And that is a very interesting method of worth for game reviewing. Although time is cheap, and there’s always the argument that you would have been playing the game anyway, you might have saved $50. But that’s beside the point. There are a number of gamers who would like the opportunity and are focused on the idea more than the cost. If they’re convinced that it’s what they want there are going to be sacrifices involved. The average game blogger isn’t someone who has a lot of doors open for the $25/hr position. They’re just people who like talking about games, can write well and our looking to see how far they can get.

No, no, no, no, no, no. That’s the PROBLEM with the majority of people who want to run their own videogame site. They just want free games. Review. Copies. Are. Not. Free. Say it with me! Review. Copies. Are. Not. Free.

If I get a review copy of a game that I’m looking forward to, I have to play it for enough hours to be able to write a knowledgable review. I could get around $25 an hour doing something else in the “traditional” world of work. We’ll say I play the game for 5 hours (and that’s a very low estimate, its generally more like 8-10) – that’s $125.

Then, I spend two hours crafting a review. $50. Running total: $175.

So, that game has “cost” me $175, when I could probably have bought it for $60. Not only that, but in order to get the titles that I *want*, I have to review a heck of a lot of absolute and utter rubbish that I usually wouldn’t have even thought of playing. Why? Because that game publisher that sends you a poor title to review, won’t send you another thing if you don’t give the first title any coverage.

You don’t get something for nothing. Its as simple as that.

If I get a copy of a game that I’m looking forward to, I have to play it for enough hours to be able to write a review. I could get around $25 an hour doing something else in the “traditional” world of work. We’ll say I play the game for 5 hours (and that’s a very low estimate, its generally more like 8-10) – that’s $125.

Then, I spend two hours crafting a review. $50. Running total: $175.

So, that game has “cost” me $175, when I could probably have bought it for $60. Not only that, but in order to get the titles that I *want*, I have to review a heck of a lot of absolute and utter rubbish that I usually wouldn’t have even thought of playing.

You don’t get something for nothing. Its as simple as that.

It most definitely is. But its understandable often when you’re not really writing what anyone else would be looking for. Earlier on I was just writing for myself so I didn’t really think too much about it. Now, I’m still writing for myself but doing it in a way that someone else might be interested in. It’s that middle ground I prefer. It takes a bit more due diligence but it pays off. Only posting news articles just doesn’t cut it unless you’re willing to do it often and make it work. Unique content is the only real way to get noticed, and while it’s difficult I find it enjoyable as well.

I’m glad you never gave up and continued on with your project. Look at what you’ve accomplished.
.-= bbrian017´s last blog ..Creating your foundation when becoming a pro blogger =-.

I think collaboration is key. Blogs of a feather should flock together. And yes, a little controversy goes a long way. But the most important thing will always be output – it is utterly essential that a blog is well written and unique in some small way. Offer the reader something they can’t find elsewhere.

My most successful articles have been the ones where I talk candidly about my experience as a video game journalist – failed interviews; disputes with editors; my anger, embarrassment and frustration at looking in from the outside, made all the more painful because I used to be on the inside. Man, blogging is hard work, and when no one’s listening, it’s soul destroying.
.-= Alan Ismail´s last blog ..The Queasy Cult Of Kieron Gillen =-.

I’m by no means the authority on video game blogging, but I’ve come across things that I believe could help others and I’m not afraid to tell them. …