Frequently Asked Questions About Articles

Q: Who can submit articles?
A: Any registered user on Austin Explorer can submit articles for publication.

Q: I submitted an article, but can't see it on the main pages. Where is it?
A: All submitted articles must be checked by a administrator for suitability and categorization. Articles are marked based on their area of interest (hiking, history, etc), location (Travis County) and specific site (hike writeups are in actuality featured articles).

Q: Does my article have to be about a specific site?
A: No, articles can describe several sites (such as this one about several lime kilns on Austin Explorer) or just discuss a topic that's relevant to the site.

Q: How do I associate an article with a specific site and get it to be the featured article that displays on its detail page?
A: Go to the site in question (hike details, history site, cemetery, etc) and look for a link where a writeup would normally reside that says, "No one has submitted a writeup of this site or hike. Submit a writeup now". Only one article can be the "featured" article for a specific site. The admins will choose which they think is best. That doesn't mean that you can't submit a writeup for a site or hike that already has a writeup. It can still be viewed by other users and offer insights not present in the featured article.

Q: Why are there no featured articles for specific geocaches?
A: Geocaches are transient in nature. Some disappear quickly. So shorter log entries make more sense. You are free to submit general articles about geocaching covering things such as techniques, history, etc.

Q: Do I have to submit articles on a hike to both Austin Explorer and Texas Hiking?
A: No, both sites share a common hike and article database. Submit the article to one site and it will show up on both, if applicable (hike writeups from the Dallas area won't show up on Austin Explorer).

Q: How long should articles be?
A: There is no hard and fast rule. Look at existing articles and writeups for a general idea of what's acceptable. The policy on article size is subject to change depending on what we see in the way of submissions.

Q: Can I make updates to my articles?
A: Not yet. This functionality will be added in the near future.

Q: I have a question not answered here. What do I do?
A: Send us a note and ask away. We're here to help.