It’s been some time since COASTER-net held its last contest, so it’s about time we started another, and this time we’re bringing you something all new to try. This contest will not only test your writing skills, but also your knowledge and research abilities.

Most of you have likely flipped through our Ride and Park Galleries from time to time, reading up on the history of your favorite or local park, checking out the coasters at your next destination, or just gaining some knowledge from the extensive research put together. Well, now you have a chance to write an article for us in our Gallery Article Contest! We’ll start off by giving you a chance to write a Ride Gallery article, followed up by a Park Gallery article.

In the first part, you’ll have one week to write a Ride Gallery article for the blue fire Megacoaster at Europa Park. Standard articles include information on the rides history, themeing, location, and a detailed and descriptive written POV of the ride, along with any other bit of information you can find on the ride. You’ll be judged not only on your inclusion of these sections in the most accurate detail possible, but also on your writing style.

For the second part, we up the ante to the even more detailed Park Gallery, where we want you to research one of Europe’s most popular parks, PortAventura. Because of the scope of the Park Gallery articles, you'll have two weeks to research and write your articles; again, include as much detail about the park's past and present as possible--from rides, to themes, to unique details.

Flip through some of our current articles to get an idea of the kinds of information that gets included and the general writing style. You can sign up for either or both, with the winner of each getting their winning article posted in our galleries…and anyone who makes an impression may earn themselves an interview to write with us in the future!

Signups begin immediately and will end next Saturday, June 2nd, 2012 at 11:59 PM. You may sign up for either or both contests, with the Ride Gallery portion running June 2 – 9, and the Park Gallery June 9 – 23. Best of luck to all!