Here's How Writing For Jalopnik Changed My Life 

"Freddy "Tavarish" Hernandez" (apidaonline) 01/02/2015 at 17:07 • Filed to: car stories

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Yesterday will mark six months since I started writing for the world's largest automotive community site, Jalopnik . Since then, my life's direction has changed so dramatically that I'm actually not sure if I need to legally change my name or not. This is what it's like to land a job reserved only for my wildest and most eccentric dreams.

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Part 1: From Humble, Trollish Beginnings

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As a primer on my background, I've never been a professional writer. I don't have a degree in journalism and the first serious article I've written on cars was !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . My writing skills until that point consisted of staging long debates on the internet about various hot-button issues and controversies with complete strangers. I also frequently posted on various car forums about my projects. Doing this in my free time (read: all of my time) proved to be integral to my future writing, as I learned how to practically convey the merits of an argument to an audience and understand how comedic timing and hyperbole could be used to further a point and make it more accessible to readers. You could say I came from the School of Hard Knocks, but since that's a little too on-the-nose of a cliche, let's just say I grew up in the House That Internet Built.

In order to get a position at Jalopnik as a regular contributor to its Car Buying section, I took to OppositeLock to write about my personal experiences with !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . I wrote early, often, and for free. After every post, I made it known to anyone and everyone in charge that they had a fresh post to share to the front page, to the point of pestering the management. I was willing to take the risk of bothering the editors to make sure that my work had the most exposure possible (Yes, struggling artists, you can actually work for exposure. It's not a term that people use to haggle your overpriced, sup-par work to a more palatable value.) After a sufficient amount of features and ambitious posts under my belt, !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! .

Joy of joys, I got a reply about a month later, saying that they're considering two OppositeLock writers, with Tom McParland being half of the equation and my portly mass filling in the other half. Score.

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Part 2: Onward, To Adventure!

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The reason I accepted a featured spot on an experimental Jalopnik sub-blog was not because I needed employment, wanted the money, or thought it was a good way to pad my resume. Selfishly, I just really wanted into this world - the world where I could speak to ultra-successful people as peers and gain knowledge and wisdom that would be useful in my own life. In my first week, I !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . At this point it was job to hang out with a cool guy and talk about his collection of classic and exotic sports cars. My job . Instead of getting the feeling that I was a fish out of water and that I didn't belong, I ended up having hour-long friendly, but infinitely insightful conversations with Zac and the other CCC employees about our undying passion that manifested itself as the automobile. Although this was the first instance of my integration into this culture, it wasn't my last by any stretch. In no particular order, here are some of the most notable things that happened to me in the past six months because of my affiliation with Jalopnik :

I met Raphael Orlove and spent the day !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! and Lexus ES300 in the pouring rain. I regret nothing, and would do it again at the drop of a hat.

I got a !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! and met the entire east coast Jalopnik staff.

I drove !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! around Grant's Tomb in Manhattan.

I drove a !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! on some amazing upstate NY roads with Mike Ballaban and !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! for being a clown.

I !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! YouTube star, Lamborghini Diablo owner, and avid Wankel rotary aficionado.

I bought an !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! from a reader from Illinois.

I interviewed CEO of Elio Motors, Paul Elio, about the !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! for his upcoming car project.

I met Alex Roy, a now great personal friend of mine, who let me !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! and Porsche 928 GT, and showed himself to have one hell of a taste in the finest Swedish progressive metal.

I went to both nights of the !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , watching great films about car culture with Jalopnik readers. I had someone ask to take a picture with me. I was not prepared for this.

Based on the pictures I took of some cars at the JFF , I was invited to the !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . While there, I met Jason Torchinsky, Patrick George, and Damon Lavrinc, some of the most hardworking, motivated, diligent, and kind-hearted individuals I've ever met.

I had lunch with !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , the creator and original Editor-In-Chief of Jalopnik , and spoke to him about how I could become a better writer and presenter.

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I drove a $330,000 2015 Aston Martin Vanquish on some twisty NJ mountain roads with Travis Okulski.

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Part 3: The Future Is Unclear, But Brighter Than Ever.

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As I found out about a week ago, I'll be attending the Detroit International Auto Show in about a week's time. Although words truly can't express the gratitude I have for the countless opportunities I've had while with this organization, I'm paid to write, so I'd better get on with it.

Jalopnik is more than a car site. It's more than a rant-filled blog populated by people who often disagree on crucial elements of car culture. It's even more than the readers or its countless comments. It's a portal into an idealized world - it's a window into the world that we so desperately need. The people here are the movers, shakers, and spillers. Without blowing too much smoke up everyone's nether cavities, I can say that the reason the site works so well is because it has an absolutely spectacular staff that knows the meaning of personal accountability and isn't afraid to screw up if that means that they'll learn something meaningful in the process. They're damn good at their jobs and they work so every day is more intriguing, interesting, and though-provoking than the last. Add to that a reading community that truly cares about the subject matter and shares a common passion, and you have the perfect storm of automotive awesomeness.

I'm not sure what the future will bring for me in particular, but the humbling experience of working with this team of talented men and women has made me strive to be better in my craft, and a better human being in general. Here's to the start of an insane 2015. Stay tuned .

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!!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! is the founder of !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! and writes about !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! on the internet. He owns the world's cheapest !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , a !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! , and he's the only Jalopnik author that has never driven a Miata. He also has a real name that he didn't feel was journalist-y enough so he used a pen name and this was the best he could do.

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You can also follow him on !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! and !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! . He won't mind.

Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire > Freddy "Tavarish" Hernandez 01/02/2015 at 17:11

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Is Orlove high as fuck in the lead picture?

ACESandEIGHTS > Freddy "Tavarish" Hernandez 01/02/2015 at 17:14

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But have you told us how we could have a Dino for the price of a new Cobalt???

Anyway, congratulations comrade, and don't give in to the Miata cabal.

Justin Hughes > Freddy "Tavarish" Hernandez 01/02/2015 at 17:23

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Good read - thanks for sharing! It's great to know that writing for Oppo for fun - like you did before, and like I'm doing now - can actually lead to something more, whether on Jalopnik or other sites.

Leadbull > Freddy "Tavarish" Hernandez 01/02/2015 at 17:25

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Get This Awesome Employment Opportunity For The Price Of One Average Desk Job

area man > Freddy "Tavarish" Hernandez 01/02/2015 at 17:32

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He also has a real name that he didn't feel was journalist-y enough so he used a pen name and this was the best he could do.

Use your real name in 2015! This line in your bio never made any sense to me.

PushToStart > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 01/02/2015 at 17:41

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I've always been under the impression that Orloved is high as fuck most of the time. I mean, have you read his Twitter feed? He's said some out-there type stuff before...

WhiskeyGolf > Freddy "Tavarish" Hernandez 01/02/2015 at 17:51

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Hardibro's natural habitat?

PS9 > Freddy "Tavarish" Hernandez 01/02/2015 at 18:19

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Tavarish; a man with an appreciation for the finer things in life, so long as they can be acquired for pennies on the dollar.

Manwich - now Keto-Friendly > Freddy "Tavarish" Hernandez 01/02/2015 at 18:25

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"and my portly mass filling in the other half. Score."

I didn't know your mass was portly...

The Compromiser > WhiskeyGolf 01/02/2015 at 18:33

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Hipster without soy latte?

Tinfoil Hat in a thunderstorm, now with added diecast > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 01/02/2015 at 18:34

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Not that there's anyting wrong with that.....

Hahayoustupidludditeshutupandgohandcrankyourmodeltalready > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 01/02/2015 at 19:01

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Well—it is Orlove—when do you think he is not?

Mathias Rios > Freddy "Tavarish" Hernandez 01/02/2015 at 19:02

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I've been following your stuff from the apidaonline days, needless to say I am a big fan and am stoked that you're climbing the ranks in the car world! Can't wait to see what you'll put out next :)

Hahayoustupidludditeshutupandgohandcrankyourmodeltalready > ACESandEIGHTS 01/02/2015 at 19:03

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New Cobalt??

jmedarts > Freddy "Tavarish" Hernandez 01/02/2015 at 19:15

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always love stories about people who enjoy what they do and succeed at it. Keep up the good work!

Tohru > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 01/02/2015 at 19:34

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The entire Jalopnik staff is pretty much always tripping balls. Torch is on peyote and talking to his Beetle, Brolove blazes it like he's trying to get into a Cheech and Chong movie, Ballabag is into downers, DeMurano's into uppers, and the rest of the staff is doing chubby lines of Bolivian nose candy off of whatever exotic they've currently got in the garage.

Conan > Freddy "Tavarish" Hernandez 01/02/2015 at 20:14

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It's great to see you being appreciative. It definitely seems like they've done great stuff for you, but you, you were worth it from the beginning and you knew it. Congratulations. If I've found your posts entertaining and sometimes practically useful.

rosslitman > Freddy "Tavarish" Hernandez 01/02/2015 at 20:33

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VANITY PLATE - NICE JOB DEMURO!!!

Ravey Mayvey Slurpee Surprise > Freddy "Tavarish" Hernandez 01/02/2015 at 21:37

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Great job, Tavarish! Jalopnik has always done a great job of hiring contributing commenters—Patrick Frawley, Ballaban, and yourself, to name a few—and I'd found nothing but enjoyment in reading your pieces.

All that being said, you're even more awesome for appreciating some Swedish progressive metal. I haven't had as broad of tastes in music lately, but as someone who has seen Opeth twice live, I'm with you and Roy there.

Kinja'd Again > Freddy "Tavarish" Hernandez 01/02/2015 at 21:58

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I fucking love you (maybe homo?).

Jonathan Harper > Freddy "Tavarish" Hernandez 01/02/2015 at 22:06

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Great work man. Happy to have helped you on this journey sir. Bigger and better in 2015.

Georado > Freddy "Tavarish" Hernandez 01/03/2015 at 06:50

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I've really enjoyed your work over the last six months, and I'll keep reading your articles as long as you write them. I think a major component of Jalopnik's success is how each writers' personality comes through their work. Only Jason could write Jason's articles and Doug Doug's.

Summitradioz > Freddy "Tavarish" Hernandez 01/03/2015 at 20:06

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Your experience has that old C&D from the 80's feel to it. I miss those days... Enjoy it like a gift!

Sinanigans > Freddy "Tavarish" Hernandez 01/03/2015 at 23:10

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Good for you homes! You have an excellent blog and I always look forward to reading your stuff! I'm in Jersey, so I really hope to meet you in person someday!

Stef Schrader > Arch Duke Maxyenko, Shit Talk Extraordinaire 01/04/2015 at 01:46

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puff

puff

....................'lump

Southern_Expat > Freddy "Tavarish" Hernandez 01/04/2015 at 16:34

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congrats on stumbling onto something awesome that is life changing for the positive for you. :thumbsup:

soundman98 > Justin Hughes 01/04/2015 at 18:47

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HOW DO I WRITE FOR/ON/NEAR OPPO

Uak42 > Freddy "Tavarish" Hernandez 01/05/2015 at 00:03

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Tava, had no idea, you had been hired by Jalopnik, sweet! You were one of my favourite writers anyway. I wish you all the best and hope for many more used car articles in the future and hopefully some about motor swaps and/or project cars gone well.

Too many M's > Freddy "Tavarish" Hernandez 01/05/2015 at 03:08

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I've really enjoyed the write-ups, congrats on the new path and definitely look forward to future articles.

And I tell this to all the Jalop staff, but if you're ever in Germany set aside a day at the 'Ring. I'll be happy to pilot you around.

davesaddiction @ opposite-lock.com > Freddy "Tavarish" Hernandez 01/05/2015 at 12:16

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Loved reading this, Tavarish. I'm really happy for you, and wish you all the best going forward. Don't quit doing the projects that got you here!

BiTurbo228 - Dr Frankenstein of Spitfires > Freddy "Tavarish" Hernandez 01/07/2015 at 05:44

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This is a little off-topic for this, but I'd like to tap into your wealth of knowledge :)

Couple of things. I'm going to look at an E28 520i soon with a mind to flip it for a little profit (and drive around having fun in the meantime). Are there any tips you could give me?

Also, I've got a boring old Vauxhall Corsa that I'd like to sell but the interior is damp and mouldy (common problem with an interior leak, will be fixed soon). Have you come across that before in your flipping and if so, how have you dealt with it?

Ozimandius > Freddy "Tavarish" Hernandez 01/08/2015 at 00:59

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You and Doug Demuro are my two favourite writers on Jalopnik. Keep up the good work!

bmwvuk > Freddy "Tavarish" Hernandez 01/16/2015 at 15:37

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Tavarish, thanks for sharing this story. I have to admit that ever since I discovered Jalopnik, I look forward to reading you articles and find myself actually laughing out loud when I read them. Keep up the good work!

Craig > Freddy "Tavarish" Hernandez 09/02/2015 at 14:01

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Good stuff...especially for us dreamers out there who are looking to turn those dreams into reality.

I got skills...writing skills that is, and a deep, unhealthy obsession with cars that is only getting worse every day. So as I find myself burning out on 20 years in the same job field...looking for anyway to put my foot in the door of a dream job.