Comments Related To: Allvoices Writers’ Resources: About Select Media and a checklist for writers

Thanks, Darren, for this comprehensive guideline.

I have been a published environmental and political writer for about eighteen years..some in print, but mostly online the past 10 years. I don't think I speak only for myself when I say that several years of online publishing with minimal editorial oversight can lead to some sloppy habits, so working with Allvoices editors, for the most part, has been a breath of fresh air.

I might add that a quick once-over after the report is published as part of the final proof-reading process, can often reveal minor errors that can be quickly edited.

Also, one thing I learned a long time ago in a journalism workshop for reporters is that it helps to read your copy out loud. The brain "hears" things differently that way and errors or a better way of writing things are often discovered.

Having said all that, it's nice to have the confidence of another set of eyes on my reports and I appreciate it.

Thanks for commenting, PDP.

I don't always read my entire reports out loud, but I do find it helpful when I am having trouble with certain portions. Reading out loud definitely can be helpful,

Thanks for the guidelines, guidance valuable resources P. I will try my darnest to make your editing less stressful! ((:

Yes, that should be every writer's goal: Make editing easy for Punditty! Seriously, though, I think you'll find that once you put some of these tips into practice, you will start turning in cleaner copy, which will give you a better chance for Select Media approval and the ensuing promotion of your reports.

Punditty,
Thank you for both the very important steps we all must always remember to take and for the "select media" criteria. Rated up.

Hi James,

Glad you found the checklist helpful.

Thanks Punditty! It gives us so much confidence to have your expectations and resources out here so we can stay on track! Steph

Thank you for suggesting a checklist to me, Stephanie. I was planning something along these lines, but when you used the word "checklist" a couple weeks back, the lightbulb above my balding head suddenly appeared.

Ha ha, Darren! I had to read your comment out-loud to my hubs since he has the balding head issue going on! We both laughed! =)

Very helpful tips. Thanks for sharing.

You are welcome, Aymaan. Happy writing!

Thanks as always, Darren, for your support and keen editor's eyes. It is easier to create when you know someone has your back. Hopefully, with this advice and continual feedback, we will make your job less stressful, too! Thanks again!

Once again, a writer with his priorities straight: Making Punditty's job less stressful. Seriously, though, I am glad you find the checklist helpful.

As for balding brothers in this world, stress scared mine from my scalp down to my chin... it seems to like it there! Hehehe...

Darren, appreciate all the tips
given. It would have helped if
you could have also guided us
on which kind of reports would
most likely be approved for
Select Media. Just a thought.

Hi Nina,

Basically, any kind of report on any topic can be approved for Select Media if it meets the following criteria. I have copied the info below from http://www.allvoices.com/incentive/select_media

For content to be considered for selection as part of the AV Select Media Program:

Author has a reputation for quality reporting.

It must be at least 400 words.

It must be written for a U.S. audience, with relevant tags and keywords.

It must not simply be re-written news already covered by the media. You must bring a new story or a new perspective not covered anywhere else in a way that will remain fresh and interesting even after the news event is no longer "breaking."

News stories must include some element of original reporting or research, in addition to links back to all sources used. Opinion pieces must also include facts, statistics or other research to support the articles' claims, in addition to links back to all sources used.

The writing must be excellent - well written, thoughtful, clear and coherent - with NO grammatical, spelling and stylistic errors. Reports requiring heavy editing or containing copyright violations will not be published.

It must be original and unique to Allvoices, not available anywhere else online or in print. If it is, please do not mark it as "Select Media."

Strong potential level for community engagement.

*****
I hope that helps.

Thanks,

Darren

Thanks Darren, I have read that
before. I meant which segment
political, humanitarian, crime,
entertainment etc., would have
a bigger reach and be the most
favored by Select Media.

Thank you, Darren, for this informative, helpful report. Your editing skills have helped me tremendously, and I have begun to internalize some of the Allvoices standards.

Rated up and promo'd.

Thanks, Phyllis. I'm glad to hear you are reaping some benefits from what the editing staff is doing here at Allvoices.

Thanks for the check list Punditty.

Also, I have kept a list of my mistakes and the corrections. This helps me to not make the same errors over again.

Good information must benefit Maha lot
I am doing this now and in the future

Thank you for sharing these wonderful ideas for better writing.

Even when I proof read I often miss typos. Getting new glasses next week but they won't help m,y typing. Lol.

These guidelines are very helpful. This is a very confusing process sometimes and help is always appreciated! And for the record, I can't ever get the links to work that I get in my e-mail to articles.

I need this! thank you for this info. it helps a lot :)

Well I only returned to AV on Friday I think. Early assessments are that it is a small clique of writers who benefit no matter what standard the wiritng. Still I am open to persuasion if any person has some honest answers?

I suppose it is true and nobody is willing to admit especially not the ones in that 'clique' :)
I've seen some real shoddy writing, bad grammar and loads of biased venting. All get heads up and all kinds of visibility advantage.

No body has any feedback for me?

Thanks Punditty for the information even though I do not agree with your 'innocent' take on the ease of putting out articles here. Liberal bias reins supreme and at any given time there maybe 6:1 ratio or 6:0 on select media or homepage vis a vis left and right leanings.