The Stuff

It’s here: Our 2016 Writing Contest & $100 Prize Giveaway

I am thrilled to announce the 2016 Stuff Writers Like Writing Contest & Prize Giveaway!

Like previous years, writing entries must be about writing, instructional in nature and written to writers as the foremost audience in mind. But this year we have an exciting new wrinkle: A $25 gift card drawing just for registering for more details.

Plus the more you share your "lucky URL" on your social networks—Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Pinterest—the greater your odds of winning.

So what are you waiting for? Click this link to learn more, register now and get your unique lucky URL so you can start sharing today.

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Dear Harper Lee: A Note of Thanks

On Feb. 19, 2016, Harper Lee, author of the incomparable "To Kill a Mockingbird," died. In the days following, we struggled to find the right words to express our thoughts on Lee's contribution, until we read this heartfelt letter from one of our writer pals, Cathy Higgins. Cathy has graciously allowed us to repost it here.

Dear Harper Lee,

In light of your recent passing, I thought this would be a good time to posthumously express my appreciation to you for both your literary contribution and for being an example of quiet dignity.

I am so grateful that you took the time to craft “To Kill a Mockingbird.” I first read your wonderful novel as a youth. The complexity and simplicity blended with humor to tell a tale that ...

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20 questions and a selfie: A day in the life of Jen Peake, content marketing specialist for the Poarch Band of Creek Indians

For this installment of “20 Questions and a Selfie,” we catch up with Jen Peake, content marketing specialist for the …

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Serif vs. Sans: What’s your type(face)?

Serif vs. sans-serif—the battle continues. Or does it?

Some writers prefer a comfortable, warm serif. It's what they know. It's what they love. It's nostalgic. And they like that.

Meanwhile, other writers—particularly of the younger generations—say screw that ish! San-serif is the font of Apple, Google, Reddit. Pretty much the whole damn Internet. Need we say more?

So when one of our writer pals, Rachel Marie, sent in this infographic from UbanFonts.com and told a little story to go with it, we had to share ...

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20 questions and a selfie: A day in the life of Barbara Bracht Donsky, writer of Desperately Seeking Paris and Veronica’s Grave

For this installment of “20 Questions and a Selfie,” we catch up with Barbara Bracht Donsky, writer for Desperately Seeking …

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And the #1 and #2 Social Networks Around the World Are …

"While Facebook is the most widely used social network in most countries, it’s not the biggest in every country, including China and Russia," reports MarketWatch.

Facebook is the clear global leader, but in China and Iran, where Facebook is blocked, other approved networks have emerged. Facebook is not blocked in Russia, but users there prefer V Kontakte and Odnoklossniki.

The map of the #2 networks shows a different story -- one where Instagram's popularity (Instagram is owned by Facebook) is growing fast worldwide, while their primary competitor, Twitter, retains a strong foothold in Europe.

Now compare to the same map of most popular social networks in 2009. That was before Facebook went public and back when networks like Zing, Mixi and Friendster were still popular around the world.

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