THE CICAK.com

Writing Guide

Now that you’ve got your fresh new idea, in line with our conditions, and perhaps even written a draft of what you have to say, here are a few useful tips to get your article published.

a) Be as brief as possible. Write in simple, everyday language so your point comes across clearly.

b) When writing an opinion piece, try not to limit your article to one point of view. Approach a subject from as many perspectives as possible, then draw a conclusion.

c) Never take the intelligence of your audience for granted. Writing in an overly condescending manner can and will piss people off. Stick to the points.

d) Writing about something everyone is talking about may seem like a good idea, but if you have nothing new to add to what is already covered in newspapers and mainstream media, don’t expect people to be interested.

e) Not everyone may share your knowledge on facts you refer to. If you are referring to a news report, event or case, always provide an external link to an online site with relevant information.

E.g. When writing something like : “This incident is similar to one in 1997,” try to include a link to an online news report which explains the incident you are referring to.

Good websites you can link to are Wikipedia or online news archives like The Star.

f) Cite sources where possible, especially when quoting a politician or source. If citation is not possible, try to rephrase it as an opinion rather than fact.

g) If you are a first-time writer, we will need you to submit a short paragraph about yourself. Describe yourself as enigmatically as possible in less than 40 words.

h) If you have pictures that are not copyright-protected and relevant to your article, you are encouraged to send them to us. Do include a one-sentence caption for each picture you submit.

i) You are not required to coin up a headline for your article. That is a job for the editors. But feel free to send us headline ideas.

theCICAK WRITING FACTS

• We are ALWAYS on the look out for new articles and suggestions for articles.

• Most of the articles we publish are 3rd or 4th drafts. In writing, there is never a perfect article and improving an article’s quality is often a painstaking process that sometimes sees editors working together with writers to expand, shrink or dissect their pieces. The result is always worthwhile for both author and readers.

• Our featured articles tend to gain attention from bloggers and blog-readers alike. If you’re a blogger, feel free to publicise your own handiwork on your blog by linking theCICAK.

• Your article submission may sometimes be held in a queue. Feel free to bug us about putting it up.

• You may submit a story idea before you begin writing. The editors are ever willing to help you find a good angle.

MORE RESOURCES FOR WRITERS

A handbook for bloggers and cyber-surfers
The online version of a handbook with many useful tips on writing for the Internet world. Although written primarily for bloggers, its tips on blog language and how to blog anonymously may be useful.

Code of ethics
Guidelines on journalism ethics by the Society of Professional Journalists. How to seek truth and report it.

Write for us right away! write4theCICAK@gmail.com