Writing game FAQs: low pay, lots of work. Why do it?
MTV's
Stephen Totilo looks a little deeper into the motivations of the game enthusiasts who write hundreds of pages of
detailed walkthroughs for peanuts. What inspires these young men to dedicate hours upon hours of time detailing every
nook and hidden item in games ranging from Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas to the most retro 8-bit Nintendo
title?
We've got a few theories ("'Girls?' What is this 'girls' my friends speak of? Oh well, back to my tradeskills guide.'), but we'll leave it to the reader as an exercise.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Zac @ Jan 26th 2006 3:33AM
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!
WhiteTigerShiro @ Jan 26th 2006 3:56AM
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.
Zero_ @ Jan 26th 2006 5:07AM
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. :)
OmegaSupreme @ Jan 26th 2006 5:35AM
I don't know why they do it, but god bless 'em. Of course I'm so leet no help needed in my case.
Jon @ Jan 26th 2006 7:36AM
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
Shad Genki @ Jan 26th 2006 8:34AM
God bless all Geeks.
Reeve @ Jan 26th 2006 9:35AM
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.
Jacoplane @ Jan 26th 2006 9:42AM
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.
Nushio @ Jan 26th 2006 10:23AM
I read on the google quote of the day this:
The best way to know a subject is to write a book about it.
Feep @ Jan 26th 2006 3:42PM
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.