[Foundation-l] User talk templates

[Cynthia Ashley-Nelson]

Very good ideas Nathan. FWIW, I've only been reading this list for about a
year and a half or so. I present a lot of welcome messages, but always
check the user's editing history first, to ascertain which one would be
appropriate. Then, if they are continuing to edit a month later, I try to
followup with another, more personal message, mention something they've
been working on or assist with any warnings or whatever, then let them know
if they have questions or need help, I'm always hanging around. If I'm able
to determine a specific focus or interest where their participation in a
WikiProject would be beneficial, I also provide a direct invitation.

Even when an editor possibly writes an autobiography and it gets deleted,
I'll say something like, "Hey, I'm sorry to hear that you're article was
deleted. I realize this must be frustrating for you. Please don't be
discouraged. I noticed that you're a (photographer, doctor, author, etc.)
were you aware that we have a team of editors that share your same
interests and work together to develop, write, and improve articles on
photography? You can find more information about the "WikiProject" here.
(provide link) More often than not, this small effort tends to turn a
discouraged new editor into one that is empowered to work to improve the
encyclopedia in areas in which he has a professional background and
knowledge. This is just one way I work to try to retain new editors. It's
actually worked very well.

Cindy



On Thu, Mar 22, 2012 at 9:40 AM, Nathan <nawrich at gmail.com> wrote:

> Let's separate the two elements of a "welcome message" - one is an actual
> welcome, a personal exchange that should be provided by a human being. The
> other is the provision of useful information, links to policies and
> guidelines and the sort of "how-to" information that anyone should have
> easy access to.
>
> I think it makes very good sense to automatically and always provide an
> easy-access guide to Wikipedia for new editors - especially if the
> registration process redirects on completion to their talkpage, rather than
> to a placeholder page. And, fwiw, I have been reading messages to this list
> for the last 5 years.
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-- 

Best regards,

Cindy Ashley-Nelson
"Yes. *Her again.*"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User:Cindamuse