Objective. Articles published in Common Ground™ magazine are aimed at informing and educating readers about issues and trends affecting community associations. They should not promote a particular company, product, or service.

Accurate and exclusive. Authors are considered the experts. Authors must be able to verify that the information in their articles is accurate. The article must be their original work that has not appeared in another publication. Proper attribution for quotes, reports, or ideas not your own is essential. Do not submit the same, or similar, articles that have been published elsewhere or that have been submitted to other publications. 

Easy to read. The editor reserves the right to cut or rewrite submitted articles and columns as necessary. Every effort will be made to provide the author with an edited version of the article prior to publication. However, the editorial staff has final say, and there may be last-minute changes for space and clarity.

These are the full-length stories that form the spine of every issue of Common Ground™. They address any topic relevant to community association governance, operations, or management including community building, finance, collections, law, legislation, regulation, maintenance, hiring, contracts and bids, rules enforcement, land use, history, and development. A good rule of thumb is: If it will help readers better understand common interest housing or run better communities, it belongs in Common Ground™.

A typical Common Ground™ cover story is about 1,800 words.

When writing a full-length article, here are a few guidelines:

Style/tone: Many of our readers are volunteer board members and other laypeople with little specialized knowledge of law, zoning, finances, engineering, etc. Articles should not be overly technical. They should be written in a light, conversational tone. Perspective and impact are important elements to include.​

Structure: Common Ground™ articles tend to be broken into three main sections, and while that structure isn't carved in stone, it is a helpful way to approach a topic. Typically, a feature article breaks down like this: 

• Section 1: Identify the issue or problem. What impact will/does it have?
• Section 2: Spell out a plan of attack. 
• Section 3: Explain how to enact or apply the plan of attack and why it is important. 

Another accessible way to address a topic is to structure an article around a series of questions. For example, the angle for a story about raising the assessment rate might proceed from "five questions to ask before you raise assessments." An article about running productive meetings could address "10 ways board meetings go wrong."

How-to information: For the most part, Common Ground™ articles are service pieces, meaning they tell our readers how to do something. Exceptions tend to be history or news features that explore an interesting aspect of community association development. Think about the information community association volunteers and professionals need to know about your topic.

Real-life examples and case studies: Whenever possible, you should use real-world examples from your own experiences to illustrate the point(s) you're trying to make. Be as specific as you can — name names of associations, if possible, and tell a little something about them (housing types, number of units, size, etc.). In fact, if you want to build an entire article around one particularly relevant case from your experience — involving an actual association confronted with the issue in question — that can be an interesting, accessible way to connect with our readers.

For example, in recent years Common Ground™ has published "case study" articles profiling a Virginia association's 11-year capital improvement project; another Virginia association's prolonged campaign to raise its assessment rate; a California association's overhaul of its lighting and electrical work; and two Arizona associations' efforts to thwart a resident who took over both boards.

Community types: Our readers include people who live in or work for many different kinds of communities, including high-rise condominiums, townhouse clusters, single-family developments, and large master-planned communities. You don't have to tailor parts of your article to each audience, but if certain aspects of the issue you're addressing vary depending on community type, it would be helpful to note that. Otherwise, try to write your article in such a way that it's relevant to the most communities.

While our feature articles are where we address entire subjects — often in sweeping detail — departments and columns generally are where we focus on smaller topics. But many of the same rules apply when it comes to style, tone, how-to information, and community types.

Your Stories: If you have something to share about the community association experience, this is your place. Share the moments that made you laugh, cry, cringe, or smile. Or, if your community has done something that's exemplary, interesting, or just plain different, tell us. Has your community volunteered for a good cause? Raised money for charity? Rebounded from a tough time? It can be a silly anecdote, a deeply held opinion, or just an offbeat observation. Send your stories, pictures, news, ideas, and opinions. Average length: 500 words. 

On the Board: Written specifically for community association board members, this department addresses leadership issues. Recent columns have dealt with leadership and management books, committees, and how to choose a management company. Average length: 500 words. 

Nuts and Bolts: This is Common Ground™'s hardware- and maintenance-oriented department, offering straightforward, hands-on advice on repairs and upkeep. Recent columns have addressed bidding out painting jobs, spring landscaping, flood-zone correction, and brick-mortar replacement. Average length: 500 words. 

Ask the Experts: This ever-popular department offers two ways to contribute. First, you can send a question about community association governance, operations, or management for one of our attorney, accountant, manager, or other experts to answer. Or, you can try your hand at answering a question. Just e-mail us to let us know you're interested in writing an expert opinion. Average length: 400 words per answer. 

Perspectives: A section where CAI members and others can share opinions about the issues and problems impacting community associations. Share your thoughts on the past, present, and future of common-interest communities. Opinion pieces will be published at CAI's discretion. Average length: 500 words.

Background: Common Ground™ profiles an interesting professional or volunteer in every issue. We are always looking for potential subjects. If you know of a good profile candidate or want to nominate yourself, please contact us. Be prepared to tell us a little something about the candidate and what makes them worthy of a profile.