The Imaginarium

Joseph Martin
Pirate, Ninja, Journalist
http://joemartin.wordpress.com/
radnessforhire@googlemail.com

Profile…
I am a Graduate of Lancaster University, with plentiful connections in magazine publishing and some technology / game companies. I have experience writing for magazines, newspapers and for websites or blogs. Ideally I am looking to write for an established magazine or newspaper and fulfil multiple roles from that position. Willing to relocate and travel as needed for steady work.

Skills Table
Journalism Skills and Experience
 Reviewing (events, technology, games, art)
 Researching (via internet, in person or over the phone)
 Interviewing
 Reporting news
 Proof-reading
 Idea generation for features and coverage.

Software
 MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)
 Dreamweaver 8
 MS Frontpage
 Lotus Office
 Photoshop
 WordPress / Blogspot blog platforms
 Windows, DOS, Mac OS

Education

2003 – 2006 Lancaster University
BA Hons in English Language (Linguistics) and Creative Writing
Graduated with 2:1 degree after three year course focusing on language change and the ability to write in different voices and genres, all whilst adhering to deadlines and developing a strong, personal voice in fiction writing.

1995 – 2002 Lady Manners School and Sixth Form (Bakewell, Derbyshire)

A-Levels
English Language (A)
General Studies (B)
Religious Education: Philosophy and Ethics (C)
Information and Computer Technologies
CDT (AS-Level course)

GCSEs
English Language (B)
ICT (B)
Mathematics (C)
Five other GCSEs with A – C grades

Experience

2007 - Present - Bit-tech.net (Bit Publishing Ltd)

Permanent Staff Writer, specialising in games and gaming hardware as well as other PC hardware.

2006 - Present - Pro-G.co.uk (Independant)
Contributing writer of articles, reviews and other content targetted at multiple platforms.

2006 – Present - TheGameChair.com (Independant)
Staff blogger, writing articles and reviews in a new, progressive style.

2006 – PlanetElderScrolls.com (Gamespy Network)
Staff writer, working to provide features, articles and news for a massive community.

2006 – Nextgenspin.com (Independent, now defunct)
Contributing writer and editor-in-chief for this website, which focused on next generation systems.

2006 – PC Format UK Magazine (Future Publishing Ltd.)
Completed work experience, leading to freelance writing for the magazine in many different sections and posting for the official blog.

2005 - SCAN (Student newspaper)
Co-ordinated closely with editors to establish regular computer game reviews and coverage of art events.

2005 - Personal Blog and website
I have written and updated my own personal blog and website for a number of years, where I provide my own views on recent news.

Hobbies and interests
As a gamer and geek, I mostly like to lock myself away with my latest purchase and savour it slowly, playing games thoroughly and repeatedly. However, when my geeky, vampire-like flesh does see daylight, it still loves to have fun. I especially enjoy trying new and exotic wines and seafood and am a passionate fiction writer who writes predominantly short thrillers.

I find I thrive when in positions of responsibility and often take on side-projects in my spare time. My previous employment outside of journalism has been incredibly varied and I have worked as everything from a clown to a chainsaw salesman (no, seriously). Resultantly, my hobbies include activities like playing with Poi or Diablo, balloon modelling and wood carving. I have also recently taken up surfing and enjoy going to music festivals and fringe events such as BMX trick shows. I’m also an amateur film-maker with a handful of silly action films available on youtube.

Mostly though, I spend my time in the pub with my friends - lecturing them about story-telling and trying not to look too much like Guybrush Threepwood.

I own a high-end PC, an X-box, a Gamecube, a Nintendo DS Lite, Nintendo Wii and a whole host of retro systems and emulation software.

References
Available on request – please see contact me via radnessforhire@googlemail.com