GuestSpotting Frequently Asked Questions - last updated 08/08/2003

To celebrate the one-year anniversary of GameSpotting--our weekly, widely recognized editorial feature about gaming--GameSpot is now accepting reader-submitted columns for publication in future installments. This is both due to popular demand and also to recognize the intelligence, thoughtfulness, and sheer creativity of our readers. On behalf of all of GameSpot's editors, we salute all those who have grown to love this feature and are honored to include your articles along with our own. This brief FAQ addresses the most common questions that have arisen relating to user-submitted GameSpotting columns.

Q: Where do I send my column?
A: Send it to gamespotting@gamespot.com. Please use "GuestSpotting Submission" as your subject line.

Q: How do you want it?
A: We want the column in Word format. Follow the style of a typical GameSpotting column--include your name, a "now playing" list or any list of your choosing, the article, a poll idea, and any screens and captions you want included. Also, be sure to include either a photo of yourself or some other image to represent you. Zip up all these contents, using a program such as WinZip, and send it over.

Q: What should I write about?
A: Don't ask us! That's entirely up to you--be as creative as you like. The one and only criterion is that the article needs to somehow pertain to an aspect of gaming.

Q: How do I know you received my column? Will I get a response from you guys?
A: Trust us, we got it. You won't receive a response to indicate the receipt of your column, though.

Q: How will I know if you decide to use my column?
A: We'll tell you, within four weeks.

Q: If you decide to use my column, when can I expect to see it?
A: No sooner than a week, though we may use your column up to four weeks after we receive it.

Q: How will I know if you decide not to use my column?
A: If you don't hear back from us within four weeks of sending in your column, you can take that to mean we decided not to use your column.

Q: You jackasses! How come you didn't use my brilliant column?
A: Um, we're sorry. We receive a lot of really, really excellent submissions. Unfortunately, we can't use every article we receive. Don't take it personally--we still love you.

Q: Do you really read everything that's sent in?
A: Yes.

Q: Seriously, can you explain to me why you didn't use my column?
A: No, we can't. We will choose only the very best articles of all the ones that are submitted. Unfortunately, we are not able to provide constructive criticism for all the columns we opt not to use.

Q: Will you be altering my work in any way?
A: Possibly. We reserve the right to make minor editorial changes to your column before posting it.

Q: Do I retain the rights to my column after sending it to you?
A: No--not initially. By sending us your column, you grant GameSpot exclusive rights to use that article, and as such it cannot be reprinted elsewhere. However, if we decide not to use your column (that is, it is not posted within four weeks), then the rights return to you--the column is yours and you may have it printed elsewhere.

Q: What kind of screenshots do you want?
A: Any typical format is fine. If you're not going to take your own screens, then feel free to take them from GameSpot. Screens taken from any other source need to be properly credited. If you don't provide your own screens, we reserve the right to throw some in for you, if we decide to use your column.

Q: Will you include my e-mail address with my column?
A: Only if you want us to. Please specify. We encourage you to include your e-mail address, since feedback for GameSpotting columns tends to be interesting.

Q: How much are you going to pay me if you decide to use my column?
A: You won't be monetarily compensated for submitting an article to us, regardless of whether or not we use it. However, if your article is chosen, you earn the incomparable prestige of having your article appear in an episode of GameSpotting. That's better than being knighted!

Q: If you decide to use my column, that means I can keep writing for you guys, doesn't it?
A: No, not necessarily. Consider this a one-time gig.

Q: Can I submit more than one column?
A: Sure. But we'll usually opt to choose a column from someone who's never been a part of GameSpotting before.

Q: Can I submit my own GameSpotting-inspired artwork to you guys? Will you use it?
A: Sure, let's see what you've got! We'll use it if it's good, and we'll certainly credit you for it. Submit artwork to the same e-mail address above.

Q: Will you ever use more than one guest column per week?
A: Depending on the volume of high-quality columns we receive, yeah, possibly.

Q: Sometimes you guys do a video version of GameSpotting. Can I contribute to this?
A: If you've got the necessary equipment and know-how, sure. Just make sure the video is appropriately game-oriented. As usual, send us an email, but do not attach your video file--there's a good chance we won't be able to receive it. Please host your file on a remote web server and include a link in your email. If we like your video, we'll contact you about using it in our next video edition.

Q: I have more questions. Whom can I ask?
A: Send any further questions you may have to features@gamespot.com, and they may be included in future revisions of this FAQ.

Thanks for reading--and thank you very much for contributing.