First to come to mind are the letters to the editor, mainly because I've been told by a number of readers that it's the first place they turn. Times when letters have inadvertently been late getting posted to the web usually bring a barrage of testy e-mails, so you know they're popular.

Six pages a week, with two in the Sunday edition, provide readers a chance to get things off their chests, whether it's a response to a story we've covered or not covered, or an urge to take issue or agree with a fellow letter writer.

Although letters are subject to a certain length, editorial page editor Lee Permenter allows longer pieces on the Sunday pages. The latest feature, "As I See It," has touched on topics ranging from rowdiness in the local library to the state of the county's volunteer rescue services. If you have something to say, Lee has a place for it.

Recently, the Sunday Horizon section ran poetry submissions from readers, receiving so many that they had to be run on two Sundays.

Over the years we've also given a call for readers to send us essays on everything from why their mother or father is special, to remembering their first car, to putting down in words their reactions to 9/11.

At fredericknewspost.com, web editor Jason Brennan oversees 25 citizen bloggers as part of his duties, an ever-increasing number he hopes grows even larger. We have people from the community expounding on everything from the motorcycle business to parenting, the life of a teenager and the world of herbs.

If the written word isn't your choice for an outlet, how about photography?

Editorial administrative assistant Karen James is in charge of the monthly Frederick Scrapbook project, where readers can submit pictures based on a certain theme. Going strong since 2005, Karen said the May flowers theme seems to generate the most submissions as people show off their gardening efforts. Although there isn't room to print every photo in the paper, the entire collection is available online at our website. Additionally, each Sunday we run pet photos, a project coordinated by copy and design editor Emily Zych.

This brings us around to the latest project to encourage readers to contribute to The News-Post.

We figure the lazy days of summer would be a good time for readers to enjoy a series of short stories from writers in our community. Beginning June 7 and running through Sept. 6, we plan to run a story each week in the Sunday Horizon section. We're calling it "Summer Shorts."

Stories for Summer Shorts should be no longer than 1,200 words. They should be e-mailed to nluse@newspost.com with Summer Shorts in the subject line, or mailed to the attention of Nancy Luse, 351 Ballenger Center Drive, Frederick , MD 21703. Include your address and contact information.

Submissions will be considered through the summer, but sooner is better.

Who knows, we might be launching a future best-selling author.