An MGoJob Is Available Comment Count

Brian

snatching-your-people

Major changes are involuntarily happening around here. You see, Rudy, my people have been snatched up. Tim is moving to fill the vacancy at The Wolverine left by Josh Helmholdt's ascension to Midwest Recruiting Analyst. Tom is departing, as well. That site is yet to launch and I've been asked not to spill the specific beans so you'll have to deduce.

These are well-deserved jobs for both guys and I'm happy for them. For me—and you—not so much. Unless you want to do this:

MGoBlog Recruiting Ninja

The position is a combination of Tim and Tom duties that were previously split because of the organic nature of Tom's emergence. Recruiting ninja will:

  1. Collect information from around the web for a weekly roundup post.
  2. Write up new commitment posts.
  3. Maintain the recruiting board.
  4. Head out to reasonably local football games to get footage of commitments.
  5. Utilize the wonders of the internet to interview recruits on- and off-line.

Output should be a post or two daily with regular items on the message board a la Tom.

Ideally, candidates should:

  1. Already have a decent idea who Ben Gedeon is, what Tha Ringer is, and why Michigan's high-rated recruits drop more often than they rise when rankings are revised.
  2. Have a writing portfolio of some variety.
  3. Be able to write relatively clean copy without outside editing.
  4. Have an online presence.
  5. Know how to assemble and edit video.
  6. Have journalist skills like talking to people and getting information from them friendly-like without making them think you're weird.
  7. Desire for Michigan to win football games without that interfering with #6.
  8. Not mind odd hours.

All of these will be tough to achieve so don't worry if you're missing a couple.

The job pays like an entry-level gig at a regional newspaper. 100% telecommute, no set hours, flexible vacation as long as it's not during football season. If you want a business card that says "recruiting ninja" we can make that happen. No benefits at the moment because I haven't begun to figure that out, but if that is a hangup it is negotiable for the right candidate.

If you're interested, email me 4-6 pieces (preferably URLs to pieces) and a resume. If the email contains background on you that helps illuminate where you are and where you're going that will also be helpful.

Comments

M-Wolverine

August 15th, 2011 at 2:04 PM ^

But think about the time commitment it takes to follow all those players all across the country, staying in contact with them, getting them to trust you, and then getting updates out as fast as TomVH does.  It's a huge time commitment, and lots of effort, if no particular superhuman skill. Now try imagining doing it with any other sort of job. Because I'm pretty sure they're both leaving not because they suddenly don't love MGoBlog, but it's a more steady secure paycheck.  Which isn't a knock on this site. It's a lot easier when you have ESPN backing you up and the bottom line isn't completely hits = $$$.

Blue in Yarmouth

August 15th, 2011 at 2:32 PM ^

and perhaps that didn't come out in my post, but that is where I think Tim and Tom separate themselves from other posters (the time commitment). I think what both have done has been great, I just think that someone with those skills and time on their hands could do just as good a job, that's all. I think they are great, but I think there are others here who could do a great job as well if they have ample time. 

I really hope what I wrote didn't come off as me thinking they two of them don't do a hell of a lot, because that is not what I mean at all. I loved reading their contributions and wish them both well in their new jobs. I am just not as pessimistic as some that Brian can find someone who can do a damn good job replacing them and I look forward to reading what the new blood brings to the table. 

Magnus

August 15th, 2011 at 12:08 PM ^

TomVH, your contributions will be missed.  You did/do a great job and this place has been better since you started providing your information.  Good luck in your future endeavors!

Bodogblog

August 15th, 2011 at 12:18 PM ^

has been great following each of you, and I'll continue to find your content. 

Candidates: dgdestroys, JC3, speedkills, wlubd, pick a reasonable mod off the Scout free board

trueblueintexas

August 15th, 2011 at 12:34 PM ^

I'm assuming Tom will have a "no compete" clause in his ESPN contract?  If not, any reason he can't keep being paid to post Michigan specific info on the site?  It's not like he's changing professions.

Anonymosity

August 15th, 2011 at 1:23 PM ^

I'd like to throw my hat into the ring.

1. I have no idea who Ben Gedeon is, what Tha Ringer is, or why the recruits' rankings drop.

2. I have no writing portfolio.

3. Clean copy?  This I can do!  My grammatical and spelling abilities are above average.

4. I have no online presence- no blog, no Twitter account.  I even have under 200 Facebook friends.

5. I've never worked with video in any manner.

6. I've never done any journalism-related work, nor do the attributes you listed sounds anything at all like me.  Frankly, my personality traits are pretty much the opposite of what you'd want from someone in this position.

7. I want Michigan to win football games!  That's two!

8. I can't do odd hours- I already have a career.  In fact, I can do barely any hours at all, regardless of the time of day or day of the week.

In summary- I bring a lot to the table.  I have a hot guy for my avatar, I know the difference between "your" and "you're", and I've been watching Michigan football since I was like eight.  Sure, I can't commit many, or even any, hours towards this job, nor do I have any journalistic qualifications whatsoever, but those seem like minor hurdles.  I could totally crank out two, maybe three, hundred words a week for you.

So, Brian, when do I start?

bluebyyou

August 15th, 2011 at 1:35 PM ^

Tim and Tom

Congratuations and thank you to you both for the excellent content you have provided for our reading and viewing pleasure.

I think Mary Sue Colemen said it best:

 

For today, goodbye.

For tomorrow, good luck.

And forever, Go Blue!

Poster Nutbag

August 15th, 2011 at 1:41 PM ^

Congrats Tim and Tom!  

 

Thank you both for all that you have done!  We'll miss you guys.  Hope you guys come back for visits,    

 

I hear Coach Hoke is willing to give you guys the number 1 and 2 jerseys if you stay!!

TrppWlbrnID

August 15th, 2011 at 6:35 PM ^

That the mathlete's last post was noted as being officially affiliated with mgoblog? So I guess mathlete is on staff now and another beat reporter and recruiting ninja are coming. Hooray expansion!

peterinco

August 15th, 2011 at 9:38 PM ^

going to be fun to watch.  Certainly there is no shortage of options for the fan or reader and they seem to be growing all the time.  I, for one, have very little interest in the pay sites--I'm just not THAT into it and enjoy browsing on the various free sites.

On more than one occasion I considered writing to Tom or posting somewhere something akin to does his work help or hurt recruiting?  I mean, couldn't it hurt that he contacts recruits and could rub someone the wrong way?  But, the truth is, he seems incredibly polite and cognizant of that.  He really does do a good job.  But, I didn't know he was paid a real, full-time salary.  It strikes me as a little odd, in some of his posts, that he is an employee of the site yet doesn't always treat users/customers with information, propmptness, or courtesy that I think might be expected.  I think he will do well anywhere and in a bigger, more read or challenging environment.  Oh, and I commend Tom and Brian for ORIGINAL content.

I've had some communications with Brian at times and one of the things I question about this site is the publishing of others', proprietary, copywrited information on a for-profit stie.  It occurs to me that Tim may have some problems.  His "Hello" posts are often mostly cut and pastes from elsewhere; I cannot see Rivals/Yahoo allowing that.  And I would definitely question his--anyone's--ability to sum up or project a recruits entire college career in a few sentences, especially based who-knows-what web information.

Magnus' knowledge and input has, in my opinion, improved over the years.  It is great to see him learn more about what he does and enjoys.  Still, I think he can be too critical and judgemental toward young, sometimes 16 or 17 year-old kids.  I think it is shame to squash potential when it seems awfully difficult to really tell.  Give them, not to mention the coaches, the benefit of the doubt.  But I think Magnus has definitely done good things with his blog.  What is great is that he is actively involved in the discussions.

DG Destroys seems to have found a home elsewhere.

SanDiegoWolverine

August 16th, 2011 at 1:39 AM ^

How has no one mentioned him yet?  His posts and diaries are extremely informative and based on the his formatting and table creating skills his is quite tech savy.  I'm not sure where he lives or if he is young enough to probably work the odd hours that this job requires but just looking at the frequent posters and bloggers around here I would definately put him in the top 5 as far a candidates.