Standard Contributor Post
[Working title: the specific thing readers will learn]
[Deck: This story explains _____ so readers understand _____.]
Start Here
If you only know one thing, write that first.
- Replace every bracketed prompt before review.
- Keep the story to one main idea, not five related ideas.
- Add the best source, image, video, or observation you have.
- If you are unsure, say what is unclear instead of pretending.
- Intended reader: [who needs this and why?]
- Stream: [op-ed, video essay, photography/media upload, pithy observation, political commentary, or book/film review.]
- Status: [what is ready, what still needs checking, and what feedback would help?]
1. The point in plain English
[In 3-5 sentences, explain the post to someone who has never heard of this. Do not bury the lead. Name the person, tool, event, project, image, video, place, or question at the center of the story.]
2. What happened or what this is
[Describe the facts, source, artifact, media, event, tool, class discussion, interview, or observation. Include the date if it matters.]
3. Why it matters
[Finish this: Readers should care because _____. This changes, reveals, risks, teaches, or complicates _____.]
4. Evidence and source trail
- Source 1: [link, interview note, document, dataset, reading, video, screenshot, or observation.]
- What this source proves: [one sentence.]
- What this source does not prove: [one limitation or open question.]
- Source 2 if available: [link or note.]
- Credit or permission note: [who made the media/source and whether it can be reused.]
[Add one useful image, embed, chart, audio clip, map, or YouTube video.]
[Replace this box with media. Add alt text, credit, and one sentence explaining why the media belongs here. If this connects to YouTube, include the video link and useful timestamps.]
[Optional pull quote: use this only when one sentence genuinely carries the argument.]
6. What is still unclear
[Name one uncertainty, limitation, missing source, unresolved disagreement, or thing that needs editor help.]
7. What readers should do next
[Close with a useful next step: watch, read, try, ask, build, remember, subscribe, submit a correction, or follow the next update.]
Before Review
Required checklist
- [Title promises one specific thing.]
- [Deck and excerpt are filled in.]
- [One stream and 3-6 tags are set.]
- [Featured image has alt text and credit.]
- [External claims have source links or notes.]
- [Embeds load over HTTPS.]
- [Author profile has display name, short bio, and picture.]
- [Draft is submitted for review, not published directly.]
- Op-ed: technology, science, symbols, and social life.
- Video essay: clips, narration, timestamps, and visual sequence.
- Photography/media upload: image-led or artifact-led work.
- Pithy observations: short notes and sharp fragments.
- Political commentary: institutions, rhetoric, policy, and power.
- Book/film reviews: recommendations, notes, criticism, and watch/read paths.
[What feedback do you need? What still feels weak? Are there any permissions, credits, privacy issues, or disclosures the editor should know before review?]