You know what I would like to see here?

CraterCove · #1 01/15/14, 09:12 AM

An article section. A section where people could share knowledge in article or how to form. I am sure we could come up with some interesting and useful content that has a link at the end to the appropriate thread to ask questions.

I know we have stickies but a searchable article section would be very very awesome.

I'd also like to see a user website/ blog index.

So, whaddya think?

kentuckyhippie · #2 01/15/14, 01:11 PM

it would also be nice to have a place to post links to free homesteading type books to download. I know people occasionally post links but having them in one spot would be awesome

CraterCove · #3 01/15/14, 02:52 PM

That's a good idea Kentucky Hippie, I like it!

**highlands** · #4 01/15/14, 06:38 PM

I wish people would post a short summary of what the link leads to and that they would use good titles that summarize the thread.

farmerDale · #5 01/15/14, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by highlands

I wish people would post a short summary of what the link leads to and that they would use good titles that summarize the thread.

You mean, folks should avoid thread titles like, "oops, did it again!", or "Look what happened today", or "What should I do???"

LOL! sometimes I probably miss great threads, because of the non descript nature of the title. I agree, Walter. 110%

AngieM2 · #6 01/15/14, 09:58 PM

It would be great to have a section with how-to articles and such with it.

Once upon a few years ago, Chuck had plans to start one, but the little time it was up there was no interest in it.

Do you think people would do the articles and how to's if there was a section for it? It would be awesome.

CraterCove · #7 01/15/14, 10:43 PM

I would be willing to help edit and such. I would love to see an article and how to section... heck I'd even be willing to write a how to on how to do how tos!

AngieM2 · #8 01/15/14, 10:51 PM

Thanks for the offer, I'll tell Austin and Keith about this to see if the can do something about it.

defenestrate · #9 01/15/14, 11:29 PM

I like the idea. Might even be able to contribute.

painterswife · #10 01/16/14, 05:20 AM

Posting a how to "article" here instead of posting a link means you lose ownership of it and should be considered if you might ever want to use it somewhere else.

itsb · #11 01/16/14, 05:34 AM

heck I know how to get tv shout off

CraterCove · #12 01/16/14, 06:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by painterswife

Posting a how to "article" here instead of posting a link means you lose ownership of it and should be considered if you might ever want to use it somewhere else.

This is definitely true and anyone who contributes should be aware. Surely a disclaimer would be agreed to before submitting. Also, while the site can retain the right to use the free content volunteered by users, those contributors can certainly be allowed to retain the right to post elsewhere or use the content in other forms like books as well. The site does not have to keep exclusive rights, that's kind of up to them how they want to word things and up to potential contributors whether they wish to submit or not.

WriterontheHill · #13 01/16/14, 07:00 AM

I'd be happy to help on that. That's what I do for a living, in case my name didn't make it obvious, lol.

I've written freelance informative and how-to articles for years. Ran a few forums. Also have a blog over on GRIT. So, need any help or articles, feel free to message me.

That offer goes out to any members interested in contributing, too. If you need help, I'm happy to edit/proofread, what have you.

painterswife · #14 01/16/14, 07:04 AM

Right out of the terms of this site. Ownership changes and this site was bought by people that are trying to make a profit. I am sure they would be more than happy to have people write articles for free that they can sell or publish for profit.

"Section 1. Use of Material, Copyright

homesteadingtoday.com authorizes you to view, copy, and print a single copy of material on this Site solely for your personal, non-commercial use."

"The contents of the Site, such as text, graphics, images and other material ("Material"), are protected by US and foreign copyright and trademark law. Unauthorized use of the Material may violate copyright, trademark, and other laws. You must retain all copyright and other proprietary notices contained in the original Material on any copy you make of the Material. You may not sell or modify the Material or reproduce, display, publicly perform, distribute, or otherwise use the Material in any way for any public or commercial purpose. The use of the Material on any other Web site or in a networked computer environment for any purpose is prohibited.

If you violate any of the terms or conditions, your permission to use the Material automatically terminates and you must immediately destroy any copies you have made of the Material."

WriterontheHill · #15 01/16/14, 07:04 AM

As for rights, you can choose quite a few ways to do this. Using a content system such as Vbulletin you can have articles on the front of the site instead of forums. Free articles (those volunteer submissions) can be used as 'non exclusive'. I'd suggest offering something in exchange for exclusive rights - advertising space, cash, or membership perks.

There's options to rotate ads, too. Writers can have their Adsense or other advertising code rotate on their own articles. This would eliminate payments from the Admins and give incentive for promoto from the author end.

AngieM2 · #16 01/16/14, 07:47 AM

Thanks for your comments WriterontheHill, I'm sure your experience will be of value if/when this idea goes forward.

And thanks to painterswife for pointing out the terms of use on the site, but then like all good contracts; the right adendum can take care of particular incidents to the satisfaction of all that enter into the agreement.

Hope fully this morning or early afternoon Austin will be by to see this.

Melissa · #17 01/16/14, 07:56 AM

There is a post with links to blogs on the family board. It is a sticky at the top of the forum.

Links to Blogs and Photos of Homesteading Today Members

WriterontheHill · #18 01/16/14, 08:05 AM

Hey, no problem, AngieM2. I haven't been participating in a forum for a few years, this one is right up my alley. Wish I'd found it long before now.

As for the site's terms of us, that applies on to the the forums and current content. IF such a system was proposed, then put in place, the admin(s) would need to make a new TOS and agreement for articles.

Forum TOS are created by the forum software, in most cases. It's a common legality issue in all TOS concerning rights over posted material. If it were not there anyone that was banned or left the forum for any reason could later sue for copyright infringment over their posts. Sad, but that's how some people are.

Anyone that would submit content to any website releases a certain amount of rights. Even if you post something on your own site - that material is now published and you may not sell first rights to anyone. Reprint, yes. Heck, you can make up your own rights to sell, but most people stick with first rights, digital rights, reprint, exclusive or non-exclusive.

There are also perks to writing material for a site like this for 'free'. Even thought I can command $1 or more a word for some avenues, I and others I know, will work in exchange for lots of things. We barter work (guest posts or edits, etc), services we need like web design, cover art, and one of my favorite 'free' things? Review items. Personally I've received an Oreck vacuum, big box of Mountain House foods, clothing, knives, kitchen gadgets, entire line of Clorox 'green' cleaners...you would be surprised.

All in exchange for giving honest thoughts on how a product works. Sometimes it's more fun to try things out than to negotiate fees!

HSTAdmin · #19 01/16/14, 08:11 AM

Let me see what I can come up with.

I too am an article writer and love doing reviews.