Last year we started a Twitter account called @closernews, which provides instant updates on MLB closer situations for fantasy baseball players. The account is up over 5,000 followers and has helped many win their saves category. Given the initial success, we're going to be expanding the coverage hours @closernews provides. Also, later in the year we'll be launching a website to provide analysis and closer rankings.
We're seeking writers to cover the late-night closer situations, starting at 11pm central time and going until the last game ends. This is an unpaid position. Those who contribute to the Twitter account will have first crack at writing for the website. The preference is for fantasy baseball junkies who already follow @closernews. If this project sounds like an enjoyable resume-builder for you, please email closernewshelp@gmail.com and let us know why you should join the @closernews team. Please note: if you applied earlier today, please resend your email to closernewshelp@gmail.com, as we had to change the email address.
Well, I’m awake that late every night and have a Twitter account.
-Basically, if no one does it, I will?
You had me at closernews…. you lost me at no pay.
But….you can put it on your resume. Don’t you have a long list of ” unpaid hobbies that help a website out” That’s the first thing I look for on a resume.
Unpaid? C’mon Tim, you can’t afford $50/mo ($1.50/night)?
And “resume builder”? As what, “Frequent Twitter Contributor”? Who under 30 can’t already put that on their resume?
I pity the poor, young aspiring baseball writer who signs up for this gig thinking that logging late-night baseball tweets for free will lead to anything of value.
I think it would be good experience for someone trying to get into online baseball writing, from my own experience. But you guys have a point, because I am definitely forcing people to apply.
While I’m an advocate of paying people who do work for you, the above posts acting like this isn’t a fair resume item, especially for aspiring PR pros, are inaccurate. As an employer, if I had an applicant who was entrusted with a 5,000-follower account and could demonstrate significant audience engagement, I would take note of that.
Love the idea of @@closernews:disqus, but have thought about dropping it. Too much “brian wilson got his 11th save tonight!”. That’s not news I care about. In reality, all I want to know is who is a newly installed closer ASAP, or who I should add quickly. All the other stuff is details that clutters up my twitter feed. I don’t need a tweet every time a guy who is not losing his job gets another save.
But hey, what do I know.
This is a good point, we have room to tighten things up and not write something about every save.
Hey Tim, Ill do it if you still don’t have anyone. I have nothing better to do so why not help out one of my favorite sites?
Guys – As someone who started out writing for nothing and now makes a nice little side income, don’t expect to get paid until you get noticed. I’m sure there are a lot of you who think you can just jump in and provide better coverage than what this site, ESPN, Rotowire, etc. does, but you have to start at the bottom. If you’re passionate about it and provde sharp, insightful analysis, you’ll start to get noticed.
It just won’t happen overnight, and it may NEVER happen.
It’s kind of like what Bart Simpson told the denist when she told him to brush his teeth…
“So you want me to do you’re job, for free?”
This was meant as a joke, there is no need to freak out and make a three paragraph long response explaining how the world of careers and economics work.
Guys… this is simply supply and demand. There are already a couple people who’ve posted saying they’re interested. There are volunteers at all the MLB ballparks every day, too. I don’t see how this is any different.
So the people on here making fun of this position apparently have all kinds of time to make useless comments for free but the idea of sharing some actual knowledge about baseball with fantasy owners for free is a joke to them.. I think something is backwards there.
Are there any specific requirements for this position? Or as long as you follow baseball religiously and have knowledge about fantasy baseball then are you qualified to do this?
I’ll do it. I work overnights and need something to fill my down time from about 12 Am to 6am EST.
To anyone who applied when this post first went up, but sure to note that I changed the email address to closernewshelp@gmail.com. If you emailed the other one please re-send to closernewshelp@gmail.com.