Help
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
This page includes questions and answers on the following topics:
General Questions for Users
My Account
Creating Posts
Post and Content Images
Post Documents
Creating Links
Advertising on the Marin Post
Other FAQs
GENERAL QUESTIONS FOR USERS
Can anyone create a Post on the Marin Post?
Yes, anyone can create a post by registering as a user, and creating an account.
Who writes for the Marin Post?
The Marin Post is a user-generated content website and as such has no editorial staff or staff writers. All of the Marin Post’s content is contributed by unpaid “citizen journalists.” Some are professional writers of note who just want to get their work published to a broader audience, while most are not professional writers but who have a passion for a subject they want others to know about.
What kind of content is appropriate to publish on the Marin Post?
The Marin Post is the premier publishing platform in The San Francisco Bay Area for anyone who has a passion to write about SF Bay Area news and issues of community concern. It is a venue for those creating substantive, well-written, long form content.
The Marin Post is not a place to post "how to" information or promote your business, books, products, or other subjects that are better served by social media, classified ads, mainstream news organizations and business magazines. For more, please see our User Guidelines.
What are the Marin Post User Guidelines?
Marin Post User Guidelines are found on the “ABOUT” page of the website. Please help us keep the Marin Post a respectful and professional online platform to share ideas, news, and opinions.
What is the Marin Post’s Privacy Policy?
The Marin Post Privacy Policy can be found under the “ABOUT” tab, under the title “Privacy Policy.”
Does the Marin Post work on all devices?
Yes, the Marin Post uses what is called “responsive design,” so it automatically adjusts to the size and orientation of any device: laptop, tablet or mobile phone.
The Marin Post only supports current versions of the industry standard browsers. For best results we recommend the latest versions of Firefox, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, and Safari.
Who owns the Marin Post?
The Marin Post is a project of Community Venture Partners, Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, and is dependent upon grants, donations and other forms of public support.
MY ACCOUNT
How do I create an account?
It’s easy. Just click on the “Sign Up” link in the upper right hand corner and follow the instructions. Please fill out all required information to create an account. You must use your real name, town you live in, and zip code. Fake accounts or accounts under pseudonyms will be deleted.
Once you register, you will be sent a verification email. Please respond to it to complete your enrollment. Once you’ve created an account you will receive Weekly Email Updates about all the new articles published each week. The Weekly Update is free.
Once you post a Blog, Notice, News Link, Media Link or Letter on the Marin Post, your name and city will be published on the Guest Writers page. Other personal information will not be published unless you choose to share it.
We advise you to keep your email address and password confidential.
Please read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy carefully. Please keep our Community Guidelines in mind when posting.
What is the difference between being a “Guest Writer” and a “Contributor?”
A “Guest Writer” is a first time or infrequent user. A “Contributor” is a writer who publishes regularly and has achieved the position of “trusted source.” Guests enjoy the same publishing tools as Contributors. However, Contributors can edit their posts after initial publication, whereas Guests only have the option to delete posts that they no longer want to be published.
Anyone who has demonstrated that they are contributing content that meets all the Terms of Use and Marin Post Guidelines will usually be advanced to Contributor status upon request.
CREATING POSTS
How do I publish a Post?
Select "POST" on the Home Page main menu and click on the type of Post you want to publish, on the drop-down menu. The choices are a BLOG, NOTICE, NEWS LINK, MEDIA LINK, or a LETTER.
Fill out all of the required fields on the post form (designated by a red *), then click "Publish" at the bottom of the form. You can also "Save" the post and come back and complete it later. You can also "Preview" the post by clicking on the Preview button at the bottom of the form. But please remember to "Save" your post before leaving the page or your content will be lost. We recommend that you "Save" your work periodically when composing content, to avoid losing your work due to loss of internet connection or other issues.
Always wait for the confirmation page when you "Save" or "Publish" your post to avoid loss of content. You will see a notice popup if you have forgotten to fill out all required fields. Please keep our Community Guidelines in mind when posting.
Please note that the Marin Post only supports current versions of industry standard browsers. We recommend using the latest Firefox, Chrome, or Safari for creating a Post.
How do I edit a post after it’s been published?
You must be a “Contributor” to edit a post after it’s been published. “Guest Writers” can only delete posts they no longer want published.
To edit a post, go to MY ACCOUNT. You will see a dropdown menu of choices. Click on the type of post you want to edit (My Blog, My Notices. My News, etc.).
This will bring you to a page that lists all of your posts. To the right hand side, under each post shown, there is a blue text link for "edit."
Click on the “edit” link and you will be on the original create a post form page. Now make all your edits then click “Publish” at the bottom and you’re done.
Can I temporarily un-publish a post?
If you are a Contributor, you can un-publish and re-publish any post at any time. For example, if you are making edits but want the post taken down temporarily while you'e working, just click on “Unpublish” and it will no longer be viewed by others on the site.
When you’re done editing, just click on the “publish” link and it’s live again.
POST IMAGES
Why does my Post need a unique image?
The Marin Post provides default images when you first begin to create any type of post (except a LETTER). However, uploading your own unique post image is very important.
Our analytics show that unique images greatly increase the number of hits your post will get from readers. In addition, we will only promote posts that have unique images to the "Hero" slide show located at the top of the HOME page, which will further increase your chance to be seen.
How do I add images to my Image Library?
You can add images to your Image Library in two ways. One way is to go to MY ACCOUNT and choose My Images from the drop-down menu. To add a new JPEG or PNG image to your Image Library, click "Upload an Image," find an image in your files, and double-click on it to select the image. Enter the name of the person or entity who created/owns the image, in the "image credit" popup box, then click "OK."
The image is now loaded into your Image Library. You can also open your Image Library from the "Post" form when you create a post by clicking on the "Add an Image" blue text link next to the image box.
To delete an image from your Image Library, highlight it and click “Delete.”
How do I add a unique image to my Post?
To add an image to your post on the Post a Blog, Post a Notice, Post News, or the Post Media pages, click on the “Add an image” blue text link next to the image display at the top of the post form page.
This will open your Image Library, where all of your uploaded images are saved.
To make an image your "post image," either double-click on it, or highlight it (click on the image), and click “OK.” The image is now your post image on the form page.
To delete an image from your Image Library, highlight it and click “Delete.”
Only use JPEG and PNG files. Do not use PDF or GIF files. For best results use an image at least 325 pixels by 225 pixels in size.
Please do not upload documents that infringe on the copyright of others.
How do I replace a post image with a different one after my post is published?
This feature is only available to Contributors. To change the image on your post, click on MY ACCOUNT and choose the type of post you want to edit (My Blog, My Notices, My News, My Media, or My Letters). You will see a list of all your posts under that category.
Click on the "edit" blue text link. This will re-open the post form. Then click on the “Replace Image” blue text link next to the image displayed at the top of the post form page. This will open your Image Library, where all of your uploaded images are saved.
To replace the existing image, either double-click on the image you want to use, or highlight it (click on the image), and click “OK.” The new image is now loaded as your post image.
Click on “Publish” at the bottom of the page, and you’re done.
Please do not upload documents that infringe on the copyright of others.
How do I insert an image into my Post content?
To insert an image into the “Content” text of your Post a Blog or Post a Notice pages, place your cursor where you want the image to appear, then click on the “add image” icon at the top of the box (in between the "Underline" and the "Link" widgets).
This will open your Image Library, where all of your uploaded images are saved.
To insert the image from our Library into your post content, either double-click on it, or highlight it (click on the image), and click “OK.” The image is now loaded into your post.
To add a new image to your Image Library, click "Upload an Image," find an image in your files, and double-click on it to select the image. Enter the name of the person or entity who created/owns the image, in the "image credit" popup box, then click "OK."
To delete an image from your Image Library, highlight it and click “Delete.”
To delete a content image from your post, from the post "edit" page, click on the image you want to remove, click on the "edit" icon in the center of the image, then when the edit window opens, click "Delete."
Hint: If you have an image that you want readers to be able to blow up to a larger size, just create a PDF of the image, load it into your Documents Library, then link it to the inserted image in your BLOG or NOTICE post (learn about your Documents Library, below).
Only use JPEG and PNG files. Do not use PDF or GIF files. For best results use an image at least 325 pixels by 225 pixels in size.
Please do not upload documents that infringe on the copyright of others.
How can I edit the size of an image I've added to the content of my post?
Once your image has been inserted into the content of your post, click on the image and it will display a "Edit" icon. Now you can grab the lower right hand corner of the image and resize it (click on the corner with your cursor and hold down the left mouse click as you pull on it).
What about copyright on images?
Please do not use images that you do not have permission to use, from the owner or creator. We recommend you only use your own images or images in the "public domain."
Here are some sources of public domain images to consider:
POST DOCUMENTS
How do I upload documents to my Document Library?
You can add documents to your Document Library in two ways. One way is to go to MY ACCOUNT and choose My Documents from the drop-down menu. To add a document to your Library, click "Upload a Document," find your document in your files, and double-click on it to select the document. Give the document a title then click "OK."
The document is now loaded into your Document Library.
How do I attach documents to my Post?
To attach a document to your BLOG or NOTICE post, click on the "Add a document" blue text link below the post content box. This will open your Document Library. Then double-click on the document you want to add, or highlight the document and click “OK.” You can attach up to 5 separate documents to a BLOG or NOTICE post.
To delete a document from your Document Library, highlight it and click “Delete.” To remove it from a post, click on the "Remove" blue text link next to the document you've attached.
Please do not upload documents that infringe on the copyright of others.
Viewing or retrieving a document
Once a document is uploaded to your Document Library, you can view it or download it from the Marin Post to another device. Just go to MY ACCOUNT, MY DOCUMENTS. Find the document you want to view or download and double click on it.
CREATING LINKS
How do I link text to other websites?
To link text in your BLOG or NOTICE “Content” space, highlight the text with your cursor, then click on the “LINK” symbol (to the right of the “add image” symbol). Now click on “Insert link” blue tab at the lower right.
Your text is now linked.
How do I link text to a document?
To link text to a document, the document must be published on the web and have a URL. If your document doesn’t have a URL, you can create a URL by following these steps.
Click on the “Add a Document” blue text link on the BLOG or NOTICE page (which is below the content area). Now upload the document to your Document Library and attach it to your Post, using the instructions above.
On the Create a Post page, click on “Preview” at the bottom. A preview of your post will open in a new tab. Now click on the PDF symbol of the document you just attached. “Copy” the URL out of the browser’s web address space.
Close the preview by clicking on the “Go Back to Edit” blue text button in the upper right. Now, highlight the text you want to link and “paste” the URL into the space in the “Insert link” tab, then click the blue “Insert” button at the bottom
Your document is now linked.
ADVERTISING ON THE MARIN POST
Why does the Marin Post have advertising?
The Marin Post is a free online news magazine available to the general public. The Marin Post is a project of Community Venture Partners, Inc, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. To date, this effort is supported only by the generosity of individuals like you. Advertising revenues are needed in order to be able to maintain our high standards, to offer a state-of-the-art reader experience, and help cover the costs of publication of the Marin Post.
Who reads the Marin Post?
Marin Post readers are independent-minded, highly-educated professionals of all ages, who are actively engaged in their communities. Readership is currently growing by over 2,500 new readers every month!
How does the Marin Post determine page placement of my ad?
All advertisements appear at the top of the column on the right hand side of the Home Page (and the BLOG, NOTICES, NEWS, MEDIA, and LETTERS pages), and in a “slide show” at the top of the page on mobile devices.
How does the Marin Post determine ad pricing?
The Marin Post uses traffic-based metrics and a proprietary “Website Authority Index” that compares our site to others, in order to ensure that we offer the most competitive rates.
How do I post an Ad on the Marin Post?
Go to “POST” in the main menu and click on “Advertisement,” which will bring you to the “Create and Publish an Ad” page. Then just follow the instructions. Follow the instructions to upload your ad image. Give it a title and enter the website URL address of the page you want to link your ad to. Then click on “Submit for Review.”
ALERT: If you are unable to upload an ad image, you need to DISABLE your "Ad Blocker" app.
What size should my artwork be?
The artwork for your ad should be 300 pixels wide by 250 pixels high (an aspect ratio of 1.2 to 1). Using hi-resolution copy will help your ad display better.
Making Payment
Once we’ve reviewed and approved your ad, you will receive an email linking you to the payments page. On the Payment page, select the duration of your ad and enter your payment information, then click on “Submit Payment.”
We accept all major credit cards.
Once your payment is confirmed you will be notified that your ad is live on the Marin Post.
Does the Marin Post store my credit card payment information?
No. All Marin Post advertising payments are processed by Stripe, a third party payments processing company.
How do I renew my ad?
When your ad is about to expire or has expired, you will receive email notifications asking you if you want to renew it. Just click on the link in the email to go to the payments page and renew your ad. Or, go to "My Ads" under "MY ACCOUNT" to renew.
Can I edit my ad after it’s been published?
No, you cannot edit or change your ad after it’s been submitted for review. However, if you made a mistake and need a title or URL corrected, or an image changed, please Contact Us.
Can I take down my ad?
Yes, you can remove your ad at any time. Just go to “MY ACCOUNT” and “MY ADS” and click on “delete.”
No Refund Policy
The Marin Post does not issue refunds for payments made for ads that are cancelled or deleted before their expiration date.
Publication Policy
The Marin Post reserves the right to reject any advertising that we find inappropriate for our readership.
CLICK HERE TO POST AN AD, NOW!
OTHER FAQs
What is the difference between a BLOG and a LETTER?
A BLOG is typically for publishing long-form content and investigative journalism and often contains links to other information and attached documents.
A LETTER is what might typically be called a “Letter to the Editor” or other such type of content that you want to share with the community, or which you may have sent to various elected officials.
Does the Marin Post publish legal notices?
The Marin Post is an online-only publication and we do not publish a print version. As such, we do not publish legal notices. We recommend you contact the County of Marin for the approved list of publications and their contact information.
https://www.marincounty.org