Many regular readers will know this already, but it’s a point I’d like to reiterate; TSA is staffed entirely by volunteers whose dedication astounds me. Although efforts are being made to turn TSA into a paying venture, for the time being those 15+ pieces of content you read every day come from a group of people who have given up their spare time to bring you the latest news, views and opinions.
Lately, as I’ve become more involved with TSA, there have been a lot of negative comments aimed in my direction from non gamers with regards to the fact that I do this “for free”. The general consensus is that I’m ‘insane’, and that they would never work for free, because it’s pointless. This is where my little rant begins, and I’d like to start off with replacing the word ‘insane’ with ‘dedicated’.
Let me guide you through an average day for me. I get up at 5.45am every morning and head straight into work with the express intention of getting news up on TSA. I get into work about an hour and a half early so that I can scour the web/press releases and put up some morning content. Lunchtimes don’t exist; instead it’s more content for TSA and a quick sandwich. After an eight hour work day, and a few hours writing, I head home where I try and balance family time with more news writing, original content or game reviews. I normally head to bed at about midnight/1am.
Despite this, I couldn’t give a flying fart about getting paid. I don’t do this for any financial gain; I do it because I’ve been a gamer for 24 years, I love writing, and I’m dedicated to helping TSA go supernova. Of course, I’m not the only one; the entire news team and contributors work their butts off every day. The community team moderates some great events, Kris brings you top quality features, Al, Peter and Lee not only post fine content, but also work behind the scenes sorting out stuff you never get to see. The whole site radiates passion and dedication. All in our spare time. On top of that there’s also our sister sites, ScreenDemon, HalftoneHero, and AppTilt; the work that goes into these is immense.
This follows through to our readers too. I struggle to think of many other places where the readers not only give up their time to comment, but do it in a polite, coherent manner time and time again.
Are we all dedicated? Absolutely. Are we all insane? Perhaps, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
webby_15-0
The fact that both the writers and readers of TSA are dedicated to games as a whole and not just one console is the reason why I’d choose TSA over any other gaming site anyday.
KillaScorp
I have been following this website for quite a while now, and even though I dont post very often, there isnt one day that goes by when I dont visit.
Yeah, ok, some people on here are a bit mental, but thats what makes it so great!! I love this site, and wouldnt want it any other way.
To all the staff giving up their free time – thank you, it is appreciated by everyone on here.
solidsteven
Hey i’m not… oh there is a pink elephant over there.
lol
Dan Lee
It’s always good to hear that we’re doing a good job. I actually wrote this the middle of last week after a particularly stressful few days. It was either get it off my chest or go on some kind of rampage (and blame it on violent games). I actually feel bad for those who take the attitude that getting paid is the be all and end all of everything.
Boomshanks
As has been said before people who aren’t passionate about anything will see money as they only reward from a job. I feel quite sad for those who don’t have anything to be passionate about as it gives a feeling of satisfaction no amount of money can create
aerobes
Beautiful piece. Pretty much embodies everything I feel about TSA.
Nice work Dan. :)
TSBonyman
It’s more insane that anyone would read TSA but not be passionate enough about gaming to understand why someone would be so passionate about gaming that “working for free” is an irrelevent argument.
Anyway, what about the perks.. interviews with industry insiders, previews and exclusive hands on, ntm all those garibaldi biscuits!
solidsteven
i heard that they get paid in porn and biscuits.:P
Dan Lee
I have yet to develop the reflexes needed to get the biscuits away from TuffCub….I’m so very hungry :oD
solidsteven
I thought Tuffcub ate Jammy dodgers.:P
stingraz
solidsteven – you’ve made 9 comments on this topic. You had enough yet?!
oh and tsa writers are insane. I prefer to get my ps3 news from the alan titchmarsh show.
solidsteven
No :P
aerobes
Garibaldi? Ok, I seriously have to prioritise …
Jas-n
Perks? Is that why I keep getting sent to sit on the chair and face the corner, while the rest of them collect their biscuits.
solidsteven
Yep :D
Manorhowze
Nice article Dan. Anyone who does something for free that they dont enjoy could be classed as “insane” but doing something that you are passionate about for free is rewarding in itself.
TSBonyman
That sums it up perfectly.
seedaripper1973
I haven’t even read this yet (it’s sunday so i have to get to asda quickly-bloody christians) anyroad…YES!
3shirts
The fact that this site is my main, and almost only, source of gaming news and discussion really says it all. It’s more engaging, fun and up to the minute than a lot of much bigger sites that have full-time, paid, writers and editors.
Long live TSA
skibadee
takes hat off to TSA.
XisTG
kudos for this article my friend; if it wasn’t for passions, TSA would feel to you guys as just another boring job.