An Alternate Version of the URPG Times

So everyone likes the URPG Times, but we have a terrible habit of it dying from time to time.

I think the biggest issue is logistics. It's a lot of work to coordinate different writers, edit their content, organize it all in a single, regularly-scheduled post, and pay the writers. It's a lot of responsibility that ultimately ends up being too big a burden to bear.

I've been considering an alternate method of implementing the Times that would be simpler and less burdensome to the person running it. Essentially, instead of releasing the URPG Times on a scheduled basis like a newspaper, I propose a more digital approach, namely a online, blog-like format.

This can easily be done in cooperation with the PXR site. The site already uses a wordpress system that writers can access and we can easily create a filter so that a section on the site displays only URPG-tagged content. In essence, we change the Times from a newspaper into a online news source.

This should solve a number of issues I mentioned above.


Content Editing

PXR already employs a number of editors. These editors can assist our writers in formatting content and teaching them how the system works. They've been asking for more community content and would be happy to work with us on getting URPG articles on the site.

This relieves the burden off of URPG Times leadership.


Content Organization

Since this would be a Wordpress system, there would be no need to create massive new threads. The content would be created on a continual basis.

We could still have a simple thread for any claims, like the weekly Pokemon and such.

Ultimately, it drastically reduces the time needed for getting content out.


Payment

Instead of having the editor pay the writers, we'll change it to the writers claiming pay. Salaries would be established beforehand. When a writer's post is published to the site, the writer would link the post in the "Pay Claim" thread and also claim the amount they're paid.

This method simplifies payment. Yes, it does rely on trust, but that's kind of the whole point of the URPG.

Different types of content will pay different amounts and that can be decided by the Times leadership.


Conclusion

This is a simpler way of implementing the times that relieves a lot of the busywork from the shoulders of the Times leadership. In fact, all they'd need to do would be to organize writers, determine pay rates, and encourage regular content. That's a lot easier than what they had to do before.

What do you think?

 

I like this idea; the URPG times was cool and fun to read. I'd like to help out if this gets implemented.

 

Well, Harry what kind of help would you need in this implementation?

Salary:

Well, I don't how much you get payed in the URPG Times, but I suggest that there be a $2000 or $3000 wage after every publication. Paychecks can be distributed though the Marketplace.

 

I think it's a good idea. One potential alternative for wages is to do URPG Times wages the way Ranger/Grader/Curator wages are done if needed, so that they could be paid a varying amount instead of a fixed amount. If you don't think that's necessary, then what you said works fine. Can always be altered later if needed.

I also thinks parts of the URPG times might be considered for YouTube adaptations.

I also just remembered something: PXR automatically posts news not only to PWN and PXR, but also SPC. That might be worth considering when posting things, so that there's a little thing about how to find URPG on it for those who have never heard of it, are interested, and don't know what forum to look on.

 

Excellent idea! The hardest thing about the Times was trying to co-ordinate it all. Writing pieces is fun, but having to chase people and make them write some quality stuff all in a set time, not so much. Also, the pay we have atm, dependant on quality, is perfect imo and easy to work out. Only issue I can think of is some things would have to be on a schedual like Pokemon/ranger/grader/whatever of the month if we keep them up.

 

How would we handle things on BMGf though? PXR doesn't automatically post to BMGf, so users that primarily use BMGf wouldn't be able to see it unless they went onto the other two forums. Not saying that going on the other two forums and forcing them to do so via the Times would be a bad thing, but I feel like some people might be too lazy or whatever reason to do that, y'know?

Also, there was a feature in the last Times, and all other Times before this one, that basically described a Pokemon and gave you more information on it & whatnot, and then people would be able to claim money if they had that Pokemon (and I think members of that Pokemon's evolution line too). How would that work out?

 

It seems like we have a lot of interest here.

Is there anyone who would like the editor position?

 

So I have been blackmailed into taken up the URPG Times. Liam will be helping me as well.

I currently have a few people from the past issues saying that they will continue writing their columns, but I am also in need of more people to write the columns that have nobody in them right now.

• Roleplayer of the Month
  -Read through the active Park Runs and pick the one that is the most interesting.
• Story of the Month
  -Read the stories posted in the past month and pick your favorite.
• Artwork of the Month
  -Look at the artwork posted in the past month and pick your favorite.
• Interview
  -Interview somebody in the URPG about almost any topic you want, preferably something related to the URPG.

For the _____ of the Month you will also need to provide at least a paragraph of reasoning behind our choice.

If you think you are up to writing any of the above, or have ideas for other columns, please either PM me/Liam or post, and mention me, in this thread. There are a few not listed here.

--
Soulmaster

 

@Soulmaster;

I'd be willing to do Artwork of the month!

 

I can do articles on the non-existent-purely-hypothetical metagame again

 

As Soul said, he's taking over the Times.

Post here if you're interested! http://bmgf.bulbagarden.net/f393/new-urpg-times-office-recruitment-center-173629/


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