FAQs
Assembled below is a list of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) that project participants have raised.
Still have a question? Drop an email and we’ll add it to the list (or at least get you an answer quickly).
What is this project?
Very simply, this project is two-fold:
- A Web site meant to collect and share stories about the power of online community on our lives.
- A book that will be printed with a collection of submitted stories at some point in the future.
Why are you doing this? What is the purpose?
Why not do this? Online communities are a powerful, wonderful thing. Why not help showcase that?
Who are you?
I’m Jake McKee, community wonk and Community Guy. I have been involved with online communities for years, including my past role as Global Community Manager for the LEGO Company and my current role as Chief Ant Wrangler at Ant’s Eye View.
Who can submit a story?
Anyone with a great story to share about online community’s affect on their own life. This is a global project.
How do I submit a story?
Simply visit the “Share Your Stories” page, fill out the form, agree to the Terms of Submission and hit “submit”!
I’m having a tough time getting started with my story!
It can be tough to sit down in front of a blank piece of paper. Here’s a few helpful tips to get you started.
What topics or categories are you looking for?
Anything at all. We’re wide open, as long as it relates to the power of online community.
Can I submit by email?
Unfortunately, no. You need to accept the Terms of Submission as part of submitting your story. You can submit a story by visiting the “Share Your Stories” page.
Do you want photos; do I have to submit a photo?
If you’d like to submit a photo, simply attach it as part of the your submission on the “Share Your Stories” page. Please ensure that you have the rights to share this photo.
How do I know the story was received?
When we receive your story submission, we will drop a confirmation email to you within a day or two.
I submitted a story two weeks ago, where is it, I do not see it on the website?
We manually vet all submissions, and schedule each story to be posted. This helps ensure a quality, ongoing stream of stories rollout to the site, giving site readers a reason to return. If you’re interested in knowing how long it will be until your story goes live, feel free to drop an email and ask.
How should I draft my story for submission?
Stories should be about 600 words. They can certainly be less, but please try not to exceed that amount. Of course if you have a fantastic story to tell that simply can’t be told in 600 words or less, feel free to write it how you need to.
Does it cost anything to submit story?
Nope. Not a dime.
How long does my story stay on the website?
Basically forever. Or the length of time that the site is live..which ever comes first. If you want to have your story removed for some reason, please drop an email with your request and a link to the story itself and we’ll happily remove it.
Can I link to your website?
Knock yourself out.
Do I have to be a professional to submit a story?
Not at all. In fact, we hope you’re not. (Although pros are welcome to submit too!)
Do you reject stories?
Yes. We’re trying to maintain a high level of quality postings, so we may reject content. That said, most rejections will come from story submissions that are terribly unclear, aren’t focused on the power of online community, or have grammar so bad that it gets in the way of the storytelling.
I have another question that isn’t answered here…
Please drop an email and we’ll help out however we can.
