Contribute

< Participate

Contributing to this site is a lot like presenting at a workshop — you share something you’re well-versed in, and visitors can comment and ask questions afterward.  It’s a great way to get your name out there and connect with others in the field.  And, unlike presentations at a conventional workshop, your ideas live on indefinitely here at Spark.

The theme for our Summer, ‘09 issue is Considering the Visitor.

Here are a few guidelines for contributing:

  1. You need a clear idea of what you want to say.  Submitting an idea for one of our departments (below) will help direct you. 
  2. We’d really like for you (or your organization) to have a membership with the National Association for Interpretation.  If you aren’t, it’s easy to join online, and the membership fees are reasonable.  (Remember to check the appropriate box for the Interpretive Media Section.)
  3. If you’re associated with a vendor or consulting firm, publicity for your company could be a positive side-effect of authoring an article for this site.  However, we do not publish free promotions.  If you’d like to inquire about advertising opportunities, please contact the IM Section Treasurer.
  4. You’ll need a mugshot.  Since this is a virtual workshop, your ‘attendees’ will feel more comfortable if they can see your face.  Please have this handy.
  5. Relevant photographs are highly desirable.  You can provide these after you pitch the story to us, but be thinking of images that would complement your idea.

Article Categories

Recipe for the Cookbook. Give step-by-step instructions creating something related to interpretive media.  This is pretty easy, if you know the subject. Everyone loves a how-to.

Tips & Techniques. A short article addressing ways to work more effectively and efficiently in a particular role or situation.

Trend. Got a bead on what’s new and interesting in interpretive media? This article only needs to be a paragraph or two.

Viewpoint Ahead. This is a guest opinion column that explores where the field of exhibit development is headed.  Both veterans of the field and fresh new voices share their vision for the future of interpretive media.

Interviews. This is your chance to pose those questions you’ve always wanted to ask of your heroes and mentors in interpretation.  Be sure to email the Editor first to discuss your strategy.

Reviews. If you have opinions about a media-related product that your company, site, or institution has purchased, your review is most welcome.

Lessons from the Frontline: Work directly with people?  There’s a place for your voice here too.  Maybe you’ve learned something from your direct contact with visitors that would be useful to exhibit developers.  Or perhaps you have some thought for those who create the media that supports your work.

Features. This is the place for case studies and experienced advice on excellence in interpretive media.  And for big ideas that could lead the theme for the issue.

Got through all that?  Good!  Send your idea to the Editor.  And please, check with us before you spend a lot of energy writing up an article.