FulhamUSA introduces "Page 2: Fan Talk"

From FulhamUSA Page 2

As a result of an earlier email collaboration about improvements to the site, FulhamUSA is introducing a new feature, "Fan Talk"... which was earlier referred to as "Page 2" and which will feature articles written by Fulham Fans.

So if you always thought you could write footy articles, here's your chance. 'Page 2' - for FulhamUSA Members
Here's how it works:

Any FulhamUSA member can submit an article of between 250 and 1000 words in length.

The topic of the article might relate to both Fulham and the writer in some way, for example: a detailed account of how you came to be a fan, a trip taken and your experiences on it, or even the difficulties encountered in being a fan where you live.
Or it may even be critique of how the club, players or management reacts with fans.
OR
You may wish to write an analysis or editorial type article.

Those, however are just examples and the actual range of articles may be much broader.

Bear in mind, though, that it should be interesting to other fans.

Like any other article there are three parts to it:

The Head... which is the subject, should be short, direct and relevent to the topic
- -It will help if there's an attention 'grabber' quality to it, but dont be too cute or use 'inside joke' type topics. We've found those often have opposite the desired effect.

The Lede... This is the initial paragraph or two that establishes the idea and flow of the topic. It's not necessary to summarize the article in the lede, but it should fit neatly with the body of the piece.

The Text [body] of the article in which the discussion on the topic is thoroughly addressed, if it is of the 'editorial opinion' type. Or,in which you tell your story.

Content Quality:

No one is going to spend much time on rewrite. If the piece is disjointed or there's no paragraph breaks, or punctation is way off, it may not be suitable.

Remember a paragraph usually denotes a 'stand-alone' point or idea or thought. However,sometimes it should be used for readability purposes even if the specific point made is quite long.

Please use WordPad or Notepad or another plain text application to write the article and THEN, after checking it, copy/paste it to the article submission form.

If you use MS' notepad, write with 'Word Wrap' on and use enter key twice to make para breaks, then turn off 'word wrap' before you copy/paste. This will do away with the need to re-format the article in the submission form.

When you submit, select "Page 2.." as the topic.
Within a couple of days, the article will be will read and checked, and you'll get feedback on it.

Most articles will be posted on the next 'slow day' or, depending solely on editorial judgement, may be posted along with the usual articles.

Most articles will be posted on the main page long enough for the 'NewsNow' scan to pick them up.

Once the head appears on NewsNow, the article may be taken off the main page at any time, again at the discretion of FulhamUSA. But anyone searching NewsNow | Fulham that day will find it.

They will be accessible through 'Page 2' on the Menu, and the current top article will be linked on the upper right sidebar's "FulhamUSA Fan Talk"

Images: If you want to include an image, create an account on photobucket.com, upload the properly sized image, then include the link to it at the point you want it inserted, the ideal size is about 300 pixels wide, but should never exceed 400 pixels wide. If you want a face to put with your name, submit a headshot in 200 pixels wide. Again from your photobucket account, not an avatar.
{This is important, most web image hosting DO NOT allow remote linking, photobucket makes a point of allowing it.. also get the image URL from the listing they provide next to the image}

Finally, this is not a contest. FulhamUSA remains sole arbiter of whether any article is suitable for publication and the length of time, if any, on the main page.

Failure to publish {an article} is obviously not a personal reflection on the writer and may result for any number of reasons.

The writer retains rights to his article and may also post it elsewhere but, if multiple posting becomes the norm, further articles may be refused, at any point in time.