a guide to writing good articles

General Points

• Don't assume the reader knows - you might know the subject, but if you assume that the reader does, your writing might go over their head. It iis always best to assume they don't know and explain the context and background.
• Adding images, video an/or audio is always a good idea. See our help guide for more on media files.

Sourcing and BIMC

Independent Media Centres encourage open publishing and encourage anyone with something to write to write it! We do not impose any particular conditions or styles of writing. However, you might find that people will give more credence to your article if you can give some evidence to support claims.

Sourcing articles

Most serious news organisations ensure that their articles are well sourced, and that those sources are checked. This means that claims can be checked and evaluated. At BIMC there is no editorial process, but that doesn't mean that you can't refer to sources.

Say, for instance, you are writing an article about traffic in Bristol, you might want to discuss the effect of traffic on pollution. You are welcome to simply state your opinion, but a reader might find it more convincing if you could link to evidence. In this instance, you might refer to and link to Bristol City Council Air Quality Database.

This reference would help you produce a more convincing article. However, a reader might contest the sincerity of the readings (i.e. who determines what a 'low' level of pollution is). To anticipate this, you might offer other sources (in this case ones that seem show more concern about traffic and pollution claims e.g. ref 1 & ref 2.)

Whistle Blowing!

Sometimes you may be privy to certain information that you think should be in the public domain - that is, its release would be in the public interest. If there is something that you know, would like to refer to, but cannot release, you can always ask the BIMC list to take a look and perhaps verify that it exists. If you are not comfortable in doing that, you might want to upload it to Wikileaks and then link to it, for example, click here.

Bristol Indymedia has a policy of protecting sources as provided for in section 10 of the 1981 Contempt of Court Act and the Police and Criminal Evidence Act If you do ask us to look at a source or you post information from a sensitive source on the BIMC web site we will not ever voluntarily, hand over information on sources.

Freedom of Information

Perhaps you suspect a public institution to have done something wrong - perhaps you have been told something, but cannot find any concrete sources of information. Since 2005 the Freedom of Information Act (FoI Act) allows ordinary citizens to request information from public bodies, and requires those bodies to provide that information (with certain conditions). The FoI Act can be used to prise sensitive information from public bodies.

In the future, BIMC will offer a FoI service, whereby we can process your requests. In the meantime, if you would like any information on how to make a FoI request, we will do our best to advise you. Simply contact us.

Further Information Links

• You need to stick to the Editorial Guidelines. They explain what is and is not allowed on the site. They are there to enable people-power media to work. However, they are not set-in-stone; if you don't agree with them, then get involved and help shape the project!
• There is more information about contributing articles here, including a step-by-step walk through of how to complete the 'publish' form that will get your story online.
• Please also see our help guide - especially for information about multimedia files and attachments and general site information.
• WikiLeaks - Site with leaked corporate and government documents.
• Campaign for Freedom of Information - How to use the FoI act to find stuff out (PDF)
• Corporate Watch DIY Guide - How to Research Companies.
• When you feel ready to publish - click here!