Editorial/Promotional Policy
Our Kids Media welcomes your submissions to our blog. Please send submissions to our Social Media Manager, Travis Allison (travis [at] ourkids [dot] net). We will accept plain text files, photos down-res’d to 72 dpi and no larger than 400 pixels wide, and links to YouTube (or other online video server).
Here are a few things to keep in mind when submitting:
Writing For The Web
Writing for the web is vastly different than writing an academic paper or writing for a magazine. It is important that we keep this in mind as we produce articles for the Our Kids Blog.
Consider these factors when send a story to Travis:
- short paragraphs – two to four sentences (and make yourself lean toward two…)
- photos and videos will inspire readers to take the time to check out what you have written
- bullet points and numbered lists will be read more readily than paragraphs.
- keep it short. Most readers of this blog won’t read much “below the fold” (beyond what they can see without scrolling)
How do I submit a story idea?
Please email us with your news/story idea or question and we’ll do our best to provide comment and opinion on your interests.
How do I ask a question?
If you have a question on a particular blog post, just ask your question as a comment and we (or a blog member) will answer your question. You can also email us with your question and we will respond to your concern.
How do I become an Our Kids blogger?
The Our Kids blog is intended to be a resource for families as well as a forum for information on the private school and summer camp experience. We welcome your ideas of what to write about, but we are also happy to provide story ideas.
Just email us with your name, position and credentials (if relevant) and a short description of some of the topics you are interested in and we will contact you with additional information on getting started and having your very own column.
Some topics for consideration:
- Provide advice about the camp or school selection process, insight into school life in and out of the classroom
- Share your views and offer your expertise with arts, sports, special needs or technology
- Inform readers about the most current information on an educational philosophy or program: Montessori, Waldorf, AP, IB …
- Talk to parents who are considering the best summer camp for their children
- Offer advice on early childhood education, boarding schools or preparing for University
A note for Bloggers representing Camps or Schools:
We are looking for people who can contribute regularly, at least 1-2 times per month, with each post being a minimum of 250 words. We are flexible however; contributions can be heavy on photos, feature a video, or go beyond 250 words if you have more to say. Lists are also a good way to present information, such as a list of things students absolutely should (or should not!) bring with them to school.
The blog uses WordPress, the most popular blogging software available—and famously easy-to-use. Once we provide you a login, you’ll find the text input window very simple. We have several administrators and editors who will be able to help you and will even edit your post, so you don’t have to worry about the little details associated with publishing your work.
If you do not feel comfortable posting or writing, we invite you to comment on posts that are relevant to you, your child or your school.
Promotional Policy – Our Kids Blog
Listing Schools and Camps:
- We will post all of the following, plus weekly promotion of things that you have put on your Events Page with a direct link to your listing and to your website.
- priority posting on days with multiple submissions
For Non-Listing (not paying client) Schools and Camps:
We will post to blog
Schools
- information about educational events hosted at schools that pertain to the greater education community – teachers, heads, public school teachers, etc.
- notice of student activities – sports, arts, or academic events and student-organized conferences
- youtube videos that tell a story about a specific event.
Camps
- information about educational events/conferences that pertain to the greater camping community: – directors, senior staff, counsellors, LITs, etc.
- notice of special projects or charity programs that your camp is involved in
- youtube videos that tell a story about a specific event – just remember to Tell A Story
We will not post:
School
- things that are specific to school promotion such as an Open House or information meeting. This type of information belongs on the Events page, which is available to listing schools only
- promotional videos
Camp
- notice of spaces still remaining
- promotional videos
A Note for Bloggers Representing a Camp or School
- tell personal stories about your camp or school experience, nothing that is overt promotion. We are looking for stories
- photos/videos are welcome
Privacy
Our Kids Media has a strong Privacy Policy that we follow in all of our business dealings. In addition, we ask that any student or camper whose name is used on the blog be identified by first name or first name and last initial only.
PLEASE NOTE:
Submitting a story or idea does not guarantee that we will print or use it. However, submission does mean you do agree to allow Our Kids Publications Ltd to use it in the News or Blog sections of the website. We reserve the right to edit any copy submitted for style, grammar or length.
