Properly formatting your post is the single easiest thing you can do to get votes. To help you get started, follow these simple steps:

1. Post Entry: In your own words, describe what the post is all about. A clever description will often help your post, but if you can't come up with a witty one, simply describe why you think the post is interesting. Neatoramanauts tend to frown on simple "this link is funny" kind of one-liner descriptions.
   
   Important: Please do not cut and paste, as this will result in incorrectly formatted post (with HTML codes showing).
   
   
   If you want to include a link, highlight the word or words, and then click on the insert/edit link button on the textbox. Give it a try, it's pretty simple!
   
   
2. Quote from original source: Include a short quote that illustrates the point or make readers want to find out more about your post. This step is optional, but it is highly recommended whenever appropriate.
   
   
3. Link: Please link to the original story, not your blog post unless your blog post is the original source. Don't worry, you'll get an author link (see below) on every single one of your promoted stories.
   
   
4. Via credit: If you found this story via another blog or website, please be kind and give it a via link. It's only polite! It's considered kind of rude to plug your own blog here, as you are already getting an author link.
   
   
5. Categories: You can enter multiple categories by holding the CTRL (or CMD for a Mac) and clicking the appropriate selections. Tags: Please enter relevant keywords or tags.
   
   
6. Thumbnailed Photo: Select the most appropriate photo from the post (in Step 3 of the Submit a New Post page). Although this is optional, the right thumbnail adds a lot of enticement for visitors to read your post.
   
   At this time, there is no option to upload your own images. If the server failed to present a choice of images, you can submit the post without an image - one of the Neatorama editors will insert a thumbnailed photo for you if the post is promoted to the front page.
   
   If the website credits a photographer for the photo, it's a good idea to include it in your description (A simple: Photo by so-and-so would be nice!)

Remember that in the Preview, what you see is what everyone else will see on the Upcoming Queue. If you've made a mistake, simply navigate back and fix your error.

Author Link

If your post is promoted to the front page, you'll see this credit below the post:

To get your own avatar, go to Gravatar and sign up for a free one. Your username will carry a link to your website or blog - here's how to set yours up:

1. On the Neatorama blog, login using your username and password
2. Click on "Profile"
3. Enter your website URL (http://www.yourwebsite.com)
4. Press "Update Profile" and you're done!

For more information, check out the Upcoming Queue Frequently Asked Questions