Great question Laurie - one I've been asking myself as well.
I think, what it comes down to, is that what you get out of Matador depends on what you put into it.
There are thousands of absolutely amazing people with profiles on this website, all of whom have the ability to hook you up with opportunities from building adobe houses in rural Thailand to insider tours of the music scene in Berlin. But you need to take the initiative, to put yourself out there - actively looking for the people behind the profiles.
As far as travel writing opportunities go, signing up for Matador really helped my career - I published a few articles and guides on here, then landed a feature in the San Francisco Chronicle and scored a gig writing for Fodor's in Patagonia. I even got an interview for a hosting-gig on a new Travel Channel show through a bounty board post.
I don't think that success is typical - I'm one of the more active users on Matador, and truth be told, they hired me for an editing position a few days ago. But if you've got talent and drive, this is a fantastic place to network and learn the craft of travel writing.
So far as which way the site is headed - there are very big plans in the works. We're launching 5 more niche-focused sites soon, on the model of BraveNewTraveler.com, where I'm a contributing editor. We're searching for good writers and our goal is to be the biggest name in online travel publishing, so in my humble opinion, now is a great time to jump on board!
Hope that was coherent - you got me excited :)
-Tim
Hi, Laurie-
Welcome to Matador!
I absolutely agree with Tim on all counts, and would encourage you to spend some more time here--it's tough to make a fair assessment after only a few days--to get a handle on the people of Matador, its mission, its various sections, and its plans. As Tim mentioned, there are many people on this network, and lots of people seem to use Matador in different ways. Some people only use it to post their photos. Some use it primarily as a blog platform. Some people just read the articles from Matador's magazine, Traverse. Some people use it as a means of tracking information about writing and work and volunteer opportunities. But I think, as Tim said, those who are happiest with Matador are those who put a lot into it. Personally, I love Matador because I think there's a diversity of people, ideas, experiences, and motives and the writing is really great. I genuinely feel a sense of community here, and after spending time on other travel sites, I don't get that feeling. I also appreciate Matador's founders' focus on sustainability and giving back, which isn't just talk, but action. Their November party in San Francisco raised funds for 826 Valencia, for instance. I think everyone who contributes frequently here is truly supportive and we're all thinking about each other and how we can seed one another's careers. What have I received from Matador? Writing offers and publication. Exposure. I've been interviewed twice by people who run other sites and contacted me. Friendship and ideas about collaboration. Encouragement and supportive feedback. And I've learned a lot about places and experiences that are different from my own.
I'd also like to be a bit bold and make a suggestion for you personally. I looked at your blog post earlier today, but I'm not likely to go over to your site to look at your blog. I like Matador as a one stop shop. You may want to consider, as at least one other Matador user does, posting the material from your own site on Matador, too.
I hope you'll hang around and participate in creating this community- it's evolving and I'm confident it's something you'll be proud to be part of.
Peace,
Julie
Joined: 01-23-08
I've been part of the Matador network for a couple of days now, and I'm having trouble getting a good read on it. I can't tell if it's on the verge of becoming something really cool, or if it's losing steam after getting off to an ambitious start, or something else entirely. I'd be really interested to learn what other people's take is on what Matador is, what it should be, and what it could be. I'm also interested in hearing what has come your way as a result of belonging to Matador, especially travel writing opportunities. Looking forward to hearing from anyone and everyone.
Laurie