This page in a nutshell: RFA Clerking is part of the RfA reform 2011 project. It contains proposals to introduce clerking to the Request for adminship process. Styled in a similar way to that of clerks in other areas (Such as the Arbitration Committee clerks), volunteers would manage incivility, keep discussion and questions on track, and generally streamline the process. Other views and solutions are more than welcome on this page's talk page. |
Clerks do not have any special powers or rights. Rather, they are simply normal volunteers who refrain from "taking sides" and instead focus on a designated set of tasks that may or may not get done otherwise. RfA can be stressful for all participants and the clerks' main aim is to reduce that stress where possible. Clerks would be responsible for promoting a basic standard of constructiveness and civility at RFA. They would also mentor and advise candidates on procedure as needed throughout the process.
Many clerk tasks are already performed occasionally by regular RfA participants. This will not change. Non-clerks will be completely free to perform any "clerk task" whatsoever. The purpose of designated clerks is simply to focus on these tasks from an unbiased perspective for the improvement of the RfA process.
Clerks have the option of 'assigning' themselves to an RfA and maintain a 24/7 watch. The purpose of this would simply be to designate that they are actively monitoring and focused on the RfA, that the candidate can go to them requesting advice or assistance on procedure, and that they're the "go-to" person if someone wants to talk to a clerk, for any reason, regarding that RfA. Clerk tasks may still be performed by clerks who are not assigned to a particular RfA. In order to maintain a 24/7 watch, up to three clerks may assign themselves to any individual RfA simply by adding their names to the talk page. Clerks are encouraged to assign themselves to an unattended RfA before signing onto one that already has a designated clerk. If no clerk has volunteered, an assignment can be requested via the noticeboard. Any clerk must remove their name from the RfA at the candidate's request. The designated clerk(s) should be listed before transclusion takes place.
During an RfA the assigned clerk(s) will have a number of duties. They will:
Note: Clerks will not normally remove or modify comments in any way. In extreme cases (e.g. blatant hate speech), they may act to redact or remove comments just like any other editor.
As closure approaches the clerks may:
Some candidates may have obvious issues that will lead to mass opposition. This can be disheartening to the candidate and, in extreme cases, has led to their retirement from the project.
Any editor in good standing can perform a non-bureaucrat closure in cases where an RfA will obviously not succeed. Clerks would be responsible for keeping an eye out for these major issues, both before transclusion and during the RfA process. If identified, they will discuss the with the candidate the likely outcome, and their options (including withdrawal). Pile-ons may take a large emotional toll on a candidate. In these instances, clerks will try to counsel them through the disappointment and try to help them maintain motivation.
(See: Example template)
Clerks will monitor for NOTNOW RfAs; clear cases will be closed and removed (transclusion should be prevented entirely, if possible). The clerks are also tasked with providing support for NOTNOW candidates, for example:
Clerks will recuse their involvement in an RFA:
Any editor in good standing who meets the basic experience requirement of 500 edits, has not been blocked for civility issues during the 6 proceeding months and who is demonstrably familiar and experienced with RfA procedure may become a clerk by nominating themselves on the clerks' noticeboard.
We are proposing a trial of the process, which will be initiated after consensus discussion with the community. The aims of the trial will be to:
A limited group of volunteers will sign up to be clerks during the trial (aiming for around 10 individuals). If no one legitimately disputes an editor's participation they will be accepted as a trainee clerk.
For each new RFA the candidate will be offered the option of using clerks. Once accepted, a message explaining the trial/process will be posted on the RFA talk page. Clerks will be encouraged to discuss the process and their actions in detail on the Clerk noticeboard.
The trial will last for 10 RFAs with the aim of covering both successful and unsuccessful candidacies. Once completed the clerking process would be paused and a community discussion will take place to decide whether to continue or not.
The task force
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This is a list of those who feel they can collaborate with each other to move this RfA reform project along. Just sign your name the normal way. No comments other than your signature are needed. Outside views are more than welcome on the various talk pages.
Coordinators?
The Coords keep the discussions tidy, on track, and on the right pages, and check for signatures and page links, and develop sub pages and templates as required, etc. They offer their own suggestions and opinions in the normal way. Italicized names are inactive or on an extended Wikibreak. Participants
Long message list for Message Delivery Bot. Includes task force and all users who have posted on the project talk pages
|
This page in a nutshell: RFA Clerking is part of the RfA reform 2011 project. It contains proposals to introduce clerking to the Request for adminship process. Styled in a similar way to that of clerks in other areas (Such as the Arbitration Committee clerks), volunteers would manage incivility, keep discussion and questions on track, and generally streamline the process. Other views and solutions are more than welcome on this page's talk page. |
Clerks do not have any special powers or rights. Rather, they are simply normal volunteers who refrain from "taking sides" and instead focus on a designated set of tasks that may or may not get done otherwise. RfA can be stressful for all participants and the clerks' main aim is to reduce that stress where possible. Clerks would be responsible for promoting a basic standard of constructiveness and civility at RFA. They would also mentor and advise candidates on procedure as needed throughout the process.
Many clerk tasks are already performed occasionally by regular RfA participants. This will not change. Non-clerks will be completely free to perform any "clerk task" whatsoever. The purpose of designated clerks is simply to focus on these tasks from an unbiased perspective for the improvement of the RfA process.
Clerks have the option of 'assigning' themselves to an RfA and maintain a 24/7 watch. The purpose of this would simply be to designate that they are actively monitoring and focused on the RfA, that the candidate can go to them requesting advice or assistance on procedure, and that they're the "go-to" person if someone wants to talk to a clerk, for any reason, regarding that RfA. Clerk tasks may still be performed by clerks who are not assigned to a particular RfA. In order to maintain a 24/7 watch, up to three clerks may assign themselves to any individual RfA simply by adding their names to the talk page. Clerks are encouraged to assign themselves to an unattended RfA before signing onto one that already has a designated clerk. If no clerk has volunteered, an assignment can be requested via the noticeboard. Any clerk must remove their name from the RfA at the candidate's request. The designated clerk(s) should be listed before transclusion takes place.
During an RfA the assigned clerk(s) will have a number of duties. They will:
Note: Clerks will not normally remove or modify comments in any way. In extreme cases (e.g. blatant hate speech), they may act to redact or remove comments just like any other editor.
As closure approaches the clerks may:
Some candidates may have obvious issues that will lead to mass opposition. This can be disheartening to the candidate and, in extreme cases, has led to their retirement from the project.
Any editor in good standing can perform a non-bureaucrat closure in cases where an RfA will obviously not succeed. Clerks would be responsible for keeping an eye out for these major issues, both before transclusion and during the RfA process. If identified, they will discuss the with the candidate the likely outcome, and their options (including withdrawal). Pile-ons may take a large emotional toll on a candidate. In these instances, clerks will try to counsel them through the disappointment and try to help them maintain motivation.
(See: Example template)
Clerks will monitor for NOTNOW RfAs; clear cases will be closed and removed (transclusion should be prevented entirely, if possible). The clerks are also tasked with providing support for NOTNOW candidates, for example:
Clerks will recuse their involvement in an RFA:
Any editor in good standing who meets the basic experience requirement of 500 edits, has not been blocked for civility issues during the 6 proceeding months and who is demonstrably familiar and experienced with RfA procedure may become a clerk by nominating themselves on the clerks' noticeboard.
We are proposing a trial of the process, which will be initiated after consensus discussion with the community. The aims of the trial will be to:
A limited group of volunteers will sign up to be clerks during the trial (aiming for around 10 individuals). If no one legitimately disputes an editor's participation they will be accepted as a trainee clerk.
For each new RFA the candidate will be offered the option of using clerks. Once accepted, a message explaining the trial/process will be posted on the RFA talk page. Clerks will be encouraged to discuss the process and their actions in detail on the Clerk noticeboard.
The trial will last for 10 RFAs with the aim of covering both successful and unsuccessful candidacies. Once completed the clerking process would be paused and a community discussion will take place to decide whether to continue or not.
The task force
| ||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
This is a list of those who feel they can collaborate with each other to move this RfA reform project along. Just sign your name the normal way. No comments other than your signature are needed. Outside views are more than welcome on the various talk pages.
Coordinators?
The Coords keep the discussions tidy, on track, and on the right pages, and check for signatures and page links, and develop sub pages and templates as required, etc. They offer their own suggestions and opinions in the normal way. Italicized names are inactive or on an extended Wikibreak. Participants
Long message list for Message Delivery Bot. Includes task force and all users who have posted on the project talk pages
|