Do you live in San Francisco? Do you want to write for Engadget?
By Laura June 
posted July 12th 2010 2:42PM
posted July 12th 2010 2:42PM
Oh sure, you love gadgets -- but do you have the chops to write about them? We'd love to know if you think you do, because we're looking to actually pay people to do this stuff. Professional writing experience isn't necessary (though it doesn't hurt), but what we really care about is that you can write skillfully about gadgets with wit, concision, and authority. And being obsessed with Engadget is good, too. We're looking for an editor in the San Francisco area.Want to apply? Read on.
Here's what you need to send to apply:
Writing
- Three sample posts written in the Engadget style.
- "The Engadget style" doesn't mean a generic-sounding blog voice -- think about how your own writing style and voice can shine through while still fitting Engadget.
- These sample posts can be about whatever you want, but they should seem like they could have been written by one of our writers (but without all the typos and gross inaccuracies).
- We won't be using these on the site, we just want to get a sense of how well you can do this stuff.
- Your favorite related gadgets (and why) of all time.
- Give us a few words about how you think Engadget differs from other technology pubs out there.
- A few words about yourself. (Please note, due to legalities we can't hire minors.)
- Your contact info.
- How much time per week you can commit to blogging. If it's less than thirty hours a week then you probably shouldn't bother. Be realistic, okay?
- Any other questions you may have about the gig.
- Don't just send us stuff you wrote elsewhere, we're not asking for clips.
- Don't send attachments or resumes.
We also apologize, but the sheer volume of applications makes it difficult to respond to everyone. If we're interested we'll get in touch, and thanks in advance!
Please remember: You must live either in San Francisco or a short (very short) drive away. When we need writers in other places, we'll put out another call!
To apply to Engadget, please send us an email at jobsATengadgetDOTcom
Still no takers on this, eh? Could have sworn this was posted a couple weeks ago...
@Peter Fox
No one who applied was a big enough Apple fanboy.
@Peter Fox They can't find anyone who can afford to live in San Francisco on Engadget's salary who also doesn't live in his mom's basement...not that that's necessarily a bad thing.
@Peter Fox There were a couple of takers, but when asked what their favorite device was, and they didn't say "The iPhone" they had to try and find some new ones.
@CRA1G
first you need a mom with a basement in SF for this to even be possible.
there aren't too many basements in the bay area, incidentally.
@Psyclotr0n Well, when I was in your mom's basement...
No, sorry, that's too easy.
Unless you have a home for me on SF I'll be happy to join engadget :)
Sucks they only hire in San Francisco. No love for Seattle or northwest at all? Microsoft bothers you so much?
@Peter Fox
still waiting for a Philadelphia invitation..........
@madwh they have NEVER looked for someone in the southeast even though a crap ton of conventions happen in Atlanta and a even large amount of companies call GA and FL home!
@Psyclotr0n
There aren't to many moms either...
I could never work here lol, since i get most of my gadget news from here anyways.
plus, i don't live in San Fransisco =(.
@BrianH
I want to work for em, I live in Atlanta though ;-(
@spartandre217
I would glady apply but they seem to HATE Atlanta
I'm up in Humboldt. Close enough?
@lakersin2025
What about Sacramento?
I m gud riter and wud lik 2 work 4 engadjet, but do not liv in fran sansico.
I do live relatively close though and I could make a weekly gadget run, if that's what it takes.
surprised you didn't add "are you an apple fanboy too" to the list of criteria
@webmastir That's what they mean when they say "written in the Engadget style". In other words lots of apple bias.
@Edobe hrm, good point.
@webmastir
You people who spend time to claim an Engadget Apple bias are morons. And I use Android, but sheesh get over it. When half the comments are 'Engadget has a bias', it makes for uninteresting reading.
@Dogtown heh, relax spaz. just turn off the comments if it bothers you so much. not my fault you're too blinded by your own stupidity to realize what is actually covered 90% of the time.
@webmastir
This is one of the few articles I decided to read the comments... and all I get is rabble. I am relaxed, but I do worry that you will work yourselves up into frenzy again.
Android users for some reason still have a chip on their shoulders, when Google and Android are dominating the phone market.
@webmastir
I'm always surprised and disappointed that Engadget doesn't require professional writing experience. Yes this is a tech blog and not the New York Times, but if they consider themselves to be the leader/most mainstream tech blog, shouldn't they set an example by hiring higher quality writers than their current staff?
@Crazy J
Not necessarily, because there are plenty of people who are very skilled, clever and witty writers that don't actually have any formal experience. Why not give those people a chance when they could very possibly write a better article with more "engadget style" writing than someone with professional experience?
@TickLe MY eLMo
True, but most (not all) professional writers are objective, unlike these clowns at Engadget.
im a app store fanboyeeee
Only if I can only bitch about crappy ATT service as at least a mention in every post I create.
it's not hard to find apple fanboy in SF.. They are everywhere.. Great location to pick up writer anyway.
Booo...I live in MD. No fair
First order of business:
Test the iPhone4 Review Unit to see if it loses bars when held the 'wrong way'!
aww man, why did i have to be going to college! although If you guys ever need a correspondent for Pittsburgh, just hit me up
@pmaster500 lol. being also a student at a uni in pittsburgh, i doubt that would happen any time soon.
@kongmw cmu?
@pmaster500 bahhhhh i wanna go to CMU!! i'm a junior in highschool now though, shame engadget doesn't hire minors
Man, even in non-Apple posts, people find a way to talk about Apple... or at least, about hating Apple.
You'd think people would want to avoid bringing up the subject if they despised it so much.
@requieminadream
I think they are pointing out the bias towards Apple here, and voicing their dissatisfaction
@requieminadream
Funny eh? 3 out of the first 10 posts are about Apple, yet it's Engadget who are all 'Apple fanboys'. Never ceases to amaze me, how worked up people can get when it's about gadgets or electronics, especially when it's about successful ones. I remember myself when it was all about snes vs megadrive, which was very similar... At least I was only 10 years old back then, you'd expect engadget commenters to be a little bit more mature, but maybe I'm just too optimistic today.
@Xtole
I realize that, however wouldn't the complaints be more suited for an actual article about Apple, instead of bombarding every article with Apple complaints?
It just reminds me of back when I was a kid, and we'd say how little we DIDN'T like a girl, all the while we couldn't stop talking about her.
@requieminadream
Not sure about that. By YOU knowing that posters take almost every opportunity to show the bias here shows that they are getting their message across. Perhaps Engadget will take note as you did and maybe, one day, do something about their bias.
@Xtole I would say less getting their message across and more annoying readers who look for insightful and funny comments, instead of comments bashing companies who are successful.
Ugh, one of my dream jobs...
Just need to move near a Engadget headquaters after getting out of high school and most likely college.
I will join Engadget by 2020! Mua ha ha!
Either that or Google... or Apple... or possibly Microsoft... or any company in Silicon Valley area... Meh.
@musicssound
I don't think engadget is in the same league with google or ms, or even the same field. Figure out what you want to do first before where.
Problem is I'm a short drive away but not very short.
How many of the pieces can be about interviews with Lord Vader?
How much does this job pay? (Serious question - can you just say a range?)
@crawdad689
it pays in food stamps.
also, job requirements include being a Censorship Monkey
I wonder in this age of modern technology why would you need someone to live actually in SF. Especially considering this position as freelance writer you can do it from anywhere in the world as far as you have Internet connection.
I live 5 min. walk from 1 Infinity Loop. I take De Anza Blvd every day on my way to work and pass in front of the Fruit. I can report on the Fruiters choices of eateries and general behavior. Here's a sample writing:
** National Geographic documentary whispering voice **
"A male Fruiter sees the green light and walks across the street. He is heavily accessorized (earbuds, "cool" laptop bag, loose clothing). He knows he's been looked at by others stopped at the light. He changes his demeanor and strides proudly, in an effort to establish his superiority within the pack."
"At dawn, several Fruiters line up at the Starbucks (De Anza and Stevens Creek Blvd.). Other Fruiters, perhaps due to their immaturity, visit the Donut Wheel -- they will most likely not make it through the Winter or be able to find a mate."
@shishi
ROFL !!!!!!!!!
@shishi
Steve Irwin would be so proud :'(