If you've ever wanted to write for the Huffington Post but worry that your late-night liberal ramblings aren't up to their stringent standards, there's good news: You might be able to natter on at will for a California-centric version of that website! An e-mail making the rounds from Liam Gowing, "content producer" for the L.A. Times's forthcoming Calendar Online revamp, explains the crumbling paper's new plan to attract eyeballs: Unpaid content provided by registered users! (Or, as Liam jauntily calls them, "superusers.") Sure, you won't get any money for your contribution to the website, but there are plenty of perks for those willing to post at least five times a month! They'll run your photo and bio, they'll link to your blog or social network page, and new LAT managing editor John Montorio will kill one of your least inflammatory posts each month. This plan rules. Which is to say, really might suck.

From: Gowing, Liam Sent: Friday, July 20, 2007 12:47 PM Subject: Recruiting "Superusers" for forthcoming LA Times Calendar website

Hey everybody,

I wanted to let you all know about a groovy opportunity for up-and-coming writers, gourmands, culture vultures and internet loudmouths who live in Southern California—the chance to contribute to the newly renovated Calendar website, which LA Times will debut this fall.

The new CalendarLive website (new name coming soon) will be a comprehensive arts, entertainment and activities website covering pretty much all the worthwhile venues and events in LA, Orange, Ventura, Riverside and San Bernardino counties, so the potential for content is endless. It'll be a free and democratic resource so all registered users will be able to post their cheers and jeers, but we want to recruit a small army of "Superusers" (tights and capes optional)—virtual correspondents who can put their own spin on the people, places and parties we cover, and help us turn the site into a true online community.

Superusers won't receive a salary, but there are some nice benefits in exchange for the promise to post at least five times a month.
* A photo and bio of the Superuser on the site
* A link to the Superuser's own website, blog and/or MySpace/Facebook/etc. page
* A nifty logo on all postings!

Many of you on this list are accomplished writers and busy professionals who won't want to volunteer for duty—and some of you don't even live in Southern California—but I've included you because I'm betting you may know someone who will... feel free to forward! This should be a great opportunity for aspiring writers and reviewers who want to get their name out there, as well as for folks who just love the scene in their neighborhood and want to give it some exposure.

Hit me back if interested... It may be a while before I reply given the volume of applicants I'm anticipating, but I promise I will get back to you!

Cheers,
Liam Gowing
Content Producer, Calendar Online
Los Angeles Times
202 W. 1st St.
Los Angeles, CA 90012

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