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Submitting Content to Main MenuMain Menu is the popular ACB Radio technology show that is now also carried by radio information services. One of the reasons for its popularity is its grass roots approach to product reviews. Blind and visually impaired people from around the world review and demonstrate computer software, hardware and other technology. What Can Be Reviewed?Main Menu is a technology show, not just a computer show, although it is true to say that the vast majority of our reviews are about computer hardware or software. That said, if you come across an appliance, a toy, a cell phone, or any other device that you find particularly accessible, we'd love to receive a review. In terms of computer software, we welcome reviews of assistive technology, or off the shelf software focusing on its interaction with assistive technology. It is a good idea to check the Main Menu Archives to ensure that what you want to review hasn't been reviewed already. Sometimes, a product has changed so much that even though we have reviewed it, it warrants a second review. In this case, you should contact us in advance to discuss this. Once you have decided on your subject matter, contact us at mainmenu@acbradio.org to discuss what you have in mind. Not all contributions are used, so to avoid disappointment, it is a good idea to work with us right from the beginning to be sure you will produce something we can use. What Should a Review Contain?A Main Menu review should always start with a clear explanation of what it is you are reviewing and what its purpose is. It should contain clear explanations of the product's functions and what steps you are taking to cause the product to do what it is doing. You should point out, in a constructive way, the strengths as well as the weaknesses of a product. It should always conclude with a clear contact reference for the manufacturer or a vendor, preferably a web address. We always put links to products where available on the Main Menu archive page. You need to have a thorough knowledge of the product. The listeners will be frustrated if they think that you are getting to know the product as you do the review. Technical and Presentation Considerations
Uploading the ReviewOnce your review has been compiled, save it as an MP3 file. Please encode as follows:
Upload it to ftp.acbradio.org, in the incoming/acbradio folder. If you are not comfortable using FTP, we can work with you to get the file through another method, such as Dropbox. Don't forget to notify us at mainmenu@acbradio.org when the review is up there. Once it is uploaded, we will consider the review for inclusion. Not all reviews are used, but if we are unable to air your segment we will write to explain why we are not using it. It may be that we can use it with some improvements, so keep the original recording! Other ConsiderationsPlease make sure you are always aware of any legal information that affects the program or device that you are using. If you submit a demo to Main Menu to be aired using a cracked copy of the software or an illegal change or feature of the software or hardware, Main Menu will reject your segment. Please make sure you are using full legal versions of software or hardware in any on-air material. We look forward to receiving your review. It is contributions from around the world that make Main Menu what it is, and we sincerely appreciate the time people take to prepare them. Please write to us at mainmenu@acbradio.org if you have any further inquiries and remember, the Main menu staff reserve the right to reject a submission. If this happens, we will work with you to improve the quality so that we can air it on the show in the future. The Main Menu site was created by Shane Dittmar for ACB Radio. All rights reserved. |