Guest Authors: As of April 2009, any standalone guest article submissions (articles / tutorials) must be approved by both the Guide and an About.com Editor. At this time only regular, recurring submissions are sought on selected topics not already covered by Guide-written material. Guest authors may be required to submit a CV/resume or professional bio and sign a Work-for-Hire form. Material submitted will be subject to editorial review and approval. As stated above, there is no monetary compensation. Guest authors receive a byline that links to an on-site bio (as of April 09; example) which can include links to the Guest Author's Website(s) or other online profile as desired.
Submissions prior to April 09 may not follow this protocol.
About.com also has another writing opportunity on select topics. Browse the list of available topics and requirements to become an official About.com Contributing Writer.
User Reviews: Guests are welcome to submit reviews and their own ratings on any reviews of software, books, and other materials that currently exist on the site. Look for the "Write a Review" link at the top or the blue "Write a Review" button at the bottom of the review or other pages. Submissions are reviewed by the Guide before publication. If you wish to submit a User Review of a product not currently reviewed on the site, contact the Guide at desktoppub.guide@about.com.
Your reviews are currently sought on these products (any version):
- Adobe InDesign
- Adobe PageMaker
- Apple iWork
- Microsoft Publisher
- Broderbund PrintMaster
- Broderbund The Print Shop
- QuarkXPress
- Xara Designer Pro
- Xara Photo & Graphic Designer
- Any Business Card Design Software you use
- Any Free Desktop Publishing Software you use
- Any Greeting Card Design Software you use
- Any iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch apps you use
- Books on Typography & Fonts
User Answers: Guests and Members are invited to answer specific questions (a growing list) related to desktop publishing, supplying their own thoughts, ideas, and opinions. Anonymous comments are allowed. All submissions are moderated by the Guide and if approved will appear in 1-3 days. Although moderated, dissenting opinions are welcome. Submissions not approved are generally only those that are obvious Spam, contain profanity, are totally off-topic or not applicable, or submissions where the reader misused the form to ask a question. Minor editing (for spelling/grammar) may occur.
Your input is currently sought on these topics:
About You
Fonts and Typography
Design and Page Layout
- Your #1 Rule or Best Practice for Page Layout
- Does Color Symbolism Matter in Graphic Design?
- Share Your Iron-on Transfer Tips, Tricks, and Recommendations
Software and Hardware (Use the User Review forms listed above to submit reviews. The forms, below, are for more general discussion.)
- What Desktop Publishing / Graphics Software Combo Do You Use?
- Using Free Mac Desktop Publishing Software
- Using Free Windows PC Desktop Publishing Software
- How Do You Share Microsoft Publisher Files?
- What Color Calibration Tools or Methods Do You Recommend?
Business
Fun Stuff, Miscellaneous
- Designer Pangrams (a fun creativity diversion)
- Your Favorite Desktop Publishing Supplies
Community Interaction
- Blog Comments: Sound off on a variety of topics in the comments on Jacci's Desktop Publishing Blog.
- Forum: Say a little or a lot, ask questions, answer questions, post interesting links, critique makeover submissions. Join the discussion in the Desktop Publishing Forum. Registration is free.
- Show & Tell
- Show Off Your Business Card (Submit a picture. Tell us about creating your card.)
- Show Off Your Workspace (Submit a picture. Tell us about your desk, your office, your set up.)
