Friendly conversation. Very welcoming. Asked about experience and why interested in the company and position. Reviewed the responsibilities of the position, expectations, and how training works. Answered all my questions.

Filled out an application as promoted by their online marketing and promotions. Received email interest to arrange a phone interview rather quickly. Required to watch a 30-minute orientation video in advance. Interview was not conducted by an HR professional; another full time Corporate staff member who could not answer many business critical questions related to their marketing, PR and promotions activities - especially as it relates to how the national organization supports the local managing editors. Given that managing editors are required to pay for the start up costs of their area's site, this was rather disappointing. The position is definitely not a part-time moneymaker as it earnings are purely based on your local site's subscribers and advertising dollars. You are required to contribute 15-20 hours per week and they scoff at any other part time work to supplement your income. Managing editors are also expected to participate in a mandatory training for 12 weeks without any wage/stipend before launching your site. During the interview, the Corporate staff member said I was being submitted for the position and would hear from their dedicated HR staff member in the next few days. Two weeks followed and I was contacted by the Corporate staff member who interviewed me and NOT the HR staff member with a rejection email that stated I was not a good fit due to my location in my market. This was very disappointing given this disqualifying factor could have easily been determined prior to my phone interview. In addition, disqualifying a candidate purely based on location - even when the candidate lives in the market - does not reflect the "remote work" flexibility Hulafrog is currently promoting. As an individual with extensive communications and public relations experience, as well as a master's degree in journalism, it is evident Hulafrog isn't looking for educated and successful candidates to fill these roles.