1. No libelous or slanderous comments. This means no undocumented comments about any person. If an author has something to say about another then provide a citation or tell them yourself in a private method. For example a reference may be another article, book, speech or testimony. Full and verifiable documentation is expected.

2. No plagerism. The works should be original and if quotes or ideas (yes, an idea or concept can be plagerized) of others then provide a citation where it was found.

3. Anonymous authors will not be published. This is important, named authors give some crediabilty to the pieces. No one has to fear retribution for exercising free speech. All commentary must be accompanied with a name and address including email. This is a standard requirement expected of any legtimate publication.

4. No one gets paid for an article or commentary. This is a service run by volunteers. However, all works submitted will be considered the copyrighted material of The Pricker or the author.

5. It is difficult to know what is inflammatory or not so if I judge the work is of such a nature then it won't get published. However, well constructed arguements can fan the flames of debate and this had long been the primary ideal of a free national press. Generally, articles filled with backbiting and little else will not be published.

6. If the submitted piece is a petty gripe try to work it into a larger sense. For example, loss of liberty because of special operations or other factors. Is the indicative of the whole area? There will be a section for the folks in the New Guard to seek advice of the Old Guard. Considering new and old are relative terms this will be open to all.

These are some basic rules. Please follow them. We hope to have some wicked stuff , but that depends on you the contributor. So take a stab at writing articles. If you don't see it in the current issue keep looking. We will post it in the future.