Occasionally, we have a difficult time retrieving stories and poems that are sent to us as files. Although we don't mind receiving them as files or downloading them, we ask that if at all possible, you send them to us in either of the following formats:

• Microsoft Works 4.0 (or earlier version) document.
• Microsoft Word 2000 (or earlier version) document.
• An HTML (Netscape/MS Internet Explorer) document.
• E-mail. (This means the story is included in the e-mail - we don't have to download any documents.)

When you submit your work, please answer these questions:

• Is it General or Alternative?
• Do you have a website you would like us to link at the bottom of your work?
• What e-mail would you like us to link to on your story's page?
• Would you like us to e-mail you when your story is posted?
• Do you have any special requests?

If you follow this list, it will be much appreciated! It will help us to avoid playing "e-mail tag" with you, but most importantly, it'll serve in getting your story up in faster!

Things to Remember When Submitting a Story or Poem:

• Spell Check. You know that little button at the top of your editor (whether it be Word or Works) that has the little check mark and the little "abc". Well, that's a spell checker. ;) And you should use it. Really folks, I'm not trying to be mean, I just know that it helps us out a lot when you use the Spell Checker.

• Read and Re-read. When someone works for a newspaper or sends their work to a publisher, they read and re-read their work to make sure it is grammatically correct. When "publishing" your work on the web the same thing should be done. Your stories should be read at least twice before submitting them to, not just ours, but other websites as well. You might even want to send it to someone whom you feel will give you fair comments on your story. Just because the World Wide Web "allows" (so to speak) us to be writers on the web, does not mean the rules for grammar and punctuation should be swept aside. Who knows...an editor or publisher may be reading your work...and you never know what that could lead to, right?

Thanks!!!