guys (especially those in the print media field),

do you know of any print or online publication (e.g. newspaper, magazine) that "hires"
part-time writers for their columns, whatever the topic may be, and pays these people
for the work they submit (and gets printed)?

this goes beyond the simple letter-to-the-editor type of essay. what i have in mind is
a more regular type of piece or column that revolves around a specific theme or topic,
pretty much like the Twisted column of jessica zafra and others like it.

it may or may not come out on a regular daily basis (probably due to space limitations
or better columns), but it can serve as a outlet for the write (like myself) to share his
thoughts on life and its infinite nuances from his perspective - and get paid in the process.

bottom line, i'm looking at the things i know i do reasonably well (e.g. writing) and looking
for ways to maximize that skill or "talent" that will allow me to earn a little extra more aside
from what the company i work for currently pays me.

i know the Youngblood column in the PDI is an example. i wrote a piece once and it did get
printed a couple of years ago. sadly, i was not able to pick up my check. but columns such
as these are not as regular as i project. the Philippine Star (especially during the weekend
issues) are overflowing with columnists who, i guess, are compensated for their contributions.

that's what i'm interested in - and it's something that i think i would love doing.

so, what do you think?

I wonder why you didn't think of sending in your resume and sample works to magazine editors.

I write for two leading youth-oriented magazines, more popularly known as teen glossies (of course I have to adapt a different "tone" or "voice" for that. But it's still writing that pays. They pay per article, ranging from (okay never mind I don't think I should). It's not as easy as some may think, even for a skilled writer, because it involves more than just writing skills. But you might wanna give it a try.

As for having a column of your own or a regular thing... I think aside from mad writing skills you would have to: (1) have strong connections or relations with publication editors or other bigshots, (2) be famous or infamous, like be a celebrity or an achiever, and (3) be flexible and learn to adapt different style and make them your own, because a regular column would generate a wide readership etc. etc.

Pasensya na. Tamad mag-type. Hanggang dito na lang.