DrGregHouse.com Blogger Guidelines
Please keep the following guidelines in mind while blogging on DrGregHouse.com. We don't try to hide it - we are House fans. And we blog from that perspective. This is the truth and the reason you are writing for DrGregHouse.com. Nothing to be ashamed of.
Posting Entries
This is a blog about the House TV show, so stick to the House TV show and related subjects.
Being a part of this team is a responsibility. At the minimum, you should make 3 posts per week, if not more, if the opportunity presents itself. There is plenty to blog about. At the minimum, you can run searches on Google News for Hugh Laurie House and "House M.D.". As you see news, post it. You should make blogging a part of your daily routine. That doesn't mean you have to blog every day, but it does mean you should see if there is something to blog about.
When adding a blog post, feel free to use the formatting options (bold, italic, etc.) that are available. Likewise, feel free to upload photos for use within your piece. Make sure that these photos are positioned appropriately and optimized for web viewing. If you do not know how to do that, please do not upload images. Do not ever hotlink images to another server. They should always be uploaded to ours.
Always check to make sure that what you are blogging about hasn't already been blogged about. No one wants to see "House Nominated for Golden Globes" posted twice, unless there are updates in the story or you are speaking from a very different perspective (analysis).
If your entry is going to extend more than a full screen length, place the first few paragraphs in the body field and then place the rest in the extended field.
Please make sure that you select the appropriate category when posting. While the categories do not have anything to do with our blog organization, they are important because they correspond with our forums and tell our community software what forum to start the thread for the particular entry in.
Anything related to what happens on the actual show character and story wise should be posted in "Show Discussion." Anything that relates to the cast, crew or the show, but not character and story wise (i.e. House is renewed, House ratings, etc.) should go in "Non Show Discussion." Spoilers should go in "Spoilers." Anything else should go in "No Forum."
Family Friendly
Bear in mind that this is a site for all ages. How you write should be in line with this. This includes no vulgarity or offensive material. What is a vulgarity? Basically any type of profanity that you can think of. I don't want you saying ars*, as*, pis*, etc. The worst words you can use are heck and freaking, if that gives you any idea. If you are quoting someone who used those words, please sub asterisks (*) in for every letter except for the first one in the word.
Do not make any inflammatory comments.
Politics and Religion
Please keep politics and religion out of your posts. Obviously, things like "President Bush watches House" and "My prayers go out to him" are perfectly acceptable, but giving or inferring views in these areas is not acceptable.
Styling
When quoting a news piece, article, etc. only quote small, relevant bits and pieces. Always link directly to the piece you are quoting and encase the quote with <div class="quote"></div>. Place a line break between the last line of text before the quote and the quote itself. Place the opening tag on the same line as the first line of the quote and place the closing tag on the same line as the last line of the quote. If you type anything below the quote, start it on the very next line, do not put a line break between the </div> and your next line. For example:
Here is an article about House's 10th season:
<div class="quote">House is being renewed for a 10th season.
I can't wait!</div>
Next line starts here.
Do not double space to begin a new sentence.
Break your post into meaningful paragraphs (no indentation). Do not post one big block of text.
Spell words according to their correct spelling in the United States. So, color instead of colour, etc. No ampersands (&).
Spelling is important. Make sure that you spell check your entry before you post it. If you are an Internet Explorer user, check out ieSpell. If you use another browser, some sort of plugin is most likely available for it.
If you use an elipsis, make it three periods (...).
Specific Words/Terms
You may refer to the show as House or House M.D.
The name of this site is DrGregHouse.com, not drgreghouse.com, etc. It may be shortened to DGH.
The issues of styling and the formatting of specific terms and words may not seem like very important issues - but they are. At DrGregHouse.com, we want to offer House fans something of real value - content worth reading. Consistency is important because it allows us to accomplish this and that is why styling rules exist.
Spoilers
We define spoilers as anything that spoils any part of the storyline of an unaired episode of House with the lone exception being previews released by Fox.
When posting a spoiler, please keep the following things in mind:
Do not give away any details in the subject line. For example: "Season Finale Spoiler" is an acceptable subject line. "House Goes on a Murderous Rampage, Killing His Team in Season Finale" is not acceptable. Please include the word spoiler somewhere in the subject line of any post that contains a spoiler.
If you quote or mention the actual spoiler in the entry itself, please do so in this format:
Here is the spoiler:
<div class="spoiler">The actual detailed information about the spoiler.</div>
Next line (non spoiler) starts here.
This will make it so that our readers will have to highlight the text to read it, helping to safeguard them from accidentally seeing the spoiler.
Finally, make sure that you post the entry to the "Spoilers" category.
Linking
The nature of blogging is the giving and sharing of information. To that end, most of our ideas for content will come from other sources. Always mention and link to these. If you are updating something we may have previously written, link to that old entry.
One exception is links to your own sites. If you intend to post one of those, please let me know first so that I can approve it. Do not post links to outside sites that lead to you earning cash, credits, etc.
Long Posts/Short Posts
Long posts are fine. Short posts are fine. Use your discretion and I will let you know if there are any issues. When you post a bit of news, also tell what you think it means for House/House fans, if applicable. A little opinion is fine. However much that amounts to is usually alright. Not every post is going to or should be long.
Posting Corrections, Editing Entries, etc.
Mistakes happen. Although we do our best to prevent it, sometimes we will post something that is incorrect. Whether it is a factual error where you thought you knew something you didn't or a typo. However, mistakes generally can't just be corrected. When you edit or update an entry to correct a mistake, make a note of it near the correction or in the entry, such as "Edit: It will be on at 9:00 PM, not 8:00 PM." If a reader pointed it out to you, add "Thanks Reader's Name."
Finding News to Post About
As I outlined above, there are a couple of basic Google News searches that can be done. These include Hugh Laurie House and "House M.D.".
Site Related Content
If you are planning some sort of entry that is related to DrGregHouse.com and/or uses the DrGregHouse.com user base in any way (such as a survey, activity, anything), please clear it with me ahead of time.
Responding to Comments
People won't always agree with you, that's the way it is. But, you shouldn't debate every little point with them. You are the blog author. You had your say in the entry. Allow people to have their opinion. Allow people to comment. Do not get defensive. Do not feel like you have to address every point. If you feel inclined to respond, that's fine, but keep in mind that our User Guidelines and then some apply to you. More is expected from you than a regular visitor to the site. You are an example of DrGregHouse.com and must carry yourself as such. Let people have their say and do not get into arguments with them.
Comment Moderation
It is currently not in your power to moderate comments. However, you should have a complete knowledge of our User Guidelines so that you can spot a violation. When you spot one or believe that you have spotted one - do not respond to it.
Finally
I reserve the right to edit any entry at any time without reason or notice. If I contact you in regard to a change, I expect you to be receptive to that change and to do your best to keep it from happening again.
In everything that you do here, be responsible. When you blog, you have a responsibility to me, to the readers, to the people that you talk about and to yourself. Be tasteful. We are not hear to be snarky or mean spirited, we are here to give people something worth reading and to be responsible in doing so.
If there is ever any question as to whether or not your piece or proposed piece will be appropriate, please contact me at patrick@ifroggy.com and I will give you a definitive answer. It is always best to do this as opposed to risking having your piece pulled.
Likewise, if you ever have any question about anything (including the software we use, etc.), please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for your contributions to DrGregHouse.com.
Posting Entries
This is a blog about the House TV show, so stick to the House TV show and related subjects.
Being a part of this team is a responsibility. At the minimum, you should make 3 posts per week, if not more, if the opportunity presents itself. There is plenty to blog about. At the minimum, you can run searches on Google News for Hugh Laurie House and "House M.D.". As you see news, post it. You should make blogging a part of your daily routine. That doesn't mean you have to blog every day, but it does mean you should see if there is something to blog about.
When adding a blog post, feel free to use the formatting options (bold, italic, etc.) that are available. Likewise, feel free to upload photos for use within your piece. Make sure that these photos are positioned appropriately and optimized for web viewing. If you do not know how to do that, please do not upload images. Do not ever hotlink images to another server. They should always be uploaded to ours.
Always check to make sure that what you are blogging about hasn't already been blogged about. No one wants to see "House Nominated for Golden Globes" posted twice, unless there are updates in the story or you are speaking from a very different perspective (analysis).
If your entry is going to extend more than a full screen length, place the first few paragraphs in the body field and then place the rest in the extended field.
Please make sure that you select the appropriate category when posting. While the categories do not have anything to do with our blog organization, they are important because they correspond with our forums and tell our community software what forum to start the thread for the particular entry in.
Anything related to what happens on the actual show character and story wise should be posted in "Show Discussion." Anything that relates to the cast, crew or the show, but not character and story wise (i.e. House is renewed, House ratings, etc.) should go in "Non Show Discussion." Spoilers should go in "Spoilers." Anything else should go in "No Forum."
Family Friendly
Bear in mind that this is a site for all ages. How you write should be in line with this. This includes no vulgarity or offensive material. What is a vulgarity? Basically any type of profanity that you can think of. I don't want you saying ars*, as*, pis*, etc. The worst words you can use are heck and freaking, if that gives you any idea. If you are quoting someone who used those words, please sub asterisks (*) in for every letter except for the first one in the word.
Do not make any inflammatory comments.
Politics and Religion
Please keep politics and religion out of your posts. Obviously, things like "President Bush watches House" and "My prayers go out to him" are perfectly acceptable, but giving or inferring views in these areas is not acceptable.
Styling
When quoting a news piece, article, etc. only quote small, relevant bits and pieces. Always link directly to the piece you are quoting and encase the quote with <div class="quote"></div>. Place a line break between the last line of text before the quote and the quote itself. Place the opening tag on the same line as the first line of the quote and place the closing tag on the same line as the last line of the quote. If you type anything below the quote, start it on the very next line, do not put a line break between the </div> and your next line. For example:
Here is an article about House's 10th season:
<div class="quote">House is being renewed for a 10th season.
I can't wait!</div>
Next line starts here.
Do not double space to begin a new sentence.
Break your post into meaningful paragraphs (no indentation). Do not post one big block of text.
Spell words according to their correct spelling in the United States. So, color instead of colour, etc. No ampersands (&).
Spelling is important. Make sure that you spell check your entry before you post it. If you are an Internet Explorer user, check out ieSpell. If you use another browser, some sort of plugin is most likely available for it.
If you use an elipsis, make it three periods (...).
Specific Words/Terms
You may refer to the show as House or House M.D.
The name of this site is DrGregHouse.com, not drgreghouse.com, etc. It may be shortened to DGH.
The issues of styling and the formatting of specific terms and words may not seem like very important issues - but they are. At DrGregHouse.com, we want to offer House fans something of real value - content worth reading. Consistency is important because it allows us to accomplish this and that is why styling rules exist.
Spoilers
We define spoilers as anything that spoils any part of the storyline of an unaired episode of House with the lone exception being previews released by Fox.
When posting a spoiler, please keep the following things in mind:
Do not give away any details in the subject line. For example: "Season Finale Spoiler" is an acceptable subject line. "House Goes on a Murderous Rampage, Killing His Team in Season Finale" is not acceptable. Please include the word spoiler somewhere in the subject line of any post that contains a spoiler.
If you quote or mention the actual spoiler in the entry itself, please do so in this format:
Here is the spoiler:
<div class="spoiler">The actual detailed information about the spoiler.</div>
Next line (non spoiler) starts here.
This will make it so that our readers will have to highlight the text to read it, helping to safeguard them from accidentally seeing the spoiler.
Finally, make sure that you post the entry to the "Spoilers" category.
Linking
The nature of blogging is the giving and sharing of information. To that end, most of our ideas for content will come from other sources. Always mention and link to these. If you are updating something we may have previously written, link to that old entry.
One exception is links to your own sites. If you intend to post one of those, please let me know first so that I can approve it. Do not post links to outside sites that lead to you earning cash, credits, etc.
Long Posts/Short Posts
Long posts are fine. Short posts are fine. Use your discretion and I will let you know if there are any issues. When you post a bit of news, also tell what you think it means for House/House fans, if applicable. A little opinion is fine. However much that amounts to is usually alright. Not every post is going to or should be long.
Posting Corrections, Editing Entries, etc.
Mistakes happen. Although we do our best to prevent it, sometimes we will post something that is incorrect. Whether it is a factual error where you thought you knew something you didn't or a typo. However, mistakes generally can't just be corrected. When you edit or update an entry to correct a mistake, make a note of it near the correction or in the entry, such as "Edit: It will be on at 9:00 PM, not 8:00 PM." If a reader pointed it out to you, add "Thanks Reader's Name."
Finding News to Post About
As I outlined above, there are a couple of basic Google News searches that can be done. These include Hugh Laurie House and "House M.D.".
Site Related Content
If you are planning some sort of entry that is related to DrGregHouse.com and/or uses the DrGregHouse.com user base in any way (such as a survey, activity, anything), please clear it with me ahead of time.
Responding to Comments
People won't always agree with you, that's the way it is. But, you shouldn't debate every little point with them. You are the blog author. You had your say in the entry. Allow people to have their opinion. Allow people to comment. Do not get defensive. Do not feel like you have to address every point. If you feel inclined to respond, that's fine, but keep in mind that our User Guidelines and then some apply to you. More is expected from you than a regular visitor to the site. You are an example of DrGregHouse.com and must carry yourself as such. Let people have their say and do not get into arguments with them.
Comment Moderation
It is currently not in your power to moderate comments. However, you should have a complete knowledge of our User Guidelines so that you can spot a violation. When you spot one or believe that you have spotted one - do not respond to it.
Finally
I reserve the right to edit any entry at any time without reason or notice. If I contact you in regard to a change, I expect you to be receptive to that change and to do your best to keep it from happening again.
In everything that you do here, be responsible. When you blog, you have a responsibility to me, to the readers, to the people that you talk about and to yourself. Be tasteful. We are not hear to be snarky or mean spirited, we are here to give people something worth reading and to be responsible in doing so.
If there is ever any question as to whether or not your piece or proposed piece will be appropriate, please contact me at patrick@ifroggy.com and I will give you a definitive answer. It is always best to do this as opposed to risking having your piece pulled.
Likewise, if you ever have any question about anything (including the software we use, etc.), please do not hesitate to contact me.
Thank you for your contributions to DrGregHouse.com.
