Big-Issues.Org

This item will guide you through the steps of contributing an issue or other content item on this site. Given how powerful it is, it is relatively simple. Here's how:

1. Log in - if you are not already a member, then read Joining the community.
2. Click on the Add Issue menu link at the right end of the main menu running across the top of the page. This will open up the authoring screen. If you cannot see this menu link then go back to step 1. (if you have the information already prepared in an existing document you might want to check Reusing existing documents.)
   
3. Complete the Authoring form that appears. It can be very simple. You need to complete:
   *  A title for the content item - not long but needs to convey the content idea
   *  Your articulation of the issue or subject - Make sure your first sentence is a succinct summary of the key elements as only this will appear on summary pages. Then in a new paragraph develop your coverage of the issue. Try to include coverage of both (or all) sides of the issue. Be sparse with any text formatting - use it only for key words etc if at all. Put the cursor back to the end of the first paragraph and insert a Read More separator (using the Read More button at the bottom of the authoring pane).
   *  If you want to insert an image then check out Adding/editing an Image to an article
   *  If you want to insert a media file then check out Adding/editing a media file to an article
   *  If you want to insert an external or internal web link then check out Adding a web link to an article.
   *  If you want to insert a link to a file you have already or want to upload to the site then check out Uploading and linking a document or file.
   *  Underneath the authoring text area, make your choice of Information Section for this contribution - choose Incubator if you think your Big or Local Issue needs some help in improving its articulation. You may then need to choose a Category within this Section.
   * Check the Show on Front Page radio button if you think this item should also appear on the Big-Issues community front page and associated RSS feed (good to attract some responses).
   * Add a Finish Publishing date (click on the calendar icon at the end of the field) for items that should be automatically unpublished (eg after an event is over).
   * Leave the rest of the fields at their default values, unless you want to add some metadata to help search engines find your item.
4. Click on the Save button at the top of the authoring page. This will send the draft article to a Publisher member who will scan it only for appropriate choice of Section and Category, consistency with the Community's Vision and formatting, and possibly pick up a typo on the way. They will not be verifying the accuracy of what you have written. When this is done your article will appear on the live site.
5. You will be automatically advised by email if another member adds a comment to your issue and you may wish to add a comment in response.
6. You can also edit an article you authored to improve it based on these comments or on what you have learned elsewhere. When you are logged in you will see a pen and paper icon next to the title of your articles - click on this to return to the authoring screen. When an article is ready it can also be moved from the Incubator to one of the permanent Issues categories.

This Help/FAQ item is designed to help people who are new to this Community. If you think it can be improved, please contact the Administrator.

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