Writer'sGuidelines

OBJECTIVE
The objective of Funworld magazine is to publish informative articles that provide amusement facility operators, managers, and suppliers a better understanding of their industry, its current theories and practices of profitable operation, and its role and history.
To achieve this objective, the magazine investigates and forecasts trends, profiles people and facilities, and chronicles the industry. Common topics include live entertainment, management, marketing, operations, safety, technology, and training.

AUDIENCE
Funworld readers are members of the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions and independent subscribers involved in the amusement industry. Readers include all levels of management in theme parks, local attractions, waterparks, piers, entertainment centers, educational attractions, zoos, aquariums, arcades, and other attractions that operate in a fixed location.
Eighty percent of readers carry the title of CEO, director, general manager, manager, owner, president, or vice president. They represent every aspect of operation—from food and beverage to merchandising—around the world.

GENERAL ADVICE AND BACKGROUND
To supplement their general reporting methods, Funworld writers rely heavily on interviews and contacts with members of IAAPA. All assigned writers are provided with a directory of IAAPA members that lists contacts with a brief description of each company and facility. Assigned writers are given passwords for the IAAPA web site and are encouraged to use the searchable database of members and industry articles in research.
All IAAPA members must be treated equitably in any editorial coverage. The magazine will not publish anything that, in the judgment of the editorial staff, would have an adverse effect on the amusement industry, the association, or its members. Funworld does not accept editorial that promotes any manufacturer or facility member to the detriment of another.

STYLE CONSIDERATIONS
All manuscripts will be edited to clarify points, improve readability, or conform to space limitations. In most cases, a new headline will be assigned. Should editing approach the level of a rewrite, the author will be contacted and given the opportunity to make the changes.

SUBMISSION PROCEDURES
Authors may submit complete manuscripts, although queries are preferred. Articles should range in length from 2,000 to 3,000 words depending on the subject. An editorial calendar that lists specific themes of monthly issues is available upon request. Submissions or queries should be made by e-mail (as an attached Word document) to Funworld Managing Editor.

PAYMENT
All articles are assigned at a flat rate of between $700 and $800, depending on the nature of the article. Writers will be notified of the story’s status within two weeks of submission. At this point the story will either be accepted, rejected, or returned for rewrite. Payment will be mailed within three weeks of acceptance.

RIGHTS
To ensure a clear and mutual understanding of the article focus, a brief abstract outlining the scope of the coverage should be returned with each assignment contract. Contracts are required for all assignments.

FUNWORLD purchases first-time international rights to article ideas that are pitched by the writer. In cases where the story idea is given to the writer as an assignment, the story is considered work-for-hire and all rights are retained by FUNWORLD. Specific rights for each assignment will be designated on the article contract and are negotiable.
FUNWORLD requires authors to wait three months after date of publication before pursuing reprint arrangements.

THE PROFILE
Profiles are typically 2,000 words. Profile readers are primarily looking for successful ideas for their facilities. It is also important to spend some time on the character of the facility. Profiles should give the reader a sense of who the people are that manage and work in the facility and what the flavor and theme of the attractions are. Don’t be afraid to make the writing fun when the topic is appropriate.

REPORTING
The best park profiles reflect a thorough reporting process even when the final story elaborates on only a fraction of the information a writer has collected. The following is a list of topics that may be investigated in the reporting process.
Individuality: Explore at least three unique aspects of the operation. Consider specific rides, themed areas, operating philosophy, management experiments, architectural features, history, etc.

Background: Explain the significance of the facility’s location. Detail its market, size, history and evolution, ownership structure, and length of its season.

Marketing/Advertising: Include a useful demographic profile of the facility’s location. Explore the competition. Profile the park’s advertising thrust. What are the results of these marketing efforts and ad expenditures?

Financial: Report on who owns the company and of any recent changes. What is the company’s reinvestment philosophy? Has the company ventured into other, off–site or non-amusement areas?

Park Design: Describe the park’s physical layout. How does the park’s layout influence visitor flow? What experiments have been undertaken to affect visitor flow? Describe the landscape elements (original and created topographic features, shade, water, themed zones). Report on expansion plans and possibilities for expansion.

Capital Improvements: Investigate what equipment has been purchased recently, and which departments were affected? Report on any imminent development plans. How do the new additions affect the marketing of the park? Where appropriate, include information on equipment manufacturers. (It’s not just The Lightning Racer; it’s The Lightning Racer, a Great Coasters, Inc. duel wooden racing coaster.)

Administrative Organization: How long has current management been in place? Provide an organizational diagram of the operation. How and why does this organization adhere to or differ from the industry norm?

Maintenance: Who has ride inspection authority in the state/country? Detail the elements of the park’s preventive maintenance program. Are there any special considerations for the park? How does the park recruit and train maintenance personnel?

Safety and Security: Does the park have an overall safety program? What special concerns must the park contend with in its location? Does the park employ an outside security firm? What kind of relationship has it established with local law enforcement? Have any specific arrangements been made to deter employee–related losses?

Technological Impact: How are new technologies affecting operations?

Personnel: How many permanent and seasonal employees does the park employ? How does the park recruit new employees? Give a brief overview of employee demographics. How have federal or local labor laws influenced personnel decisions?