Open Source: Questions & Answers
How does the project work?
As of September 2020 users are able to upload their own texts to the Open Source platform of the Berliner Verlag after registering under their real name. Each contribution is proofed in terms of content and author. Opinion pieces are just as welcome as investigative research. Authors of articles selected for publication in the media of the Berliner Verlag will be reimbursed.
Who can submit articles?
Anyone interested.
On which topic shall I write?
There are no limits to the variety of topics. We publish whatever is of interest and relevance to the readers of the Berliner Zeitung.
What don’t we publish?
We do not publish any articles with promotional content, articles that violate applicable laws, our terms and conditions or internet etiquette. We do not support glorifying violence, extremist positions, segregation, sexist or pornographic content. Editorial publications may not be influenced by private or business interests of third parties or by personal economic interests. Furthermore, we in principle do not support writing on persons that have a close relationship to the author, in particular family members, unless there is an objective reason, which needs to be discussed and mutually agreed upon.
Is it okay if an article has been published elsewhere?
No, we only accept articles that have not yet appeared in other media or on blogs. After publication on our website, authors are free to publish their article elsewhere.
What needs to be taken into consideration in terms of copyright?
The same rules applying to journalists apply to Open Source authors. We will publish only texts written by you. Articles, pictures, the research itself must come from you. Sources need to be clear.
How long does an article have to be?
We can consider texts up to a length of 10,000 characters (including spaces). The texts can of course be shorter.
How are texts chosen?
Editors of the Berliner Zeitung read all submissions and check them in terms of both form and content. Only texts that meet professional journalism standards are published.
What is the Creative Commons license?
Upon submitting a text, authors can indicate whether their contribution should be subject to the Creative Commons license (CC BY-NC-ND 4.0) in the event of publication. In this case, it may be freely reused by the public for non-commercial purposes, provided that the author and Berliner Zeitung are credited and that the text appears in its original form.
How will I be reimbursed?
A flat rate applies, depending on the number of characters:
XS - up to 1000 characters / 40 Euro
S - up to 3000 characters / 90 Euro
M - up to 5000 characters / 180 Euro
L - up to 8000 characters / 250 Euro
XL- up to 10,000 characters / 350 Euro
Am I entitled to publication of my article?
No, in principle you are not entitled to publication of your article.
I have more questions, whom can I contact?
Write to us at opensource@berlinerverlag.com
