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.
Yahavage
I don’t think you’re insane for not being paid – I do think 5/6 hours sleep is madness however! It amazes me when people can do that – I can’t – I need my 8 hours or I get angry the next morning >.>
rht992
you don’t have to be mad to work here but it helps
seedaripper1973
Read it now (asdas only a 20 min walk) but seriously, as you can judge from my status (i’ve been here since the beginning of time…oh speaking of which, wheres my special ‘wording’ under my title- bastards!) , i appreciate all the work you guys do, paid or not, and i wouldnt go anywhere else!! *clicks on advertisement*
Sod it i’ll even give ya a kiss x
Flaming Turkeys
I have 5 websites I go on every day on my google chrome homepage. Aside from (Unmentionable website due to 18+ content), TSA is the top! (I joke, I joke, TSA is top)
crit10
Good article.
My conclusion: ‘Yeah, you’re all pretty much insane’.
Tuffcub
I am not insane and my collection of singing potatoes will back me up.
solidsteven
Then why have you nailed jammy dodgers to you wall? :P
3shirts
Thanks Holly
Tuffcub
Mr Flibble says you’ve been a very naughty boy
solidsteven
*puts straight coat on Tuffcub* Here this will make you feel better.:P
BIGAL-1992
You guys? Insane? I wouldn’t think so. Except for tuffcub and his ESRB smut posts.
Blayney
You may be a little bit mad to do it, by I’m so glad that you all are. Easily the number 1 gaming site on the web. Great features, previews, reviews, discussions, analysis and community. Fantastic.
bunimomike
Strange how people’s perception of your free and devoted love to the craft of video-game writing appear so terribly put out. Sure, I’m positive all at TSA would love to see a return/reward from the energy put in to the site but that’s not the reason for doing it. Hopefully, that’s just a wonderful side-effect from the site flourishing with every month that passes.
A great friend and I have spent just over £4,000 between us on a project site which we love working on. We hope it’ll look after us (financially) but the very reason we got into it is because we love the work. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Good on you Dan (and everyone at TSA).
AG2297
Great article Dan, I know exactly where your coming from. No your not insane at all, you have a passion for gaming and you express that passion via TSA. TSA is possibly also a passion for you, which is whatmakes you so dedicated to it.