If you are a writer and are interested in writing for Web Design / HTML at About.com now is your chance. I am looking for high quality reviews of Web Design, HTML, XML, and Web Development related books and software.
Rates
I will pay $10 per accepted review. You will receive by-line credit and pageviews on the Web Design / HTML Web site.
Payment will be upon acceptance.
Requirements
Reviews that do not meet the following guidelines will be rejected without notice.
- Each review must contain the following elements:
- Title (80 characters max)
- Star Rating (1-5 stars)
- 1-3 Pros (100 characters max) indicating what you like about the product
- 1-3 Cons (100 characters max) indicating what you don't like about the product
- Summation (500 characters max) should your readers buy this product
- 3-10 Descriptions (100 characters max) describing the product
- The review copy (1500 characters max)
- You must follow the character maximums listed above. This includes spaces and punctuation.
- Reviews should be submitted in HTML. And only the review copy should have HTML tags. All tags in other areas of the review will be removed.
- Reviews should be written in American English with no typographical errors, spelling or grammatical errors.
- Avoid reviewing books or software that have already been reviewed on the site. Duplicate reviews will be considered if they offer new information or a vastly different viewpoint.
- Reviews should be entertaining as well as informative.
- Reviews must be on the topic of Web Design, HTML, XML, or Web Development.
- Avoid items that are primarily focused on: Java, JavaScript, Perl, or PHP, and other topics covered by sites on About.
- Do Not Plagiarize. Anyone caught submitting reviews that were written by someone else will be denied any future writing credits and all legal recourse will be taken.
- Reviews must follow the following star rating guide:
- 5 Stars - 10% or less of the possible products in this category. 5 star reviews are for those products that are so amazing that anyone using it would find it amazing and awe-inspiring. These products should be easy to use without any obvious flaws. Books that are 5 stars are easy to read and interesting for the intended audience.
- 4 Stars - 20% of the possible products. 4 star reviews are products or books that are really good, but have some, usually minor, thing wrong with them. These are books or software that is interesting and enjoyable to read or use, but have some things that might make them better.
- 3 Stars - 40% of the possible products. 3 star reviews are most of the books and software available. These products cover what they say they will, but don't offer extras beyond the industry standard. They may have one or two more obvious flaws.
- 2 Stars - 20% of the possible products. 2 star reviews are products that don't meet the basic standards for similar products in the category. They may have several minor flaws or one or two very major flaws.
- 1 Star - 10% or less of the possible products. 1 star reviews should be given out sparingly. These are products that no one should buy because they are just so bad. In fact, a 1 star review is more of a warning to others not to buy the product.
- Each review submission must include:
- A full first name and last name
- A valid email address
- A mailing address
- You must not be affiliated with the software or book you are reviewing.
- If you wish to use a nickname as your byline, the nickname must be inoffensive.
- You must agree to the following statement, to submit any content to About:
I certify that I am the author or sole owner of the material I am submitting to
About.com. About.com and its licensees may reproduce, distribute, publish, display, edit,
modify, create derivative works and otherwise use the material for any purpose in any form
and on any media. I agree to indemnify About.com for all damages and expenses that may be
incurred in connection with the material. For more information, please see our user agreement.
Hints and Suggestions for Submitting
Multiple submissions are okay, but you may not receive any reply if they are not accepted. Do not spam me asking for the status of your submission. If it's accepted, I'll let you know.
While I offer the "other" category, I am really only looking for software and book reviews. I will consider other categories on a case-by-case basis. The better your writing is, the more likely I will accept your review.
Start with books and software that you love, rather than hate. I prefer to post reviews of products that are good.
Have fun with your reviews! Entertaining reviews that also teach something will be more acceptable than boring reviews or reviews that have an obvious bias.
| 