CO-PILOT BLOG
Get updates from Marian Anderfuren, Co-Pilot editor

What is Co-Pilot?

Co-Pilot is a portal through which readers help shape The Pilot. You probably have heard of "citizen journalism" or "citizen media." This is The Pilot's take on engaging readers in the process of sharing news and knowledge.

Through Co-Pilot, readers will also be able to participate in other sections of The Pilot.

When and where can I find Co-Pilot?

Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays on the second to last page of the front section of The Pilot.

What other sections will readers be able to participate in?

Daily Break, Sports, Flavor. Just look for the Co-Pilot symbol.

Invitations to participate will appear on Co-Pilot under "Are you game?"

Who can participate?

Anyone who can write a paragraph, ask a question, take a photo. Participation is also open to middle- and high-schoolers. Younger children may participate by submitting drawings, which will appear on Fridays.

We particularly want participants from all of South Hampton Roads, Western Tidewater and Northeast North Carolina.

How do I participate?

We have several channels. Look for these symbols to tell you how to get in touch:

Phone: (757) 222-3894
E-mail: co-pilot@pilotonline.com
Mail: 150 W. Brambleton Ave., Norfolk, VA 23510
Web: www.pilotonline.com/co-pilot
SMS: Text the key word COMMENT to 74568

Do I have to register?

No, but we need your full name, city, daytime phone number, e-mail address, age and occupation. Sometimes it will be necessary for us to contact you to, for example, verify information.

How often can my work be published?

Two to three times a year.

What kind of material does Co-Pilot publish?

Your voice, your knowledge, your experiences, your photos, your birthdays, your news coverage. See the regular features below.

What kind of material won't be published in Co-Pilot?

Fiction. Made-up stuff. Half-truths. Plagiarism.

Will you publish everything how you receive it?

Like everything in the newspaper, material is published at The Pilot's discretion and is subject to editing.

How do I send photographs or artwork?

Images can be sent through snail mail or co-pilot@pilotonline.com. When e-mailing photos, remember that an image that works well online may not have enough resolution for print reproduction. E-mail images as JPEG attachments at a resolution of at least 150 dpi (dots per inch). Do not paste images into e-mails or use online picture-mail services.

Photos coming via snail mail should be snapshots, school photos and the like. Anything that was printed on a home color printer will reproduce poorly.

Content:

If you have ideas, email co-pilot@pilotonline.com

1) One on One
This is your chance to write about a subject you know a lot about: You. The themes are purposely broad and open to your interpretation. You will be contacted if your piece is chosen; essays are subject to editing. (Translation: You don't have to a great writer to participate.)

See the Co-Pilot blog for updates on the monthly themes.
Length: 200 to 400 words

2) How I...

How you what? Anything! How you spent next to nothing on your wedding. How you packed for a three-week trip. How you welcomed home your sailor. How you lived with cancer. Funny or sad, serious or light-hearted, share your experiences with our readers, along with helpful tips.
Length: 200-400 words

3) Your best shot

Send in a current photo that illustrates something newsy in your opinion, anything from tourism to weird weather to a problem you think should be addressed to an event. (For ideas, look at the community photo gallery at HamptonRoads.com.)

Also, on Fridays, we'll print a piece of artwork by a child. Pictures should be drawn on white paper. Art tied to the time of year or a current event will receive special consideration.

To send in digital photos or graphics, attach JPEG files to an email and send to co-pilot@pilotonline.com. Photos should be at least 150 dpi; images up to 1mb work well. You can send in color; we'll convert to black and white.

4) Tell me who/what/when/where/why

Got a question? We'll answer it or find someone who can. Why are there stars with musicians' names in downtown Norfolk? What's that big building off I-664 north of Town Point Road?

b>5) Pay it forward

Recognize someone who helped you in some way. Co-Pilot has recognized kidney donors, firefighters and a 5-year-old from Suffolk who raised money for homeless children. Do you know someone like that? Sing their praises in "pay it forward."

6) dwhb*

*Don't Worry, Happy Birthday!

Got a birthday coming up? Wish yourself a happy b-day in Co-Pilot. Send photo with name, age and city via email or snail mail. One birthday per date, first in gets to wear the party hat. (Emailed photos should come as JPEG attachments, at least 100k in size.)

7) Your encounters

We've heard from readers who've met Lady Bird Johnson, Mother Teresa and Clint Eastwood, among others. Do you have a story like that to share? Send it to Co-Pilot.

8) Your history

Hampton Roads loves history. Tell a story about your family, or about an event you witnessed.

9) Your news

If you attended a newsy event, tell us about it for Co-Pilot. We've told about a joint Norfolk High School reunion, the rescue of a missing 2-year-old near Charlottesville by a local search-and-rescue team and the completion of a cross-country bike trip. Photos welcome!