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Friday, 19 March 2010

Even if you have written an article before please read this BEFORE writing an article

By nwilliams

Hi, this is the First News Web Editor Nic speaking :)

Loads of you are writing articles in the Bored?! section – which is really good, we love reading them! Because there are lots of articles it takes ages for me to approve them.

So if you are writing an article, please follow these guidelines so that you article gets approved straight away. Thank you for reading this :)

1. The first thing to do..

Read this article about how to write Bored?! articles.

2. Titles

If you write the right title your article will get approved quicker.

Copy and paste one of these before you write your title, or write something similar:

Do this:

Read this:

Play this:

Just talk:

Can you help with this problem:

Make this:

Question of the week:

Can you solve this riddle:

Watch this:

3. Book reviews

If it is a book review please write it like this: Read this, the book title, the author's name and who it is reviewed by. For example - 'Read this: Harry Potter by J.K.Rowling. Reviewed by Nic'.

4. Your name

If you want everyone to know it was you who wrote the article then please put your username – NOT your real name – in the title. This helps me to pick the winner of the week because it is easier to see who has written all the really good articles.

Don't write your name on problem posts though.

5. Pictures

Please only upload a picture if you have draw or taken it yourself. There is a boring thing called ‘copyright’ which means that we are not allowed to upload other people’s photos. You can upload a picture of yourself read a book or playing the game if you want to.

Or if don't have one and want to add a picture you can use one of the ones below or anywhere else on our website. Just right click on it and save it to your computer.

Red question marks

Want to write an article?

This is important! Ed Balls wants to know what YOU think!

chattering teeth

Let's play a writing game!

96 Comments

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chubby (Age 11) wrote on Saturday, 9 January 2010 @ 16:37

i am bore d because because i am always getting intotrouble so all my things get taken off me
NewsWhizz (Age 12) wrote on Thursday, 14 January 2010 @ 13:25

I liked the tips
Torres (Age 13) wrote on Saturday, 16 January 2010 @ 18:10

I am just board
Cici (Age 13) wrote on Saturday, 16 January 2010 @ 20:19

Hey Nic :) BTW, You have got the date wrong on the last 2 tips. You said 2012 on this one and 2011 on the last one. Sorry, I no I'm being pedantic but I noticed that and wanted to tell you!!!
Cici (Age 13) wrote on Saturday, 16 January 2010 @ 20:24

Hi Nic Me again (hehehe). I just wanted to say that I was ill a few days ago and was reading First news to see if there was anything about the Haiti earthquake and there wasn't!! Why not? Cici
nwilliams wrote on Sunday, 17 January 2010 @ 13:23

Hi Cici, I'll answer your questions now :) 1. Because of the way our system works if I want an article to stay at the top of the page I have to put the date really far in the future. Otherwise it will just put the most recent article at the top and no-one will see the important articles. Hopefully we will get this fixed soon, but for now I just have to put the wrong date. 2. Because First News is a weekly newspaper it is written a few days before you can buy it in the shops. All our writers know which stories they want to use on a Monday. The newspaper is printed on the Tuesday and sent to the shops on a Thursday. The reason why there was nothing about Haiti this week is because it hadn't happened when the paper had gone to print! There will be something about it in next week's newspaper though and there is some articles about it on the website. Why not write another article about it and send it to us? I will put it up as soon as I can. Nic :)
Cici (Age 13) wrote on Friday, 22 January 2010 @ 21:49

Thanks Nic I've got another question: Why don't First News do a fund-raising bit next week when everyone who buys it or subscribes has 1 or 2 ponds of that money to go to Haiti? Thanks Cicix:D
krystal (Age 11) wrote on Saturday, 23 January 2010 @ 20:00

i think its great advide i will use thanks
chlber (Age 12) wrote on Saturday, 23 January 2010 @ 22:18

yeah it be really cool if first news did a fund raising but it be quite hard for some people because of the resession and the credit crunch and especialy people who are in dept i'm not saying its a bad idea because its a wonderfully brilliant idea really.
chlber (Age 12) wrote on Saturday, 23 January 2010 @ 22:22

maybe you could talk about peole who are less forunut and are living on the streets and how it was in the cold with all the snow how did they survive with all the cold freezind ICE and SNOW.:^)
Cici (Age 13) wrote on Sunday, 24 January 2010 @ 12:27

Hey Nic It's nearly my 11th birthday and I'm really excited!!! The only problem is I have to wait 24 days!!!! It's ages away!!!!! Help me calm down!!!! Cicixx :D
nwilliams wrote on Sunday, 24 January 2010 @ 13:46

Hi Cici, If you birthday is in 24 days does that mean that your star sign is Aquarius or Pisces? Or something else? You should calm yourself down by making a list of famous people who are born on your birthday. Nic :)
mobiusmad (Age 13) wrote on Tuesday, 26 January 2010 @ 14:06

I hate waiting for my birthday to come around
Cici (Age 13) wrote on Tuesday, 26 January 2010 @ 20:25

Hey Nic :). My star sign is Aquarius and I always check my predictions!! Hey, that's a good idea! Why doesn't First News have Prediction Page on the website and in the newspaper? I think that would be a good idea. Cicixxx :D
prettybm (Age 13) wrote on Thursday, 28 January 2010 @ 19:16

i love these tips but i write lots of storys of films boks and my favourite one to write or read is twilight 1,2,3,4 and i hope there is another one because i read all four of them,and i loved it so much...xxx...xxx...
Rockboy (Age 11) wrote on Saturday, 30 January 2010 @ 13:42

I have been poorlie the last week so i am not aloud to do anything (grr)i hate it being poorlie
beercan (Age 13) wrote on Sunday, 31 January 2010 @ 11:17

Thank You Nic For The Great Tips! From Berkan :D
beercan (Age 13) wrote on Sunday, 31 January 2010 @ 11:17

Thank You Nic For The Great Tips! From Berkan :D
Cici (Age 13) wrote on Sunday, 31 January 2010 @ 19:58

Hey Nic :( I'm a bit sad because I went to an audition last Saturday for a film and I didn't get the part. My friends are telling me to "get over it" but I'm still upset. Thanks Cicixx
liverdude9 (Age 11) wrote on Sunday, 31 January 2010 @ 23:31

WHAT MY STAR SIGHN 26 SEP ANYBODY KNOW?????
nwilliams wrote on Monday, 1 February 2010 @ 00:21

Hi Cici. It is ok to be sad because you didn't get the part, you must be very dissapointed. However, you shouldn't think about it too much - everything happens for a reason. The best thing you can do is learn from your experience, move on, and try your hardest next time. Good luck with your next audition. I'm sure you will get it. Nic :)
nwilliams wrote on Monday, 1 February 2010 @ 00:24

Dear Liverdude9 - your starsign is Libra. It means that you... Desire popularity Love art Are neat Are a slight perfectionist Charitable Bossy at times Like to plan ahead Pays attention to detail Nic :)
billobobxx (Age 11) wrote on Sunday, 7 February 2010 @ 09:19

wow! thats a lot of writing but i could write more than that probaly! xx
Cici (Age 13) wrote on Sunday, 7 February 2010 @ 10:33

Hey Nic:) Thank you for that. I'm having some friends over for my birthday but one of them R.S.V.P ed and then she said that she might not e able to come because she might not feel like it! What should I do? Cicixx
Cici (Age 13) wrote on Sunday, 7 February 2010 @ 10:41

Hi Nic:) I personally think that we should have more games on the website because my friend says that she gets soooooo bored because she like the two games but she wants more of them!
nwilliams wrote on Sunday, 7 February 2010 @ 15:27

Hi CiCI. 1. Do you think your friend really means that or is she saying it because she is feeling a bit jealous or wants a bit of attention? (DON'T say that to her because it might make her worse). You should tell her that you would really like her to come because she is a good friend and a lot of fun but you understand if she can't make it. You will have lots of fun whether she comes or not, and at the end of the day, she is the one who is going to miss out if she 'doesn't feel like' going to an amazing fun party. If she doesnt go, just try twice as hard to have fun without her! 2. We are trying to develop more games, but it takes a long time to do. We will keep you posted! Nic :)
coolkid186 (Age 12) wrote on Sunday, 7 February 2010 @ 17:11

i realy think we should have more games on the website and we should have a film recomendation place on the web and paper
coolkid186 (Age 12) wrote on Sunday, 7 February 2010 @ 17:14

:-) :-) :-)
newsgirl1 (Age 12) wrote on Tuesday, 9 February 2010 @ 19:59

on the website plese can we have more games
tsmith9xn (Age 11) wrote on Tuesday, 9 February 2010 @ 20:38

hi your a idot
tsmith9xn (Age 11) wrote on Tuesday, 9 February 2010 @ 20:39

hhhhhhhhhhhhhiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii hi
Cici (Age 13) wrote on Wednesday, 10 February 2010 @ 21:04

Hey Nic :) Thanks. She said that it was because she "might not feel like it on the day and she'd let me know the Monday before my birthday". I'm so upset now! Cicixx
nwilliams wrote on Wednesday, 10 February 2010 @ 21:08

Hi Cici, It is your friend that has the problem -not you. If she doesn't want to come then you are better off anyway because she would have spoilt it. If you are really upset you can phone or email Childline and an advisor will be able to give you really good advice. Nic :)
beercan (Age 13) wrote on Thursday, 11 February 2010 @ 19:08

I Still Look Back At These Great Tips Berkan :D
Cici (Age 13) wrote on Friday, 12 February 2010 @ 16:02

Hey Nic :) Thank you so much. She is probably going to come but I have invited another friend just in case! Cicixx
Bobbin (Age 12) wrote on Friday, 12 February 2010 @ 19:01

This is a uselful website...
nkb2001 (Age 11) wrote on Wednesday, 17 February 2010 @ 16:54

When i get bored sometimes i just sit and read a book! Also when i am upset i read a story. It really gives me something to do and it cheers me up:);) Natasha
coolpuffle (Age 11) wrote on Friday, 19 February 2010 @ 20:57

Hello everyone! This is First News No.1 Fan Speaking! When I get bored, I just go on my computer and surf the web!
Bonkers (Age 9) wrote on Sunday, 21 February 2010 @ 13:34

I am a bit bored.
Bonkers (Age 9) wrote on Sunday, 21 February 2010 @ 13:34

I am a bit bored.
kayia (Age 10) wrote on Monday, 22 February 2010 @ 18:30

If your bored try playing monopoly its my favourite game i hope you enjoy it as well as i do!Love kayia.
PostmanRat (Age 11) wrote on Tuesday, 23 February 2010 @ 16:02

i dont know how to play it :] :].
missa (Age 13) wrote on Sunday, 28 February 2010 @ 09:12

hi nic :)It's handy if you have a brother or sister to play with - you can play tons of games (unless they are reeeally annoying)Do you have any brothers or sisters? Missa xxx :c)
Mirri04 (Age 13) wrote on Sunday, 28 February 2010 @ 10:14

Hello Nic,I'm a new member,my birthday's this Thursday!My mum keeps hinting about my presents,it gets me so impatient!!!
nwilliams wrote on Sunday, 28 February 2010 @ 11:56

Hi Missa. Yes, I have two brothers and a sister. I am the eldest. Are you the oldest, the youngest or the middle child? The best thing about having brothers and sisters is that you can never be bored, and if you want to have a party you already have lots of guests there! Nic :)
nwilliams wrote on Sunday, 28 February 2010 @ 11:58

Hi Mirri04. I love birthdays! I hope you get lots of lovely presents and have a good day. My birthday is in August so I have a long, long time to wait :(. If it is your birthday on Thursday that must mean that you are a Pisces? It is my cat's birthday on March 3rd.
Mirri04 (Age 13) wrote on Sunday, 28 February 2010 @ 12:38

Hi Nic, I know Pisces is a star sign,but what does it mean???
nwilliams wrote on Sunday, 28 February 2010 @ 14:42

Every month of the year has a star sign attached to it. You are a Pisces so you are imaginative, sensitive, kind, compassionate, a bit of a dreamer, gentle and easily lead - which means that sometimes other people get you into trouble! :)
missa (Age 13) wrote on Monday, 1 March 2010 @ 17:51

Hib Nic : ) Yeah they could count as extra guests! Hey, I just found out which secondary school i'm going to! I'm very happy! Also, a couple of minutes ago I was raising money 4 a cancer charity (CLIC sergant) because my sister has it :( But it is O.K! Oh, and I am the eldest sister too! Missa :)
Mirri04 (Age 13) wrote on Monday, 1 March 2010 @ 20:09

That does not sound like me at all!!!
nwilliams wrote on Tuesday, 2 March 2010 @ 12:04

Hi Missa. I am glad that you got the secondary school of your choice. You'll have a lot of fun in secondary school! I hope your sister is ok - well done for raising some money. Why not write an article about it in our Bored?! section to raise some awareness? Being the eldest sister is sometimes hard work - but it means that you are more mature and responsible. I have the best job (working for First News!) out of all my brothers and sister because being the oldest makes you more independent and hard working. Nic :)
nwilliams wrote on Tuesday, 2 March 2010 @ 12:05

Hi Mirri04. Oh dear :( How would you describe yourself? I am a Leo which means that I am generous, fun but bossy! I think that is right. Nic :)
indiepops (Age 11) wrote on Wednesday, 3 March 2010 @ 18:43

Hi, i was wondering how you write the artical?? But i am always bored! This website rocks! I can see why LOADS of people have an acount.
Mirri04 (Age 13) wrote on Friday, 5 March 2010 @ 12:40

I would desribe myself as very clever,hot-tempered,imaginative,and VERY insocialable!!!!
eric (Age 11) wrote on Sunday, 7 March 2010 @ 09:45

i'm bored HELPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
stargirl (Age 14) wrote on Monday, 22 March 2010 @ 12:18

WOW,some of you get bored really easilly! If you are bored why don't you just draw a picture, write a short storie, play a game like Monopoly? (MY brother is always making me play this when he's bored!) Hope this helps!!
mustang (Age 11) wrote on Wednesday, 7 April 2010 @ 18:07

Can I write a article on about cars Nic??
nwilliams wrote on Thursday, 8 April 2010 @ 10:34

Hi Mustang, You can write an article about whatever you like. Nic :)
Henry2 (Age 11) wrote on Thursday, 8 April 2010 @ 12:16

nwilliams, how will i get more and more people to read my articles? P.S thanks for the AMAZING prize! henry
Henry2 (Age 11) wrote on Thursday, 8 April 2010 @ 12:24

I wrote an article on James Bulger and my School, why hav they not yet come through
Henry2 (Age 11) wrote on Thursday, 8 April 2010 @ 12:26

Is there a winner of the week every week or just somtimes cuz it dosent say on the website. If there is a winner of the week every week then can you please but it on the website Henry xx First News fan
Henry2 (Age 11) wrote on Thursday, 8 April 2010 @ 12:31

How do I become a News Crew Reporter. I really want to interview someone or write about an event how do I. PLease Tell me I have done everything and even wrote First News a letter for the request. I would like to soooooo much. Henry
nwilliams wrote on Thursday, 8 April 2010 @ 13:33

Hello Henry. One trick people use to get people to read their articles is put a number in the title. Eg. 5 amazing books you have to read. Use the word 'you' in the title then people will think you are talking to them. Make the title active eg. so you are telling people to do something. For example, say Read this, Do this, Make this. Make people think that they will miss out if they don't read your article eg. 10 books you have to read before you die. Or 5 places you need to visit this easter. Hope that helps! Nic :)
nwilliams wrote on Thursday, 8 April 2010 @ 13:50

Hello Henry. If you click on 'my account' at the top of the page you will see a list of articles you have written and it will tell you why your articles have been rejected. Nic )
nwilliams wrote on Thursday, 8 April 2010 @ 14:19

Hi Henry, We do not have a winner of the week every week. We were going too but not enough people were writing articles or following all the rules, so we stopped. Do you think we should do one every week again? Nic :)
nwilliams wrote on Thursday, 8 April 2010 @ 14:20

Hello Henry. If you email me (my email is on the contacts page) and send me your parents email address too so that I can check with them, I will see if we can make you a reporter. Nic :)
mustang (Age 11) wrote on Tuesday, 13 April 2010 @ 18:32

Thanks Nic!
earthsaver (Age 14) wrote on Friday, 16 April 2010 @ 17:41

If you have or plan on getting an ipod touch please take the time to read my article. You can find it on one of the later pages.
IzChocStar (Age 13) wrote on Sunday, 18 April 2010 @ 09:43

Awesome :)
gkost (Age 14) wrote on Tuesday, 20 April 2010 @ 16:48

Guess what? I'm writing from greece!I would really like to know a little bit more about how english schools work. my mum is English and my dad is greek. Can you answer my questions please?
bushbaby (Age 13) wrote on Tuesday, 20 April 2010 @ 20:49

hi Nic you mentioned the contacts page but I can't seem to find it how do I get there? bushbaby.
gkost (Age 14) wrote on Wednesday, 21 April 2010 @ 12:48

Can you please tell me how quick you answer questions?
nwilliams wrote on Wednesday, 21 April 2010 @ 12:54

Hi gkost. It depends a lot of how busy we are (Tuesdays are deadline day so you probably won't get a quick answer then), where abouts you asked the question if you asked the question in the 'ask Nic a question' article, you'll get a quicker reply, and what the question was. We also only work Mon-Fri, 9-5 so if you ask a question at 6pm on a Friday it won't get answered until Monday. Nic :)
nwilliams wrote on Wednesday, 21 April 2010 @ 13:32

Hi bushbaby. Look down at the very bootm. It should say, about us, advertise and then under that, contact. Click contact and you'll have our email addresses. Nic :)
bushbaby (Age 13) wrote on Wednesday, 21 April 2010 @ 16:32

thank you i have found it now bushbaby
Cici (Age 13) wrote on Thursday, 29 April 2010 @ 21:09

Hey Nic, I haven't written on here for ages. The last comment I wrote was about my birthday party, which in the end went really well. I am watching the third Election Debate. At the moment, I am reading the second Harry Potter. I will read the third one and start the fourth one, but I probably won't finish it. I can't seem to read the whole of long books like that. Can anybody help me to do it? Cici xxx
nwilliams wrote on Friday, 30 April 2010 @ 08:21

Hi Cici. The trick is to set yourself targets eg. read 10 pages a day, then slowly increase the amount. Another thing you can do is get the book on audio tape and listen to it as you read. I hope you enjoy the Harry Potter books, I really liked them. Nic :)
meggy1705 (Age 14) wrote on Friday, 30 April 2010 @ 18:33

im board cose its raining i realy want to get my pic in first news
nwilliams wrote on Monday, 3 May 2010 @ 09:47

Hi meggy1705. At the very bottom of this website there is a thing saying 'contact'. Go on there, get our emails and send us a letter with an idea of how you can be in the paper. This goes for everyone - no just meggy1705! Nic :)
moshey1211 (Age 11) wrote on Tuesday, 18 May 2010 @ 20:10

i'm bored cose i've just finished the book i was reading called "Saesons of Secrets" and it was really good but i can't read it any more cose i finished it:( moshey1211
chloexxx (Age 13) wrote on Sunday, 23 May 2010 @ 11:08

i was sun bathing the outher day ehen a bird came and did a poo on my belly i was so angery
ijw (Age 14) wrote on Monday, 24 May 2010 @ 16:44

Hi Nic, You see if you have entered a competition how do you find out if you or someone else have won????!!! PS poor you Chloe that dosnt sound very pleasent!
bobbie1999 (Age 12) wrote on Friday, 28 May 2010 @ 22:03

i love u
Reporter77 (Age 11) wrote on Saturday, 29 May 2010 @ 18:01

Hey ijw that was the same question as me!!! Chloe where were you when the bird did a poo on your belly? Was it in a public place?
ijw (Age 14) wrote on Monday, 31 May 2010 @ 17:41

Heya reporter77 did u get an answer?? cause she hasnt replied yet :( and i would really like to find out!!
badhabit (Age 14) wrote on Thursday, 3 June 2010 @ 17:21

my heart goes out to the familys of the lake disctict shooting masacare vitams it so tracic
sooty122 (Age 12) wrote on Thursday, 10 June 2010 @ 07:56

im just bored all the time
Girl100 (Age 10) wrote on Sunday, 13 June 2010 @ 15:28

I do not understand about first Tv. Can you explain it to me?
nibbles (Age 13) wrote on Tuesday, 15 June 2010 @ 09:08

no idea what first tv is. i dont have channels, can i still watch it?
bell (Age 8) wrote on Friday, 18 June 2010 @ 19:48

wheres firs holdded
quizy100 (Age 14) wrote on Tuesday, 29 June 2010 @ 18:45

I AM BORED !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Munchy (Age 13) wrote on Friday, 2 July 2010 @ 16:54

i am officially the bordest person EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Munchy (Age 13) wrote on Friday, 2 July 2010 @ 16:56

i am oficially the bordest person EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
gemini (Age 12) wrote on Tuesday, 6 July 2010 @ 15:52

hey Nick)I love first news, I think its a great idea to get children actually reading a news paper!(hehe.My school gets your news paper every month(we have a big collection!) and its like our eyes are glued to the paper! Please put this on the message bored:-).Gemini-aged 11.
redhorse10 (Age 14) wrote on Monday, 27 September 2010 @ 17:23

Hey Nic, how are you?
nwilliams wrote on Tuesday, 28 September 2010 @ 16:05

Hey redhorse10. I am ok thank you. Very busy this week though!