we wish we could see or have in Home. This is a nice weekly feature, as they allow us to have a little more fun with wishful thinking — and there have been a few of these items that have come to pass. It’s good to know that in some oblique way, you’re helping to shape the future of Home. It’s not a certainty, but what we write is read by them, and (remember this red “and” for later) they do listen.
For me, it has been a real honor to write because after I wrote two articles, I was asked to come aboard as a staff writer. All I have to do is submit articles that are relevant and free of mindless, forum-style rants. This magazine is about a group of fair-minded people that give every voice a chance to speak their mind, and in a reasonable way say their peace with an opportunity for others to respond as well.
He’s welcome, just no rants.
One thing to clarify: this is a Sony-friendly place, but we are not raving fanboys and girls. We can be responsible and critical at the same time, without fear of being censored or quieted. HSM is a place for an opinion to spawn, grow and thrive — and if you have an itch to speak and be heard, this is a great place to do it, and I encourage everyone to submit. Write what is on your mind, and submit. There may be someone out there that reads your words and can relate and appreciate your thoughts more than you think.
It is fun and worth the effort to try an article; the minimum word count is now 750 words. That’s not a lot — in fact, if you refer back to the red “and” earlier, that’s right around the 750th word in this article.
Hope to see you in the pages of HSM, and hear your voice.
Here’s how to submit: since you can read this article, you are in HomeStation Magazine. Go to the black bar at the top and click on the “Submissions” tab, read the rules and try it. Good luck, and see you on the front page!
February 3rd, 2013 by FEMAELSTROM | 2 comments
FEMAELSTROM came to Home in June 2011 and never wanted to leave, even at weekly maintenance when he usually gets booted. The sand box environment appeals to the explorer in him and often is out and about as he ‘geeks’ out dressed like some sort of sci-fi character, while he people watches in popular public spaces. An artist and writer, FEMAELSTROM loves making friends and meeting people. He loves sci-fi and decorating Home estates and loves to respond “here” when people ask “where are you from?” in public places.
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Great article Strom. I would love to see more people come to us with their unique voice and add to our team or even just write as an occasional contributor. It still amazes me the way this eclectic group of people has created such a wonderful magazine with nothing for incentive but the love of writing itself. I am proud to be a part of something that started so small over two years ago that grew into what we have today through the dedication of many.
Step off the ledge as I said in my article on this subject, it is a leap of faith, but well worth it. The rewards may not be monetary but the best things in life are free as they say and the deep satisfaction I get from being able to see what I write read by others is all I need. Come join us you writers out there, you won’t regret it.
I also started my journey to becoming a staff writer by entering a contest. I was so nervous! But it was exciting, too and I’m very happy to be a little voice now on PSH by way of this magazine. My favorite type of article to write has been the budget ones and I hope I’m helping people on a tight budget see more possibilities in Home. But other people have their own ideas to share too, and this is a great venue for that. So… Go. Now. Write. And don’t forget to submit.