Frequently Asked Article Questions
Useful Links
Submitting an Article
Q: How do I submit a new article?
You go to My Mibba, Articles. There you will see the button “New Article”, which you click to take you to a new page to fill out with your article. For more detailed information, refer to “Posting an Article” which is found in the Knowledge Base also.
Q: What is an article?
An article is not a story, or a poem, or a blog. It is a more formal piece of writing that is informative and factual rather than personal. The main reason articles are sent back to their authors is because they are too personal and are better suited as a blog, so make sure your article is actually an article!
Q: Well, what counts as too personal?
Writing a diary entry is too personal and should be a blog. Using your own experience as an example in your article is allowed. If you’re uncertain whether or not your article is actually an article, try browsing the site to compare it to others, or contact an Article Editor.
Q: What category do I put my article under?
Please refer to the Article Categories article in the Knowledge Base.
Q: Do I have to be a member of the Mibba Magazine to post a Rec's and Review article?
No. The Rec's and Reviews section of the magazine is open to all members of Mibba, but all other sections are closed to magazine members only.
Q: Can I review a NC-17 story for the Mibba Magazine’s Rec’s and Reviews?
No. If you wish to write an article about it, you will have to submit it as a blog instead. All other ratings are allowed.
Q: Can I review my own story for the Mibba Magazine’s Rec’s and Reviews?
No. Because a review is supposed to be a recommendation, the review must be written by someone other than the author of the piece.
Q: What are tags?
Tags are words that are used to describe your article. People will search for these words and if your article is tagged, it will display as a search result. Only put relevant words that relate to your article. It doesn’t matter if you include commas or not.
Q: Where can I find my pending articles?
Under My Mibba, Articles. These can still be edited, but don’t submit anything until it’s completely ready, otherwise it may be approved without your final changes.
Q: What if my article has been pending for many days?
Then the Article Editors are very busy! If you’re concerned about the length of time your article has been pending for, then make an inquiry to an Article Editor and they’ll get on top of the situation.
Q: Can I use profanity in my article?
No, unless you are quoting someone, profanity isn't allowed in articles. Words that are considered inappropriate for articles and should be censored are B*tch, F*ck, *ss, D*ck, C*nt, P*ssy, Sh*t, C*ck, Sl*t, and Wh*re.
Q: What makes an article a review?
A review is an article that analyses its topic. They are typically full of opinions and respectful discussion. Simply adding a sentence or two on the end of an article to say that you like the topic does not make the article a review. Though explaining plot or history of the topic can be important, this alone does not constitute a review.
Content and Formatting
Q: Do I have to have an image?
You yourself do not have to provide one, but that will mean that an Article Editor will choose one for you. Articles must be published with an image, so it is best to provide a link (that works) to a specific image.
Q: Can I have multiple images?
Yes. Many articles have multiple images throughout the article, as that is what is required. Put these in the article using the image tool (on the right of the blue eraser on the top row in the formatter).
Q: What size should my image be?
Usually images used are between 250 and 350 pixels wide. However, it is always much easier to make a picture smaller rather than try to enlarge it, so don’t worry if it’s too big.
Q: How should my headings within my article be formatted?
They should be formatted as “Heading 2”. Just select your text and click on the “Normal” button which is to the left of the blue eraser. If you type up your article in Word first, you can select “Heading 2” in Word and it will stay that way when you copy it over. Because “Heading 2” is used, you are not allowed to make your own headings by bolding, underlining, or enlarging your headings.
Q: How should I create bulleted or numbered lists?
In the formatter there are buttons to create them, located near the middle of the bottom row. These must be used, and simply typing out “1, 2, etc” or making your own symbols for a list will not be accepted. Once again, if you create them in Word using Word’s tools, it will copy over into the formatter without a problem.
Q: Can I use a different font/colour/size for my article?
No. Articles all have the same standard formatting, and all options can be found under the second heading of the formatter, the main one being “Normal”. This is the only font, colour and size of text that will be allowed.
Q: How do I format things like a book title or song title in my article?
These titles must be in italics: books, movies, albums, TV shows, games, plays, podcasts, magazines, newspapers, poems and stories.
These titles must be in quotation marks: articles, speech, levels within a game, podcast episodes, TV episodes and songs.
Song lyrics must be in both italics and quotation marks.
Q: How do I format steps in a tutorial?
You must format them with the numbered list formatting tool. Do not just type out “1, 2, etc”. The only exception to this specific formatting is when the steps are very long and detailed, in which case you may use “Heading Two” to list the steps.
Q: Is BBcode allowed in articles?
No. In the formatter there are other formatting tools to use because BBcode does not work in articles. Any articles with BBcode in them will be sent back to the author to edit them out.
Q: How long does my article have to be?
At least 200 words that are your own. This is very strict, and there is no leeway. There is no limit.
Q: Can my article be only one paragraph?
No. Articles must be formatted into appropriate length paragraphs.
Q: Can I use profanity in my article?
Not unless you are quoting someone. Remember, articles are formal, so keep your language formal.
Plagiarism
Q: What is plagiarism?
Plagiarism is copying someone else’s work, whether it is the whole article or just a sentence or two. There is zero tolerance for plagiarism in articles.
Q: What if I’ve posted my work on another site first? Does this count as plagiarism?
If you’ve done this, it will turn up in the plagiarism search performed by Article Editors, and it may be denied and sent back to you. If they can prove it is plagiarism (i.e. you aren’t that user on the other website), it won’t be published.
Q: Can I submit something I’ve already written, for example, an assignment at school?
Yes.
Q: Can I never use direct material from websites/people/books/etc?
Not unless it is in quotes. You may not claim that it is your own work. A great way to show it’s not your work is with references.
Q: What counts as referencing my sources?
You can do it in text (i.e. a quick “from Wikipedia” somewhere in the sentence) or at the end of the article, and provide links or other appropriate information in case others want to follow up on that source. Quotes aren’t necessary, but make sure if you do use them you say where you have quoted it from!
Other
Q: Are articles worth points?
Each article published on the site gives you 50 points.
Q: Why was my article denied?
Every time an article is denied, an Article Editor will private message you explaining why. Most common reasons are incorrect spelling and/or grammar, it is not an article (is a blog instead), plagiarism, and being under 200 words.
Q: How do I recommend an article?
At the top of the page by the article’s title, there is a button entitled “Recommend”. Just click that and you’re done!
Q: How do I report an article?
Next to the recommend button by the title is the report button, but it is best to contact an Article Editor or an Admin about the issue via a private message.
Q: How do I comment on an article?
Above the title is the “Comment” button, which will redirect you to the page of comments. Here you can leave a constructive comment. Bashing comments will be reported and dealt with appropriately.
Q: Where can I see who wrote the article?
The author’s username is located at the bottom of the article on the left, linked to their profile.
Q: Where can I see the date the article was submitted?
This is also located at the bottom of the article on the left.
Q: How do I search for an article?
Navigate yourself to the section of the site that you think it will be under (either Magazine, Articles, Reviews, or Tutorials). On the new loaded page, there will be a search bar on the top right for you to search for tags.
Q: Can I edit my article once it has been published?
No. If you spot something that needs to be changed, contact an Article Editor as soon as possible so they can correct it.
Q: Can I delete my article once it has been published?
Articles can only be deleted if you PM an Article Editor requesting that it be taken down off the site.
Q: If my article is deleted after being published, do I lose my points too?
Yes.
Q: What do Article Editors do?
Article Editors read through submitted articles and check that the article is following the rules and is ready to be published to the site. They’re also here for answering any questions you might have about articles. They are not a personal editor for anyone, but can help point you in the right direction when it comes to articles.