Elmer:Contributors

From Elmer Social Science Resource Center

There are several ways in which users of this site can contribute to its ongoing development. The more help we get, hte better Elmer will become.

[edit] Levels of Contribution

• Creating an article. Anyone can create an article. There will however be a distinction made between edited and unedited information. Edited information refers to articles that are reviewed and maintained by PhD candidates or above. You can also have no diploma but be a very good editor so do not hesitate to contact us: the objective is to create high quality information, not exclude people based on their educational level. Such a differentiation allows us to provide high quality information online and guarantee our readers as to its quality. Any unedited article is a contribution made by our readers and is very much appreciated.

• Article Edition: PhD Candidates or above are encouraged to e-mail the editor or area editors with requests for editor level status in order to change and maintain articles on Elmer. This user level will allow editors to erase, modify, and otherwise re-arrange most information on the dictionary. A set of guidelines must first be established to maintain integrity to the whole of the project. As stated before, editor-level permissions are open to anyone who can provide high quality content to the site; not just people completing or having completed a PhD. Prospective editors can propose articles on any concept not currently listed but should also feel free to tinker with or add on to existing articles.

• Article Comments: Just because you are not an editor does not mean you cannot correct or add information to articles. A section dedicated to everyone's comments, requests, and lamentations is afforded to each article. This space allows you, the user, to help us understand what is missing, can be ameliorated, or is downright erroneous. Be sure to keep us on our toes and abreast of your interests/suggestions. Later, a ranking system will placed on articles so that you can rate the page with your fellow readers.

• How to request an editor position. When contacting us at Elmer, please indicate (a) your relevant experience (eg. your educational credentials and/or university affiliation), (b) the provisional title of the proposed article AND/OR your interest in helping us with the web site design, web authoring, translation, etc...

[edit] Types of Volunteers we are always looking for

We are always looking for people to help us develop Elmer baed on our various project goals. In general though, we always need help from people with the following skills:

• PHP and SQL UI developers - we have an immediate need for volunteers with experience writing custom code in Wiki format, PHP, XHTML, Javascript and SQL statements.

• Copy editors: Copy editors are needed to read through newly accepted articles and make the appropriate changes. Ideally, volunteers for this task should have a B.A. degree in some Humanities discipline, such as Philosophy, English, or History, and have basic copy editing skills; however, you can help even without meeting these qualifications.

• more...