FAQ

1. General

What is ‘urban’?
‘Urban’ is a word that’s used in many different contexts, but in general it refers to something that is related to towns and cities. So, urban culture refers to the culture in towns and cities, which holds many urban subcultures.

What is ‘urban’ for Urban 2Day?
For Urban 2Day, ‘urban’ does not simply refer to urban culture in general. Here, it mostly refers to the darker and more controversial sides of urban culture in a big city, like Rotterdam in the Netherlands. It refers to those aspects of living in a big city the majority may refer to as less desirable or non-contributing to society. Even though this side of urban culture gains salience on Urban 2Day, it’s not the only side Urban 2Day focuses on; anything that goes on within urban culture today is part of Urban 2Day’s playground!

Why does Urban 2Day exist?
Urban 2Day was born out of a strong interest in today’s urban society. It was also born out of discontent, since many people often fail to notice or recognize certain aspects of urban society. Examples include homelessness, drug (ab)use and making graffiti paintings. Mostly, it is generally agreed upon that those aspects of urban society are less desirable and therefore people tend to look the other way. Urban 2Day primarily exists to make visible these ‘less desirable’ aspects of urban society – to make people aware of the stories behind these aspects. Herewith, Urban 2Day may contribute to creating a better society by enhancing understanding and respect between different subcultures. For more information, check out the ‘About’ pages!

Where is Urban 2Day located?
In Rotterdam, the Netherlands. For more information, check out the ‘About’ pages!

Are stories on Urban 2Day about others written with the cooperation of those people?
Yes, interviews and stories that required direct contact with others are all written and published in collaboration with the people they are about. If someone would like to remain unknown, for example, we respect that.

Is Urban 2Day looking for new writers and/or translators?
Yes! We can always use extra help. If you may have any interest in writing or translating for Urban 2Day, please contact us and we will see what the possibilities are.

2. Language

In what languages does Urban 2Day provide its content?
Urban 2Day provides its content in two languages: English and Dutch. As long as it remains feasible, this is not likely to change.

How can I change the language on Urban 2Day’s website?
Changing the language is easy! There are two ways to do it. The first is to simply go to www.urban2day.com for the English version or go to www.urban2day.nl for the Dutch version. The second way to change the language on Urban 2Day is to click ‘English’ or ‘Nederlands’ below ‘Languages / Taal’ on the sidebar of Urban 2Day’s website.

3. Comments

How can I display my own avatar/image, while commenting posts?
Much more fun right? To display your own image instead of that boring default image. In order to change the default images to one of your own, you can simply sign in with your Facebook, Twitter, Google, Yahoo, OpenID or Disqus after you typed your comment by clicking ‘Post as…’.

If you don’t want to log in, there is another way to display your own image while commenting. To do this, all you have to do is create a Gravatar account once on www.gravatar.com. Here you can upload an image of your liking and you can link this image to one or several e-mail addresses. Your comments on Urban 2Day or any other blog’s comment section will then display the profile image that’s linked with your e-mail address on your Gravatar account. So, if you then comment on Urban 2Day, just fill in the right e-mail address (without having to log in or anything) and you can post your comments in style!

In what language should I comment on posts? English or Dutch?
That is really up to you! Both English and Dutch are fine. However, if you’d have the possibility to answer in English instead of Dutch, English would have the preference. But if you’re not very familiar with English or you speak Dutch more fluent, please do not hesitate to comment in Dutch. No problem at all!

4. Donations

Why would I donate money to Urban 2Day?
Well, there may be different reasons why one would donate to Urban 2Day; I will present some below. Firstly, the author(s) put in a lot of their spare time to continuously present new urban stories. This is all on a voluntary basis. So, you may feel that their effort should be rewarded. Secondly, it costs money to keep the website running and to keep it looking nice and fresh. This money is paid out of the author(s)’s own pockets, so you may want to help them out a little. Or, finally, you might just really like Urban 2Day, its stories or its mission to contribute to creating a better society and think it’s a good cause.

Anyways, all donations will be happily accepted; no matter how high or low. Thanks in advance for your support!

Where will my donated money go?
Normally, it will go to the author(s) of Urban 2Day. They will use the money to maintain the website. For example, the money might be used to keep the website up and running or to improve the website visually. However, it is also likely that the money will be used to buy a drink or lunch for people that are interviewed and such – in order to acquire new stories.

In some exceptional cases, it might also be possible to donate money to one of the people Urban 2Day came in contact with. In this case, please contact one of the authors of Urban 2Day and we will see what’s possible!

How can I donate money to Urban 2Day?
There are two ways to donate money; via PayPal or Flattr. Both payment methods are safe and secure. However, Flattr is more commonly used by people who read more than one blog. Using this service requires an account. PayPal is a well-known payment method that everyone can use worldwide and an account is not required.

In order to donate money to Urban 2Day, you can click on either the PayPal or Flattr button on the sidebar of Urban 2Day’s website.

5. Contact

How can I contact the author(s) of Urban 2Day?
The easiest way is to contact us by e-mail by filling in the contact form, which you can find under the tab ‘Contact’ on the navigation bar. We will then get back to you as soon as possible! And don’t worry, we are fast responders. Another way to contact us is to leave a message on one of our social media accounts; Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

For what could I contact the author(s) of Urban 2Day?
We are happy to respond to anything you might have to say or ask! So please, don’t hesitate to contact us. We are always very happy to receive suggestions for stories, people to interview or places to go to. Suggestions or ideas to improve Urban 2Day are also very welcome. Furthermore, Urban 2Day is always looking for new people or organizations that want to contribute to the website in any way; for example, as a writer, translator, interviewee or provider of stories. The possibilities here at Urban 2Day are endless!

Can I make suggestions for ‘urban’ stories or people to interview?
Yes! We would very much appreciate any suggestions you might have! As long as the stories can be acquired in the Netherlands, it will be no problem for us in terms of travel.