Style Guide

Upon submitting your draft for editorial approval you agree to the following requirements when reporting news for Neowin:

  • Your NewsCP bio must include the following (Google requires this for authors listed in Google News)
    • author's full name
    • author's short bio
    • author's photo
    • office/home address - This information is not publicly viewable
    • phone number - This information is not publicly viewable
    • primary valid E-mail - This information is not publicly viewable
  • YOU WILL NOT USE AI TO GENERATE YOUR NEWS ITEM

The Editorial team has come up with an essentials guide to help everybody follow the same guidelines when writing, submitting and formatting articles. To help ease the confusion between everyone and give us a more professional look on the front page, we have come up with some reminders and tips to standardizing the look of your articles. This will help to remove some inconsistencies with our formatting in articles and give us an overall professional appearance.

Here are some questions to think about (in relation to our Page Rank):

  • Is my content original and substantial?
  • Does my content provide insightful analysis beyond the expected?
  • Would my content be referenced by authoritative websites?
  • Is my content well-researched and trustworthy?
  • Is my content clear, well-produced, and free of errors?
  • Does my content provide value and is it for the genuine interest of my readers?

Jump to index

Tools

Before you start, if you are using an adblocker on Neowin, certain features may not be available in the Editor or NewsCP due to (3rd party) javascript blocking. In addition, beta and dev versions of browsers do not work correctly with the Editor.

Quick start guide, and steps to write an article:

  1. Add a claim here, and ensure "unclaimed" isn't ticked if you plan to write it yourself. This applies to normal news as well as reviews. Reviews must be cleared by an Editor first (more details). You can also use the claims page to see if we have already covered an item you want to write about.
  2. Ensure your article is in the correct "Category" dropdown. For normal news you won't need to change it, this is so the friendly URL points to https://www.neowin.net/news/your-article-title
    We have the following categories:
    Categories screenshot
  3. Ensure that you write your article in an easy to digest format, so try not to make huge paragraphs. Our mission is to bring news in a manner everybody can understand, but one or two paragraphs won't cut it, we enforce a 300 word minimum. Ensure you also add in background where needed and present the news fully, don't assume readers will be knowledgeable on every subject, but at the same time you really do not need to write "the Microsoft Xbox One gaming console" when talking about the "Xbox One". (more details).
  4. Add relevant images in the article and ensure that they are uploaded to Neowin using the "Upload Media" button, you must add "alt text" and a tag (for searching) and source details of the image during the upload process, take note of the options to insert the uploaded image by clicking on it from the list under the editor window. You may not hotlink to an image off-site in your article. You can upload any size, and the system will reduce it to a 760px width ratio or 1280px width for full width articles, high res images (larger than the minimum width) are preferred, the original is always saved. Large images must be added in with the LINKED option except when it is a standard header context image (ie: Company or product logo), you can see insert button options when you click on an uploaded image under the editor window. The image size is also shown when you hover on the insert buttons, for reference purpose. (more info on images and options)
  5. When adding in videos, use the 'Insert Media Embed' toolbar button, most are supported with the most common being YouTube, it must be the full URL, not a shortened one. If the Media button doesn't support the video type, you may have to add in the embed code using the Source button. (more info on video inserts)
  6. When adding in tweets or a public facebook post, it is the same process as adding in a video.
  7. The article and image(s) must be sourced in the following format at the bottom of the article (see example: https://www.neowin.net/news/white-house-adding-four-skype-seats-for-reporters-located-outside-of-washington-dc). Take note to use the source details of your chosen image.
  8. We require link-backs to relevant articles when you make statements, you can search for relevant articles using the search in NewsCP (in a new tab), then with the results you can search by tag for a more detailed result (tags auto complete as well) the public link to the article is the title in the excerpt (or top portion of the preview) the link backs should be selective and relevant, there is no minimum or maximum for this, inform the reader to the best of your ability.
  9. Ensure you didn't copy over referral links for Store items from other websites. Posting about Xbox bundles and savings off Microsoft hardware items such as a Windows phone is great and all, but when you add in the link, ensure it doesn't have a question mark and code after the product id. This is a good link, this is a bad link. Always remove the ? and everything after it in the URL.
  10. Titles must be sentence case.
  11. Hashtags: Next to the title field there is an option to add relevant Twitter hashtags (up to 30 chars) so in this instance, #Microsoft #BillGates was used. Try to use a minimum of two relevant hashtags and format them correctly as shown in the example.
  12. Article tags are required, and a minimum of two should be added to the draft, in this order COMPANY NAME > PRODUCT (eg: Microsoft, Xbox One) see the Tagging section below for a detailed explanation of its use. (hovering over the tag field also shows a helpful tooltip).
  13. On the right side of the editor there are various Content options where a Gallery, Before/After image, Poll, and Add Snippet can be inserted. You must create a Poll separately in order to be able to select it in your draft. Verdict Badge, and Hero image are for reviews only.
  14. Add Snippet allows you to add a relevant standardized saved piece of text such as an Amazon Affiliate disclaimer (this is required whenever Amazon affiliate links are used). The text is added wherever the cursor is in the text editor (so ensure it is where you want it).
  15. Set a fresh and relevant header image (image at the top of the article). Articles on Neowin are not a wall of text, they also include relevant images such as a company logo or an example of a device being covered. Set this at the top of the article, or in other relevant place, just look at examples of our news for use. More than one image can be used if needed, such as two or more devices being covered, or to give visual representation of what is being written about.
  16. Set an image for use on the homepage for your article, you can do this by searching keywords in the Media section of the draft, click on the name of the image (shown below the preview of the thumbnail) to set it as a main page thumbnail (example in images section) or use the checkbox on the image modal popup to: "Set on Main Page".
  17. The post excerpt (below the title) must be close to 200 characters, the forced target is 180. The excerpt is used on the main page and on Facebook, so it is your "selling point" for the article, it must not be the same as your opening paragraph in and please do not give everything away in this short summary so a reader has no reason to click through to your article. (more info on post excerpt)
  18. Preview your article by selecting SAVE DRAFT and ensure everything looks OK before sending in for review, if there are problems, select EDIT DRAFT and use the Source button in the editor to strip out any rogue HTML, or edit in corrections in the WYSIWYG mode.
  19. If you're happy with the result "Send for Review" from the preview page, do this only when you want an Editor to check and approve it.

and in no particular order of importance

Claims:

You can manage claims by clicking on the CLAIMS link in the top blue bar header navigation on the same line as the Neowin logo in the NewsCP.

  • Before starting an article you want to write about, you must claim it.
    This ensures that:
    • Editors know what you are working on;
    • Nobody else starts writing about the same thing;
    • NDA stuff must be claimed, just be vague and share details with staff/editors on Slack.
  • UNCLAIMED items are news items sent in via News Tip, or ones that our reporting staff have added and don't have time to write.
  • You can claim the item by clicking on UNCLAIMED and it will turn into your name:
  • Always consult the claims list before adding your claim or starting a new news article.
  • If for any reason you can't complete an article you have claimed, you can unclaim it simply by clicking on your name, it will then turn back into UNCLAIMED. Please let people know in the NewsCP messenger and/or on Slack that you have unclaimed it, since it will not email everyone that it is available again.
  • Claims must be turned around within an hour, with exception to:
    • ​Original researched and/or investigated news items (not copied over from another website) or reviews and editorials which will take longer to complete;
    • Breaking news must be submitted for review as soon as humanly possible.
  • If you are unsure if the news is newsworthy for Neowin, ask someone.

Titles:

  • Must be "Sentence" case (eg: Microsoft considered giving Neowin hosting).
  • Titles may not exceed 92 characters.
  • Aim for a short, but descriptive title which includes relevant keywords, a good SEO (search index discoverable).

  • Don't give the whole subject matter away in the title

  • Don't give the reader a reason to not continue reading based on your title:
    example:
    Android 13 will introduce new restrictions on     sideloaded apps, but you don't have to worry

  • Must not contain "(VIDEO)" or "(PICS)" in the title.

    (^ top)

Post excerpt:

  • Do not give the whole article away in summary, give readers a reason to click through.
  • The Post excerpt must fit on four lines, try to aim for 200 characters.
  • You cannot submit an article for review that has under 180 characters in the excerpt.
  • The excerpt may not be the same as the first paragraph of the article.
  • The excerpt may not be the same or similar to the title.
  • The excerpt is used on the main page, Twitter and Facebook and is your "sales pitch" for the article.
    (^ top)

Tagging:

  • Tagging correctly helps you search for it later, or for others to add relevant back-linking.
  • To enter tags, simply start typing and auto-complete will show for already indexed tags. Tab or Enter completes the tag.
  • Tags must be added in this order COMPANY NAME > PRODUCT (eg: Microsoft > Xbox One).
  • A minimum of two tags must be used, ordered by: COMPANY NAME > PRODUCT. Although more is better, help yourself and colleagues find your article in the future.
  • Do not use the SOFTWARE tag or 'Software news' checkbox ever, unless you are posting a Software article here, in the same format.
    (^ top)

Article body, formatting and quoting:

  • A minimum word count of 300 words is required, we require that readers get the "full picture" with your report. You should aim to cover the key points of a news story succinctly, including any useful and directly relevant context - linked to from our own previously published articles or, where necessary, from third-party resources - to help the reader gain a clearer understanding. This doesn't mean that you have to write a lengthy essay about every piece of news that you cover - but equally, single-paragraph news items will not meet our requirements.

  • Articles must be original content, no plagiarizing, excluding quotes.
  • Numbers under 10 must be spelled out: one, two, seven, 10, 11, 18, 42, 1,337 except when times, dates, product/company names and monetary amounts are mentioned or otherwise specified.
  • Percentage: both forms of 42% and 42 percent are acceptable.
  • Device specifications may be added in with a table, or by using bullet points; when the known specifications are minimal or scarce, adding them within a paragraph is acceptable.
  • News tippers must be credited, unless otherwise specified.
  • Reviews: must include a verdict badge.
  • Editorials and Reviews must be cleared by an Editor or Admin before writing up via email or PM in the forums, this is because we pay more for that sort of content.
  • When referencing film and/or game titles these must be in italics
    - eg: Final Fantasy XV, The Matrix.
  • Wherever possible, you should ensure that block quotes are used minimally, and not as a substitute for your own written content. There are exceptions to this, such as when including a lengthy official statement, detailed release notes, or when needing to refer to 'known issues' that are best expressed in the original terminology provided within the press release or blog post from which they're sourced.
  • For particularly large quotes, or those to which you want to bring special attention, you should use the block quote button.
  • A block quote may be used to emphasize short quotes, but in all other cases short quotes should be included within the paragraph and properly sourced.
  • When a block quote is used, it must be properly sourced in the paragraph preceding it.
  • Block quotes may be used in combination with bullet points to style device specifications
  • An article may not end with a block quote.
    (^ top)

BREAKING NEWS

  • Breaking news can also be considered news that has (so far) not been covered by any other tech website, and needs to be online quick to try and beat other websites.
  • If you are covering a breaking news story, the article must be published as soon as humanely possible, this means:
    • The 300 word count is not required for breaking news (there is no minimum) however the basics are required: proper title, header image and the breaking news paragraph or two.
    • Tell the editor that you have a breaking news story that will be "padded out" after publishing.
  • Once your breaking news story is published with less than 300 words, you are required to go back in and pad it out with the less important supporting and background details, as outlined in the ARTICLE BODY section of the Style Guide.
    (^ top)

Linking:

  • Always remove any referral code from web store links, that is the question mark and code after it. An example of what must be removed could be:
    ?tduid=(9f517b4daa441e501e26b85ee308d03f)(263915)(2775081)()() from a Microsoft Store link. Example of clean link | bad link.
  • Articles must contain backlinks to backup any statements made in the article from our own coverage or to further educate the reader on the subject (such as historical coverage).
  • Backlinks can be replaced with an external link if required when making a statement such as "Microsoft discontinued Windows Live Messenger in March 2013."
  • Backlinks must be relevant to the article content and statement being linked. (eg: don't link for the hell of it).
  • Do not link whole sentences or just single words, as in the linked example above, it must be contextual and relevant to the link, and part of the relevant statement.
    ​(^ top)

Searching via NewsCP

Searching for relevant articles is best done in the NewsCP in a new tab or from the Published News link in the left menu;

  • Use tag search and one keyword for maximum results (eg: Windows 10) you can add additional tags to filter down too
    - For example: Windows 10 and/or Build 10240 tags.
  • When searching from Published News, the search options are multi-optional (search term with title on/off, tag, poster name)
  • You can also search from the results and omit searching only in the title if your result isn't shown.
  • The public link to the article is the small thumbnail in the list of results, or the title when previewing the article in the NewsCP.
    (^ top)

Images

Our image uploader creates compressed versions of the image you upload in JPG, you can see this when adding the image in your draft, it will have _story.jpg on the end of the image name, this is the compressed 760px width version used for the article. This is why using the LINKED option for large images is important. The small compressed version will be embedded, but it will link to the original uncompressed version.

  • The Upload Media option supports multiple images upload in one session. When you select to add a watermark, it will be applied to all images in the upload queue. Tags and source info will also be applied to multiple image uploads.

  • After you have finished uploading images, the session will clear, allowing you to add a gallery, or watermarked image(s), or a hero image for a review. You do not need to save the draft and then edit to add in different image types.

  • Images that are larger than the default inline image size (760px width) must be inserted using the LINKED option from the insert image dialog, hovering over the different buttons will also show you the proposed image sizes.

    • Odd sized images (like mobile screenshots) may get added in a cropped state, simply double click the image in the editor to bring up the image properties dialog and remove _story from the image URL then set your desired image size and alignment.
    • Linking a company logo or contextual image for use at the top of the article is not required.

  • Small images (less than 760 pixels in width) should be inserted by using the ORIGINAL button option. You can then double click on the image to right or left align around the article text where appropriate. You can set any height and width for smaller images, but if you do that, link to the original image by copying the image url, select the image in the editor (click once) and then click on the hyperlink button in the toolbar, add in the image url and save.

  • Our system also supports .gif but if it contains too many frames, it may fail to upload.

  • All uploaded images must contain alt text and at least one tag and source details so that it can be searched for (this is prompted upon upload).

    • ALT TEXT is required by SEO and should be a short description of the image
    • Do not start your description with "an image of" (it is already assumed it is an image).
    • You can find some helpful tips on how to use ALT TEXT here.

  • Upon uploading an image, you will find it under the editor text-area window, click on it for insert options, it will insert where the cursor is placed within the editor draft.

  • Never hotlink images from external websites, always upload them to Neowin for use.

  • If you created the image, watermark it. This can be selected and placed in multiple areas on the image during the upload process using the Upload Media option.

  • Images snapped or created for reviews require watermarking.

  • Do not watermark company stock images (such as the latest iPhone from Apple's news media website).

  • Images taken from other websites must be clearly labeled, in italics with: Image via sourcename. at the bottom of the article.

  • Images at the top of an article must be centered using the text align button, or placed around the topic paragraph (see below).

  • Small images can be left or right aligned around the paragraph, to achieve this double click the image to bring up the image properties dialog and select left or right (it should show a preview in the editor) do not use the image dialog properties to center align, use text align for that.

  • Image captions may be used, either to give credit for the image owner/source or to add relevance to the image within the article, to achieve this double click the image and select Captioned Image then OK to close the dialog, then edit the small box of text that appears overlaid on the image in the editor.
  • Four or more images should be placed in a gallery. Exceptions can be made if images are required throughout the article or are small.
  • Do not hotlink large images from the gallery, reupload it and link to the original (option while inserting into the draft).
  • An image must be set for use on the front page for all articles, do this by selecting the name of the image (shown below in the example). Click on the area where the name of the image, in this case: 'lumia 640', is shown. You may have to upload an image to use as a front page thumbnail, or use the same image from within the article you already uploaded. (example below).
    (^ top)

  • Getty images may not be used on Neowin.

Shutterstock / Depositphotos conditions of use:

  • Our Shutterstock account has been discontinued, but we can still use the images we have in our library.
  • Our Depositphotos account allows for 400 media downloads per month (images and video) not to be confused with 400 uses (use of the downloaded media on Neowin is unlimited).
  • The images or video may be manipulated for use on Neowin, although you must credit the original page where you downloaded the media.
  • Descriptive link back must include a brief description in one of the following formats:
    • Handshake image via Shutterstock (at the bottom of the article).
    • Image via Depositphotos.com (at the bottom of the article). ​
    • As an image caption (text overlay) on the image is also acceptable.
  • May not be used anywhere outside of Neowin.net.
  • (^ top)

Media (video, SoundCloud and tweets):

  • YouTube videos must always be embedded using the 'Insert Media Embed' toolbar button
  • For YouTube videos to work correctly, use the full URL, not a shortened one.
  • Videos from other websites must be embedded in the source of the article if the Embed Media button does not support the video link:
    • Select the Source button;
    • Scroll to the point in your article where the video should appear;
    • Paste in the embed code;
    • Click the Source button again to go back to Rich Text Editing mode;
    • Double click the iframe (where the video is) and set the appropriate dimensions
      (usually 640x360 for Vimeo or you can try 760x428 for 720p);
    • Check the video works properly BEFORE sending in for review.
    • Some streaming video content will not display in the preview, such as Channel 9.

  • To insert a tweet or facebook post, use the media embed button (the facebook post must be public) ensure you use clean twitter & facebook URLs, disregard ? or & and anything after them in the URL.

  • Other media types can be tried using the Embed Media button, such as SoundCloud , try it, preview it to see!
    (^ top)

Sourcing:

  • Source must be clearly labeled at "According to sourcename" or "mentioned at sourcename", "the sourcename says that..", etc within the article body.
  • Both forms of sourcing are acceptable: Amazon.com and Amazon.
  • Writers must follow the source trail and try and use the original source.
  • We require bottom link source links formatted like so whenever applicable (omit what isn't needed):
    Example: Source: Microsoft via Engadget | Image: Microsoft
  • A bottom formatted Source link isn't required for the following, these can be placed inline within the article body
    • original researched news or exclusive (not relying on other news outlet)
    • review or editorial
    • press releases (including first party company blog posts)
    • emailed by a first party company representative
  • Company device stock images do not require a source link unless otherwise explicitly stated on the source website, such as an official press image at the Samsung website for the newest Galaxy phone.
    (^ top)

Updating articles:

  • Articles that are significantly updated can be toggled with the [Update] option above the title.
  • "Update:" must be placed at the end of the article, below the original text. "Update:" must be bolded. If the update is significant (article length) then it can go above the original article text with "Originally published article continues below:"
  • When a product or term is incorrectly used and then later corrected, you must include a note in italics at the end of the article.
    Example: Note: This article originally claimed that the device was called the Xbox Two, this was updated and corrected to Xbox One.
  • The above examples must only be used when the information in the article has changed, updated or was incorrect. Minor spelling and grammatical fixes does not warrant an [Update] suffix.
  • The [Update] checkbox may not be used if the article is less than an hour old, or if they are adding images or videos, or extending the information provided.
    (^top)

Reviews

Reviews must be cleared for approval by an Editor.
Much of the formatting above, also applies to reviews, but there are a couple of additional requirements as well, those are:

  • Must be written in the first person style, not third.
    Example: "I find the screen beautiful" not "We find the screen beautiful".
  • Before you start, ensure that "Full width" is checked in the "content options" to the right, this enables a wider format for editing.
  • A Hero (title image) is required and it must be at least 1280px in width, otherwise the image will be upscaled. To add a Hero image, use the Upload Media option while in the draft, and tick "Hero?" (the Hero option is only ever used in full width reviews).
  • Do not start a review with an inline image, having the Hero offsets the need to have an image right at the top.
  • When the images are larger than the inline copies, select the image and link to the full versions (removing _full. or _story if that was used) ensure that the image name is the same that you uploaded and not one generated by our system.
  • For images to display larger than the text width (example) use the "Original" button to insert, then double click the image and align it center, if the image is already linked, click the image button in the toolbar when the image is selected to align it. do not use text align, or the image will stay small. You can use text align for images that are intended to be smaller within your review.
  • Section headers, such as Specifications, Battery and Design (to name some examples) must be formatted with "Heading 3" (not bolded) for consistency when custom image headers are not used.
  • Always fully proofread your review before sending in.
    (^ top)

What if after all this my article is still rejected?

It can happen sometimes that you decide to write an article in the absence of Editors and then the article is rejected for being too old, not up to standard, article was already covered (ensure you searched claims before adding a claim) or because the Editors feel it doesn't target our audience enough. If you're unsure of a particular piece you want to cover, reach out to the Editors and ask if it's OK to do.

This need not apply to every article you write, use incentive as well, if you read Neowin you should already know what we typically cover. Permission isn't required for every new claim.

Additional notes:

Also please remember that we try to come over friendly and not too formal, our old slogan (now removed) "Where unprofessional journalism looks better" is still very applicable in that we want to submit news that everybody can understand.

Additionally, reviews may now be submitted in the first person, rather than in the third. It makes it more personal and friendlier to read.

Posting anonymously:

You can also post anonymously at Neowin, but only use this for sensitive items such as leaks, usage is also at editor's discretion (improper use will not be permitted). The news item will still be linked to your staff profile in the NewsCP (only staff see this) for payments, and so that Editors can follow up on issues with the article.

And finally...

Our Editors are volunteer staff, do not waste their time by submitting articles that you haven't thoroughly checked, we aren't teachers that want to correct all your mistakes; we expect publish ready submissions, and repeated issues with your articles will eventually mean you are no longer welcome to be a paid writer at Neowin.

Editors receive an email when you "Submit for review" there's no need to remind people in the messenger that you have an article waiting, and additionally because of this, you are required to ensure the article is publish ready before sending in for review so that Editors aren't bombarded with emails for the same article. (^ top)

Payments:

  • Initial earnings under $100 are never paid out to contributors (trial posters), this does not apply to final payment* for news staff.
  • are processed in the first week of the month.
  • Payment possible via PayPal or Payoneer (check is possible for US residents subject to agreement).

* If an active reporter is found to be writing for a competing website, through a method of the reporter not disclosing it themselves without giving appropriate notice to management, then reporter forgoes final payment and all access to reporting tools will be immediately disabled. (^ top)

About this Style Guide:

Revision update May 2024.
The above is subject to change.
If anything above is unclear or missing, please contact Steven Parker.