[With DESTRUCTOID constantly gaining new readers and bloggers daily, I thought I'd update this from time to time so that I don't cry myself to sleep at night wondering when humanity became so stupid. I understand you've all got stuff to talk about, but make an effort, people.]

Every once in a while, the community blogs on Destructoid have a meltdown. I'm here to remedy that. Take some time out of your day, read up, and refine your technique. Firstly, I recommend Phist's entry, Dtoid Bloggers, listen up..., as an additional read. With any luck, everyone will not suck in no time.


Various Types of Posts

1. The Editorial



The editorial is a great piece to contribute in order for you to share your opinion on something. Just remember to plan out what you're saying. Most times, the community blogs will reserve a spot for your article, but if you take too long, it will be a few posts down by the time you publish it. I recommend drafting it in a program on your computer. Make your opinion thorough. Back it up and reference articles and pictures on the net. Don't put your opinion out there if its got no legs to stand on.

If you want an audience to read your article, give it an engaging title. For example, Why I Feel Halo is Overrated will always get more respect than ZOMG! Halo is teh suxxors!. Reviews are also great things to post.

Prime example
Deathsaw - Why Elder scrolls 3:Morrowind GOTY was better then oblivion(get comfy!)
BFeld13 - Mario & Sonic at the Olympics - More than meets the eye


2. The Showcase



Dtoid's community is home to tons of artistic people. Have you modded a console or created a superb wallpaper? Show us! Most of the Destructoid community is supportive of such endeavors, and if you receive criticism, it will be strictly constructive.

Prime examples
Virtualgirl - Destructoid wallpapers
Virtualgirl - Wonder Woman Fans? My last project...for now!!!


3. The News



Posting news is a tricky business on Destructoid. The first step, if you ever find a major story, is to submit it as a tip by sending it to tips@destructoid.com. If you don't see it as a story in the next three hours, go for it.

There are a few very important steps to crafting a good news story. Don't just post a link. We clicked on your story to read what you had to say, not someone else. Feel free to quote the article, but never copy and paste in order to avoid writing. It is also incredibly important for you to post your sources. It is very hard to believe that you received a direct tip. Remember to post if something is a rumor. No one likes getting duped.

The final part of posting a news story is that you add your own interpretation. How do you feel about the news? Are you worried? Excited? Relieved? Let us know that you have a personal investment in the story.

Prime examples
Necros - Nintendo forums shut down, does anyone really care?
Holiday - Colin McRae Dies In Helicopter Crash


4. The Eclectic



Have you seen something that's really funny or intriguing? We want to see it too. As much as we love videogames, we can spare 30 seconds to watch a baby get kicked in the head. Once again, be thorough. If it's nostalgia, share the memory. If it made you piss your pants, let us know! If you're out of ideas, talk about SPACE JAM! Sometimes a trend will pop up on the blogs, go with it.

Prime examples
Kif - Robot Chicken: CSS Edition
BFeld13 - BIG NEWS!: Halo 3, BioShock, Mass Effect, Eternal Sonata, Virtua Fighter 5, Lair, Metroid Prime 3, Warhawk box art all say that you're gay! [Update: Orange Box]
Hamza CTZ Aziz - I am the number 4 result on Google when you search for "boobies"


5. The Questionnaire



We think it's great that you want to open a dialogue and get to know your fellow Dtoiders. However, the community blogs are not the place to do it. Destructoid has an extensive forum for discussion of everything from 'tigers in space' to 'how many marshmallows can you fit in your mouth?' and any member is free to post. If you have a question to ask or need assistance, use the forums. We understand that everyone reads the cblogs more, but if everyone could restrain themselves, the cblogs would be a much cleaner place.

Prime example
Destructoid forums!


So that's it. I hope you've enjoyed learning how to make your community blogs much more palatable to your readers. Remember to show some effort, don't simply copy and paste, and make sure that you put your own personal touch on every piece.

Also, cocks.


What Not To Do
Do not trick people into reading or watching spoilers. If you've written an article or review that includes spoilers, make readers aware of that in your title.

Additionally, check the cblogs before posting that popular Tetris YouTube video.(Big ups to ZekeThePlumber for pointing this one out.)


Helpful Tips

Let's say you screw up. Your post is getting torn apart by community members. Here is what to do:

Go to the front page of Dtoid and click "My Profile"


Then click "Manage my posts"


Finally, click "Make hidden". This will remove your post from public view.


There you have it. You are now complaint-free!