WeatherTogether Social Media
General Guidelines, Updated 23 April 2018
We believe WeatherTogether contributors should be proud of the writing they produce and we encourage them to share the articles they contribute. We also look to share articles published by our contributors on our social media pages.
The following general guidelines are for articles written by WeatherTogether contributors to be posted on our social media sites. Contributors are not required to conform to these guidelines unless they have a desire to see their work shared on our social media pages.
Articles may be eligible for sharing on WeatherTogether social media pages that meet one or more of the following criteria as well as meeting currently established Community Guidelines, which are further explained below:
- Current Events: The article covers an ongoing, significant event.
- Feature Article: The article is a feature article, covering a topic within the realm of earth sciences reaching a length of approximately 250 words or more.
- Op-ed: The article features a well-researched opinion that is tastefully presented on a topic within the realm of earth sciences reaching a length of approximately 250 words or more.
These criteria are further explained as follows:
Current Events
Articles covering a current event have no length criteria for being shared on WeatherTogether’s social media pages. These can include, but are not limited to, tropical cyclones, severe weather outbreaks, winter storms, droughts, heat waves, cold snaps, floods, changes in existing weather patterns, etc.
These posts should contain factual information that is the most current data available at the time of writing. The writer can, but is not required to, update the post when more current data becomes available. If an update is made, it should meet the same standard.
Feature Article
Feature articles should reach approximately 250 words or more and cover a topic that somehow relates to an earth science, environmental topic, astronomy, or another related subject. Articles should be factual, accurate, informative, and avoid click bait.
Some topics these articles can cover include, but are not limited to:
- A long-term event, such as an ongoing change in climate.
- An existing structure, such as a fault line or major water body.
- A historic event, such as a major flood or hurricane.
Examples of articles that are inappropriate for posting on social media include click bait type articles, like ones that frequently appear after earthquake swarms at Yellowstone National Park where the goal of the article is to drive traffic with a title erroneously indicating that the volcano might erupt.
Op-ed
Op-ed articles should reach approximately 250 words or more and feature an opinion on a topic that somehow relates to an earth science, environmental topic, astronomy, or another related subject. Articles should include factual, accurate information.
Articles of this nature should include a fair review of the opposing opinion. They should be tactfully written, avoiding demeaning remarks to those holding a dissenting opinion, avoid a condescending tone, and avoid threats of violence whether they are serious or not.
Articles covering a controversial topic are welcome so long as they meet the standard listed. Controversial topics will be held to a higher standard as readers of these topics often have stronger emotional feelings associated with them.
Contributors submitting an op-ed piece regarding a controversial topic should be mentally prepared for readers to harshly criticize their writing and/or opinion. WeatherTogether administrators will take an active roll in banning individuals who issue harsh threats or consistently employ strong language—we will not ban individuals just because their response to your writing offends you.
It is not appropriate for WeatherTogether contributors to post articles regarding opinions not related to one of the topics listed in the first paragraph of this section to their WeatherTogether page. You are, however, welcome to publish these opinions through some other medium.
If you would like us to review your article for inclusion on our social media pages, please reach out to the following administrators (please note the time zone each lives in when reaching out):
Charlie Phillips, Owner, CEO – Portland, Ore.
Mark Ingalls, COO – Boardman, Ore.
Nathan Parker, CIO – Hot Springs, Ark.