Discussion: Collaboration, Edit/Submit Changes
Posted: Mon Oct 24, 2011 7:57 pm
Recently, there has been consideration of ways to change how users can submit and edit content. Many members have expressed a frustration about pages that need updates but don't get them because the owner is inactive or unresponsive. Others have valuable information to share but not enough to make a separate page for. Nearly all who comment seem to think the Additions and Corrections feature doesn't work well because it's not highly visible and/or because people-- page owners and other users alike-- don't bother with it.
We are soliciting member feedback and want to know your opinions and ideas.
Some of the ideas so far:
* True wiki-style where anyone can add or edit (not likely to happen, but an idea some have expressed).
* A wiki-style format that allows page owners more measures of control. This would encourage more participation while still giving page creators control over the sweat they expended in the first place. Sample ideas:
1. Enabling page owners to undo revisions.
2. Enabling page owners to approve revisions.
3. Allowing owners to keep certain parts off-limits (like the Overview into which you poured some of your personality while describing the mountain).
4. Letting owners revert to prior versions.
5. Allowing owners to block problem users.
6. Blocking other users from changing the photo display (translation: avoiding wars between members trying to feature their own pictures in prominent locations).
* Adding an open section at the bottom of each beta page, between the last field and the image gallery, for edits and corrections. This would allow important updates to be more visible but allow page owners to maintain their vision of the page with minimal effort. This would probably be the easiest change to implement as well.
* Making no changes at all.
A fuller explanation of some ideas is here-- http://www.summitpost.org/collaborative-summitpost/755003.
We want to strike a balance between respecting the legwork page authors have done and encouraging contributions from others who have valuable information but feel shut out because pages are already "taken."
You are, of course, welcome to say that you prefer no changes at all. All viewpoints are welcome, and a Global PM has gone out to encourage feedback.
Members who have contributed more to the site-- and that means beta pages, not popular pictures-- will carry more weight with their remarks. That's only fair considering all they have done, for no recompense other than meaningless votes and power points, to build this site into what it is. However, that does not mean that one or two heavy contributors loudly opposed to any and all changes will necessarily carry the day. We sincerely and strongly encourage all interested members to participate in this discussion and are eager to hear new ideas in addition to those listed above.
As of posting time, there is no expiration date set for this thread; how long it stays open has a lot to do with how robust and constructive the discussion is. But at some point, it will be time to close the comments and decide what, if anything, to do.
A final note: this thread will be heavily moderated (if necessary) in order to keep it on track and not frustrate members interested and contributing to and reading the discussion.
Thank you in advance for your interest and your participation!
We are soliciting member feedback and want to know your opinions and ideas.
Some of the ideas so far:
* True wiki-style where anyone can add or edit (not likely to happen, but an idea some have expressed).
* A wiki-style format that allows page owners more measures of control. This would encourage more participation while still giving page creators control over the sweat they expended in the first place. Sample ideas:
1. Enabling page owners to undo revisions.
2. Enabling page owners to approve revisions.
3. Allowing owners to keep certain parts off-limits (like the Overview into which you poured some of your personality while describing the mountain).
4. Letting owners revert to prior versions.
5. Allowing owners to block problem users.
6. Blocking other users from changing the photo display (translation: avoiding wars between members trying to feature their own pictures in prominent locations).
* Adding an open section at the bottom of each beta page, between the last field and the image gallery, for edits and corrections. This would allow important updates to be more visible but allow page owners to maintain their vision of the page with minimal effort. This would probably be the easiest change to implement as well.
* Making no changes at all.
A fuller explanation of some ideas is here-- http://www.summitpost.org/collaborative-summitpost/755003.
We want to strike a balance between respecting the legwork page authors have done and encouraging contributions from others who have valuable information but feel shut out because pages are already "taken."
You are, of course, welcome to say that you prefer no changes at all. All viewpoints are welcome, and a Global PM has gone out to encourage feedback.
Members who have contributed more to the site-- and that means beta pages, not popular pictures-- will carry more weight with their remarks. That's only fair considering all they have done, for no recompense other than meaningless votes and power points, to build this site into what it is. However, that does not mean that one or two heavy contributors loudly opposed to any and all changes will necessarily carry the day. We sincerely and strongly encourage all interested members to participate in this discussion and are eager to hear new ideas in addition to those listed above.
As of posting time, there is no expiration date set for this thread; how long it stays open has a lot to do with how robust and constructive the discussion is. But at some point, it will be time to close the comments and decide what, if anything, to do.
A final note: this thread will be heavily moderated (if necessary) in order to keep it on track and not frustrate members interested and contributing to and reading the discussion.
Thank you in advance for your interest and your participation!