Jobcentre
There were some particularly lovely comments yesterday. I think I slightly misled everyone as to the lifespan of this blog so far. I said it had ‘gone into its fourth month’ meaning I began it in February, and it is now June. But it hasn’t, technically, been going for four months yet. That milestone won’t be reached until, I suppose, June 23. Still, we’re well on the way. It’s a pretty long time for someone with not all that much to talk about, which is what I feel like quite often. And we’ve reached the 100-entry mark. One hundred days of blogging! If you’ve read them all feel free to claim some credit for yourself. Some of you, I’m aware of; others are lurking invisibly in the background like a bad man or the air we breathe or me on Mock The Week. But as I said yesterday, I am grateful to every last one of you.
Now, enough sentimentality. Let’s get on with this.
Little bit of admin (you know how I like admin). A few people have said, in recent weeks, that they’re new to the blog and wondered whether it is too late to join in with the Ten-Year Challenge. The answer is a categorical ‘no, of course it isn’t too late, welcome’, if you can be categorical about something as long-winded as that. Indeed I hope people will still be joining in when we’re into 2020 and I am the next Stephen Fry/incredibly bitter and lonely/much the same old Watson (delete as you see the future unfolding). So if you are just starting to read this blog, yes, set yourself a challenge and log your progress on the TYSIC mini-site which can be found on my forum. There are still a number of years to go.
But this brings me on to the point of today’s entry, which is, simply, a recruitment drive. As has been pointed out by a few kindly commenters, and indeed, by my own brain, the sheer number of projects running concurrently as part of this blog is creating quite a bit of extra work for me to fit into my already rather over-populated schedule. Now, I don’t mind work – as I think I’ve demonstrated fairly well over the past 30 years – but what I don’t want to do is fail to do justice to the potential of some of these collaborative efforts, or to the people who are participating in them. It’s one thing to set up a competition or challenge, another thing to monitor it. These ongoing projects, though, are really the soul of this blog and it would be stupid to stop doing them altogether in favour of a more manageable, purely-diary-based thing.
So I’m going to do what one or two people have suggested and appoint – basically – unpaid staff, as I did with the Emergency Blogging last month. There are two main jobs that need doing at the moment:
-The Very Late Review. I ran this feature successfully for a couple of weeks: readers of the blog rate and review various films/albums/people/aspects of life and provide a massive critical overview. This is really fun and fascinating but it demands lots of time; there are still about 100 Comments waiting to be collated from the last time I opened it up. So I’d like to appoint someone to read these comments, sort them into the relevant films, etc, and basically prepare them for me to write up. That’s one thing.
-The other thing is of course the TYSICs. There is a whole site devoted to people posting updates of their personal challenges and the idea is for me to read them as often as possible, and write an overview, say, every week of how we’re all getting on. This again is slightly more than I can manage at present. So I’d like someone to keep an eye on the Challenge site and produce, essentially, a highlights package which I can then write up every week or so.
So in summary: someone to run the Very Late Review; someone to be Ten-Year Challenge Correspondent. These posts would suit someone with a pool of free time I can hardly even dream of, who is a regular reader of the blog, knows what the features are about, and maybe is someone with an interest in getting into journalism in the future or has some other way of benefiting from the exercise (so I don’t feel guilty about it). Do apply below or, as ever, you can tweet me if you prefer. Applying doesn’t, of course, commit you to doing it forever. And if there are multiple applications as there have been in the past – which is lovely – I will choose people by the usual partly fair, partly whimsical methods.
I look forward to hearing from you. This doesn’t mean the blog will become less personal and more corporate like one of these ‘fan pages’ run by management. On the contrary, it will enable me to spend more time writing personal, honest, in-depth, sometimes professionally damaging things. And to make this site as much as possible like the strange little independent newspaper/TV channel/alternative community I want it to be. Thank you.
Posted by Knox on June 1, 2011
i thought i’d commented on this one before. not sure what i would have said, but thought i did… ah well. i have now.
Posted by Someone on June 7, 2010
Oooh ooh ooh ooh. NOoooooo. I was away because of no laptop and so I missed out and I DID try to read the blog on my phone, but unfortunately it is prehistoric and has somehow unwittingly been given the power to communicate with google. Which is an extremely powerful gift for such a small – and I have to say it – rubbish phone. So I was just about able to read this post at about 5 words per screen but it wouldn’t let me comment and so I’ve just been catching up on everything (in a very strange order (i know, unnecessarily)) – and I saw that you put a deadline on this! But basically, and extremely long-windedly, I really would very much like a jobbbb. Please.
. And wave… And breathe.
I’ve just finished uni you see. I was rubbish at uni, but i want to be good at something else. And I’m pretty organised! And I like being, y’know, meticulous and I have ‘good attention to detail’ as pretty much all job advertisements seem to seek. So go on, go on. Give me something to do :]. Gosh I do sound needy. But in real actual life I’d like to be involved in words… and i know for a fact your blog involves them, so I can’t think of any other reason why… something something.
And… smile
Posted by Gilly on June 4, 2010
Hello!
I’m one of your transatlantic fans (I’m a Brit living in California right now), and am both working and going to college (going to transfer with a double degree in theater and english). Now, you might think that would mean I have very little free time. You’d be wrong. I would be more than delighted to be your late review compiler, or really anything else you might need (Latte? I can get it to you, but it may not be hot when it gets there). Added to which, I am most often (due to the time difference) awake when Britain is asleep, making the lull in the onslaught of comments (we MW fans are quite vicious typers, I have noticed) ideal for work time.
Anyway, either way, I hope you enjoy this wonderful evening (it’s morning here, so I had to think about that).
Posted by Mark D on June 4, 2010
I hope I don’t go and spoil the fun, but I was also going to offer to help with the Late Review, but I am not sure how often I will be free to help. But due to a sudden and surprisingly painful attack of hay fever, I had some free time on my hands.
Firstly I tried to write a program that would pick the ratings from the Comments, it semi successful, it worked OK for a lot of comments but they was too much inconsistency, so in the end I went back to the tried and trust method listing all the ratings in spreadsheet.
Here is a link to the spreadsheet, and I hope no one is too upset by it. But as I said I had some free time on hands, yesterday and I wanted to do constructive.
Some ratings I were averaged as they gave 2 ratings for the same thing, as if the the person didn’t give a rating, I left the row blank.
http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=tlsnkHiv7lP2DokH4VTm-tA&single=true&gid=0&output=html
Posted by Ally on June 4, 2010
I’ll nominate myself for being the TYSIC correspondent. I’m a first year Uni student doing an Arts degree, so the only people with more free time than me are children under the age of five and people over 60. I need something to do other than staring at facebook/twitter for hours on end waiting for something to happen. I’m also majoring in Media at Uni, so I figure this exercise could be helpful for my degree.
I noticed in the comments that someone suggested two people do the TYSIC updates? Like a team effort. I’d definitely be up for that as well.
Posted by MusicalLottie on June 4, 2010
This is far more friendly than any other Jobcentre! (I should know, I spent 2 1/2 years unemployed) When my contract ends in August I wish I could come to the blog instead of going to sign on …
I’m glad you’re recruiting, though I can’t apply for either because I genuinely haven’t the time to do either; it’s good to see many applications already so I don’t feel guilty
Posted by Kate W on June 4, 2010
Looks like you’ve got plenty of offers, but I’ll put my hand up for collating TYSIC highlights. I’m intrigued to see what everyone’s up to and haven’t kept up with that as much as I could, so this would be a good opportunity. I’ve got quite a reasonable amount of time at the moment, but will have even more after August (when Camden Fringe/Edinburgh etc’s over), so could take over if other applicants are free over the summer but don’t necessarily want to do it forever. Ex-English student, so fairly good at reading and summarising.
Posted by glamlovinkitty on June 3, 2010
My job doesnt leave a massive amount of free time, but I’d be happy to do the odd thing as and when needed. (Either of the above, or emergency blogging). Unfortunately I don’t think I have the time available consistently enough to do anything regularly though.
I did used to write for a paper – the Glaswegian (yes, that esteemed publication!) – obviously, this gives me the ideal credentials for any writing work you might imagine.
)
Posted by Laura on June 3, 2010
How do, Mark. I am offering my services in collating the Very Late Review opinions of these good folks. I have tons of spare time, what with being an, at present, unemployed bum (apart from my good deed voluntary work). I’m a daily reader and far-too-often commenter, and quite like the idea of all the power. I mean responsibility, I like the idea of all the responsibility…
I have often thought about volunteering my services in this area but worried you might tell me to bugger off. I’m incredibly anal and like calculating averages and making lists, if that helps. ‘Admin’ is practically my middle name; well it’s the job search keyword I use more than any other.
Also, I have won/been chosen for absolutely fuck-all else on this blog. Methinks I am ahead of you in the queue for lonely and bitter…Aah, the joys of turning 30.
Posted by Beth (@Doomed1) on June 3, 2010
I love your blogs, but struggling to catch up after a few days away last week! THink im almost there!!! Been a bit quiet as focusing on one of my challanges and im so almost there to completeing two of them an taking a major leap! Im very excited! but dont want to jinx it. so watch this space!
I also recruited my sister to the challange!!
AND Also sorry I missed you in Bristol, was at my secret challange part with ouchy shoes on!!!
Posted by Katy on June 3, 2010
I seem to have a reasonable amount of time spare, and am always able to make free time for things I like to do.
I’d be interested in collating TYSIC stuff. I love reading through peoples entries on the micro-site, and sometimes it even reminds me that I’m meant to be working towards my own TYSIC. Plus I just love saying TYSIC. My friends now know what it is without me having to explain, and I can say it really fast, even when I’ve had a drink. Which isnt much of an endorsement of my ability to write about it, but I reckon I could.
Posted by amycool on June 3, 2010
I don’t envy you having to pick from all of these excellent job applications. Luckily, you won’t have to add me to the list as I enjoy having very little responsibility.
I will feel a lot better when these posts are filled because I do worry about you working yourself to illness and I really enjoy the regular slots in the blog.
Posted by Rosanna on June 3, 2010
Don’t have much time at the moment but I’d be happy to do some sort of job after about 2nd June. But I know you have a lot more enthusiastic applications than that so it’s probably best to choose someone else…
But i’ll be happy to help at some point!
Posted by Madeleine on June 3, 2010
This feels incredibly greedy after I already got to lend a hand last mounth as an emergency blogger, but I would be extremely happy to help with the very late review colation.
I do read the blog every day (and comment on probably too many of these), I recently quit my job and I genuinely love reviews. I like reading them and writing them, and that part of this blog has been on of my personal favourties.
There’s something about a succinct (or not) well written (or not) opinion, with a star rating slapped on the end that just give me an overwhelming sense of contentment. I’m weird like that.
Posted by Pete S on June 3, 2010
Hey Mark!
Will you blog about the mp3 player challenge any time soon? I haven’t heard much about it recently. Is it still in transit?
Posted by Natalie-Helen on June 3, 2010
I would enjoy helping but live in constant fear of having any responsibility and letting people down. Perhaps you could give me something that everyone pretends to be important but isn’t. Maybe I could be in charge a short weather report that people humour me into thinking I’m seriously important.
Also, for someone who is generally pessimistic and is working hard to be more optimistic, how do you decide when you are being pessimistic and when you are being honest with yourself? Whn do you decided that optimism is more fooling yourself.
For example when do you say “he won’t cheat again” and what point is it you say “he’ll never be faithful”?
Quite a personal question really. Sorry about that.
^_^
Posted by h2osarah on June 3, 2010
My free time is starting to disappear as work starts up properly for me, but that still leaves me with quite a bit to spare. I am willing to help out with either job intermittently or in an ongoing manner. Let me know what you need!
Posted by chris st on June 2, 2010
I have absoluely no interest in doing either job. However did want to comment that based on my recent attempt to recruit someone via the local jobcentre (offering money and everything), if your career nosedives, you may wish to set up a very reasonable recruitment agency.
Really enjoying the ride that is the blog – though fairly confident you have bitten off more than you can chew. Fully expect to see it all collapse under the weight of your idealism before Christmas, but appreciating the journey in the mean time.
Posted by Chris on June 2, 2010
Send some work this way man! I may have mentioned a sudden pool of free time made available in a previous blog about fifty times and if I can do it whilst making some epic journey I would happily do that.
I’m a bit of a blog-hog as it is this week so feel free to hand it over to somebody else. But any other jobs that pop up I would deal with if I am able.
And stop going on about Mock the Week, Fighting Talk is where its at!!!
Posted by Megan on June 2, 2010
PS (from home): A big part of my job is searching out reviews, so picking/choosing the best and assessing them in general is already part of my skillset. Really!
Posted by Alex on June 2, 2010
Would happily do the Very Late Review at least for a few months. I have just finished uni for the year and now have four months to fill, and finding an actual paid job is seeming increasingly unlikely… I’m usually busy to the point where I make myself ill (it’s worth it, I’m not being self-pitying), and 4 months of nothing scares me a little. So anything to fill the time is wonderful.
Or if anyone has any ideas of places I could find jobs/voluntary CV fillers, that would also be great.
Posted by Rachel Winter on June 2, 2010
Can safely say you need not fear ever being bitter or lonely.
As you know I have a lot of free time at present!
Would happily do the tysic one (though as I’ve not quite mastered updating my own page yet am not sure how good I’d be!).
Posted by Megan on June 2, 2010
I am so keen to be a Very Late Review compiler person that I am typing this on a very crowded bus while trying not to jostle anyone (only moderately successfully).
Posted by Becca on June 2, 2010
I have just moved out of my university halls and have a fair amount of free time, so I can help out if necessary – the Very Late Review sounds like something I could do because I can organise/edit things, though asking me to work out the averages wouldn’t be the best idea. I see a lot of others have already volunteered for it though, who are probably better at maths than me…but still! I have nothing to lose (I think I’m following in your footsteps and trying to be more positve for my TYSIC.)
Posted by Tom Beasley on June 2, 2010
I am certainly interested in running The Very Late Review section.
As you know from when you chose me to win a copy of Eleven (which is a bloody excellent read by the way, I’ll email you my thoughts on it), I have a lot of experience in writing as I have a regular column in a local magazine and have even written a novel. As well as this, I have blogged for quite some time and also been a freelancer for several months.
Seeing as I am a year 11 who took GCSEs a year early, I have about three exams over the whole exam period meaning that I have a vast expanse of summer free time ahead of me. This would be a welcome way for me to use up some of that time and I would definitely like to continue it into the future.
Also, something like this on such a *ahem* high profile blog would be excellent for my future career in journalism and writing in general. I am always looking to gain more experience and I have already contributed to every Very Late Review so far, so know exactly how it works.
So yes, I would love this opportunity and I hope you pick me. I promise cookies if I am chosen!
Posted by rachel (pandora) on June 2, 2010
mark. i can help with either as required, although i’m already on the MP3 Conveyancing Team if you want to share the blog-related duties about. but i can do organising and collating and that, especially if it involves google maps….
Posted by Rachael on June 2, 2010
I imagine (and hope) that you will be much the same old Watson in 2020, unless of course you change your name to Watkins to make the most of those audiobooks.
Posted by (Magnificent) Josh on June 2, 2010
I’d be very happy to help out with the VLR, I’m a bit concerned to committing but I can’t see there being any problem with a lack of time on my part. I’d make a spread-sheet, use the split screen thing, it sounds quite exciting. I’m not adverse to repetitive tasks and I can fit my body through a metal coat-hanger (is that a whimsical enough reason for you?)
Posted by Suz on June 2, 2010
Well, I’d be very happy to help out with the Very Late Review, since I’m a regular reader, have an interest in writing, would enjoy that sort of thing, etc.
I can’t remember but I’m pretty sure it was Mock the Week that first alerted me to your comedy and made me check out more, so you can’t have been that invisible!
Posted by LisaD on June 2, 2010
I would enjoy sifting through the TYSIC updates and coming up with a highlight reel. That seems really fun and appeals to my desire to encourage and maintain our odd community. I’d also like doing it with someone cause I learned on Sesame Street that tasks are more fun when you use cooperation. Still, I did get to be an emergency blogger so I’ll understand perfectly if it’s someone else’s turn.
PS Although I really enjoy Mock the Week the talking over everyone to get a quip in always seemed a bit cutthroat to me, also rude. Part of what led me to a fan site of yours in the first place was I thought you stood out as the polite and well-behaved panelist. XD
Posted by Simon on June 2, 2010
I reckon you’ll get a lot of applications. You should probably recruit someone to sift through these applications in order to recruit someone to perform the stuff you mentioned? Yeah?
By the way, the self-derogatory remarks you constantly make about your appearances on “Mock the Week” always make me chuckle!
Posted by Misha on June 2, 2010
Ahhhhh, this has cheered me up after really quite a rubbish day.
Since it’s just over 2 weeks until my exams are done, (leaving me nearly 4 months to fill) i’m happy to play a part in summing up weekly TYSIC progress if no-one else wishes to do it.
Posted by tothesky on June 2, 2010
Hello Mark!
I’d be interested in beng The Late Review Comment Collector person! Although I don’t comment much, I do read your blog everyday.
My last exam of my first year was today and now that it’s all over I’m finding myself thinking about how I will even begin to spend my days not reading Shakespeare. I suppose I could devote my time to some of my TYSIC goals but I’ve got ten years for that right? (Of course I will still try and improve myself, I just finished an hour piano practice session, oh yeah).
So yes, I’ve got free time, plenty of it (though I plan to be sleeping tomorrow but after that, free as a bird). Also, I can read which may help.
Thanks!
Oh, if this is the first comment, please talk about juice. What is your favourite juice? Cheers. x
Posted by Sephy on June 2, 2010
Mark, I would love to help withyour brilliant blog; either job. The nature of my job means I have perios of extreme business and extreme laziness, so having something to fill the hours during lazy times would be cool. Might make me feel less guilty too!
Posted by Corey on June 2, 2010
I will put myself forward to collate the Very Late Review section. I think the creators of the excellent TYSIC site are in a great position to help with that area.
Posted by Kathryn on June 2, 2010
The lure of commenting early was too much.
I could help with The Very Late Review. Most of my exams are now over and the idea of methodically reading comments, summarising them and calculating average scores greatly appeals to me, being generally quite obsessive-complusive. And I really enjoy English and am hoping to study it next year. That’s my application, anyway.