Being a Mass Observer
Since its inception in 1937 Mass Observation has relied on volunteers to create what the original founders called ‘an anthropology of ourselves’. This tradition continues today and there are currently approximately 500 individuals writing for the archive. This page contains FAQs about applying, information for current writers and how you can take part in our writing events.
Writing for Mass Observation
Want to apply? Fill out our application form here.
Who can become an Observer?
Anyone can be a Mass Observer! We particularly encourage applications from writers who are currently underrepresented in our panel, for example, those based in the North, Wales or Scotland and Working Class writers.
Do I have to be good at writing?
Some people write for us because they love to write but that’s not a requirement. We also have Observers who respond by drawing images, creating collages, sending pictures, poems or short pieces of writing. There is no emphasis on good grammar, and you can send us physical or digital responses. The greater the variety of responses and voices we have in the collection the richer it is! You can read some example responses here.
Will people know it’s me?
To increase your privacy, we strongly encourage writers to use initials or made-up names for the people they mention and to do your best not to inadvertently identify yourself within your reply. Please don’t include your address or any information that may identify you personally. The MO team also help by reading responses and redacting information a writer might have missed, or might not realise has made them identifiable.
The length of time that the Mass Observation Project has been running means that it provides researchers with exciting opportunities for longitudinal study (looking at a writer’s responses over a number of years). We work with researchers undertaking this kind of work to protect your identity.
It is only fair to say, however, that in the last analysis, no information is truly secure. If you send in information about illicit activities, the Archive might not be able to protect your privacy any more than a priest or doctor could.
How much time does it take?
It’s up to you how long you spend on your submissions. Three times a year the archive will send you a Directive. A Directive consists of 2/3 different topics. Each topic has various questions and scenarios. You can choose to provide responses to all or just some of the topics and questions. Go by what you find most interesting!
There’s no deadline to send us your responses. We’d much rather receive something late than not at all! However, please note that if we don’t hear from you in a year we will remove you from our mailing list. We don’t want to bother you if you no longer want to be involved!
Who sees what I submit?
When your response reaches the Archive, it is read and recorded by a member of the MO team. After three months it will be made available to researchers. Researchers who use MO work in many different disciplines such as sociologists, psychologists, historians and geographers. Your responses will remain anonymous and researchers cannot contact you. If you have signed a copyright agreement with us your responses may appear in publications by those accessing the archive, it may also appear on our website and social media.
How do I sign up?
We’re so glad you’re interested in being a Mass Observer! To begin your application please click this link. Once you have completed the online form a member of the MO team will be in touch. They will ask you to:
Write a Self Portrait and send a Photo
Complete a Biographical Information form
Complete and return the copyright form
Current Observers
If you are one of our current Observers you may find our handbook for new Observers helpful. This has all the information you need about responding to Directives, anonymity and what happens to your responses once they reach us here at the archive.
You can also find the current Directive here.
One Off Contributions
We also have regular opportunities to submit your writing to the archive on a one off basis.
12th May
In 1937 Mass Observation called for people from all parts of the UK to record everything they did from when they woke up in the morning to when they went to sleep at night on 12th May. The project continues to this day. You can submit a diary as an individual or a group.
You can find out more about taking part here.
Open Calls
Occasionally we may run an open call for submissions, for example in response to the Covid-19 pandemic or the Coronation of King Charles.
To be kept up to date on such open calls please keep an eye on the website and our social media channels.