Job Opening At Blade Mag: Online Writer

B

BLADE Magazine

Joined
Dec 9, 2021
Messages
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Howdy Blade Forums Folks,

I wanted to put on your radar we (BLADE Magazine) are presently hiring for an Online Writer. The job description is below, plus a link to where you can apply. But in thumbnail, if you have a way with words, know your way around a content management system (like Wordpress), know a bit about SEO and, above all, are passionate about knives, this might be the position for you.

If we've piqued your interest, you can APPLY HERE

If you need a bit more info, the full job description is below.

Online Writer/Editor – Blade Magazine

Blade Magazine is the authoritative voice in knife journalism, with a history stretching back to 1973. We are searching for a full-time content creator who is equally adept at writing and editing to join our team.

First and foremost, we seek a skilled wordsmith, capable of producing engaging short- and long-format content under tight deadlines for our digital platforms and to support our monthly print magazine. The position requires a strong desire to earn and expand upon knowledge of factory and custom knives, knifemaking, basic shop techniques, knife rights and every other facet of the knife industry. Tangential content coverage includes emergency preparedness and survivalism, so a working background in prepping would also help. However, if there are deficits in your background a willingness to educate yourself through dogged research wins points.

Equally as important is brilliant search engine optimization (SEO). The ability to optimize content to rank on search engines, while keeping the copy lively, readable and informative is a key to success. We want your pieces read, shared and returned to often. To accomplish this you must have a basic understanding of SEO techniques and be willing to enhance that knowledge. We want your posts the top result on Google and other major search engines!

If you have a way with words, love the knife industry, embrace technology, are data driven and willing to put ego aside and learn, Blade Magazine would love to hear from you.

What you will be doing:

Research and write engaging short- and long-form features on specific keywords pertaining to knives, knifemaking and the knife industry.
Supporting the print magazine’s editorial staff as needed.
Conceptualize and execute new ways to add compelling visual content to posts.
Work within the confines of SEO data, while not allowing it to hem in your natural creative and forceful writing.
Develop a self-driven process for researching and producing content while meeting fast-paced deadlines and quick turnarounds.

What you should have:

At least 1 year of experience developing high-quality content in the form of bylined articles, landing pages, product descriptions, SEO content and more. We’re excited to review your previous work.
Exceptional communication, time-management and problem-solving skills. You must be capable of producing content daily.
A basic understanding of SEO concepts and techniques, and a willingness to expand this knowledge base.
An understanding of knives (beyond they’re sharp), knifemaking and the industry. You needn’t be Bob Loveless, but don’t expect to waltz in knowing nothing.
Working knowledge of AP Style.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $38,000.00 - $40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k)
Dental insurance
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Health savings account
Life insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance

Schedule:

8 hour shift
Monday to Friday

Education:

Associate (Preferred)

Experience:

Writing Skills: 1 year (Preferred)
 
Yeah that seems like a fun gig, but I would need more than associate manager of McDonalds money for those hours. Anyone with the required journalism experience isn't going to bite at that worm.

Truthfully, if it were a job that paid per article at even technically less money when you broke it down, it wouldn't be a bad side gig for those of us long winded enough to submit something in crayon that the editors could dress up nicely. Like it would be nice to know that an article I wrote was going to cover the cost of say a Zero Tolerance model I was reviewing. I'd do the job for beer/knife money if it were a gig.

I think the issue you're going to run into is the fact that this hobby takes some money if you want experience in knives beyond what can be found at flea markets or in clamshells at Walmart. $38k isn't going to get you a writer with the means to have a wide range of knowledge unless they were doing it just for funnzies. But I think that would go back to being a gig over a clock punch.

Just my opinion.
 
Last edited:
Steely_Gunz said:
Yeah that seems like a fun gig, but I would need more than associate manger of McDonalds money for those hours. Anyone with the required journalism experience isn't going to bite at that worm.

Truthfully, if it were a job that paid per article at even technically less money when you broke it down, it wouldn't be a bad side gig for those of us long winded enough to submit something in crayon that the editors could dress up nicely. Like it would be nice to know that an article I wrote was going to cover the cost of say a Zero Tolerance model I was reviewing. I'd do the job for beer/knife money if it were a gig.

I think the issue you're going to run into is the fact that this hobby takes some money if you want experience in knives beyond what can be found at flea markets or in clamshells at Walmart. $38k isn't going to get you a writer with the means to have a wide range of knowledge unless they were doing it just for funnzies. But I think that would go back to being a gig over a clock punch.

Just my opinion.
Click to expand...

Honestly surprised this is not the route they took. With that pay they’re either going to get someone who has never handled anything more expensive than a Benchmade bugout, which means their breadth of knowledge will be pretty limited, or they’ll get a kid who has journalism skills but doesn’t know much about knives. $19hr is barely more than minimum wage where I live. I’d be totally interested in doing freelance work, but not a chance I’d take a pay cut to write.
 
eveled said:
Is that 1 8 hour shift between Monday and Friday? Or 8 hours a day Monday through Friday?
Click to expand...
It sounds like they need that editor sooner than later...

It's kind of tempting, but for that salary I wouldn't be able to afford to buy a lot of knives and put a roof over my head. They don't say so, but they're likely expecting you to travel to knife shows and factories too, so you'd want to know about travel expenses.
 
This is the hard question to ask here, but in the day and age where the Internet and smart phones are at everyone's fingertips, are magazines even still relevant anymore? I don't think I've ever read, much less ever seen a single issue of this magazine anywhere, and I visit bookstores quite often. By the time a magazine puts out a print copy, every scrap of information or shiny new item reveal will have already been available at any number of free forums, IG pages, people with their own blog type sites, etc. for weeks at that point. 🤷‍♂️

Edit: if this is for an online knife news site, which one? Because there are approximately seventy trillion of them out there, and most of those guys are writing for free in the hopes of scoring free knives from makers/manufacturers. Might want to go reach out to some of those guys and see if they want to come work for Blade Mag. Of course, most people who know about WordPress know about it because they have their own blog site, and are already getting advertising payouts.
 
Quiet said:
This is the hard question to ask here, but in the day and age where the Internet and smart phones are at everyone's fingertips, are magazines even still relevant anymore? I don't think I've ever read, much less ever seen a single issue of this magazine anywhere, and I visit bookstores quite often. By the time a magazine puts out a print copy, every scrap of information or shiny new item reveal will have already been available at any number of free forums, IG pages, people with their own blog type sites, etc. for weeks at that point. 🤷‍♂️
Click to expand...

This job posting is for producing and editing online content.

I still subscribe to the printed magazine, by the way. I don't spend hours and hours with each issue as I did pre-internet, but I still like holding it in my hands and supporting the publication.
 
rhino said:
This job posting is for producing and editing online content.

I still subscribe to the printed magazine, by the way. I don't spend hours and hours with each issue as I did pre-internet, but I still like holding it in my hands and supporting the publication.
Click to expand...

I think they need to double their salary range, simple as that. Many people who are in this industry either already make more through advertising dollars, or in products they are sent for free to review. But hey, I wish Blade Mag the best of luck. I'm sure they'll find someone.
 
Quiet said:
This is the hard question to ask here, but in the day and age where the Internet and smart phones are at everyone's fingertips, are magazines even still relevant anymore? I don't think I've ever read, much less ever seen a single issue of this magazine anywhere, and I visit bookstores quite often. By the time a magazine puts out a print copy, every scrap of information or shiny new item reveal will have already been available at any number of free forums, IG pages, people with their own blog type sites, etc. for weeks at that point. 🤷‍♂️

Edit: if this is for an online knife news site, which one? Because there are approximately seventy trillion of them out there, and most of those guys are writing for free in the hopes of scoring free knives from makers/manufacturers. Might want to go reach out to some of those guys and see if they want to come work for Blade Mag.
Click to expand...
It's a very valid point, considering they're asking your to basically quit your job for their 9-5 job remotely (meaning early mornings on the west coast), instead of salaried and working hours you want remotely and being available for scheduled meetings. You'll basically find yourself bogged down with meetings, being social media cheerleader, and doing most of your writing when you get off work and less people are interrupting you.

Very few magazines are thriving these days, so it's pretty rough if you're planning any kind of career based on that being a thing. You're also in danger of some manager changing their mind and deciding they want their writer coming into the office every day, which would be a real problem if you already liked where you live and didn't want to move.
 
BLADE Magazine said:
Howdy Blade Forums Folks,

I wanted to put on your radar we (BLADE Magazine) are presently hiring for an Online Writer. The job description is below, plus a link to where you can apply. But in thumbnail, if you have a way with words, know your way around a content management system (like Wordpress), know a bit about SEO and, above all, are passionate about knives, this might be the position for you.

If we've piqued your interest, you can APPLY HERE

If you need a bit more info, the full job description is below.

Online Writer/Editor – Blade Magazine

Blade Magazine is the authoritative voice in knife journalism, with a history stretching back to 1973. We are searching for a full-time content creator who is equally adept at writing and editing to join our team.

First and foremost, we seek a skilled wordsmith, capable of producing engaging short- and long-format content under tight deadlines for our digital platforms and to support our monthly print magazine. The position requires a strong desire to earn and expand upon knowledge of factory and custom knives, knifemaking, basic shop techniques, knife rights and every other facet of the knife industry. Tangential content coverage includes emergency preparedness and survivalism, so a working background in prepping would also help. However, if there are deficits in your background a willingness to educate yourself through dogged research wins points.

Equally as important is brilliant search engine optimization (SEO). The ability to optimize content to rank on search engines, while keeping the copy lively, readable and informative is a key to success. We want your pieces read, shared and returned to often. To accomplish this you must have a basic understanding of SEO techniques and be willing to enhance that knowledge. We want your posts the top result on Google and other major search engines!

If you have a way with words, love the knife industry, embrace technology, are data driven and willing to put ego aside and learn, Blade Magazine would love to hear from you.

What you will be doing:

Research and write engaging short- and long-form features on specific keywords pertaining to knives, knifemaking and the knife industry.
Supporting the print magazine’s editorial staff as needed.
Conceptualize and execute new ways to add compelling visual content to posts.
Work within the confines of SEO data, while not allowing it to hem in your natural creative and forceful writing.
Develop a self-driven process for researching and producing content while meeting fast-paced deadlines and quick turnarounds.

What you should have:

At least 1 year of experience developing high-quality content in the form of bylined articles, landing pages, product descriptions, SEO content and more. We’re excited to review your previous work.
Exceptional communication, time-management and problem-solving skills. You must be capable of producing content daily.
A basic understanding of SEO concepts and techniques, and a willingness to expand this knowledge base.
An understanding of knives (beyond they’re sharp), knifemaking and the industry. You needn’t be Bob Loveless, but don’t expect to waltz in knowing nothing.
Working knowledge of AP Style.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $38,000.00 - $40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k)
Dental insurance
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Health savings account
Life insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance

Schedule:

8 hour shift
Monday to Friday

Education:

Associate (Preferred)

Experience:

Writing Skills: 1 year (Preferred)
Click to expand...

I feel like this job offer is most likely to lead to mediocre articles that elicit head shakes and face palms from people who actually know knives and knife steel. We have enough of those types of articles out there already.
 
Quiet said:
I think they need to double their salary range, simple as that. Many people who are in this industry either already make more through advertising dollars, or in products they are sent for free to review. But hey, I wish Blade Mag the best of luck. I'm sure they'll find someone.
Click to expand...

Agreed, or incorporate some kind of performance-based incentive or bonus.
 
BLADE Magazine said:
First and foremost, we seek a skilled swordsmith, capable of producing engaging short- and long-format content swords
Click to expand...

I'm in!

BLADE Magazine said:
If you have a way with words, love the knife industry, embrace technology, are data driven and willing to put ego aside and learn
Click to expand...

Oops, nevermind. 🤣

Steely_Gunz said:
Yeah that seems like a fun gig, but I would need more than associate manager of McDonalds money for those hours. Anyone with the required journalism experience isn't going to bite at that worm.
Click to expand...

That's a pretty normal salary and benefit package for a local newspaper journalist, which also requires even more hours, odd hours, photography, and a lot of running all over the place.
 
So the take away is quality print is dead?
 
The Grendels said:
It's a very valid point, considering they're asking your to basically quit your job for their 9-5 job remotely (meaning early mornings on the west coast), instead of salaried and working hours you want remotely and being available for scheduled meetings. You'll basically find yourself bogged down with meetings, being social media cheerleader, and doing most of your writing when you get off work and less people are interrupting you.

Very few magazines are thriving these days, so it's pretty rough if you're planning any kind of career based on that being a thing. You're also in danger of some manager changing their mind and deciding they want their writer coming into the office every day, which would be a real problem if you already liked where you live and didn't want to move.
Click to expand...

Agree. Plus, again, in this day and age, so many people have access to free website templates, blog sites, Instagram, Twitter, and so on, that they just create their own thing and start growing a fanbase. That said, almost all of them are doing it as a side gig. Look at NickShabazz NickShabazz . One of the most prolific, well known knife reviewers in this industry...and the guy has a day job.

Anyway, not trying to bag on BLADE Mag here, but I do hope they'll take a second look at what they're looking for, and heavily revise their job posting. They're not going to get quality people asking for people with a CV full of experience, while offering an Intern's pay.
 
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