± Fic Submissions // File Formats ±

± Preliminary Notes ±

This page contains instructions on how to save and/or convert a file from one file format into another format for submission to the archive. Possible examples: converting a Word Document, or WordPerfect Document into an HTML document for transfer over the Internet.

Note: These instructions are based on the program applications Microsoft Word^TM XP, and Microsoft Works^TM Word Processor Vr. 6. If you are using an older version of the programs (e.g. Microsoft Word 97 to Millenium versions), then the instructions should be similar, but there may be variations in what formats are available for saving. Microsoft Word applications older than its '97 version do not come with the ability to save in HTML format (as far as I know).

± Introduction ±

Noire Sensus accepts two file types for submitted stories: HyperText Mark-Up Language (HTML) and Plain Text. You can place these two file types inside a .zip file.

A .zip file is a WinZip or compressed file - basically, they 'squish' your file up to reduce the file size. Winzip is the most common of these compression applications, but there are others you can use.

The reason only these file types are accepted is portability. That is, these two file types can be read by any web browser regardless of what operating system (OS) your computer is running. Examples of operating systems are the Windows OS, Macintosh (Mac) OS, Unix, and Linux; and examples of web browsers are Internet Explorer, Netscape, Opera, and Mozilla. There are, of course, many other programs out there.

The reason these file types are portable is because there is very little program-specific encoding included in the file. Microsoft Word Documents can only be viewed as the original author intended them to be by a Microsoft Word application, and even then different versions interpret the file in various ways. Also, file types which contain special encoding (like the Word Document) have a higher likelyhood of being infected and carrying computer viruses.

To save your files in one of the accepted file formats, choose the file format below:

» HyperText Mark-Up Language - .html or .htm

HTML does support text styling, that is, bolding, italicising, and underlining of words. If these properties are especially important in your story, we suggest you save your story in this format for submission.

» Plain Text - .txt

Plain text does not support text styling, that is, bolding, italicising, and underlining of words. If these properties are not important in your story, we suggest you save your story in this format for submission.

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