I want to participate in every aspect of this excellent forum. That being said, how do I go about becoming a contributor? I would ask what the requirements are for becoming part of the staff, but I have not seen any positions open in some time.

I'm not a staffer by any means. I became a contributor by writing a review of a kit I bought and submitted it. Once they published it I got a contributor's badge. That part's simple. I'll let the staff take care of the heavy lifting.

I submitted a photo feature, which was published. Yet, I am not considered a contributor.

Contact Jim Starkweather via email. I believe there is always a need for helpers as the current staff members generally have their hands full.

Thank you for the suggestion. Will do.

Hi Matt,

That feature was fairly recent, right? I think the "contributor" status may be a manual setting, so it could be on a staffer's to-do pile. It was ages ago when I sent in my first item, but if I recall it took a week or two to get access to the Contributors forum. But do contact Jim or Darren Baker...

Matt contributor status is awarded automatically by the system and is awarded once a review or main feature is published on the site. photo features are not included in that entitlement I am afraid. It also should be said that contributor status is only awarded on the site on which your article is published.