Partyclique features a wide range of media: and although we cover a very broad spectrum of activity, we probably receive fewer submissions than other websites. Even so, there are some things that you can do to improve your chances of winning a contest.

While big events often trigger a lot of submissions, photos and videos of everyday carrying on are in relatively short supply. Not only do we need these day-to-day shots for our "World Clique" galleries, but we often need recent photos to accompany feature articles.

Parties and events, with their endless amounts of activity and energy, have a lot to offer the sharp-eyed photographer and in a nutshell, if it's happening in world culture, we want to see your photos and videos of it.

We generally look for photos to fill three functions. First, we depend on a steady influx of day-to-day shots for our "World Clique" galleries. In this case, the emphasis isn't so much on the quality, but on the content value and timeliness of the photo, although we'd like to have the best quality possible. Drinking shots, funny shots, college pranks, frats and sororities, weekend getaways, nights out on-the-town or just chillin' with your friends are all suitable subjects.

Second, as we have done all along, we continue to build our files of "Freak Of The Weak" photographs, which helps us fill that section, illustrate feature articles, or maybe even serve as photo essays on specific subjects. Then there's the "Man of the week" and "Model of the week" sections that we need submissions for also.

Finally, we are devoting more time to developing cover page photographs and because our cover page relates directly to something inside, we are doing more to make sure we have the ideal cover shots when they're needed.

We are also looking for quality photos and videos of house parties and underground events and three factors ultimately determine how we view a submission: the backdrop, the location, and the dynamism. Unfortunately, we see an overabundance of people-only posed shots. Partying is a culture; and by including part of the background - dorm rooms, basement walls, hallways or whatever - in a photo, you give the whole image more impact, and you have a better chance of winning.

Relatedly, we see so many shots of the same places - Mardi Gras, Spring Break, and other big events. While these are excellent places to get good photo and video coverage (after all, we do ourselves), what really catches our eyes and grabs us by the throat is a shot from a little-known place or event. A small town college or a local pub or tavern - a picture that can tell a story that the rest of the world isn't fimiliar with. But that doesn't mean that your wild event sumbissions aren't welcome-they most certainly are.

Finally, partying is a dynamic subject. And we like photos that convey energy, sex and even the battle of man versus booze. They have a better chance of winning than the standard starchy, chemical shots.

And two key rules for submission; Include your name and email address on every submission and include detailed caption information such as names of the individuals in the picture, the day, the place, and the time of the picture. Was it a Christmas party, Halloween party or house party. What were the circumstances that led to the photo. If it's a college photo, what school are you representing? If it's a bar or a nightclub, what's the name of that place and where's it located. The more information you can give us the better - YOU CAN'T TELL US TOO MUCH!!!!

And remember, just sending us your neatest pics doesn't help us much unless it gives us information that we can convey to our audience. But at the same time we also need photos that could, perhaps, stand alone without a caption. Gimmicky poses and people shots are fine if the subject is the people themselves; but if the story is about a frat initiation or a sorority sleepover, the photo should put the subjects in a distinctly college setting.

The same goes for feature material. If you're shooting a swanky dive bar that's got a soaking wet t-shirt contest, don't get all wound up and only photograph their hotties gyrating on the bars, making out on stage and sucking jager shots from each others cleavage. We want to see photographs of the bar and its contents - the customers, the bartenders - in the smoky, swanky bar. That's why the contest exists!

Creative photography is cool but try not to get too funky or artsy-craftsy. We need a variety of submissions - different angles, verticals, horizontals, twilight shots, and nighttime shots. Night photos are awesome because they add a very distinct visual variety to a set of images. Additionally, we're looking for one or two real 'screamers' for lead photos and potential covers.

And from the standpoint of submitting other material to us, we welcome anything we can get. We need both photos and videos; so if you have both, send both. Games, jokes, stories, drinks, music, event info, bitches and gripes, comments and suggestions, untapped party spots, whatever. We're always happy to hear what you have to say and we welcome your input.