NEWS: Want to Write for Rolling Stone?

I think some of the people that made Rolling Stone what it is today (Lester Bangs, Hunter S. Thompson) would laugh their asses off at the idea. I'd still do it if, like the others, I had enough musical knowledge. I've zoned into certain bands, and you might have to write something about Britney Spears or Three Six Mafia. I'd kind of throw up at that point.

Do you really think writing for Rolling Stone is like being in a musical trivia challenge?

This thread is great, if for nothing else than the chance to read people's excuses ("I'd love to, but. . .") for not trying. Hilarious.

Err, I don't think it's about Rolling Stone's qualifications. If I'm ever going to critique (or write) something, it better be insightful and knowledgable. That's for me and the people reading it, not the magazine. First time posting, and I've already read a know-it-all. Brilliant.

But thanks. Your name's Dick, right? =)

Edit: You like the Pixies. I can no longer be mad at you.

[Edited on Mar 28, 2006 by alaniszen]

If I was in the US, I'd do it. The working-hard-to-climb-the-ladder journo thing is a drag and is totally using up a lot of my effort.

But Rolling Stone is maybe 50% music, tops. Anyway, writers write about things they aren't experts in all the time.

And yes, my name is Dick.


[Edited on Mar 28, 2006 by PointBlank]

can i like, touch you?

I don't know about you, but I write naked.



Man, April 7 is so soon. I just heard about this today and I'm going to try to apply, but their application packet is 13 pages of tough questions. FUCK.

What a great opportunity - I don't know if I'm rolling stone material - but it would be nice to be the next (female) hunter s thompson, except on less drugs.

Of course the only music I know anything about is musical theater - but, um, I can learn. I party like a rock star (ask the girls of SGSF) so why not write about them?

[Edited on Mar 30, 2006 by Hazel]

No, that's not what I meant. But I do think a writer for a music magazine should have a thorough knowledge of musical history/theory, etc. So, while I think it's a nice fantasy, I don't suffer any delusions that I could do it. I would also like to play first base for the White Sox, but don't possess the skills for that, either. It's wrong (or "hilarious") to express a desire to do something we don't have the aptitude for? You seriously have never had similar feelings?

Anyway, thanks for tearing me apart for making what I thought was a fairly innocuous statement. Love you too.

The second part of my statement was not directed at you. Seriously. Sorry you got that impression. I was referring to the people who said "i'm not going to write about Britney Spears!!" and the like, because that's just silly.

But as regards Rolling Stone: As I said before, the magazine is probably less than 50% music-related. Being a good writer is what they'd look for. Knowledge of Music history and especially musical theory wouldn't be important.

So out of the potentially thousands of applicants, you think they're going to accept someone who's a "good writer" even though they don't know shit about certain aspects of music? Considering Rolling Stone was founded as a music magazine and remains primarily a music magazine regardless of the 50% claim, I highly doubt it. Sure, there's film reviews and a bit of politics. Not what it's known for, not what it wants to be known for. And they're not gonna advertise the other half in the reality TV show.

Let's wait and see, shall we?