In his latest Free Zone column, MMORPG.com's Richard Aihoshi has a few terrific tips for those of you who may want to try your hand at writing about the MMOG industry. While reviews, previews and interviews are the bread and butter for sites and publications about MMOs. Richard, however, has some thoughts about other ways to score writing about MMOGs. See what you think and then tell us your ideas.

Over the years, I've received countless requests for advice from people interested in writing about games, either in general or MMOGs in particular. It probably won't surprise you that I can count the number who have specifically asked about F2P on the fingers of one hand. In any case, I thought I'd pass along a few tips in the hope that they will help someone who will end up producing material I want to read.

Read more Richard Aihoshi's Free Zone.

It's a real shame unique doesn't sell. As a writer myself I like your article, but lets face the facts: standard fantasy or sci-fi MMOG storylines are what sell, not, lets say, some noir 1950s detective game. Maybe if you funded and made your own game, sure, but if you're hired as a writer, you write what they tell you to write.

Want something different? Write a book.

One of my favorite MMO writers is Keen of KeenandGraev.com. He writes about the hot topics but also writes a lot to generate discussion about game mechanics, as well. At MMORPG.com, Paragus1's blogs are some great stuff to read because the reader can tell he's both knowledgeable and genuinely into the topic he is discussing.

What these two guys have in common is that they found their niche and they pretty much stick to it. Part of being a good writer is doing exactly that. Their audience knows what to expect when they click a link to their next article - well-written thoughts about a topic the writer has a sound understanding of.

My one question to aspiring MMO writers is - What's your strong point when it comes to MMOs?

Is it in-game politcs? The business models and marketing? Leveling and quests? The social scene? End game?

Focus the majority of your writing around the area you're strongest at, and you'll find you can write some really engaging articles because the knowledge and the passion are there.

A few typos there, Mr. Aihoshi. Might wanna add that to the list. ;)

Originally posted by korvass

A few typos there, Mr. Aihoshi. Might wanna add that to the list. ;)

 

Good advice for any writer, Mr. Aihoshi, particularly non-fiction writers.  Have to agree with korvass, too.  Small details like spelling and punctuation are important.

And on that note, I don't know why Firefox isn't spellchecking my posts like it used to.  I think I'm going to go hunt up an addon for it.

[Mod Edit]

So if this aspiring writer gets a column called 'Sport's Zone', he better make sure and never make his articles primarily about sports or ever mention that he likes sports games better than others. If he did, some dumbass is sure to go all nerd rage on him because he would then be an obvious schill for the sports industry. And never, ever, ever write your own opinion down. Editorials are meant to be unbiased with sanitized facts only. Preferably pictures and numbers only at all times would be the safest bet....

Originally posted by hogscraper

[Mod Edit]

So if this aspiring writer gets a column called 'Sport's Zone', he better make sure and never make his articles primarily about sports or ever mention that he likes sports games better than others. If he did, some dumbass is sure to go all nerd rage on him because he would then be an obvious schill for the sports industry. And never, ever, ever write your own opinion down. Editorials are meant to be unbiased with sanitized facts only. Preferably pictures and numbers only at all times would be the safest bet....

No, he should write about what the column is about. However, he should write about the subject as a whole ( i.e. both the good AND the bad of the "sport" ) and not try to shove his personal agenda down people's throats while insulting sections of his viewing community simply because they prefer another form of "ticket" for the "sport".

It must be very difficult to write about MMORPGs because the subject matter is heavily subjective.  Anything written, somebody won't like it, a few don't like anything, and many only see the topic from their perspective which is biased towards the types of games that they like.

When a game is free to play, it seems that the division among perspectives is even more strongly skewed.  Any content that isn't biased will get accused of white washing issues.  Any content that addresses issues will get accused of catering to one side or the other.

My tip for aspiring MMOG writers:  "Write for the business section of a portal's news site.  You'll get yelled at much less."  *grin*

[Mod Edit]

 

To top it off, he's now writing articles that would have been more suited for Jaime to write.

So what exactly does this article have to do with free to play games, anyway?

Originally posted by hogscraper

[Mod Edit]

So if this aspiring writer gets a column called 'Sport's Zone', he better make sure and never make his articles primarily about sports or ever mention that he likes sports games better than others. If he did, some dumbass is sure to go all nerd rage on him because he would then be an obvious schill for the sports industry. And never, ever, ever write your own opinion down. Editorials are meant to be unbiased with sanitized facts only. Preferably pictures and numbers only at all times would be the safest bet....

 

Using your analogy, the aspiring writer shouldn't say people who don't like sports are on denial.

Originally posted by Toxilium

It's a real shame unique doesn't sell. As a writer myself I like your article, but lets face the facts: standard fantasy or sci-fi MMOG storylines are what sell, not, lets say, some noir 1950s detective game. Maybe if you funded and made your own game, sure, but if you're hired as a writer, you write what they tell you to write.

Want something different? Write a book.

 

Thats because, people want things non-real. Something like you asked for, is too close to real life.

Fantasy Theme has magic and Monsters and stuff like that.

Sci Fi, is closer to Real than its Fantasy Counter Part, which is why it not as widely accepted, but its still not being Realistic, which is why Sci Fi would sell over a real life Mystery MMO

Hey guys, It's all fine and well to have an opinion, be it negative or positive; but please remember to follow our Rules of Conduct when posting. Voice your opinion in a fair manner and remember not to personally attack the user. Thank you!

I really prefer Jaimie's writting over Richards - it's sad to see we won't be seeing anything more of Jaimes :(

Hrmm...

"Personally, I hope I'll have the good sense to quite before I stop trying to better myself."

Little things is right. Grammar, punctuation and spelling make huge differences.

Thanks for making the article, it's informative and those few tips of advice can go a long way. Going to try and plan out how I'm going to write out an article reviewing a MMORPG for an application. Probably get an outline set up and then go from there. But yeah, definitely have to catch the reader's attention, has to be something that makes this paragraph stand out from someone elses. Don't make it a hex to read a review, have fun with it when you write it so the reader can as well.

The best advice is to have some actual talent, something 95% of "writers" on the internet completely lack. 

Originally posted by crockopoopoo

The best advice is to have some actual talent, something 95% of "writers" on the internet completely lack. 

Some of it can be learned through teachers and experience.

Hmm... Let's see. I think most of the MMO writers are focused on technicals and jargons that not every reader understands. When He said do something different, I hope he means writing something that would not only be informative, creative or whatever but something that would make the reader interested with the game and most of all, an article that makes sense to all kinds of readers. Writers have to remember though that an article whatever good or bad it is made cannot please everyone so it's always wise to just do it the way you think it should be done.