Hi-Fi World November edition

[nat8808]

Pay reflects the health and wealth of an industry surely, rather than acting with a social conscience

[Audioman]

Hasn't anybody noticed that pay for most has hardly gone up since the 1980's. That's why people borrowed more and more and now consumer spending levels are way down. A contracting sector such as hi-fi reviewing is hardly likely to buck the trend.

[Macca]

How many reviewers who aren't full time staffers don't have a day job or are independently wealthy? None. I'd be quite happy to spend some spare time listening to some new kit and knock out 2000 words for £300 quid. I wouldn't consider it work at all.

Alan?...

[Alan Sircom]

How many reviewers who aren't full time staffers don't have a day job or are independently wealthy? None. I'd be quite happy to spend some spare time listening to some new kit and knock out 2000 words for £300 quid. I wouldn't consider it work at all.

Alan?...

Actually, we still have several full-time freelance writers in the UK. They tend to write in a number of different fields, but their specialism is audio. I'm not sure how sustainable that career path is going ahead.

Like any hobby made into business, the reality is less fun than it seems. Unless you work from home, you need to spend a day off awaiting the delivery. Then another one, because the distributor forgot to send it on the day they intended. Then you discover your system doesn't match the DUT, and you need to call the distributor who calls the manufacturer and ends up sending you a range of products that fit better, and they don't arrive on time, then I get on your case for not getting the product in on time.

The first 2000 words are relatively easy. Keeping it fresh when you've just done your 20th cable in a row is when the problems kick in. And, whatever you write will be pulled apart by those who hate every word you generate because simply putting words on a page makes you a corrupt tool of the manufacturers in their eyes.

Still interested?

[Macca]

Alan - It's three hundred notes. Of course I'm still interested

Seriuosly, though, every job has its drawbacks but there are a lot worse ways to make a living. I know because I've done most of them. However I take your point about cable reviews. That could get tough. But I'm a professional, I rise above these things...

[Clive]

In terms of time invested it simply doesn't pay. I do it for fun and as a distraction. Also as Alan suggests works well, I work from home. Also, I only review items I find interesting. I must have reviewed over 50 items, not one has been foisted on me.

[isuckedmandelsonslemons]

Alan, I'm seriously very interested. Could do stuff with a slightly different angle. I'm a bit of a hifi beginner compared to most on here but I do have a number of attributes you may be interested in:

1. I have plenty of time for listening
2. I'm happy to work for those rates
3. I can write a bit.
4. I'm more than happy to be hated. I'm used to it.
5. I don't mind everything I write being criticised. Why else would I post on here?
6. My spelling is eggsel exel excele egcel . . . Good.

When can I start?

[isuckedmandelsonslemons]

In terms of time invested it simply doesn't pay. I do it for fun and as a distraction. Also as Alan suggests works well, I work from home. Also, I only review items I find interesting. I must have reviewed over 50 items, not one has been foisted on me.

Dream job.

[hifinutt]

The first 2000 words are relatively easy. Keeping it fresh when you've just done your 20th cable in a row is when the problems kick in. And, whatever you write will be pulled apart by those who hate every word you generate because simply putting words on a page makes you a corrupt tool of the manufacturers in their eyes.

well , have no fear i reread my hi fi plus mags and hi fi world many times over and past editions and thouroughly enjoy them although it must be galling to have ones integrity called into question
i was intersted to read a review of a famous amp recently in stereophile that was a bit negative and it caused a right old stink so not an easy job to be honest and still retain support of manufacturers

[isuckedmandelsonslemons]

Have I got this job yet? I'm assuming the letter is in the post.