What is Contextualines?

A platform of collaborative, visually rich timelines about pop culture, the people who shaped it and the events that made history. Every item cites its source, and every timeline puts each moment in the context of the story around it.

 

Why do the timelines start with the most recent items?

Because that's where curiosity starts. The names you recognize sit at the top, and each one is a doorway into the history behind it. Prefer to read it in order? Use the decade filter, or start from the beginning.

 

How do you decide what goes on a timeline?

An item has to earn its place. We ask whether a historian would still include it in twenty years, whether it changed the direction of the story, and whether there is a reliable source to back it up. Cultural turning points earn a place too: moments the public knows by name, that entered everyday language, and that changed what people expect, even while they're still making headlines.

 

Are your timelines biased?

No. We don't take sides on the events we cover. Items state what happened, when and where, with their sources, and leave the opinions to you.

 

Where does the information come from?

From original sources whenever they exist (the record label, the court filing, the museum, the people involved), and otherwise from credible publications, checked against each other. The source is named on each item's page, every item is reviewed by our team before it goes live, and if you spot something that doesn't match the record, the flag icon tells us.

 

Who can contribute?

Anyone with knowledge to share and a free account. Biographers and historians, passionate fans, pop culture enthusiasts and collectors all help build our timelines.

 

What's the difference between a Curator and a Collaborator?

Curators add items for the love of the topic. Collaborators add items too, and include a link to their own website or social channel, which shows on the item's page once it's approved.

 

What is the Beta Believer promotion?

During our first year, Collaborators get their link on every approved item for free, for as long as the item stays published. It applies to new items submitted through the Add an Item form. Links added during the promotion stay free; only links added after it ends are a paid listing. See the Promotion Terms for the details.

 

How do I add an item?

Sign up, open your dashboard and choose Add an Item. Tell us the item's name, date, place and source, write its story, and add images or a video link.

 

What happens after I submit?

Our team reviews every submission. You'll see its status in your dashboard: In Review, Needs Revision, or Approved/Live. We may edit the text so it follows our editorial standards, and you'll hear from us by email at each step.

 

Can I edit or delete my item later?

You can edit your items from your dashboard. Once an item is live it becomes part of the timeline and can't be deleted by its contributor. If you change your link, the new link goes back to review before it shows.

 

What can I upload?

Media you own, or public domain media with the source credited. Don't upload anything protected by someone else's copyright.

 

Is Contextualines free?

Yes. Exploring the timelines is free, and so is contributing as a Curator. Collaborator links are free during the Beta Believer promotion.

 

I found a mistake. How do I tell you?

Use the flag icon on the item's page, or write to us through the Contact page. Accuracy is the whole point, so we appreciate it.

 

Do you work with organizations?

Yes. ConteXtudio, our studio for organizations, creates branded timelines that tell a company's or institution's story with the same research and care as our public timelines.