CZ:Application Review Procedure: Difference between revisions

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{{constabulary}}
== General policies and procedures==
== General policies and procedures==


=== Goals of a pilot project application system ===
=== Goals of a project application system ===


We have a strong interest in making sure that participants in the ''Citizendium,'' particularly during the crucial pilot project period, be trustworthy.  Of all participants, we require:
We have a strong interest in making sure that participants in the ''Citizendium'' be trustworthy.  Of all participants, we require:


* a username that is the participant's own real name (special permission to use a pseudonym must be applied for)
* a username that is the participant's own real name (special permission to use a pseudonym must be applied for)
* a short bio
* a short bio (50 words is an absolute minimum; 100-500 words preferred)
* a working e-mail address
* a working e-mail address
* endorsement of the [http://www.citizendium.org/fundamentals.html Statement of Fundamental Policies]
* endorsement of the following: ''(1) "I agree with, or endorse, the [[CZ:Charter|Citizendium Charter]] and acknowledge that I have read the reasons for bans"; (2) "The name I have specified under 'Your full name' is in fact my own real name"; and (3) "I am at least 13 years old."''
 
In the first few weeks of the pilot project, we also required a resume or CV from Authors, as well as Web links, establishing that a person had a certain identity.  We no longer require this evidence from Authors, although of course it is still expected that people will contribute under their own real names and identities, and persons who use pseudonyms without permission may be excluded permanently from the project.  Moreover, because of their greater responsibility in the system, we still require such evidence of identity from Editors and Moderators.  Note that there are cultures whose names consist of a single name, be careful to verify whether the applicant belongs to this type culture.  Finally, if any Author ever misbehaves or there is some reasonable question raised about the person's identity, the Moderators reserves the right to make further participation contingent on the delivery of evidence of identity.
 
=== The Author application procedure ===
 
To join the ''Citizendium,'' a contributor goes through these steps (editors see below):
 
# '''E-mail via the [[Special:RequestAccount|Request Account]] page.'''  The contributor sends an e-mail with three items: (1) the person's real name; (2) a biography (50 words minimum, 100-500 words preferred) to be posted on the person's user page, containing (at a minimum) name, educational and professional highlights (i.e., just a list of degrees, main positions held, and/or important experience would do), and areas of interest; and (3) a claim to the effect that contributor endorses the ''Citizendium'' rules.
# '''Moderators create the contributor's account and password.'''  Once all three items are received, Moderators then create an account for the contributor.
# '''Moderators place the biography and a welcome message on the contributor's pages.''' Moderators add to the new author's user page the Author's bio, and the <nowiki>[[Category:CZ Authors|''Lastname, Firstname'']]</nowiki> tag (unless the person has applied for editorship; see below).  The <nowiki>{{czcategories}}</nowiki> template can also be added.  On the user talk page, Moderators place a <nowiki>{{awelcome}}</nowiki> template followed by a signature (i.e., what is produced when typing "<nowiki>~~~~</nowiki>").
# '''Moderators  send the new contributor a welcome message.'''  Finally, the Moderator welcomes the new Author to the project and points the person to the new user page.
 
=== The Editor application procedure ===
 
See [[CZ:Editor Application Review Procedure|Editor Application Review Procedure]].
 
=== The Moderator application procedure ===
 
Moderator applications are now solicited from time to time and made by the Citizendium Council.  Moderators in particular must give 100% iron-clad proof of who they are and that they have the qualifications they say they have.


In the first few weeks of the pilot project, we also required a resume or CV from authors, as well as Web links, establishing that a person had a certain identity.  We no longer require this evidence of authors, although of course it is still expected that people will contribute under their own real names and identities, and persons who use pseudonyms without permission may be excluded permanently from the project.  Moreover, because of their greater responsibility in the system, we still require such evidence of identity from editors and constables.
== Instructions for application review ==


=== The author application procedure ===
=== General policies for application review ===


To join the pilot project, a contributor goes through these steps (editors see below):
Here are some notes for personnel administrators, i.e., the people who monitor and respond to mail.


# '''Create a username.''' At the wiki, the contributor should [http://pilot.citizendium.org/wiki?title=Special:Userlogin&type=signup create a username] (that is his/her own real name) in "Firstname Lastname" form.  Examples of acceptable usernames: "John Doe"; "P. John Doe"; "John P. Doe"; "John Peter Doe".  Examples of unacceptable usernames: "JPD"; "JDoe"; "J. Doe"; "John D."  Spaces are preferred: "John Doe" not "JohnDoe".  Spaces are preferred: "John Doe" not "JohnDoe".  Names in other forms are acceptable if it is shown that a person uses that name commonly (e.g., signs much academic work "J. P. Doe").
* We have a system in place in which a work assigner sends applications to particular ModeratorsPlease find out who this person is and get on his or her list.
# '''E-mail personnel@citizendium.org.'''  The contributor then sends an e-mail to personnel@citizendium.org (preferably titled "Let me in" or "Access please") with three items: (1) the username; (2) a biography to be posted on the person's user page, containing (minimally) name, educational and professional highlights (i.e., just a list of degrees, main positions held, and/or important experience would do), and areas of interest; and (3) a claim to the effect that contributor endorses the ''Citizendium'' Statement of Fundamental Policies.
# '''We give you system permissions.''' Once all three items are received, personnel administrators then change the username's permissions.  (Users will be given a so-called "wikieditor" permissions, but this ''does not'' mean that one is a ''Citizendium'' editor.  It means ''only'' that one has read/write access to the wiki.)
# '''We start your user page for you.''' Personnel administrators add to the new author's user page (1) the author's bio, (2) a <nowiki>{{awelcome}}</nowiki> template, (3) a "signature" (i.e., what is produced when typing "<nowiki>~~~~</nowiki>", and (4) the <nowiki>[[Category:CZ Authors]]</nowiki> tag (unless the person has applied for editorship; see below).
# '''We send you a welcome message.'''  Finally, the personnel administrator welcomes the new author to the project and points the person to the new user page.


=== The editor application procedure ===
* See above for what we require of authors and editors.


The application procedure for editors is the same, except that editor candidates should ''also'' send to personnel@citizendium.org two additional items: a CV or resume attached (or linked), as well as some links to Web material that tends to support the claims made in the CV, such as conference proceedings, or a departmental home page.  Both additional requirements may be fulfilled by a CV that is hosted on an official work Web page.
* All Moderators may adjudicate Author applications.


''Note:'' it is perfectly acceptable for an editor to get started as an authorTo become an editor, then, a person ''could'' simply place links to a CV, and perhaps other supporting material, on his or her user page, and then send a link to that page to personnel@citizendium.org.
* For minors (persons under 18 years old), we should edit biographies so that they do not have so much identifying informationFor example, a state or province will suffice, and precise birthdays should also be excluded (birth years are OK). Delete any school and town information as well.


Also different are the items the personnel administrators will add to the new editor's user pageThey will use the <nowiki>{{ewelcome}}</nowiki> template and, unless the editor specifically requests otherwise, the links to online work and/or CV the editor supplied.
* Feel free to edit bios for relevanceWe don't need info about how they feel about either Wikipedia or the ''Citizendium.''


Personnel administrators may be either editors or constablesThe persons making decisions about editor applications will be editors, not constables, but any constable may "fill in" an editor's user page once a decision has been made.
* A tacit requirement for participation is reasonably good English language proficiency, as indicated by the e-mail application.  If the e-mail, bio, and/or other materials contain numerous elementary grammar and spelling errors, then we should send a gentle rejection: "Currently, the Citizendium requires a well-developed ability to write in EnglishWhile we have no problem whatsoever with non-native speakers joining the project, there is a requirement of excellent English language proficiency. You might be pleased to know that we will be launching versions of Citizendium in other languages, we hope in 2007."


=== The constable application procedure ===
:*In February, 2009, with no immediate prospect of any foreign-language versions of Citizendium being launched, Hayford Peirce rewrote the above to read: ""Currently, the Citizendium requires a well-developed ability to write in English. While we have no problem whatsoever with non-native speakers joining the project, there is a requirement of excellent English-language proficiency. We hope you'll consider us again when your writing skills in English move to a somewhat higher level. In the meantime, thanks for your interest."


Constables will be chosen in a completely different way.  All constable applications will be treated as author applications, but will be filed away for such future time as there is a need for new constables.  (There are far more constable applications than constables positions.)  The Chief Constable will, when the need arises, look through the constable applications and select from them.
* Obviously, use your best judgment!


== Instructions for personnel administrators ==
=== Moderator procedures for Author applications ===


=== General policies for personnel administrators ===
''We might want to edit the following...''


Here are some notes for personnel administrators, i.e., the people who monitor and respond to mail sent to personnel [at] citizendium.org.
NOTE: No one under 13 may be admitted.


* Let's avoid getting a backlog of applications.  If we don't have enough personnel to manage the applications, the Chief Constable should find new personnel administrators.
When you get an application, you have to decide if you need more info or if everything is present. What's everything?


* Currently we require of ''authors'': (1) a username claimed to be the author's real name; (2) a biography listing (at least) the person's education and interests and at least, say, two sentences long; (3) a claim to the effect that contributor endorses the ''Citizendium'' Statement of Fundamental Policies ("qualified" claims will not suffice).
1) Their name/username (if you're not sure, if they've included a middle name and it isn't obvious - check)


* Currently we require of ''editors'' everything we require of authors, and also a CV or resume attached (or linked), as well as some links to Web material that tends to support the claims made in the CV, such as conference proceedings, or a departmental home page. Both additional requirements may be fulfilled by a CV that is hosted on an official work Web page.
2) Their endorsement or support of the above rules (endorsement or support, not understanding, not "I've read". We'd like them to be on board, please. It seems trivial, but this is often when people start to pick their particular fights).


* All personnel administrators may adjudicate author applications.  Only personnel administrators who are also editors may adjudicate editor applications, ''unless'' a case is perfectly obvious and unproblematic.
3) A bio (see above).


* For minors (persons under 18 years old), we should edit biographies so that they do not have so much identifying information. For example, a state or province will suffice, and precise birthdays should also be excluded (birth years are OK).
4) Ok, that's the end of the sorting. Now to the wiki. Go to the wiki and log on. Then go to 'Special pages'. One of the links is '[[Special:Userlogin|Log in / sign up]]' ([http://en.citizendium.org/wiki?title=Special:Userlogin&type=signup direct link] to account creation page).


* Obviously, use your best judgment!
5) Fill in the info. Make up a password. Check the appropriate boxes. Here shows how the screens look: [[CZ:Create Account]].
 
6) Create the account; here it is showing you the details [[CZ:Create Account]]
 
7) Now go to their user page (wiki/User:Sarah Tuttle, for example). You can just go to [http://en.citizendium.org/wiki?title=Special%3ALog&type=newusers&user=&page= Special:Log/user creation log] and it should be very near the top.


=== Personnel administrator procedures for author applications ===
It should be blank. Copy over their bio. Below their bio put the <nowiki>{{awelcome}}</nowiki> template which provides useful info.  Sign it. (<nowiki>~~~~</nowiki> does that). Also add <nowiki>[[Category:CZ Authors|Tuttle, Sarah]]</nowiki> so they get listed. 


# Open an author application, received at personnel [at] citizendium.org.  If an application is not marked as for authors or editors, then we assume it is an author application unless a person is obviously well-qualified to be an editor; in that case, we (i.e., any personnel administrator) asks if the person would like to be considered for editorship as well.
8) Email them with username and password (reminding them to change it). Tada! You've just made someone's day. Have a cookie (a crucial last step).
# Check that the application is complete according to the above policies.  If not, ask for the needed information:
#* If an unsuitable username, then (a) apologize for our confusing interface (this ''really'' needs to be fixed), and (b) ask the person to create a new username of the right sort.
#* If a too-brief bio, or one lacking information about either education or interests, then ask for a more complete bio.
#* If the person has not adequately endorsed the Statement of Fundamental Policies, then ask for such an endorsement.
#* Then file the mail in the "Need more info" folder.
# If the person is providing earlier-requested information, ''do'' check for the previous e-mail in the "Need more info" folder.
# Get the person into the system:
#* Activate the username, as follows.
#** Go to [[Special:Userrights]] (it may be useful to bookmark this), and type in the username provided.
#** If the username isn't found, then look for something similar (using your browser's "find" function) on [[Special:Listusers]]. If you find something ''usable'' there, then use that.
#** In [[Special:Userrights]], select "wikieditor" from the "Available groups" box.  Note 1: currently, the permissions for ''both editors and authors'' happen to be called "wikieditor".  Note 2: if "wikieditor" appears in the "Member of" box, ''do not'' select that.  That means that the user ''already has'' read/write permissions on the wiki.  In that case, you will want to check if the person has already been welcomed by a different personnel administrator: go to [[Special:Listusers]] and click through to the person's user page.  If it's already filled in, then you can assume that a personnel admin simply forgot to transfer the e-mail to the "Authors - Yes - Done" folder.
#** Then press "Save User Groups".  Now the user has read/write permissions on the wiki.
#* Create the person's user page.
#** Go to [[Special:Listusers]] and click through to the person's user page.  It should be a red link, meaning a blank page.
#** On the user page, paste: (a) the bio supplied by the user, then (b) ---- (a line), (c) {{awelcome}} (the author welcome template), (d) --<nowiki>~~~~</nowiki> (your "signature"), and finally (e) the <nowiki>[[Category:CZ Authors]]</nowiki> tag.
#** Be sure to hit "Save page"!
#* Send the new author a welcome message.
#** Reply to the author's e-mail with a brief message of welcome and thanks for joining.  It's nice to include a link to the person's user page.  See the "Sent" folder for examples of welcome messages.
#** Finally, file the author's e-mail(s) in "Authors - Done - Yes".


=== Personnel administrator procedures for editor applications ===
=== Editorial personnel administrator procedures for editor applications ===


The procedure is virtually identical to that for authors. Here are the differences:
See [[CZ:Editor Application Review Procedure|Editor Application Review Procedure]].


* Only personnel administrators who are also editors may make decisions about the disposition of editor applications, in all but the most obvious cases.
==Additional links==
* We check (and, if necessary, request) for more pieces of information (see above).
*[[CZ:Moderator Group|Moderator Group]]
* We use <nowiki>{{ewelcome}}</nowiki> (the "editor welcome" template) rather than <nowiki>{{awelcome}}</nowiki>.
* We add both <nowiki>[[Category:CZ Editors]]</nowiki> and the category of the most appropriate workgroup, such as <nowiki>[[Category:Philosophy Editors]]</nowiki>.
* Forward to sanger [at] citizendium.org (or whoever the moderator of citizendium-editors is) the e-mail address of the new editor and ask him/her to send a list subscription invitation to the new editor.
* In the welcome message, it would be a good idea to include a link to the discipline editor category page (e.g., [[:Category:Philosophy Editors]]) and perhaps a few other pages such as the workgroup home page (e.g., [[:CZ:Biology Workgroup]]).
* Finished applications are filed in the "Editors - Yes - Done" folder, not in the authors' folder.

Latest revision as of 06:15, 23 September 2016

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General policies and procedures

Goals of a project application system

We have a strong interest in making sure that participants in the Citizendium be trustworthy. Of all participants, we require:

  • a username that is the participant's own real name (special permission to use a pseudonym must be applied for)
  • a short bio (50 words is an absolute minimum; 100-500 words preferred)
  • a working e-mail address
  • endorsement of the following: (1) "I agree with, or endorse, the Citizendium Charter and acknowledge that I have read the reasons for bans"; (2) "The name I have specified under 'Your full name' is in fact my own real name"; and (3) "I am at least 13 years old."

In the first few weeks of the pilot project, we also required a resume or CV from Authors, as well as Web links, establishing that a person had a certain identity. We no longer require this evidence from Authors, although of course it is still expected that people will contribute under their own real names and identities, and persons who use pseudonyms without permission may be excluded permanently from the project. Moreover, because of their greater responsibility in the system, we still require such evidence of identity from Editors and Moderators. Note that there are cultures whose names consist of a single name, be careful to verify whether the applicant belongs to this type culture. Finally, if any Author ever misbehaves or there is some reasonable question raised about the person's identity, the Moderators reserves the right to make further participation contingent on the delivery of evidence of identity.

The Author application procedure

To join the Citizendium, a contributor goes through these steps (editors see below):

  1. E-mail via the Request Account page. The contributor sends an e-mail with three items: (1) the person's real name; (2) a biography (50 words minimum, 100-500 words preferred) to be posted on the person's user page, containing (at a minimum) name, educational and professional highlights (i.e., just a list of degrees, main positions held, and/or important experience would do), and areas of interest; and (3) a claim to the effect that contributor endorses the Citizendium rules.
  2. Moderators create the contributor's account and password. Once all three items are received, Moderators then create an account for the contributor.
  3. Moderators place the biography and a welcome message on the contributor's pages. Moderators add to the new author's user page the Author's bio, and the [[Category:CZ Authors|''Lastname, Firstname'']] tag (unless the person has applied for editorship; see below). The {{czcategories}} template can also be added. On the user talk page, Moderators place a {{awelcome}} template followed by a signature (i.e., what is produced when typing "~~~~").
  4. Moderators send the new contributor a welcome message. Finally, the Moderator welcomes the new Author to the project and points the person to the new user page.

The Editor application procedure

See Editor Application Review Procedure.

The Moderator application procedure

Moderator applications are now solicited from time to time and made by the Citizendium Council. Moderators in particular must give 100% iron-clad proof of who they are and that they have the qualifications they say they have.

Instructions for application review

General policies for application review

Here are some notes for personnel administrators, i.e., the people who monitor and respond to mail.

  • We have a system in place in which a work assigner sends applications to particular Moderators. Please find out who this person is and get on his or her list.
  • See above for what we require of authors and editors.
  • All Moderators may adjudicate Author applications.
  • For minors (persons under 18 years old), we should edit biographies so that they do not have so much identifying information. For example, a state or province will suffice, and precise birthdays should also be excluded (birth years are OK). Delete any school and town information as well.
  • Feel free to edit bios for relevance. We don't need info about how they feel about either Wikipedia or the Citizendium.
  • A tacit requirement for participation is reasonably good English language proficiency, as indicated by the e-mail application. If the e-mail, bio, and/or other materials contain numerous elementary grammar and spelling errors, then we should send a gentle rejection: "Currently, the Citizendium requires a well-developed ability to write in English. While we have no problem whatsoever with non-native speakers joining the project, there is a requirement of excellent English language proficiency. You might be pleased to know that we will be launching versions of Citizendium in other languages, we hope in 2007."
  • In February, 2009, with no immediate prospect of any foreign-language versions of Citizendium being launched, Hayford Peirce rewrote the above to read: ""Currently, the Citizendium requires a well-developed ability to write in English. While we have no problem whatsoever with non-native speakers joining the project, there is a requirement of excellent English-language proficiency. We hope you'll consider us again when your writing skills in English move to a somewhat higher level. In the meantime, thanks for your interest."
  • Obviously, use your best judgment!

Moderator procedures for Author applications

We might want to edit the following...

NOTE: No one under 13 may be admitted.

When you get an application, you have to decide if you need more info or if everything is present. What's everything?

1) Their name/username (if you're not sure, if they've included a middle name and it isn't obvious - check)

2) Their endorsement or support of the above rules (endorsement or support, not understanding, not "I've read". We'd like them to be on board, please. It seems trivial, but this is often when people start to pick their particular fights).

3) A bio (see above).

4) Ok, that's the end of the sorting. Now to the wiki. Go to the wiki and log on. Then go to 'Special pages'. One of the links is 'Log in / sign up' (direct link to account creation page).

5) Fill in the info. Make up a password. Check the appropriate boxes. Here shows how the screens look: CZ:Create Account.

6) Create the account; here it is showing you the details CZ:Create Account

7) Now go to their user page (wiki/User:Sarah Tuttle, for example). You can just go to Special:Log/user creation log and it should be very near the top.

It should be blank. Copy over their bio. Below their bio put the {{awelcome}} template which provides useful info. Sign it. (~~~~ does that). Also add [[Category:CZ Authors|Tuttle, Sarah]] so they get listed.

8) Email them with username and password (reminding them to change it). Tada! You've just made someone's day. Have a cookie (a crucial last step).

Editorial personnel administrator procedures for editor applications

See Editor Application Review Procedure.

Additional links