Crisis of Morals

[Dr.Epic]

Spoiler'd for length:

Spoiler

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So, where to begin. I suppose this all started a month ago when I discovered a new website. I found a lot of the content on this site entertaining. I prefer to keep the site anonymous (you'll understand why later in this post). It has nothing to do with inappropriate material. I just prefer to not name the site as you'll see later in this post.

Anyway, the site mostly has videos and reviews. Now, I noticed in one video, for a few seconds, the camera cuts away from the main character in it to some cameos, and one of the people looked a lot like an old friend. I double checked and did discover that that was said friend (this is the reason I prefer to keep the site anonymous, for my friend).

Now, I love said site and all the stuff they make, and I was pretty excited to learn a friend had connections to it. I eventually concieved the notion to perhaps have said friend introduce me to some of creators of said site. I love the content, the people behind it seem really cool, and maybe I could contribute (I have talents).

I eventually dismissed this idea for two reasons: firstly, it would be incredibly selfish and rude to ask such a thing of a friend. Second, I am not entirely close to said friend. It's not that there's hostility between us, I simply don't know them that well. They were more a friend of a friend, and they graduated school last year and have since moved on to I'm-not-sure-what (like I said, I didn't know them too well).

Anyway, in the past week I saw that the site was actually asking for contributors. I was of course excited and decided I would apply. They were asking for specific roles. I maybe fit one they were asking for, but they also asked that applicants could make up their own position and apply for it. I submitted to the site a few hours ago. Like I said, I made up a position, but I hope the examples I provided will be satisfactory.

Now, my question if it isn't obvious, should I get said friend of a friend to recommend me to said site? Yes, I know how incredibly rude and selfish that is especially for someone I barely know. I hung out with them only a few times the two years we were both at college. I'm not even sure I exchanged a line of dialogue with them. Yeah, it would be really rude and selfish to ask this. I did mention in the application which college I went to so maybe they're think to ask said friend if they know me and maybe that'll be enough for a recommendation.

The only reason I am thinking of this is because I have pretty much nothing else going on for me right now. Some of you may remember a thread I made about two months back explaining my position as a college drop out. I received word and looks like I might only be going back for one more semester and then maybe I'll have to transfer. It all looks kind of hazy.

This position I applied for might be just the thing to turn my life around. I have no idea if I'll get it (I'm sure a lot of people applied) and I have no idea what a recommendation could do. So, there's the facts: ask someone I barely know for a favor or just have faith in my application and hope for the best?

[The_JJ]

Networking makes the universe goes round. I see no real quandary, unless he's say, the one with sole control over admissions and really, really likes you. Mostly your issue would be less moral, more 'not overstepping your boundaries and hacking him off,' thus decreasing you odds at the job'

[CynicalAvocado]

Spoiler'd for length:

[spoiler]*snips*

let me answer your question with a question.
*puts on glasses*
would it be selfish to have a friend refer you with a huge corporation?

[arguskos]

I see no reason not to shoot him a message, reintroduce yourself, and ask him just to take a look at your submission, and if he feels it's good, to consider it. Don't ask for a favor, just ask him to take a look, for old times sake. Subtle things can work wonders.

And, if he decides not to, or you don't get picked, send him a follow-up message anyways, thanking him for his time and wishing him well. Perhaps, if more contributor slots roll around in the future, he'll remember the kind words and he'll take another look or message you back.

[Lycan 01]

Hmmmm. I'd say ask him. I mean, don't just be like "Hey help me get this job." But if you can somehow get in contact with him, maybe let him know you've put in an application at the site, that you're interested in the job, and ask him if there's anything you can do to help your chances of getting accepted. You don't have to ask him for help - in fact, it might even be good to point out that you're not asking for help, since you don't want to be rude. But just letting him know how much you want the job might be good for him to know, since he could pass that on to his superiors. Sometimes, just having the incentive and interest in the job can help your chances of getting it...

[Mr. Moon]

I don't see the problem. Getting into the media industry is, so sayeth many, all about networking. If you have a friend in the business, it's just good incentive to say "Hey, remember me? So I saw you in this thing...", and then who knows what could happen?
I mean, unless you didn't get along, I don't see what could go wrong. What's the worst he can say? "Nah, man, but nice to see you again."

I say go for it.

[Lord_Gareth]

Epic, my friend, getting minimum wage jobs is about networking these days. Go for it.

[Adumbration]

Jeah, going to join the chorus of other people saying you should go for it. Networking is the key these days.

[Icewalker]

The best thing to do I think would be to contact him, and tell him that you are applying. Getting into contact will be a good touch, whether you know him well or not, on the grounds that perhaps you will be working together and he's an old vague friend. This alone may get him to put a word in for you, especially if he has any hand in the decisions process.

Past that, whether you ask directly for him to vouch for you is arguable. Have a crisis over that and check out other peoples' advice, but definitely contact the guy.

[KingOfLaughter]

This will sound overly simplified but, flip a coin?

Heads, ask him in an indirect way.
Tails, hope like hell you get in,

[Johel]

No.

It will only be beneficial if :

• You have a way to contact your old friend before naming him as recommendation.
• Your old friend remembers you
• Your old friend actually likes you enough to recommend you.
• Your old friend is in a good position regarding the current team of the website.

If those conditions aren't all green, then using old friend as recommendation will only be damaging for you.

[742]

perhaps mention this quandry while making the request/reintroduction if its not a socially oriented position?

[Kastanok]

This is in fact how the world works. Congratulations on having such a resource.

[KenderWizard]

I also say get in touch with him. If you're the best applicant, it won't hurt your chances, provided you don't, y'know, insult him. If it comes down to between you and someone else, this guy knowing you're enthusiastic and not a terrible person might help. If you're not considered seriously for the position this time, you've made contact with someone on the website, and he might keep you posted about opportunities.

[Fifty-Eyed Fred]

It's not what you know, but who you know. Use your connection! It's the best way to get ahead. Really, this strikes me as a golden opportunity.

[thubby]

there's no harm in asking. just don't pressure them unfairly.

[Asta Kask]

Go for it.

[CoffeeIncluded]

In this day and age you need as many connections as you can get. Go for it!

[Asta Kask]

I have only one connection... but it's broadband!

[LordZarth]

I see no reason not to shoot him a message, reintroduce yourself, and ask him just to take a look at your submission, and if he feels it's good, to consider it. Don't ask for a favor, just ask him to take a look, for old times sake. Subtle things can work wonders.

And, if he decides not to, or you don't get picked, send him a follow-up message anyways, thanking him for his time and wishing him well. Perhaps, if more contributor slots roll around in the future, he'll remember the kind words and he'll take another look or message you back.

This is exactly what you should do and say.

[Prime32]

What if you contact him to ask for advice on what he thinks they're looking for?

[Tinkee]

Cant hurt to say something. If the friend isnt really a close friend ... then at worst you dont communicate with someone you already didnt talk to much, and at best you become uber rich and rule the world.

[Tengu_temp]

I can't help but think that the site in question is That Guy With The Glasses, or Blistered Thumbs to be precise.

Anyway, if it's someone you knew only briefly for a short period of time two years ago, I don't think if he will vouch for you on such an important matter.

[Winter_Wolf]

What you're describing is the "classic" definition of social/business networking. You may not care for it, but that's how it is these days.

Just remember that if your request is granted, etiquette dictates that at some point in the future you repay it, possibly with interest. (So pay it back as soon as you can.)

I also think Prime32's idea of asking for advice is a pretty good way to drop a hint and get a better idea of what you're getting into.

[Cobalt]

I'd do it. But I'd word it carefully.

[Dr.Epic]

Well, based on near unanimous results, I guess I'm going to go for it.

I'd do it. But I'd word it carefully.

Well, my only way to reach them is via facebook. I guess just send them a message (after a successful friend request (how hard are those to get anyway?)) and just mention I saw you in a video on this site and somehow transition from there that I'm trying to get a position with them. Sound good?

[Mr. Moon]

Eh... I think it might be best to do this in person. Try seeing if he wants to go for coffee and meet up at Starbucks, and start the conversation there.

[Dr.Epic]

Eh... I think it might be best to do this in person. Try seeing if he wants to go for coffee and meet up at Starbucks, and start the conversation there.

Good idea, but I only met them in college, and considering my school has students from all over the country, I'm not even sure we both live in the same time zone.

[Mr. Moon]

Thaaat... may make meeting up a tad difficult, yes.
Can't hurt to ask, though. I mean, who knows?
Also, if they live in a different area then you, you're going to have to seriously consider whether or not you are willing to relocate for a position in their crew.

[mangosta71]

Silly hoomans with your morals.

Anyhoo, thirding arguskos's advice. At the very least, shoot him an e-mail and tell him that you enjoyed the video he was in.