Some of you know, I just graduated college and want to break into automotive journalism. My first story was published on the LA Times Auto Web site. Check it out:
http://www.latimes.com/classified/automotive/
The Five Great Cars You Can't Buy article is mine.
Full Version: Published!
Nice!
Nice!
You should have also included the Focus RS
You should have also included the Focus RS
thats awesome!!!!!
now we can feed you things to put in your articles.
now we can feed you things to put in your articles.
QUOTE(goota @ Jul 13 2009, 09:05 PM) 
thats awesome!!!!!
now we can feed you things to put in your articles.
now we can feed you things to put in your articles.
lol
Congrats! Can't wait to seem some more
Congratulations dude! Hope to read a lot more of your stuff. 
P.S. Is the new RS6 gonna be sold in the USA ?
P.S. Is the new RS6 gonna be sold in the USA ?
QUOTE(dukenukem @ Jul 13 2009, 09:28 PM)
P.S. Is the new RS6 gonna be sold in the USA ?
No duke, you're stuck with your Sexually Transmitted Infection. And don't go making any retort "morbidly obese" jokes... I've heard 'em all.
Good article, but will the US-spec Fiesta compare to the Euro-spec?
There are Zondas in the US.
Nicely done, that first publication is a sweet one isn't it?
You are working freelance?
Did you query the LA Times or did you write the article on spec?
You are working freelance?
Did you query the LA Times or did you write the article on spec?
what about VW scirocco? 
or Alfa Romeo 159
Vauxhall Insignia VXR
QUOTE(Razor @ Jul 13 2009, 08:33 PM)
No duke, you're stuck with your Sexually Transmitted Infection. And don't go making any retort "morbidly obese" jokes... I've heard 'em all.
I bet you must have made tons of hair dresser friends going to R32 meets/ forums.
There were a ton of great cars I thought about including, but I felt the ones I picked were the most relevant to the LA Times readership.
And I know there are some Zondas in the US, but they aren't officially sold here so I included them. Technically you could bring any of these cars to American shores if you want to jump through the hoops that current Zonda owners do. Anything is possible, you just need money, and some sort of silly registration.
Thanks for the compliments guys! I'll be doing a thing on the Ford Transit later on this week. When that goes up, I'll be sure to post it here.
Bjorn, I am writing freelance and for free It was originally supposed to just be a blog post, but she liked it so much she used it on the autos site. I met with her a while ago, and have been in contact with her ever since hoping to get a better job lined up.
And I know there are some Zondas in the US, but they aren't officially sold here so I included them. Technically you could bring any of these cars to American shores if you want to jump through the hoops that current Zonda owners do. Anything is possible, you just need money, and some sort of silly registration.
Thanks for the compliments guys! I'll be doing a thing on the Ford Transit later on this week. When that goes up, I'll be sure to post it here.
Bjorn, I am writing freelance and for free
It was originally supposed to just be a blog post, but she liked it so much she used it on the autos site. I met with her a while ago, and have been in contact with her ever since hoping to get a better job lined up.
^it's too bad, but it seems like the reality these days is that you gotta do some freebies before people will throw you a bone. When I took my journalism courses the instructor told us that you never ever ever work for free, because it devalues the work of other writers...but I think the internet has changed the game to the point that if you hold onto those values you will get left behind.
Professional writers who have been doing freelance for years have told me that even they are giving stuff away...because it's either that or nothing...
Hope this turns into something more profitable...but for the time being, its quite the publication credit...I'm throughly jealous.
Professional writers who have been doing freelance for years have told me that even they are giving stuff away...because it's either that or nothing...
Hope this turns into something more profitable...but for the time being, its quite the publication credit...I'm throughly jealous.
QUOTE(dukenukem @ Jul 13 2009, 11:29 PM)
I bet you must have made tons of hair dresser friends going to R32 meets/ forums.
I was waiting for someone to say that... reference here, please: http://forums.dieselstation.com/index.php?...28345&st=20
VW cars
VW owners
QUOTE(Razor @ Jul 14 2009, 06:16 AM)
Vauxhall Insignia VXR
No one wants an overweight, overpowered FWD car.
Congrats on the article Strangelove. It's quality.
QUOTE(moe @ Jul 14 2009, 07:31 AM)
No one wants an overweight, overpowered FWD car.
Where do you get your info, comrade?
QUOTE
LUTON, UNITED KINGDOM – July 8, 2009: Packing 325 horsepower, a sophisticated four-wheel-drive chassis and a sub-six second 0-60 time, Vauxhall’s new Insignia VXR is set to take the mid-size performance saloon market by storm when it appears in UK showrooms this September, priced from £30,995.00.
Based on the successful 2009 European Car of the Year, and available in hatch, saloon and Sports Tourer body styles, the high-performance Insignia will be Vauxhall’s first VXR model to adopt 4X4 technology, using a bespoke chassis developed through an extensive test programme at the gruelling Nürburgring circuit in Germany.
Highlights are a ‘HiPerStrut’ front suspension system, Adaptive 4X4 with electronic Limited Slip Differential (eLSD) and a 10 millimetre reduction in ride height over the Insignia SRi.
The HiPerStrut system is unique to the VXR and serves two primary functions: firstly, to reduce torque-steer, but also to maintain negative camber during cornering, thereby improving ultimate grip levels in wet or dry conditions.
Complementing these features are standard 19-inch alloy wheels (20-inch lightweight forged alloys are a cost option) with bespoke tyres, revised bushing and damper settings on both axles, and Brembo brakes with colour-keyed callipers and vented/cross-drilled discs.
‘The Insignia VXR is not just about absolute power, but a combination of usable performance and chassis sophistication which is the match of premium rivals, such as Audi’s new S4,’ said Andy Gilson, Vauxhall’s Marketing Director. ‘In essence, it’s an ultra-fast performance saloon that will appeal to buyers who appreciate subtle yet distinctive styling, but who need to know that there’s real substance below the car’s metal.’
And substance the VXR has a-plenty. At the heart of the Insignia VXR is Vauxhall’s advanced 2.8-litre V6 Turbo ECOTEC engine, with its micro-alloy forged steel crank, classic 60-degree cylinder angle and die-cast alloy oil sump – all features found in many a race engine. Producing 325PS, the engine uses a single, twin-scroll turbocharger and variable valve control for quick throttle response, and accelerates from 0-60mph in 5.6 seconds, achieving an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.
With a design inspired by the Vauxhall/Opel GTC concept car, many of the Insignia VXR’s styling cues will be familiar to those who saw this groundbreaking concept at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show. A deeper bumper, incorporating bold, twin mesh grilles either side of the main grille, dominates the front of the car, and at the rear, all models gain a rear spoiler, while all VXRs have a bespoke bumper moulding incorporating dual matt chrome exhausts.
This sporting theme continues in the Insignia VXR’s cabin. Recaro front seats, a new VXR steering wheel, VXR gearknob and unique mouldings are standard on all cars, along with different instrument graphics, VXR sill plates and a black headlining.
Combining all the technical highlights of the VXR hatch and saloon with best in class-matching luggage capacity (rear seats up), the VXR Sports Tourer version is not only the fastest estate car Vauxhall has ever produced, but also the first to incorporate Adaptive 4X4 and an electronic limited slip differential.
A 540-litre load space behind its 60:40 split rear seats increases to 1530-litres with the seats down. And accessing this area has never been easier, thanks to the VXR Sports Tourer’s standard electronic tailgate, which can be operated off the driver’s key fob, or via a rotary knob on the inside of the driver’s door.
All VXRs are available with a colour palette comprising Arden Blue, Power Red, Carbon Flash Black, Silver Lake, Olympic White and Technical Grey.
Sitting at the top of the Insignia range, the new models will be an important addition to Vauxhall’s performance-bred VXR family, which already includes the Corsa VXR, Astra VXR and 562 horsepower VXR8 Bathurst S.
Based on the successful 2009 European Car of the Year, and available in hatch, saloon and Sports Tourer body styles, the high-performance Insignia will be Vauxhall’s first VXR model to adopt 4X4 technology, using a bespoke chassis developed through an extensive test programme at the gruelling Nürburgring circuit in Germany.
Highlights are a ‘HiPerStrut’ front suspension system, Adaptive 4X4 with electronic Limited Slip Differential (eLSD) and a 10 millimetre reduction in ride height over the Insignia SRi.
The HiPerStrut system is unique to the VXR and serves two primary functions: firstly, to reduce torque-steer, but also to maintain negative camber during cornering, thereby improving ultimate grip levels in wet or dry conditions.
Complementing these features are standard 19-inch alloy wheels (20-inch lightweight forged alloys are a cost option) with bespoke tyres, revised bushing and damper settings on both axles, and Brembo brakes with colour-keyed callipers and vented/cross-drilled discs.
‘The Insignia VXR is not just about absolute power, but a combination of usable performance and chassis sophistication which is the match of premium rivals, such as Audi’s new S4,’ said Andy Gilson, Vauxhall’s Marketing Director. ‘In essence, it’s an ultra-fast performance saloon that will appeal to buyers who appreciate subtle yet distinctive styling, but who need to know that there’s real substance below the car’s metal.’
And substance the VXR has a-plenty. At the heart of the Insignia VXR is Vauxhall’s advanced 2.8-litre V6 Turbo ECOTEC engine, with its micro-alloy forged steel crank, classic 60-degree cylinder angle and die-cast alloy oil sump – all features found in many a race engine. Producing 325PS, the engine uses a single, twin-scroll turbocharger and variable valve control for quick throttle response, and accelerates from 0-60mph in 5.6 seconds, achieving an electronically limited top speed of 155mph.
With a design inspired by the Vauxhall/Opel GTC concept car, many of the Insignia VXR’s styling cues will be familiar to those who saw this groundbreaking concept at the 2007 Geneva Motor Show. A deeper bumper, incorporating bold, twin mesh grilles either side of the main grille, dominates the front of the car, and at the rear, all models gain a rear spoiler, while all VXRs have a bespoke bumper moulding incorporating dual matt chrome exhausts.
This sporting theme continues in the Insignia VXR’s cabin. Recaro front seats, a new VXR steering wheel, VXR gearknob and unique mouldings are standard on all cars, along with different instrument graphics, VXR sill plates and a black headlining.
Combining all the technical highlights of the VXR hatch and saloon with best in class-matching luggage capacity (rear seats up), the VXR Sports Tourer version is not only the fastest estate car Vauxhall has ever produced, but also the first to incorporate Adaptive 4X4 and an electronic limited slip differential.
A 540-litre load space behind its 60:40 split rear seats increases to 1530-litres with the seats down. And accessing this area has never been easier, thanks to the VXR Sports Tourer’s standard electronic tailgate, which can be operated off the driver’s key fob, or via a rotary knob on the inside of the driver’s door.
All VXRs are available with a colour palette comprising Arden Blue, Power Red, Carbon Flash Black, Silver Lake, Olympic White and Technical Grey.
Sitting at the top of the Insignia range, the new models will be an important addition to Vauxhall’s performance-bred VXR family, which already includes the Corsa VXR, Astra VXR and 562 horsepower VXR8 Bathurst S.
It's a wonderfully douchebagless version of the S4... I'll take it in a HEARTBEAT over the Audi equivalent... the touring version, in Technical Grey of course.
Well that's embarrassing. I remember reading it was FWD. Either way, I'd rather spend less and buy a Focus RS or Megane R26R or spend more and get an Evo or STI. The Insignia's supposed to he a huge car.
QUOTE(moe @ Jul 14 2009, 11:35 AM)
Well that's embarrassing. I remember reading it was FWD. Either way, I'd rather spend less and buy a Focus RS or Megane R26R or spend more and get an Evo or STI. The Insignia's supposed to he a huge car.
I agree about the Evo thing, but I'd love to have a wagon Insignia VXR as an S4 killer... from GM, no less.
I was at a PR event with Ford today for another article. You guys will be happy to hear a bunch of other journalists teamed up on a Ford Exec and told him to quit messing around and just release the Fiesta as a hatch in the US.
QUOTE(Dr. Strangelove @ Jul 16 2009, 06:19 PM)
I was at a PR event with Ford today for another article. You guys will be happy to hear a bunch of other journalists teamed up on a Ford Exec and told him to quit messing around and just release the Fiesta as a hatch in the US.
They should have asked for the RS too
My latest article on the up to speed blog:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/uptospeed/...ss-problem.html
I had so much fun doing this one, I actually felt like a automotive journalist. Now I just have to find a way to get paid...
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/uptospeed/...ss-problem.html
I had so much fun doing this one, I actually felt like a automotive journalist. Now I just have to find a way to get paid...
QUOTE(Dr. Strangelove @ Jul 21 2009, 11:30 AM)
My latest article on the up to speed blog:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/uptospeed/...ss-problem.html
I had so much fun doing this one, I actually felt like a automotive journalist. Now I just have to find a way to get paid...
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/uptospeed/...ss-problem.html
I had so much fun doing this one, I actually felt like a automotive journalist. Now I just have to find a way to get paid...
A nice piece.
It's much better than the previous.
Got another blog post today. This one is a lot smaller than the last one, and is a bit more like a blog post than an article. But hey, whatever works.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/uptospeed/...tle-better.html
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/uptospeed/...tle-better.html
QUOTE(Dr. Strangelove @ Jul 29 2009, 06:58 PM)
Got another blog post today. This one is a lot smaller than the last one, and is a bit more like a blog post than an article. But hey, whatever works.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/uptospeed/...tle-better.html
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/uptospeed/...tle-better.html
Read that from your Twitter... thoroughly enjoyed, considering I thrash my way through the construction traffic up here whenever it gets really bad.
Ha ha, already getting hate mail from this one. I knew that would happen.
Looks like one person claims to be a cop. Sure was a nice penis drawing he made though.
Looks like one person claims to be a cop. Sure was a nice penis drawing he made though.
Great article, but I doubt that 40% of the traffic will break the (right) rules in a real situation, or what?
Also breaking the rules might prevent a traffic jam, but on the other hand it won't prevent you from getting a ticket, even though you might explain the reason to the cop.
Don't want to critic your article (because it was great!), but just a comment/question on the study result.
Also breaking the rules might prevent a traffic jam, but on the other hand it won't prevent you from getting a ticket, even though you might explain the reason to the cop.
Don't want to critic your article (because it was great!), but just a comment/question on the study result.
Cool, Hi 5 on the published part.
No pay sucks though! Why not apply for an internship at a magazine or newspapers, they generally have email contacts in the cover. Just write to them, if you send out as many as you can, maybe one will reply, plus you have published work you can show at an interview - serious advtg for journos.
Good luck with the writing
No pay sucks though! Why not apply for an internship at a magazine or newspapers, they generally have email contacts in the cover. Just write to them, if you send out as many as you can, maybe one will reply, plus you have published work you can show at an interview - serious advtg for journos.
Good luck with the writing
No, please critique away. I can't get better unless I know what my faults are.
I honestly have doubts about this as well. Maybe if everyone had the mindset of someone who drove like a jerk and was more aware it would help the situation. I don't know, I didn't do the study.
And my story is getting Dugg! How cool is that?
Boris- I'm going to do this for a little while, while I am looking for a job that pays. Eventually, down the line this might turn into something real, or I might just stop. For now I just need good clips.
I honestly have doubts about this as well. Maybe if everyone had the mindset of someone who drove like a jerk and was more aware it would help the situation. I don't know, I didn't do the study.
And my story is getting Dugg! How cool is that?
Boris- I'm going to do this for a little while, while I am looking for a job that pays. Eventually, down the line this might turn into something real, or I might just stop. For now I just need good clips.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/uptospeed/...-f1-return.html
It's old news now, but here is a short one I posted.
It's old news now, but here is a short one I posted.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/uptospeed/...a.html#comments
This one is actually starting a debate in the comments section. Well, not really a debate because everyone on there seems to be a big fan of the EV. I was kinda hoping some Gasoline fanboy or Hydrogen fuel cell person would argue.
Yikes.
This one is actually starting a debate in the comments section. Well, not really a debate because everyone on there seems to be a big fan of the EV. I was kinda hoping some Gasoline fanboy or Hydrogen fuel cell person would argue.
QUOTE
As beneficial as electric cars may be, the advent of crash avoidance technologies are at least as important. Combining light weight high mpg vehicles with radar and etc. as some auto makers are already doing will save lives.
I look forward to the day when vehicles will communicate with one another, road signs and satellites to prevent accidents and congestion. I'll be able to work a cross word puzzle without regard as my little electric car takes me where ever I choose to go.
I look forward to the day when vehicles will communicate with one another, road signs and satellites to prevent accidents and congestion. I'll be able to work a cross word puzzle without regard as my little electric car takes me where ever I choose to go.
Yikes.
I'm actually doing Research at my University for a professor who is studying Inter-vehicle communication. Its pretty cool stuff, but don't expect to be able to do a cross-word while driving anytime soon. The purpose of inter-vehicle communication is to ease congestion, avoid accidents, and waste less gas.
Yeah automated cars might be there in the future, but we still have time.
Yeah automated cars might be there in the future, but we still have time.
QUOTE(Dr. Strangelove @ Aug 13 2009, 08:49 PM)
I was kinda hoping some Gasoline fanboy or Hydrogen fuel cell person would argue.
See if you can guess which comment is mine. Also, I'd consider hydrogen an electric car with it's power source contained in the vehicle itself.
I had typed out my response last night but got called on a emergency call so never got a chance to post it. I will support the good ol V8 soon.
I lucked out with my writing and get paid a per-post rate for the blog I write for. It's not much but you know it funds my monthly ebay splurges since it comes in via paypal!
I don't do it for the money, though. I enjoy it. I WISH I was making real money doing it, but I'm not gonna hold my breath.
I don't do it for the money, though. I enjoy it. I WISH I was making real money doing it, but I'm not gonna hold my breath.
QUOTE(midnightdorifto @ Aug 14 2009, 10:23 AM)
See if you can guess which comment is mine. Also, I'd consider hydrogen an electric car with it's power source contained in the vehicle itself.
Didn't see that until just now. Very well said.
Got a new one up today:
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/uptospeed/...rns-mining.html
Shouldn't be new info for most of us on here. I think I remember us talking about it at least once on here before. Feel free to comment on the story. I love getting a lot of comments.
hahaha and that's why I treat writing as a hobby rather than a profession.
Ha ha, it's completely true. I'm trying to learn SEO now because people actually get paid there.
what's your threshold for being paid? are you going to continue to write for free? or are you going to put your foot down?
I can see doing an article or two for free to get your food in the door and prove your abilities. I can understand doing quick blog posts that are pretty much re-wording press releases (IE the one about Schumacher in F1) for free contingent on doing other articles. But at some point, if you want to be taken seriously, you need to start to negotiate a wage. These articles are generating some traffic (and comments), which are valuable to the property. Maybe not VERY valuable ($5 to $10 per article would be fair), but at some point, you need to stop being "the free blogger" and start being "another paid employee".
I hope you've thought this out.
I can see doing an article or two for free to get your food in the door and prove your abilities. I can understand doing quick blog posts that are pretty much re-wording press releases (IE the one about Schumacher in F1) for free contingent on doing other articles. But at some point, if you want to be taken seriously, you need to start to negotiate a wage. These articles are generating some traffic (and comments), which are valuable to the property. Maybe not VERY valuable ($5 to $10 per article would be fair), but at some point, you need to stop being "the free blogger" and start being "another paid employee".
I hope you've thought this out.
I have, and honestly the benefit of working at the Times is so much more than the clips. The editor there has been so helpful. The publication is going through bankruptcy and a complete remodel right now, and there just isn't any budget to pay me. My editor is taking care to mention me to a bunch off her colleagues and is sending me to stories where I would be meeting a bunch of others in the industry in the hopes that I might find a paying job elsewhere.
Right now, there is not much that pays. Between the horrible state the newspaper industry is in, and the even worse state the auto industry is in, there isn't much of an opening for new writers. For now, I am content to have my name attached to one of the best pubs in the world. I am confident that when the chance arises I will be compensated for my writing, but for now, I consider the experience and the introductions a major perk that justifies my hard work.
Then again, I also know that people like me who are willing to do it for free are half the reason I am in the position I am in. But what am I supposed to do?
I am applying for a job in LA doing SEO related stuff right now. It pays 12/hr. x ~35 hrs a week, not enough to pay for LA living expenses. This means (if I am lucky enough to get the job) I will have to get another job. If I have spare time after that, I will continue to write and continue towards my dream job of being an auto journalist, if not, then I don't have a choice. As it is right now though, I don't have any better ideas. If you have any, I'm all ears.
But, yeah Jacob, I think about this all the time. I just hope I am just paying my dues and not riding out a pipe dream.
Right now, there is not much that pays. Between the horrible state the newspaper industry is in, and the even worse state the auto industry is in, there isn't much of an opening for new writers. For now, I am content to have my name attached to one of the best pubs in the world. I am confident that when the chance arises I will be compensated for my writing, but for now, I consider the experience and the introductions a major perk that justifies my hard work.
Then again, I also know that people like me who are willing to do it for free are half the reason I am in the position I am in. But what am I supposed to do?
I am applying for a job in LA doing SEO related stuff right now. It pays 12/hr. x ~35 hrs a week, not enough to pay for LA living expenses. This means (if I am lucky enough to get the job) I will have to get another job. If I have spare time after that, I will continue to write and continue towards my dream job of being an auto journalist, if not, then I don't have a choice. As it is right now though, I don't have any better ideas. If you have any, I'm all ears.
But, yeah Jacob, I think about this all the time. I just hope I am just paying my dues and not riding out a pipe dream.
If you had a background in HLR, distributed database and some knowledge of linux scripting, I could have gotten you into a pretty sweet job in Dallas/ Montreal.
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/uptospeed/...s-off-some.html
This one is about GMs marketing as it tries to reinvent itself. It's sparking up a little debate in the comments section. I love it when that happens.
This one is about GMs marketing as it tries to reinvent itself. It's sparking up a little debate in the comments section. I love it when that happens.
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.