Contributor Launchpad
Start with a draft, leave with a byline.
New contributors get a clear first mission: register with a @du.edu address, choose a stream, add a picture, make one focused draft, then send it to an editor with enough context to review quickly.
First Mission
Build the smallest publishable piece.
The goal is not to write a perfect manifesto on day one. Make one useful page: a clean profile, a focused draft, one strong image or embed, and enough context for an editor to help.
Claim your account
Create an account from the registration form using your @du.edu email address. New accounts can draft posts, upload media, and submit work for review.
Pick a stream
Choose one form before drafting. Small, specific posts are easier to review and more useful to future readers.
Make your profile real
Add the display name you want published, a short bio, a picture or avatar, and public links in Users → Profile. Use the bio template if you need a fuller contributor page.
Send it for review
Start from the post template, then submit the draft for review. Editors check clarity, sourcing, media attribution, and fit before publishing.
First Session
A useful first 45 minutes.
Spend the first session on a profile picture, one narrow idea, one useful media object, and a saved draft. Do not wait for the perfect topic.
Contributor access
- Create and revise your own draft posts.
- Upload images and other media that you have permission to use.
- Add a photo, avatar, or representative image before review.
- Build a public profile that supports your byline.
- Submit work for editorial review before anything goes live.
If something seems blocked, send the editor the draft link and a short note about what you were trying to do.
Review bar
Make the editor’s first pass easy.
A strong contributor draft does not need to be huge. It needs to make one clear promise, show its source trail, explain the media, and leave a reviewer with specific decisions instead of basic reconstruction work.
One useful claim.
The title and first paragraph should say what the piece helps readers understand, make, compare, or notice.
Sources readers can check.
Link readings, videos, datasets, project artifacts, or public references near the claims they support.
Credits and context.
Use images, screenshots, embeds, charts, maps, or clips that you have permission to use, then explain why they belong.
Excerpt, stream, tags.
Add a short deck, one stream, and useful topic tags so the post can be found after publication.
Review loop
What happens after you submit.
Build the smallest complete version and save it before adding polish.
Submit when the checklist is complete enough for an editor to evaluate substance, fit, and source trail.
Respond to specific questions in the draft instead of starting a new version somewhere else.
Your profile, author archive, and contributor directory connect the work back to you.
Choose a stream
Six clear forms.
Start with a format that has a clear shape. You can always grow a stronger idea after the first draft exists.
Technology and meaning.
Make an argument between scientific or technical systems and symbolic or social life.
Work in scenes.
Use a video-first structure with timestamps, clips, narration, or a clear visual sequence.
Lead with the artifact.
Build from images, screenshots, gallery logic, uploads, or close attention to media objects.
Keep it sharp.
Use short notes, fragments, or small signals when the point is better concise than expanded.
Name the power relation.
Write about institutions, policy, public language, conflict, consequences, and civic life.
Recommend or review.
Use criticism, notes, recommendations, or reviews to help readers decide what to read or watch.
Contributor kit
Useful doors to open next.
Contributor post template
Use the standard draft scaffold for title, deck, sourcing notes, media slot, and review checklist.
Contributor bio template
Use the profile scaffold for a fuller bio page with focus areas, links, recent work, and editorial notes.
Contributor directory
Review seeded profiles and author archives to see how bylines, bios, and related work appear.
YouTube workflow
Plan posts that can connect to videos, clips, and media notes without duplicating the same work.