So after 2+years of running this blog all by my lonesome, I feel that it’s time to add a fresh voice or two to the mix. Yep, I’m looking for a contributor (or two). Chances are that if you are a regular visitor to the blog (and thank you if you are), you know what kind of stuff I like to talk about here.
I’m interested in D&D 4e writers primarily, focusing on DMing. Why? Well, it’s what this blog was founded on, it’s what a lot of folks come here for, and it’s currently what I’m in need of help with.
So here’s how I’ll do it: If you are interested, leave me a comment below, and if possible link to a blog article or two if you have a blog or have ever written for a blog. I want to see samples of your writing. If you prefer to not make things public, go to the “contact” page here on the site and shoot me a line.
Just to clear the air, here’s what I’m not looking for:
- Editorials
- Character Optimization articles
- Non-4e stuff
- Industry News
- Game recaps or campaign world write-ups
All that stuff doesn’t fit the mold here, and if an editorial comes up every now and then, I’ll tackle it. 🙂
What I’m looking for is more akin to:
- DM tips
- DIY type stuff to enhance the game
- DMing theory stuff
- Table/Player Management stuff
- Neat Houserules
- 4e reviews from the point of view of a DM
- Experiences at the table that others can learn from
So yeah, it is very much aimed at the DM, as it has since I launched the site.
The amount of articles I’d like from the new contributor(s) will vary, but at least a bi weekly article seems good to start.
If you’ve been looking to blog, I think it’s a good opportunity. Not to toot my own horn, but newbiedm.com is an Ennie nominated website, with an also nominated companion podcast, so it’s a not-too-shabby entry point to the blogging/podcasting world.
Interested? Let me know.
Thanks.
www. Newbie DM .com 
Christopher Urinko
January 20, 2011
Do you have any interest in articles for Gamma World? I have some ideas for articles, if you are open to them, let me know.
Dixon Trimline
January 20, 2011
Sure, I’d like to toss my word processor into the ring. I’ve been looking to rehabilitate my DMing style and ability, and what better place than at newbiedm.com. I have articles at Critical Hits and Stuffershack, including these that are DM-facing:
Don’t Do As I Do
Beware the Siren Song
Death Metal Gaming Part 1
Death Metal Gaming Part 2
DMSamuel
January 20, 2011
If I wasn’t already running RPG Musings, I would jump at the chance to write for you! Good luck in finding a couple of new contributors – I’m sure that you will find some interesting new voices that are just waiting to have a venue for their thoughts.
Cheers,
Sam
Buddy McGehee
January 20, 2011
Hey, i’m always interested in expanding my blogabilitu. I’m currently an editor at Troll In The Corner, so I’ll link to sime of my posts there.
http://Trollitc.com/review-courts-of-the-shadow-fey-PDF/
http://Trollitc.com/gaming-in-the-digital-age-hero-lab/
http://Trollitc.com/gaming-in-the-digital-age-the-dd-virtual-tabletop-beta/
http://Trollitc.com/2010/10/the-rule-of-three
Gilvan Blight
January 20, 2011
Are you looking for a regular contributor, posting regularly or something more like guest posts?
I would gladly share some stuff like my in play review of the new Fortune Cards but I don’t want to commit to writing a regular article. If I had the ability to commit to a regular posting then I would just set up my own blog 😉
Chan Sterling
January 20, 2011
Well, I’m very interested in attempting to do more with my blogging. Having an opportunity would really be the spark that lights a fire under my bottom.
http://abstractgaming.blogspot.com/2010/01/over-thinking-it.html
http://abstractgaming.blogspot.com/2010/09/deus-ex-libellus-part-1.html
http://abstractgaming.blogspot.com/2008/11/homebrew-gaming-2-wow-for-4th-edition.html
Jim H. Moreno
January 20, 2011
Huzzah! Yes, I am also very interested in rolling up some D&D blogging, and who better than for NewbieDM? I’ve been an online freelance writer since 2003, mostly dealing with military history, wargaming, PC games, and MMORPGs, specifically covering the art of roleplaying. Aside from books, I count D&D as the spark that fired up my love for roleplaying, among a great many other things. I began my D&D adventuring in 1980, and have played it and more than a few other tabletop RPGs since then, and continue to do so now. I would relish the chance to return the favor and give back to D&D and its players what it has shared with me!
I currently blog for The Instance! netcast, a weekly audio program about World of Warcraft, where I attempt to help MMORPG roleplayers get at least the same quality of roleplaying from this game as can be found in D&D.
http://theinstance.net/2011/01/crafty-roleplaying/
http://theinstance.net/2011/01/2011-the-year-of-the-roleplayer-3/
http://theinstance.net/2010/12/rolecraft-review-2010/
I can of course provide more info and other writing samples as requested. Thank you for your time and (hopeful) consideration. Role on!
mbeacom
January 20, 2011
Hey Newbie,
Glad to hear you’re going to continue to support 4E as you test the waters of Dragon Age!
I’d love to help out in any way that I can.
I currently right for a couple of blogs. One is critical discussion and reviews of video games and the other is critical discussion and reviews of Online Fantasy Web series.
My work at the video game site can be seen at :
http://firsthour.net/writer/mike-in-omaha
My work at the Fantasy web series site can be seen at:
http://fantasywebseries.net/category/review/
As for my point of view, I’m an old school D&D’er. I started with AD&D and the Red Box. However, I fell away from the game for quite some time and my experience with 2nd Edition is limited and my experience with 3rd edition is almost non-existent. So, in a sense, I’m starting fresh in 4E as a newbie myself. I’ve had a great time learning the system and over the course of multiple campaigns, I’ve become the de facto Dungeon Master. I’m currently running two separate campaigns for 2 different (demographics vary WILDLY) gaming groups. I have lots of insights into how to run a game smoothly, deal with various personalities at the table and how to keep the game going strong.
One article every 2 weeks sounds very doable for me, even in the midst of the prep work that I do running two campaigns, which is significant as I’m sure you know. After all those game sessions, I invariably have observations that I think would be worth sharing. Having a venue for those observation as well as a medium for converting them to usable tips or discussion points as prestigious at newbiedm.com would be fantastic.
If this sounds like something that might fit here, please shoot me an email.
mbeacom
January 20, 2011
Ok, well it seems I’m off to a great first impression!
In my unbridled fervor, it would seem that I typo’d write as “right”. Don’t worry, if I “write” for you Newbie, I’ll be sure to better proof read all of my articles. 🙂
Brian Engard
January 20, 2011
I currently write for my own blog, but I’d be happy to write for yours too, on occasion. You could even contribute to mine, if you wanted to; sort of a work exchange thing. At any rate, copious amounts of my writing can be found at http://www.gamecrafters.net.
Alric
January 20, 2011
If you’d like a guest post, I’d be happy to provide one. Or to swap guest postings.
A recent 4e posting I drafted was http://rpgathenaeum.wordpress.com/2011/01/15/using-the-aboriginal-dreamtime-as-inspiration-for-primal-4e-characters/.
Thanks for the suggestion; it’s a neat idea.
Alric
TheSheDM
January 20, 2011
I emailed you the other day, but forgot to share my blog link! http://shedm.wordpress.com/
Ronin_Randy
January 20, 2011
Looks like you’ve already got a small army, but my voice is louder and I’m sexier.
I blog here: Caveman Rejoice
Candid interview here: Roleplay Tips – GM Interview
Soklemon
January 20, 2011
Hey man, Im interested. here’s a sample of my writing:
http://dungeonsmaster.com/2011/01/review-return-of-the-archwizards/
I only review books for the Dungeon’s Master guys, so all my 4e tips and such are still floating around my head. (And a few word documents)
Brannon
January 20, 2011
I’m not sure if you caught my links on Twitter or not, but here we go again:
Hombrewed Theme: http://bit.ly/hEC3B2
My House Rules: http://bit.ly/ibx2Nz
Smaller Dungeons: http://bit.ly/gw5ehL
mbeacom
January 20, 2011
I know I submitted an offer to write (as of this post, it is still in Moderation) but I would just like to add another comment.
I read and comment on most of the sites linked in the comments as examples of work (if you read them, you’ll see my comments on several) and I can say with some certainty that Brian Engard would be a fantastic addition to NewbieDM.com. I regularly read and comment on his blog and he is absolutely top notch as far as gamers and thinkers. He’s open minded, intellectually curious and good at getting his ideas across.
I’d be thrilled for the opportunity personally, but in all honesty, Brian is probably the perfect voice to give the podium to from time to time. Don’t get me wrong, I’d be a damn fine choice. But, well, Brian would be even better.
And no, I’m not a plant, I do not know him personally and he has no idea I’m writing this now. 🙂
Brian Engard
January 20, 2011
mbeacom: Am I blushing? I think I’m blushing. Thanks so much for the kind words; it’s always nice to know that people like what you’re putting out there.
Spring
January 21, 2011
No non-4e stuff? Tear! I know the bestest DM on the planet, one that I seriously think NEEDS to be teaching other DMs the ropes, but he won’t touch 4e. In fact, most people he knows won’t touch it, either.
I would, but I’m the minority on this one.
Oh, well. If he ever does 4e stuff or you decide to add something for those who don’t like the newer edition, I’ll send him your way. 🙂
mbeacom
January 21, 2011
@Spring
Sad Face.
Anyone who won’t “touch” 4E is probably at least a little closed minded. Liking other games is great, thinking they are better is great, but when someone “won’t touch” 4E they probably, at the very least, have a childish streak in them, which is probably not the best personality to be teaching others about the game, IMO. And if “most people he knows” won’t touch it either, he’s probably exposed to a very limited and insular group of likeminded people, also not a great pedigree for someone to be helping others.
IMO, a good person to have on this site would be open minded and have a wide variety of friends to gain insight from. Neither of which sound like your friend.
I personally do not like Pathfinder, or Gamma World, therefore, I’ve played them very little. However, if someone were to come to me with an idea for Pathfinder/Gamma World (or some other game), I’d gladly play it, if for no other reason than the experience and community of those games. If I had the time, I’d even DM them if they really needed a DM. The experience would be good for me whether I like the game or not.
Spring
January 22, 2011
Childish? If he were, I wouldn’t be marrying him in April, heh. Trust me.
You’ve inferred a lot from a very small offhand comment I made. I should have known better to even mention edition preferences, since people seem to get really heated and defensive about it. (Incidentally, I’m too green at D&D to be attached to one edition over another. They all sound okay to me.) Here’s what I didn’t mention: While, yes, he’s said he won’t touch 4e, he’s also turned around and told me that if I wanted to play 4e, he would run it. Grudgingly, but he would do so. He’s also admitted that he use to rail against 3e until he tried it. Now it’s his favorite, and he admits the same could happen with 4e.
But I’m not shelling money out for all those books until he tries it and decides he likes it. And since nobody around is playing it…Well, we just cannot afford to be quite that “open-minded,” heh. I’m waiting for someone ELSE with the books to request a game before investing in it–especially since my fiance has pretty much all the 3rd edition books already.
But I won’t lie. I’m curious. Just not enough to release the deathgrip I’ve got on my money!
So, yeah, he’s not really as closed-minded as he likes to come off as sometimes (or, apparently, as I make him come off as), and teaching-wise, he’s also the only one who has decrypted character sheets for me, whereas everyone else has just never been able to explain it clearly. He IS really good, though. He’s made all the mistakes, learned from them, and now people actually request to DM their games, even over other experienced DMs.
At any rate, I do hope you find your cohort! I’ll keep poking around to glean what I can about 4e. And I’ll be sure to tell him about this site, since he always likes to read other DMs’ takes on things–4e or not.
mbeacom
January 22, 2011
I didn’t say he was childish, I said he may have a childish streak in him. But that was based on him refusing to “touch” 4E, which is afterall what you said. Now you say he’ll play it if you want to, which is a very different thing. So, why did he “rail against 3E” before he even tried it? That seems strange to rail against something you’ve not even tried.
In any case, it sounds like your previous comment was perhaps more harsh than you meant it to be. As for me, If I had a lot of money tied up in a certain edition, I’d be hesitant to spend a bunch more on another edition, particularly if I was very happy playing what I was playing.
My apologies if my comment came off as being judgmental, it wasn’t meant to be that way. I just think a site like this really needs an open minded and free thinking individual and that was my only point. Perhaps your fiance is exactly that. And congratulations. It’s awesome when husband and wife can share a hobby/interest like D&D! 🙂
Mica Fetz
February 15, 2011
Though I’d enjoy writing for your website, I have no D&D blog nor do I have any credits as a published author. What I do offer is 20+ years of gaming and GM-ing experience. I excel at creating my own creatures, worlbuilding, campaign planning and applying game mechanics to characters from books and film. I offer my services as a soundboard and I am willing to write for you as often as you need. I am currently running a weekly 4e game set in Greyhawk.
newbiedm
February 15, 2011
Would you be willing to submit a sample article via email? Something 4e related?
Mica Fetz
February 15, 2011
Absolutely yes. What would you like me to write about?
Baz Stevens
February 21, 2011
Hiya. I’ll scratch your back if you scratch mine! I think you’ve checked my site on occasion, so if you like the style of what you see, let me know.
http:?//rpgtreehouse.wordpress.com
Baz Stevens
February 21, 2011
Hiya. I’ll scratch your back if you scratch mine! I think you’ve checked my site on occasion, so if you like the style of what you see, let me know.
http://rpgtreehouse.wordpress.com