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Writing about things you don't actually own...
Hi All,
My other half has been commissioned to write some articles on games for one of the leading magazines. However, we have an X-Box 360 with only a limited amount of very old games. We just aren't really gamers. We do not own (and never have) an up-to-date game.
However, as she needs to write about up-to-date games are we able to request copies from the Gaming Houses? We are not interested in freebies just the use of these games whilst researching. Maybe, they have time limited downloads?
So really my question is, how do you approach writing about something that you don't actually own and that it's not economically viable to purchase?
Comments
So, if she's been commissioned I suggest she either b orrow s the game from some young relative or neighbour, or confesses to the magazine.
Did she actually lead them to believe she was an expert?
It sounds as if your Other Half is clear to ask them to let her hire one - a Game, that is - and possibly a 10 year old to explain it.
By the way - my stepson is known to the world as Bod - I wonder if you are alike?
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Alternatively tell the magazine concerned they'll need to supply the game in order for her to write about it.
"So really my question is, how do you approach writing about something that you don't actually own and that it's not economically viable to purchase?" You don't - not unless you wish to attempt to decieve both editors and readers and risk being exposed as a fraud.
They want her for her writing ability, not her collection of games.
The access to the games should have been covered in the commission.
Most of the shops that sell computer games will do pre-owned.
My advice would be to ask parents at a primary/secondary school if they have children who would agree to let you watch them play. you'd get an easy 'in' to how the game works out and also how the children/young people seem to be reacting. you could even ask them questions before and after and see if they answer differently.
I think we will put it in the hands of the developers. If they want to provide a game example that fits the criteria of the article then great. If not we can revert to conveying the Science and then find users with relevant experience
Your partner should certainly obtain the material she needs to write the articles she's been commissioned to write, BodToAWriter: either through the commissioning body or from 'Gaming Houses' who might be happy to give/loan her games if she credits them accordingly in her articles.
The Youtube idea is a stoke of genius, thank you