Writing game FAQs: low pay, lots of work. Why do it?

Man.. i wrote some of the Tony Hawk gap lists and i get just as many angry emails as positive ones from people who have difficulty understanding the directions. I don't know why i do it!

I can't speak for other FAQ writers, but I write FAQs for two reasons.

The first is that I just enjoy playing the game so much, that I decide to go in-depth and write an FAQ on it. I've only completed one FAQ, which thankfully got posted (Jak1, No Orbs FAQ), but I've probably started about a dozen.

The second reason is that I just like to help people on the boards, so taking a moment to write-up an FAQ is really no different than posting a message to help someone on the forums.

One thing I'll mention though, is that I've seen some FAQ writers post that they'll accept PayPal donations. Not sure how much they earn, if anything, but I'd guess they make a few bucks at least.

WhiteTigerShiro was spot on, atleast for me. I enjoy the game so much that I begin writing FAQs for it, and that I enjoy helping people.

Oh yeah, and then the whole fame comes in as well. :)

I don't know why they do it, but god bless 'em. Of course I'm so leet no help needed in my case.

For some of us, it's just because we like writing and gaming, and the two go together so well.

But for some, it's also about the bloody KB count on 'FAQs :P

God bless all Geeks.

Yes, bless the FAQ writers. I try not to use FAQs myself, but it's nice to know they're there when I do need them.

Well I don't write FAQs, but I do contribute regularly on Wikipedia gaming articles ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portal:Computer_and_video_games ) Why? Because in my experience, creating something is a lot more satisfying than simply consuming.

I read on the google quote of the day this:

The best way to know a subject is to write a book about it.

I've written two FAQs, one of Super Monkey Ball and Super Monkey Ball 2, both quite in-depth. I really enjoyed those games, and I enjoy writing as well, so I thought I'd contribute something to the community I had leeched off of for years. I still get fairly regular E-mail about the FAQs, and don't regret it in the slightest.