The BJCP Bulletin is looking for Features writers. Feature writing breaks out of the normal hard-news format and provides a creative format for writers to tell stories in a compelling and informative way.

Features can be about any BJCP-related subject. We regularly comb through hundreds of blogs and find some very fascinating content related to the BJCP, studying for exams, judging at competitions, brewing within and outside of style guidelines, and so forth. These are the types of content we feel our members would enjoy.

While the first two issues of The BJCP Bulletin have focused on technical implementation, and more official news from the BJCP, we wish to expand to also include more original content that serves the interests of current and future judges.

A year ago, we solicited our members as to what they would want to read about in a newsletter. Some of the great ideas we received included:

• Commercial calibration type columns that judges would submit to show how they judge classic commercial examples of beers
• A column on how to improve feedback from scoresheet
• A series of articles on judging beer: common mistakes made, pitfalls of judging, how to provide good feedback, how to do best of show judging
• A quarterly feature on continuing education documents and information from continuing education events
• A column for exam graders, for example, how “Master-level” answers to written questions should be structured, and other guidance on the knowledge required to advance in the BJCP
• A column for exam administrators, including recommendations on how to qualify for 20 or 48 seat exams, best practices, checklists, and such
• A “From the Forum” column, which directs people to interesting discussions happening in the forums, and gets them involved.
• A “Style Discussion” column, which pulls from some of the forum conversations about potential changes and modifications.
• A regular column on studying to be a BJCP judge, including classroom materials, what the experience was like, what people learn.
• A “How Do I” column, along the lines of the October 1998 newsletter. Columns focused on the various ranks of BJCP judges from the newest Recognized judge up to Grand Master 9s would be fascinating to read.
• A feature on how feedback works in the BJCP, and taking ownership for improving paperwork, like scoresheets.

So what do you need to be a Feature Writer for The BJCP Bulletin?

Passion. You need to be passionate about what you want to write about. Great pieces are the result of writers who are passionate about a topic.

Dedication. The BJCP is an all-volunteer organization. You won’t get paid for this; however, you will be recognized by the Program, and your fellow judges. A BJCP Bulletin Feature Writer needs to be dedicated to not just the topic, but also to examining every aspect of that topic. Most of all, you must be dedicated enough to actually produce an article or a series of articles.

Time. Unlike most newspapers and magazines, which are published daily, weekly, or monthly, The BJCP Bulletin only comes out periodically. One article every several months doesn’t sound like much, but there’s a lot of preparation work that goes into doing research, coming up with questions, writing emails and making phone calls, and editing your piece.

Writing Chops. You need to know how to write properly or with minimal supervision. The Communication Directorate will provide oversight and editorial review, however, we can’t write the article(s) for you.

A Commitment to the BJCP. One of the reasons the BJCP allows points to be retro-actively rewarded for up to two years and for members to continue to be considered active for two years after their last activity is that we know it takes time to be an engaged judge. It takes time to gain experience in judging. It takes time to study and pass the Online and Tasting exams. It takes time, with all that life throws at you, to be steadfast in your engagement. We are looking for current or prospective members who have or will exhibit a demonstrable level of commitment to the program.

Besides the aforementioned recognition of fellow Judges and program members, your article will be sent out to 5000+ program members via email, Twitter, and other mediums. This can provide great exposure for those wishing to build a portfolio of their work.

Participation in giving back to the BJCP qualifies as an activity for which Grand Master Service Requirement (GMSR) points are rewarded. Many staff members on the BJCP are awarded GMSR points, which are a necessary requirement to move from the rank of Master to Grand Master, and to maintain Grand Master ranking.

The Communication Directorate is also examining expansion in the coming years. With a rapid growth in the program, and two individuals currently stretched very thin, we are in the process of determining roles and responsibilities of those necessary to meet our strategic goals and objectives. Regular contributors to Directorate and Committee efforts who prove their commitment to the BJCP are oftentimes put up for appointment to an official role by the BJCP Board of Directors.

If you’re interested in becoming a Feature Writer for The BJCP Bulletin, please contact asst_communication_director@bjcp.org, and let us know:

• Your idea for a Feature
• Your name and BJCP ID
• Your contact information
• Your experience with the BJCP, with writing, and any other skills you may have (e.g. HTML, graphic design, etc.)
• The level of effort you can commit to being a Feature Writer