“I’m telling Dad.”

Not today you’re not.

Today, you’re telling about Dad.

Ten stories about 10 good men are on newsprint today, as The Daily Gazette’s “My Fabulous Father” contest begins its second phase. The tales are short takes on big ways father knew best — and made impressions on sons and daughters.

Some pieces are funny, others are poignant, still others are dramatic. There’s serenity, sensation and sadness. All are worth reading, to learn lessons of patience, wisdom, love and understanding taught by men who knew the curriculum.

Here’s the back story to the contest, a sequel to last spring’s “My Marvelous Mother” exercise:

In April, the newspaper asked people to send in stories and memories about their fathers. Fifty-seven responded, and a panel of Gazette editors and writers chose 10 finalists.

Stories in this section will tell readers what fatherhood is all about. Late-night conversations, a crisis with a family pet, a walk in the woods, a stand for justice, persistence, good humor, creativity, a gentle spirit and a day at the races are all prominently featured in short subjects that appear on page D3.

It’s time to vote

Now, Gazette readers have eight days to choose a favorite story.

Starting today, people can either vote online at the Gazette’s Web site — www.dailygazette.com/father — or use the ballot that appears on page D3. Newspaper ballots must be originals; no copies will be considered.

Voters can choose only one story as their favorite and are asked to vote only once. That means one vote per e-mail address, or one newspaper ballot per person. You can’t do both. And please, include just one person’s vote on the newspaper ballot; do not put multiple votes on one ballot. The paper ballot also will be published in the Wednesday and Thursday newspapers.

Don’t try to fool us. Father knows best, and so does The Gazette’s technical crew. Hundreds of ballots were discounted from the 2007 “Romantic Resolutions” contest because people either disregarded or broke the rules.

Voting will close at noon on Tuesday, May 20. The Gazette’s “Fabulous Father” team will then compile all votes. The three most popular stories will be named winners, and will be reprinted in the newspaper on Sunday, June 15 — Father’s Day. The second time around, we hope to publish more photographs of those fabulous fathers.

Each winning writer will receive a $100 gift certificate for the Glen Sanders Mansion.

Paper ballots should be mailed to “My Fabulous Father,” in care of The Daily Gazette, P.O. Box 1090, Schenectady, NY 12301-1090, attention Jeff Wilkin.

Remember dear old Dad. And remember to vote.