Because we had so much fun the first time around, Big Red Fury is on the hunt for a new student contributor for 2016.
With our inaugural student contributor Hayley Archer doing that whole graduation thing in a few weeks, we have an opening on our roster for 2016.
This is a paid position and a great chance to get some clips for your portfolio and get a taste of that sports blogger high life.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR: A UNL student who has a passion for writing, the Huskers, sits in the Boneyard (important because your column will be called View from the Boneyard) and never misses a home game.
If you have to miss one because an inconsiderate friend or relative chose to have a wedding on game day, you have our permission to attend. You’ll just have to do a write up on the anguish of missing a game.
This position is open to any grade level and major. If you’re an eager freshman to-be and you think you’ve got the chops, go for it.
TO APPLY: Send an introductory email to –
– telling us about yourself (it doesn’t have to be a formalized cover letter) and include the following three items:
1) A sample post: A recap of your favorite game last season or go to the Spring Game and do a write up of your experience.
Your recap should put readers in your shoes and give a feel for what it’s like to be in the Boneyard. Shoot for 500 – 800 words (no penalty for going over). Don’t worry about including photos with your submission but feel free to include any if you like. Recaps during the season should include photos and/or video.
You can see all of Hayley’s recaps here.
You can check out other examples of our game write ups here and here. As you’ll see, they are a mix of humor and analysis.
Humor: If we had to describe our style, we’d call it semi-sophisticated potty humor. Deadspin and A.V. Club are some of our favorite websites. F-bombs, S-bombs, etc, should be used sparingly for maximum effect. Strive for PG-13, not R. Slang you’d find in the Urban Dictionary, witty pop culture references and YouTube videos are always welcome.
Analysis: This is not a site readers turn to for a serious X’s and O’s breakdown but right-on if that’s your wheelhouse. Your analysis should be your description of what you saw. That could mean a breakdown like this or this.
2) Links to your public social media profiles: Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, etc… (Wait does anyone under 25 even use Facebook?) We’re old so that means we don’t understand that Chatsnap so don’t worry about sending your snap code. If your profiles are private, that’s totally cool. We just want to get a feel for who you are and what you’re in to.
We’re looking for writing talent, not an influencer. However, you will be expected to share your work socially and we’ll be promoting you as a featured contributor.
3) Explain the significance of 603 in our email address: Bonus points if you get it right.
STIPEND: $25 per game recap, paid via PayPal or Venmo immediately upon publication. Your deadline will be 9am (Lincoln time) the Monday following a game so that your piece can featured that day.
Please keep in mind that the person who wrote what you just read has been working as a writer in one capacity or another since starting out at the Daily Nebraskan way, way back in 1997 and is a Jedi Master when it comes to laziness and creative excuses and has never missed a deadline. In other words, don’t be a flake.
Deadline to apply is Friday May 6, 2015.
