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Submit a Story

Submit a Story
Photo by Luis Villasmil / Unsplash

Darkside Report is an independent platform dedicated to exploring the intersection of ethics, policy, and the human experience within complex systems. We seek original, deeply-reported stories and authorized reprints that provide "insider views" into the forces shaping our world.

Before submitting, please review our editorial guidelines, reprint policies, and legal disclosures below.

Editorial Guidelines

To maintain the integrity of our publication, all submissions must adhere to the following criteria:

  • Length: 800 to 3,000 words.
  • Categories: We accept Original Work (first-run) and Authorized Reprints (content you own but have published elsewhere).
  • Topics: We prioritize pieces focusing on Ethical Dilemmas, Policy Analysis, Personal Narrative, and Insider Perspectives.
  • Evidence: Claims of fact must be supported by verifiable sources, documents, or data.

Submitting Previously Published Work (Reprints)

We welcome content owners who wish to amplify their reach through Darkside. If you are submitting a story that has been published elsewhere:

  1. Ownership: You must be the legal copyright holder of the content.
  2. Disclosure: You must provide the link to the original publication.
  3. Canonical Rights: By submitting, you grant us the right to set a "Canonical URL" to the original source if necessary, ensuring your original site maintains its SEO authority.
  4. Verification: Even previously published work will undergo our internal vetting process to ensure it meets our factual and ethical standards.

The Submission Process

We utilize high-level encryption to protect our contributors and their data.

  1. Drafting: Ensure your story is polished. Use the form below to submit your text.
  2. Vetting: Our editorial team will review your submission. We may contact you via your provided (secure) contact method for follow-up questions or documentation.
  3. Anonymity & Pseudonyms: You may choose to publish under a Pseudonym. Your real identity will remain known only to the lead editor for verification and will be protected under our Privacy Policy. The default pseudonym for all content on Darkside is John Connor.
  4. Discretion: Darkside reserves the right to accept or reject any submission (original or reprint) at our sole discretion. We reserve the right to edit for clarity, length, and legal compliance.

By submitting your story, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

1. Verification and Accuracy All contributors are responsible for the factual accuracy of their work. Darkside performs due diligence and vetting; however, the provision of false, libelous, or intentionally misleading information is grounds for permanent disqualification and may carry legal consequences.

2. Authority to Publish (Reprints) If the submission was previously published, the contributor warrants that they possess all necessary rights and permissions to re-publish the work on Darkside. The contributor assumes all legal responsibility for any claims of copyright infringement brought by third-party publishers.

3. Liability and Indemnification The contributor agrees to indemnify and hold harmless Darkside and its affiliates against any legal claims, damages, or expenses arising from a breach of these warranties, copyright disputes, or the content of the submission.

4. Rights and Licensing

  • For Original Work: Contributor grants Darkside the exclusive first right to publish. After 30 days, the contributor retains copyright but grants us a perpetual, non-exclusive license to archive and distribute the work.
  • For Reprints: Contributor grants Darkside a non-exclusive license to host, archive, and promote the content indefinitely.

Addendum: Standards of Authorship & Attribution

If your story is accepted, please specify your preference for attribution:

  • Full Attribution: Your legal name and a brief bio.
  • Pseudonymous Attribution: A "Pen Name" of your choosing. This is treated as a professional identity within our system.
  • Anonymous / "John Connor" Attribution: Reserved for high-risk reporting where the author's identity must be shielded for safety or professional reasons.
  • Original Source Credit: For reprints, we will include a mandatory "Originally published at [Link]" notice at the top or bottom of the article.
Note to Contributors: Darkside adheres to the highest standards of journalistic integrity. Sources must be vetted and documents verified before any story—original or reprinted—is cleared for publication.

Editorial Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed on this site or in articles are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Darkside. Any content provided by our contributors—whether published under a legal name or a pseudonym—is of their opinion and is not intended to malign any entity or individual.

Accuracy and Vetting: While Darkside employs a rigorous vetting process, information is provided "as is" with no guarantees of completeness or accuracy. Some reports are based on the subjective insider experiences of our contributors.

No Advice: Content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or professional advice. Darkside shall not be held liable for any loss or damage arising from the use of this information.