. . .
I’m seeking replacements for me. As I said before, I’m leaving this site on September 24. I may have a hand in one-off projects here and there, but it’s time for me to leave daily operation of this site to others. I’ve been performing many functions (see below) and doing a barely adequate job at them. Dedicated people for dedicated tasks is the way to go. Except for the editor and writers, the positions should require only 5-10 hours each week. I’m confident that the right people can make this site much bigger and better.
If you think you could be one of them, email me at invisibleoranges at gmail dot com. (I put out a general “help wanted” call before, but was so overwhelmed by nebulous offers that I’m redoing it with defined positions.) Please include the position(s) you seek and your name in the subject header, e.g., “Text editor – John Smith”. Please include evidence to bolster your case. If you do not follow these instructions, your email may get lost in the daily avalanche of my inbox!
. . .
SEEKING
. . .
Editor
Duties: To be a project manager – direct the operation of the site, manage staff of 10-20, approve writer pitches, schedule posts, handle guest bloggers and collaborative promotions, answer emails (50-100 daily), handle social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter). WILL NOT WRITE FOR THE SITE.
Requirements: Gmail account, experience with Google Docs, team management experience, thick skin, deep familiarity with social media and Internet landscape, broad yet discerning taste in metal.
. . .
Text editor
Duties: Edit text of writer posts, fact-checking, add HTML tags for formatting.
Requirements: Gmail account, editing/copyediting/proofreading experience, basic HTML experience, extreme attention to detail, merciless hand with editing. You probably think the writing on this site is flabby. The passive voice is your enemy.
. . .
Art director
Duties: You are responsible for the look of the posts (and thus the site). This includes sourcing images, editing graphics, creating graphics, and formatting HTML for text and multimedia.
Requirements: Gmail account, Photoshop expertise (InDesign expertise desirable but not necessary), basic HTML knowledge, a great eye, knack for thinking outside the box. CREATIVITY IS A MUST.
. . .
Gatekeeper
Duties: Process incoming digital promo submissions for internal use (around 10 daily now, likely to rise). You get to hear everything first.
Requirements: Gmail account, extremely high-speed Internet access (e.g., FiOS, T3; cable/DSL may not be able to handle volume), broad but discerning taste in metal. MUST NOT USE TORRENTS.
. . .
Calendar manager
Duties: Populate new releases calendar and internal events calendar with data from news sources, press releases, and RSS feeds. You are the site’s ear to the ground.
Requirements: Gmail account, familiarity with Google Calendar, RSS feed “mindset”.
. . .
Writers
Duties: Write the posts people read every day on the site.
Requirements: Gmail account, “knowing your shit”, positive attitude (you are a music fan, not a hater), open mind, ability to connect concepts across areas of life, ability to think outside the box (typical review/interview formats don’t cut it these days). You are a leader, not a follower. We are particularly seeking experts in black, death, doom, and traditional metal.
. . .

I keep thinking about how that date is drawing ever closer, and it still saddens me.
I’m going to have to consider whether I really want to do this, now that I have my twins. I’m sure whoever you pick, it will be great.
Same…
Just sent you an email.
xo
Is there a possibility of having an assistant editor? I currently do most of the things mentioned in the editor job description as my 9-5 at a midwestern credit union. I’d love to help as this is one of my favorite blogs, but am not sure I would be able to handle that job 100%.
Cosmo, I’ve sent you an email already, and regarding what Dan’s saying here, I’d be happy to tag team as an assistant editor with Dan here or anyone else looking for that sort of title.
I’m really sad that you’re leaving, Cosmo. You’re highly respected in my book, even when I disagree with your musical opinions. The metal world will be left with a huge pair of shoes to fill, but I wish you good luck on your other endeavors.
“Gatekeeper” sounds like the metal fan dream job that’s impossible to enjoy. Like when I thought a film development internship would somehow enhance my love of writing scripts and reading fiction. Three months of that and my eyes were bleeding.
Cosmo, I bet you’ll fall in love with metal all over again once you’re not forced to consume it by the terabyte.
Yeah–I’d be willing to take on, like, 10-20% of that duty, but not all of it. My current consumption rate of about one-two new albums per day is as much as I can take, I think. Any more, and it’s just not fair to anyone.
Man, why you hating on haters? :’(
That Chappelle skit is priceless.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1nr0q28M5nI
This isn’t paid, huh? Because I know a guy who is an editor who would maybe be into this, but probably not for free.
No, currently the site costs come out of my pocket. We have plenty of good applications for editor, though!
Heart-breaking, but understandable. Seeing this detailed list of all the things you do for this site is overwhelming just to read, much less imagine doing in the midst of daily life stuff. Bummed, but totally trust that you’ll find awesome people in your stead. Onward…..I might have to snag your writing talents as my new SoCal plant nerd correspondent, though!
Only Gmail accounts are real
(sorry THKD)
Yea, Cosmo just echoing others here you will be sorely missed. I would love to pitch in, this is in my opinion the best metal blog out there! I’d LOVE to be involved but I am currently stay at home Dad who needs to find some work that pays, and I can see myself having to bail at some point, and I don’t think that’s fair to whomever takes over this site. Best wishes, can’t tell you how much I enjoy the site, the intelligence with which metal is approached, and how much new music I’ve discovered here. May you find people willing to keep the site great!
After much though, e-mail sent. Huzzah!