Kotaku isn't a standard news site. There isn't a set list of rules about what a certain post has to be on and how long it has to be. Sure, there was a post that taught you how to "use" the site. But, there wasn't a list of set rules about what a post was and wasn't supposed to have. So when I went in search of submission guidelines, I came back empty handed. The only stipulation that I seemed to find was that I had to be a registered member. Yet, that didn't sadden me. I was excited to learn that I had such a freedom to write about what I wanted. I'm not tied down to writing about only video games or other topics. I could write about anything, making my article welcome to the community.
While most readers know Kotaku as a video game news site, other topics are welcome. Especially when the topics revolve around nerd culture. My article is about gender and nerd culture. It's a general overview about the history and complicated relationship between the two. With my topic being centered on a common theme, I knew that my article would be at home on the site. It would create more of a conversation in the community on the topic.
Hi Undercover - that sounds like a great place for your research! If you end up submitting, be sure to let us know!
ReplyDeleteHey Undercover,
ReplyDeleteI think Kotaku is the perfect location for articles on your beat. I think that the cross-section of gender and nerdom will be popular for the site, especially since it's a Gawker site – the umbrella that also runs Jezebel – so there's a high level of crossover in fans from their many platforms.
My one caution would be to be prepared for the reception of the article. As someone who was once a huge reader of all-things-Gawker, I would say you should be prepared for a flame war – as I'm sure you know! A lot of readers on these sites are particularly sensitive to issues of gender – from both sides of the problem. I've seen die hard feminists take issue with article presenting feminist ideals, and I've seen male-rights activists gang up on people in the comments section for the same article. If you plan on submitting to the site, I would make sure your article is immaculately researched, offering both sides of the opinion, if only to make points about your preferred side or show how they are wrong.
Good luck!
VM
Undercover- this site sounds perfect for you. How did you come across it? As an online medium, I'll bet it's not just solely for the younger crowd, but for the nerd culture as a whole, correct? Or is that your specific demo? Follow Viscus's advice about Gawker. While I've never been on it myself, I have heard about how crazy it can get with its posts/comment threads. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteCheers!
MadMom