Editorial Policies for Network Sites

1. 84

   Robinposted 7 years ago

   I'm pleased to announce that we know have more specific Editorial Policies for all Network Sites.  While there are similarities to the policies and all sites still need to adhere to our HubPages Editorial Policy, each site now has specifics that you should follow to give your articles the best chance of moving to that particular site. 
   
   One term to look out for is YMYL (Your Money or Your Life).  Some of our sites have stricter guidelines because the content can have an affect on your physical or mental well being, your safety, or your finances.  Articles that are on topics that are YMYL must show expertise and authority.  The Editorial Policies will explain more—please check them out!
   
   You can find them either in the footer of the site or in the menu bar (what we call the hamburger) on the top left of any Network Site.  Here is an example on HealDove.
   
   We hope that these policies provide more guidance around what we are looking for on our Network Sites.  Please let us know if you have any questions! 

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2. 94

   Glenn Stokposted 7 years ago

   Sounds good Robin. I'm glad that the higher standard required for the niche sites is being clearly explained in the individual Editorial Policies. In addition to making it clear, it also helps give us better ideas of what to write about and how to accomplish the writing task to be a better fit for each individual niche site.
   
   I caught that part about using real names as I read the policy for HealDove. I've noticed that the real names have replaced the usernames in the comment posts recently. I guess that's all part of this plan.
   
   All this definitely adds authority and professionalism for the niche sites.

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      wildernessposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      I see real names are also being used at the top, where the author is shown.
      
      I have been wishing for months that this could be done - that I could just do away with the monikor and use my real name throughout HP.  This is a great start towards that and I really like it.
      
      Just one thing - when I saw it on my hub in HealDove it immediately brought to mind the single instance (I hope) where I referred to myself, in a different hub on a different niche site, as "Wilderness".  That has been corrected but is something to think about.

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      1. 94

         Glenn Stokposted 7 years agoin reply to this

         Right! At least you can edit your hubs where you refer to yourself Dan. However, we can't edit comments. I have always refer to people by their monikor when I reply to their comments in my hubs. Now I wish I could edit those to their real names. It looks funny now when someone looks though the comments. Someone who doesn't know will not understand who I'm replying to. Most of the time my reply follows the comment, but sometimes I have several comments in a row that I reply to later. Can't fix that. Oh well. I'm still happy anyway for the change to real names.

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   zahidnet24posted 7 years ago

   thanks

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4. 89

   Will Apseposted 7 years ago

   Sounds reasonable but I would also suggest an editorial warning on any page with a political dimension along the lines of 'This page does not necessarily reflect the views of Hubpages (or Soapboxie) but only the views of the author'. You could spin that in a more positive way, I suppose.
   
   I realize that many authors are capable of producing balanced articles but many are not. Personal rants should be signaled in some way.
   
   In the conspiracy theories section I would go further and have a prominent warning like 'This page is part of our conspiracy theories content and may or may not be true.'
   
   Please leave these warnings off my high earning pages, lol.
   
   Also, please give my thanks to the eds for their patience with my typos and their quick edits. Let them know I am suitably embarrassed and will try harder.
   
   This is worth reading:  'Google Has Punished 340 Fake News Sites Since November' http://variety.com/2017/digital/news/go … 201969512/

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      Ewentposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Good idea!

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   Marcy Goodfleischposted 7 years ago

   I agree with Will's suggestion on the editorial warning. This would also be useful on anything related to healthcare or other fields where licensed experts are available but the topics are also covered by professional writers. I have written several pieces about HIV, and I included statements that this information was not intended to diagnose or treat.
   
   Meanwhile, I really (really!) love what HP is doing with the niche sites - I also think the editorial policies are very useful to those of us who submit specialized topics.
   
   
   
   Marcy

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6. 92

   Sue Adamsposted 7 years ago

   Why not make signing up with a "real sounding" name compulsory and be done with monikers altogether? I've always hated them for looking unprofessional and dubious.

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      Marcy Goodfleischposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Same here. I also think photos should be of the real person (and reasonably recent) rather than off odd things.

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7. 80

   Marcy Goodfleischposted 7 years ago

   Robin and Staff:
   
   Could we get a sticky at the top of the forum that lists each niche site as well as the editorial focus of it, the type of content and any other information that would be useful to writers?  I'd like a place where I could easily access the information, and one that also gives enough details to know how to target new pieces or how to modify older pieces to fit the editorial goals.
   
   Thanks for reading and considering this!
   
   Marcy

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   1. 94

      Glenn Stokposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Marcy, if you go to any niche site and click the "Editorial Policy" link, you will find details of how to target your hubs for that specific site under the section "What We Like to See" in its Editorial Policy description.
      
      I know you would like to have it all in one place, but at least this is the quickest way to get that information.

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         Marcy Goodfleischposted 7 years agoin reply to this

         I know the information is available on each site - I just think a compilation would be helpful. We regularly get new writers who may not know they exist, or the types of content they have.

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            psycheskinnerposted 7 years agoin reply to this

            As an old member I sure don't.  I don't even know where to find a list of their names and basic topic area.

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               makingamarkposted 7 years agoin reply to this

               ditto. I think I've rarely come across an example of such poor communication re navigation.
               
               Is HubPages is trying to pretend to Google these sites have got nothing to do with it?
               
               If not then why not make a VERY CLEAR SIGNPOST for all the sites?
               Nobody should have to work out where the secret page is with all the links!

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8. 92

   Sue Adamsposted 7 years ago

   I made such a list a long time ago. You could copy & paste it into an offline document or bookmark the permalink of this post for future reference. Here it is:
   
   List of Niche Sites with Topics
   
   https://tatring.com/  - Tattoos & Piercing
   TATTOO IDEAS
   GETTING TATTOED
   PLACEMENT
   FIXING A TATTOO
   GETTING PIERCED
   PIERCING TYPES
   
   https://pethelpful.com/  - By fellow animal lovers and experts
   DOGS
   CATS
   FISH & AQUARIUMS
   REPTILES & AMPHIBIANS
   RODENTS
   RABBITS
   EXOTIC PETS
   BIRDS
   FARM ANIMALS AS PETS
   
   https://bellatory.com/  - Fashion and Beauty
   CLOTHING
   FASHION ACCESSORIES
   FASHION INDUSTRY
   FRAGRANCES
   HAIR
   HYGIENE & GROOMING
   MAKE UP
   SKIN
   
   https://delishably.com/  - Food and Drink
   APPETIZERS & SNACKS
   BAKED GOODS
   BEVERAGES
   BREAKFAST FOOD
   COOKING EQUIPMENT
   DAIRY & EGGS
   DESSERTS & SWEETS
   DINING OUT
   FOOD IDUSTRY
   FRUITS
   GRAIN DISHES
   MEAT DISHES
   SAUCES, CONDIMENTS, AND PRESERVATION
   SPECIAL DIETS
   SPICES AND SEASONING
   VEGETABLE DISHES
   
   https://axleaddict.com/  - A community of car lovers, enthusiasts and car mechanics sharing our auto advice
   ALL TERRAIN VEHICLES
   AUTO BUYING AND SELLING
   AUTO REPAIR
   AUTOMOTIVE INDUSTRY
   CAMPERS & MOTORHOMES
   CARS
   COMMERCIAL VEHICLES
   MOTORCYCLES & SCOOTERS
   SAFE DRIVING
   TRUCKS, SUVS, & VANS
   
   https://caloriebee.com/  - Diet & Exercise
   DIETS
   NUTRITION
   WORKOUT ROUTINES
   FITNESS EQUIPMENT
   GYMS, STUDIOS, & CLASSES
   PSYCHOLOGY & MOTIVATION
   VITAMINS & SUPPLEMENTS
   
   https://feltmagnet.com/  - Crafts
   CRAFTS
   DRAWING
   PAINTING
   PHOTOGRAPHY
   SCULPTURE
   TEXTILES & SEWING
   
   https://dengarden.com/  - Home and Garden
   HOME IMPROVEMENT
   REMODELING
   CLEANING
   GARDENING
   LANDSCAPING
   INTERIOR DESIGN
   HOME APPLIANCES
   PEST CONTROL
   SWIMMING POOLS & HOT TUBS
   GARAGES
   BASEMENTS
   
   https://levelskip.com/  Video Games
   ACTION-ADVENTURE GAMES
   CLASSIC GAMES
   CONSOLES
   ESPORTS
   FIGHTING GAMES
   FIRST PERSON SHOOTERS
   HORROR GAMES
   MMORPGS
   MOBILE GAMES
   PUZZLE GAMES
   RPGS
   SIMULATION GAMES
   SPORTS GAMES
   STRATEGY GAMES
   
   https://reelrundown.com/  - Entertainment
   ANIMATION
   CELEBRITIES
   FILM INDUSTRY
   MOVIES
   TV
   
   https://spinditty.com/  - Music
   ARTISTS AND BANDS
   CONCERTS
   GENRES
   INDUSTRY
   INSTRUMENTS & GUEAR
   LEARNING TO PLAY
   PLAYLISTS
   
   https://exemplore.com/
   ADVANCED ANCIENT CIVILISATIONS
   ANIMAL GUIDES
   ASTROLOGY
   AURAS
   CRYPTIDS
   DREAMS
   FORTUNE TELLING & DIVINATION HEALING
   MAGIC
   PAGANISM
   THE PARANORMAL
   UFOS & ALIENS
   WICCA & WTCHCRAFT
   
   https://toughnickel.com/ - Money
   BUSINESS
   FINDING A JOB
   FRUGAL LIVING
   INDUSTRIES
   INSURANCE
   PERSONAL FINANCE
   REAL ESTATE
   SCAMS & FRAUD
   SELF-EMPLOYMENT
   STARTING A BUSINESS
   
   https://wehavekids.com/  - Family
   ADOPTION & FOSTER CARE
   CHILDCARE
   EDUCATION
   FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS
   HAVING A BABY
   PARENTING
   YOUTH PROGRAMS
   
   https://turbofuture.com/  - Technology
   CELL PHONES
   COMPUTERS
   CONSUMER ELECTRONICS
   GRAPHIC DESIGN & VIDEO EDITING
   HOME THEATER & AUDIO
   INDUSTRIAL TECHNOLOGY
   INERNET
   
   https://wanderwisdom.com/  - Travel
   LODGING
   PACKING AND PREPARATION
   TRANSPORTATION
   TRAVEL DESTINATIONS
   TRAVEL PACKAGES AND TOURS
   
   https://letterpile.com/   - Writing and Literature
   BOOKS
   CORRESPONDENCE
   CREATIVE WRITING
   NEWSPAPERS & MAGAZINES
   POETRY
   QUOTATIONS
   WRITING
   
   https://holidappy.com/   - Celebrations
   COSTUMES
   GIFT IDEAS
   GREETING CARDS
   HOLIDAYS
   PARTY PLANNING
   
   https://soapboxie.com/   - Politics
   ACTIVISM
   ECONOMY
   GOVERNMENT
   MILITARY
   SOCIAL ISSUES
   US POLITICS
   WORLD POLITICS
   
   https://skyaboveus.com/   - Outdoors
   CAMPING
   CLIMBING & HIKING
   EXTREME SPORTS
   FISHING
   HUNTING & SHOOTING
   RECREATIONAL CYCLING
   WATER SPORTS
   WILDERNESS SURVIVAL
   WINTER SPORTS
   
   https://howtheyplay.com/
   ANIMAL SPORTS
   FANTASY SPORTS
   INDIVIDUAL SPORTS
   TEAM SPORTS
   THE OLYMPICS
   
   https://hobbylark.com/  - Games and Hobbies
   BOARD GAMES
   CARD GAMES
   COLLECTNG
   LAWN GAMES
   PARTY GAMES
   PERFORMNG ARTS
   PUZZLES
   TABLETOP GAMING
   
   https://owlcation.com/  - Education
   ACADEMIA
   AGRICULTURE & FARMING
   HUMANITIES
   SOCIAL SCIENCES
   STEM
   
   https://healdove.com/  - Health and Wellness
   ACHES AND PAINS
   ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
   CHILDREN’SHEALTH
   DISABILITIES
   DISEASE, ILLNESS& CONDITIONS
   EYE CARE
   HEALTH CARE INDUSTRY
   MENTAL HEALTH
   OLDER ADULTS
   ORAL HEALTH
   REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH
   WELLNESS
   
   https://pairedlife.com/  - Relationships
   ADVICE COLUMN
   BREAKUPS
   COMPATIBILITY
   FRIENDSHIP
   PHYSICAL INTIMACY
   RELATIONSHIP PROBLEMS
   RELATIONSHIPS
   SINGLE LIFE
   SOCIAL SKILLS AND ETIQUETTE

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      Marcy Goodfleischposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Thanks, Sue - that is great!

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9. 92

   Sue Adamsposted 7 years ago

   You are welcome Marcy
   
   It is the 4th time I am posting the list of Niche Sites with Topics in response to a forum query.

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      Marcy Goodfleischposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      I still feel this would be a good sticky, or would be a great list to post in one place. I appreciate your time in compiling it, and I also appreciate that you saw my question and shared it here!

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10. 84

    Robinposted 7 years ago

    Hi Marcy!  We are working on our homepage to highlight the different sites.  You can also go to the HubPages Editorial Policy for links to all of the sites.  I do think it's a good idea to have a place where authors can see all of the sites and their content.  I will look into creating a learning center article for this.  Thanks for the suggestion.

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       lobobrandonposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       And while your at it Robin, once that list with the main topics of each niche site is created. Could you place it in the section where we submit hubs for inclusion? That would make it easy to pick the right site.

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          Marcy Goodfleischposted 7 years agoin reply to this

          I second this idea!  This information needs to be available in multiple places - new writers need it when they first start, and regular contributors need it where they hang out, and readers need to know the sites are out there. The names of the sites are clever, but if we try to search for them or figure out the entire list, it might be difficult to find the names of the sites. I know the SEO being used for them is working (we can tell that by our views), but from the back end (where we are) it would greatly help to have easy ways to access the information.

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       makingamarkposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       So why not just put the links on the existing Home Page - where people look for them and expect to find them?
       
       Who on earth would ever think of looking at the Editorial Policy page to find the links. It certainly never ever occurred to me - and in a month's time I won't remember that's where they are.

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11. 92

    Sue Adamsposted 7 years ago

    Lobobrandon's idea to put the list in the section where we submit hubs for inclusion on a niche site is a good idea.
    
    On the other hand, when someone is thinking about writing a new article, even before drafting and long before submission, it might be inspiring to have a link to the list of niche sites with their respective topics and editorial policies all in one place, always available. Could we perhaps put a link to it on the Stats Page?
    I wouldn't put it in the learning center,Robin, too much to wade through.

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    1. 69

       makingamarkposted 7 years agoin reply to this

       They need to be on the home page or the Categories Page or a link at the top of the Dashboard to a dedicated page for niche sites (i.e. add a tab so it says Hubs | Niche sites | Earnings | Q&AProfile| Photos | Activity| Following)
       
       Anywhere else is just too opaque and capable of being lost and/or forgotten.
       
       #1 rule of getting traffic - simple accessible messages about content AND  easy navigation are critical
       
       When creating a new website I probably think longer about the navigation menu, how to structure content, what's the best and shortest one word topic subject for the menu - and what are the best short names for pages in the menu than anything else!

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       1. 92

          Sue Adamsposted 7 years agoin reply to this

          Yess! We agree, and I think most people would.
          What you call "Dashboard" is our Stats Page, and that is where the new link to the List of Niche Sites with Topics, including links to their respective editorial policies should go.
          
          semantics, semantics
          
          Robin, to save you a lot of work, why not use the list I made, just add a link to each site's editorial policy below each entry. If you wanted to be fancy, you could use the logos as shown on ...
          
          ... Oh dear, I can't find the page anymore, what was it again? I vaguely remember I had to go into "help", and then maybe it had something to do with "editorial policy"? Hang on, I'll go and fetch.
          
          Oops, nothing, until I look down at "Bellatory". I thought that was a link to the editorial policy of Bellatory, but tried it anyway...
          
          Yeeeha! I finally I found it:
          http://hubpages.com/help/sites-editorial-policy
          
          So, as I was saying, if you wanted to be fancy, the logos could be used as links but not really necessary for our navigation purposes.

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