About the RAM Blog

The RAM blog serves as a source of information, featuring articles written by our staff, trusted partner organizations, and members alike. The purpose of introducing a blog is to provide a member-exclusive benefit in which the content is only visible to logged-in members. Non-members are unable to access blog content. Consider the RAM blog your community resource for posting material on industry-related topics to further our collective knowledge. 

Rules & Guidelines for Posting on the Restaurant Association of Maryland Website

1. Content Relevance and Quality

• Relevance: Ensure that all posts are directly relevant to the foodservice and hospitality industry. This includes owners, managers and employees.
• Clear Purpose: Clearly define the purpose and objectives of the white paper. Ensure it addresses a specific problem or question relevant to the foodservice & hospitality audience.
• Accuracy: Provide accurate and well-researched information. Avoid spreading misinformation or unverified claims. Verify all facts, figures, and data to ensure accuracy - RAM cannot be responsible for researching and verifying the accuracy of your submissions. Submissions that are found to be inaccurate will not be posted or will be removed.
• Value: Offer insights, practical advice, industry news, or other content that adds value to members and aligns with their interests.
• Non-Promotion: Posts and information that appears and reads more like an advertisement, instead of resource information, will not be used by RAM. Posts should not be used for direct marketing or self-promotion. Avoid overt advertising of products or services.

RAM offers the “Buyers Guide” on the website for companies to promote themselves. The resource pages and blogs are for information sharing and education, not promoting your company specifically. However, a mention or link to your company for people to “learn more information” is acceptable.

2. Professionalism and Tone

• Professional Language: Use formal and respectful language appropriate for a professional audience. Avoid slang and overly casual expressions.
• Neutrality: Maintain a neutral and unbiased tone, especially when discussing controversial topics. RAM reserves the right to decline posting submissions that it finds to be controversial and not in the spirit of providing information and education.

3. Formatting and Structure

• Headings and Subheadings: Use clear headings and subheadings to organize content and enhance readability.
• Paragraphs and Lists: RAM suggests that you write in short paragraphs and use bullet points or numbered lists for easy scanning of key information.
• Visuals (optional): If desired, include relevant images, charts, or graphs, ensuring they are high quality and properly attributed.

4. Content Guidelines

• Length: Please understand that most people do not take the time to read lengthy articles online. RAM suggests that submissions are short and to the point with relevant information. In depth analysis and specific details should be deferred to the end of the article or available through contacting for more information.
• Citations: Please properly cite all sources where applicable, including data, quotes, and third-party content, using an appropriate citation style.

5. Legal and Ethical Standards

• Compliance: Where applicable, ensure content complies with legal regulations, including copyright, data protection, and any industry-specific rules.
• Disclosure: Disclose any potential conflicts of interest, sponsorships, or affiliations that may affect the content’s objectivity.

6. Submission and Approval

• Approval Process: Submission of information will be reviewed by the President & CEO and/or the Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Public Policy before approval.
• Editing: Be open to editing or revisions based on feedback from RAM’s content team. 

7. Privacy and Confidentiality

• Sensitive Information: Do not post confidential or sensitive information about individuals or organizations without proper consent.
• Data Protection: Respect privacy and data protection laws when handling and posting personal or sensitive information.

8. Technical Requirements

• File Formats: Submit content in the required file format – Microsoft WORD.
• Links: Ensure all hyperlinks are functional and relevant. Avoid linking to external sites that are not trustworthy or appropriate.

Adhering to these rules and guidelines ensures that content on RAM’s website is professional, valuable, and aligned with our standards and goals. Click here to submit an article.