Who are we? Who is this Appropedia community of editors?

It's us - you're a part of it if you choose. You don't have to be a scientist, engineer, anthropologist, development expert or anything else. If you are, that's great, but the important thing is to contribute where you're able. If you add information and there's something you're not sure of, add a {{fact}} tag - that asks others to check it - one of the many ways we work together.

But you don't have to even add information - maybe you can make pages look better, fix links or do other WikiGnomeW work, like that at Category:Appropedia maintenance for example.

The best places to start are:

(The contributors' homepage is under construction.)

What's in it for you? You learn as you contribute, and network with a bunch of people knowledgeable and passionate about sustainable development, and have the satisfaction of knowing that you're helping to build a resource that is being used around the world to change people's lives for the better, and create a better future for all of us.

Content to be merged

We're a widely spread and loosely connected group of people from many countries around the world, who share a passion for making the world a better place, and a belief in the importance of knowledge, and the power of collaboration. If you're a contributor of content, a financial supporter, a promoter, or otherwise share in the efforts and benefits of the Appropedia, community, be proud to call yourself an Appropedian.

Networking[edit | edit source]

If you'd like to get to know people here:

  • the best way is to look around, edit and start new pages (see #Contributing, below), and comment on talk pages and our "Village Pump". You'll get to know people by working with them, and have the satisfaction of making a difference.
  • Use our networking tools - a wiki isn't really designed for networking as it's more of a practical tool, but we have:
    • talk pages and user talk pages (go to someone's user page and click the "Discussion" tab at the top).
    • You can check out Category:Users by interest - just gives a glimpse at some of our users, but it's worth a look. If you want to check if someone is currently active, click "User contributions" link on the left, when looking at their user page or talk page.
  • Put Userboxes on your own page - this will put you in the categories mentioned above.
  • You might want to join the community discussion list, if you want to be actively involved. This and other options are at Appropedia:Discussion lists.
  • Check out the http://www.globalswadeshi.net networking site - some Appropedians are active there, and the community there is very strongly connected to and supportive of Appropedia.
  • If you have writing, admin, project management, or layout skills, you could help us with our newsletter.
  • If you have tech skills, help us improve our networking tools!

Contributing[edit | edit source]

  • Check out the tasks, and help out where your skills and interests match the sites needs. Or leave a note on the village pump explaining your skills and interests. Although this is an active site, there are many important tasks with no one working on them.

You are helping build a resource to empower people and change the world!

Community building[edit | edit source]

Tasks:

  • Make contribution easier. Use WYSIWYG as soon as it's available; perhaps try a commenting feature to make it easier for people to give input.
  • An active gathering place or places - maybe a more enjoyable and effective Appropedia:Village pump or Appropedia:Community portal.

Communication:

  • Newsletter of some kind
  • Active blog at blogs.appropedia.org
  • Frequent updates through various social media channels

Resources for understanding community building:

Community building tools:

  • Admins can edit the registration notice about entering an email: MediaWiki:Prefs-help-email (so far it has been edited to strongly encourage new users to leave an email)
  • Leave welcome messages: a good way is this text, which automatically includes a signature (so be sure you're logged in: {{subst:welcome2}})
  • Automated messages by bot (see Appropedia:Welcoming committee)

See also[edit | edit source]

Cookies help us deliver our services. By using our services, you agree to our use of cookies.