Interested in blogging with Java Expressions?

As both an event and an artistic movement Java Expressions has remained as an open forum for people of all ages and all skill levels to share their thoughts and feelings. Now after over 20 years we're adding another dimension with this blog. But the intention of the blog is not to focus solely on Java Expressions, rather to highlight events, artists, their perspectives, and the world around them, all done in the spirit of Java Expressions. Do you want to talk about open mics, feature events, stage productions, gallery events, or lessons learned in the crafting of your art? Do you want to highlight particular poets, musicians, dancers, painters, sculptors, photographers, or other artists and their endeavours? Maybe something happening in the world around you has inspired you to talk about it from an artistic perspective? Maybe you just want to submit your poetry, music, videos, or images of your art. Even if you are “not an artist” but appreciate the art, you are a member of the community. If you have something that you want to talk about, check out our submission guidelines and then send us your entry!

• All bloggers must title their submissions

• All bloggers will be credited as “name or pen name, contributing writer” unless selected by the site administrator to be a regular writer or “site blogger”

• 300 word minimum, 1000 word maximum (does not apply to submissions of poetry/song lyrics; exceptions can be made for series bloggers)

• NO PROFANITY...Period.

• All submissions for contributing writers will be made via email to JavaExpressionsBlog@gmail.com. All site bloggers will be granted access to submit their entry directly to the website.

• For articles (not counting submissions of poems/song lyrics); this blog is an outlet for points of view, not a political platform. All social, political, and/or religious viewpoints are welcome but this blog should not be used for “finger pointing”. As an artist, if you’re going to talk about the issues then talk about the issues and avoid unnecessary pejoratives. And make sure that you do your homework. Submissions that are regarded by the blog editor or site admins as essentially being propaganda, slander, or deliberately inflammatory and degrading to a person or group regardless race, gender, religion, or social/political standings will not be published. If already published, the article will be removed the moment that it is deemed inappropriate for this site.

• Any and all submitted images should be full color, high resolution images. All authors must submit at least one (1) “headshot” style image for their “author’s photo” along with a bio (approx 30 words) and links to “public” social media accounts for prospective followers, if applicable. The article may contain up to three (3) images. The writer must either own the image or have appropriate rights and/or permissions to use the image. The photographer must be credited and the image must be unaltered. (i.e. watermarked images must retain the photographer’s watermark.)

• Bloggers responsible for their own time/deadline management.

• Site bloggers will have a predetermined day of the week that their articles will be published. Submissions should be made seven (7) calendar days prior to submission date. May “stack” submissions if there are time constraints. Should avoid stacking more than 4 entries if possible. Blogger is still responsible for timely replies & returns that sent may be sent and/or requested by the blog editor.

• Contributing writers may request a specific publication day/date, approved at the discretion of the blog editor. Must submit no later than seven (7) calendar days prior to requested day/date. “Stack” submissions will not be accepted. (exceptions can be made for series blogger on case-by-case basis)

• “Shameless plugs” in the course of your writing are always welcome. Blog entries/articles determined as being submitted for the sole or exclusive purpose of functioning as a “free ad” are subject to disapproval or removal at the discretion of the editor and/or admins.

• Advertisement IS permitted however any “ads” are to be negotiated with the site administrator prior to any submissions

• We are actively seeking ideas for a blog series & writers. Do you have a series that you wish to write?

• Provide a synopsis and general outline for your series. Please include:

• Topic

• Frequency (weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, etc)

• Proposed duration (e.g. 3 months; 6 weeks; ongoing)

• In some cases, prospective writers may be asked to submit their first, full entry and an outline/synopsis for their next two (2) entries as part of their consideration.

• Series writers are expected to remain timely in their submissions. Series writers will, to the best of their ability, keep to a submission schedule.

• In some cases, such as an ongoing series, some writers may be asked to become a site blogger. This could come with occasional requests to write “one-off” entries outside of your series.

The guidelines for anyone interested in becoming one of our "site bloggers" have only slight variations and will be posted in a future blog. In the meantime, I hope that this answers some of the questions that have been floating around. If you're interested or have anymore questions, please email us @ JavaExpressionsBlog@gmail.com.

*Northstar is the site admin, founder of The Outlaw Poet Channel & Outlaw Poet Releasing, producer for Java Expressions: LIVE, and a Java Expressions host. Northstar is an Army veteran and has been performing & hosting at various events on the east coast and in Europe since 1999. IG: @Northstar12142003 Twitter: @OutlawPoetNS Facebook: Facebook.com/PoetNorthstar

#blog #blogsubmissions #submissionguidelines