Tis the Season–for Applying

Time has gone so fast it seems. In May 2010, I sent in my application to The Old Schoolhouse Magazine’s Review Crew (TOS). I was ecstatic when I got the email saying they wanted me to join the team. I was overjoyed when my name showed up on lists for products to review. Loved. Every. Minute. Truly.

It’s been 2 years and 5 months, or so, since I fist was accepted to review products through TOS. They’ve undergone some changes, many have seen these changes from the outside. I was privy to some of the behind the scenes views (not all, mind you). There are over 200 people on the current Schoolhouse Review Crew (renamed this year- SRC) and while I’ve not come close to getting to know them all, I’m so so glad I have been privileged to ‘meet’ them at all.

While a part of the SRC, I was part of the Main Stay. I had a hand in providing pictures for reviewers for their posts. It’s a little job but it was helpful because it enabled the reviewers to easily insert ready-supplied images into their reviews. I liked to do it.

I wrote a post last year when the time came for applying for the Crew. I direct you to that post because it details what is required of a SRC member. There are some things, such as having 25 followers, that have been changed. You can find out more at the SRC website. If you decide you would like to apply, follow the link at the bottom of the SRC post.

It used to be, the first year I was on the Crew, that I was on a list whether I wanted to be or not. Fortunately, I didn’t get anything that I really didn’t like. Now, however, they have what are called Vendor Interest Forms- you can voice how much interest you have in the product. If your kids are in the age range, you have to fill out the form but if you really don’t want to review it, you choose, “I’d rather take a pass on this” (or however it’s stated lol). It’s rare that you get what you don’t want to review.

There are some great businesses in line to send out review items for the coming year. I’ve already seen some of the list. I’m sure that whoever is on the Crew will be blessed immensely!

I am stepping down from the SRC this coming year. It’s bittersweet. Now I will have freedom to continue with the curriculum I’d chosen to use with my kids. But I will miss out on finding those gems that I didn’t know existed before. I will also miss out on the forum, where all the SRC members get together and talk ‘real’. I think that will be the toughest thing for me.

I’ve loved being part of the Crew. God gave us some absolutely wonderful gifts via the Crew. Not just things- but the people. It makes me all choked up actually to think about it at the moment.

Here are the questions to help you see if this might be something you would be interested in doing:

1. Do you have an active blog?
2. Do you have at least 22 public followers?
3. Do you homeschool?
4. Do you like homeschool curriculum?
5. Do you want to use new curriculum with your own children and share about your
experiences on your blog?

If you’re interested here is the link again: Apply for the 2013 Schoolhouse Review Crew