Sorry to take so long answering. Something else called my attention to this old article so I’m just noticing your response now.

MuddyUm gets numerous submissions, so we try to get writers on board with our standard format, but if something is bewildering just say so. We’ll help or do it for you. The thing about the format is, say if there is no kicker, we feel it should be the writer who writes it. Many editing decisions are like this: There is more than one solution so the writer should decide. It’s a process of give and take.