Cracked, the beloved humor website, has been a staple of internet comedy for over two decades. With its unique blend of humor, pop culture analysis, and quirky storytelling, it has attracted a loyal following of writers, readers, and comedy enthusiasts alike. However, with the ever-changing landscape of online content and the shifting dynamics of the publishing industry, one question persists: Can you still write for Cracked?
The Golden Age of Cracked
In its heyday, Cracked was the go-to platform for aspiring humor writers, comedians, and satirists. Founded in 2007 by Jack O’Brien, Cracked quickly gained popularity with its offbeat humor, clever listicles, and wacky takes on popular culture. The site’s rise to fame was meteoric, with millions of visitors flocking to its website every month. For writers, Cracked was the holy grail – a platform where they could showcase their humor, build a following, and even snag a few bucks in the process.
During this golden age, Cracked’s editorial team was known for its openness to new writers and ideas. The site’s submission process was relatively straightforward, with a clear guidelines page and a responsive editorial team eager to discover fresh talent. Many writers cut their teeth on Cracked, honing their craft and building a portfolio of published work. Some even went on to secure book deals, TV writing gigs, and other lucrative opportunities.
The Shift Towards Native Content and Sponsored Posts
However, as the online content landscape evolved, Cracked’s business model began to shift. The rise of native advertising, sponsored content, and affiliate marketing led to a significant change in the site’s editorial strategy. Cracked began to focus more on generating revenue through branded partnerships, product placements, and targeted advertising. While this shift helped the site stay afloat in a rapidly changing industry, it also led to a decline in opportunities for freelance writers.
Suddenly, the submission process became more opaque, with fewer response times and more stringent requirements. The editorial team, once welcoming and responsive, became more selective and difficult to reach. The site’s focus on brand partnerships and sponsored content led to a decrease in original, user-generated content. For writers, the dream of being published on Cracked began to seem increasingly out of reach.
The Current State of Cracked: Is It Still Possible to Write for the Site?
So, can you still write for Cracked? The short answer is yes, but it’s not as easy as it used to be. While Cracked still accepts submissions from freelance writers, the process is more competitive and the requirements more stringent. Here are a few key points to keep in mind:
Quality over quantity: Cracked’s editorial team is looking for top-notch writing, humor, and storytelling. If you can’t deliver high-quality content that resonates with their audience, it’s unlikely your submission will be accepted.
Tailor your pitch: Cracked is no longer looking for generic, catch-all pitches. You need to tailor your idea to the site’s specific tone, style, and audience. Study their content, understand their voice, and craft a pitch that speaks to their needs.
Be prepared for rejection: Even with a great pitch and solid writing, rejection is still a possibility. Cracked receives hundreds of submissions every month, and the competition is fierce.
Don’t expect a quick response: The editorial team at Cracked is busy, and response times can be slow. Be patient, and don’t be discouraged if you don’t hear back right away.
The Benefits of Writing for Cracked (If You Can Get In)
Despite the challenges, writing for Cracked can still be a lucrative opportunity for freelance writers. Here are a few benefits to consider:
Exposure and visibility: Cracked has a massive audience, and getting published on the site can lead to increased exposure and visibility for your writing.
Paid opportunities: While Cracked’s payment rates may not be as high as they once were, the site still pays for published content. If you can secure a spot, you can earn some decent money.
Portfolio building: Having Cracked on your portfolio can be a major selling point for freelance writers. It’s a badge of honor, demonstrating your ability to write humorously and appeal to a broad audience.
Alternative Options for Humor Writers
If you’re struggling to get published on Cracked, don’t worry – there are other options for humor writers. Here are a few alternatives to consider:
Other humor websites: Sites like Clickhole, The Onion, and Reductress offer similar opportunities for humor writers. While they may not be as well-known as Cracked, they still have a dedicated audience and can provide a platform for your writing.
Personal branding and blogging: Building your own brand and blogging platform can be a great way to showcase your humor and attract a loyal following. While it requires more effort and dedication, the rewards can be significant.
Content mills and freelance platforms: Sites like Medium, Upwork, and Freelancer offer a range of opportunities for humor writers. You may not get the same level of exposure as Cracked, but you can still build a client base and earn a living.
The Future of Cracked and Online Humor
As the online landscape continues to evolve, it’s unclear what the future holds for Cracked and online humor writing. Will Cracked adapt to the changing times and once again become a platform for emerging writers, or will it continue to focus on sponsored content and brand partnerships? Only time will tell.
One thing is certain, however – the demand for high-quality humor writing remains strong. Whether it’s through Cracked, alternative websites, or personal branding, there are still opportunities for writers to make people laugh, entertain, and inspire.
So, can you still write for Cracked? Yes, but it’s not easy. With persistence, dedication, and a willingness to adapt, you might just find yourself published on one of the internet’s most beloved humor sites.
Is Cracked still a viable platform for writers?
Cracked is still an active website with a dedicated following, and they continue to publish new content on a regular basis. While the site’s popularity may have waxed and waned over the years, it remains a well-established brand with a rich history of producing humorous content. As such, writing for Cracked can still be a viable option for those looking to get their start in comedy writing or to build their portfolio.
That being said, it’s worth noting that Cracked’s submission process is highly competitive, and the site receives a large volume of pitches from aspiring writers. This means that not every submission will be accepted, and writers may face stiff competition for limited spots. However, for those who are able to secure a spot, writing for Cracked can be a great way to gain exposure and build a following.
What kind of content does Cracked typically publish?
Cracked is a humor website that focuses on publishing articles, lists, and other content that is intended to be humorous and entertaining. The site’s content often takes the form of humorous listicles, such as “5 Reasons Why [Something] Is Actually [Something Else]” or “The [Number] Most [Adjective] [Things] About [Topic]”. Cracked also publishes articles on a wide range of topics, from pop culture and technology to science and history, all with a humorous spin.
In general, Cracked is looking for content that is funny, relatable, and engaging. Writers who are able to craft a compelling narrative, make clever observations, and inject humor into their writing are often well-suited to the site’s tone and style. If you’re a writer who is able to think outside the box and come up with unique, humorous takes on familiar topics, Cracked might be a good fit for you.
How do I submit an article to Cracked?
To submit an article to Cracked, writers should head to the site’s submission portal and follow the guidelines provided. This typically involves pitching an idea for an article, including a brief summary and a sample of your writing. Cracked’s editors will then review the pitch and decide whether or not to move forward with the article.
It’s worth noting that Cracked is very specific about the types of pitches they accept, and writers should carefully review the site’s submission guidelines before submitting. In general, Cracked is looking for pitches that are well-thought-out, well-written, and tailored to the site’s tone and style. Writers who are able to craft a compelling pitch and demonstrate their writing abilities are more likely to be considered for publication.
How much does Cracked pay its writers?
Cracked pays its writers a flat fee for each article published on the site. The exact amount paid varies depending on the length and complexity of the article, as well as the writer’s level of experience and the site’s budget. In general, writers can expect to earn between $50 and $200 per article, although more experienced writers or those who produce longer, more complex pieces may earn more.
It’s worth noting that Cracked’s payment structure is based on a one-time fee, and writers do not receive ongoing royalties or residuals for their work. While this may not be the most lucrative arrangement for writers, it can still be a good way to earn some extra income and build a portfolio of published work.
Can I write about anything I want on Cracked?
While Cracked gives its writers a fair amount of creative freedom, there are still certain topics and tone that the site is looking for. In general, Cracked is interested in articles that are humorous, relatable, and engaging, and that fit with the site’s tone and style. Writers who are interested in submitting to Cracked should carefully review the site’s archives and get a sense of what types of topics and tone are most successful.
That being said, Cracked is also open to new and innovative ideas, and writers who are able to come up with fresh takes on familiar topics or explore new areas of interest may find a receptive audience. Ultimately, the key to success on Cracked is to find a topic that resonates with readers and to execute it in a way that is funny, clever, and engaging.
How long does it take for Cracked to respond to submissions?
Cracked’s response time can vary depending on a number of factors, including the volume of submissions and the site’s editorial workflow. In general, writers can expect to hear back from Cracked’s editors within a few days to a few weeks of submitting a pitch. If a pitch is accepted, the writer will typically be notified and given a deadline for submitting the completed article.
It’s worth noting that Cracked receives a large volume of submissions, and it may take some time for the site’s editors to review and respond to each pitch. Writers who are submitting to Cracked should be patient and not follow up on their pitch unless they have not heard back within a few weeks.
Is writing for Cracked a good way to get my start in comedy writing?
Writing for Cracked can be a great way to get your start in comedy writing, as it provides a platform for writers to showcase their skills and build a portfolio of published work. Cracked has a large and dedicated audience, and writers who are able to craft humorous, engaging content that resonates with readers can gain a significant following and build their credibility as comedy writers.
In addition, writing for Cracked can provide valuable experience and training for writers who are looking to break into the comedy writing industry. By working with Cracked’s editors and learning to craft content that meets the site’s tone and style, writers can develop their skills and build their confidence as comedy writers.