Categorization - Proposing Category Structures

Profile manager: Categorization Project WikiTree [send private message]

If a category structure does not currently exist in WikiTree, or you think there need to be modifications to an existing category structure, then the structure must be documented, collaborated on and approved by the community. This process takes time, but categories are highly debated topics. To some this feels like a long time for especially if you're eager to fix an existing mess, but it gives enough time for all active members to chime in, and it accounts for people who might be on vacation or away from their computer for a few days so they don't get shut out. In total, it's longer than the amount of time given for unresponsive profile managers. In many cases, the process would take longer than 2 weeks because debates may occur in G2G.

If there's a lengthy debate happening in G2G that doesn't look like it's going to be resolved within the normal timeframe, the Categorization Project leadership may be called upon to make a decision in order to allow the process to continue. This would be a last resort since collaboration is the ideal solution.

Step 1: Draft the Proposal

The easiest way to start is by creating a free-space page where you can draft the proposed category structure that you would like to see. Even though this will be a draft page, try to write as if it's an existing structure that you are describing. Try to explain to the reader of the page how they should implement the category structure. It is also beneficial to include a visual mapping of how the categories would be nested.

Please ensure that you put a notice at the top of the page (before any other content) that makes it clear to readers that the page is a draft for review. After this is completed, proceed to Step 2.

Step 2: Initial G2G Review

Now that your proposal has been fully drafted, a member can submit the proposal (and a brief background if needed) to G2G.

During the review process, all interested Projects and members will be given the chance to provide feedback on the proposed structure. This review will consist of the following topics for consideration:

1. Does the structure conform to the guidelines on General Naming?
2. Does the structure fit within, beside or cause any potential issues with an existing documented and approved structure and/or does this structure mirror a previously approved structure?
3. Does the structure have any potential overlap with other Projects?
4. Does the structure pose any possible DBE Categories Suggestions?

All modifications and/or additions to the draft proposal should be documented (if applicable or as needed). After any modifications are made, the updates should be shared back for further review.

Wait either one week after the initial G2G post was created (if no one objects or presents any modifications) or one week after the discussions on the G2G post have concluded, and then proceed to Step 3!

Step 3: Formal G2G Proposal

Once discussions within the Categorization group have settled, the Liaison who is submitting the proposal will go to G2G to make an announcement of what's been discussed, and should include the following tags at a minimum: categorization, project leaders. Make sure to use any other applicable tags, as well as the tag(s) for any Project affected, so that it grabs the attention of members who may be interested. This G2G post should be phrased as "Here's a proposal for X categories; what do you think?" and should include a link to the proposal.

After the formal proposal has been submitted to G2G, the Liaison should submit the G2G link to the Categorization Project so the task can be updated on the Trello Board, including the date that the post was made, a link to the G2G post, and a "Due Date".

During the G2G Review process, all community members may want to discuss what's being proposed, or they may not. Any modifications and/or additions to the draft proposal should be documented (if applicable or as needed). Wait either one week after the initial post was created (if no one objects or presents any major modifications {see below}) or one week after the debates on the formal G2G post have concluded, then proceed to Step 4!

Note: If a major change or modification has been made to a proposal based on G2G comments, then the proposal will need to be resubmitted to G2G. Examples of a major change would be:

• Modification to the scope of the proposal; or
• Additional categorization criteria, requirements or considerations for the structure.

Step 4: G2G Last Call

Once discussions within the Formal G2G Proposal have settled, the Liaison who is submitting the proposal will go to G2G to make an announcement of what's been discussed, and should include the following tags at a minimum: categorization, leaders. Make sure to use any other applicable tags, as well as the tag(s) for any Project affected, so that it grabs the attention of members who may be interested. This G2G post should be phrased as "Here's the finalized plan for what to do with X categories", and should include a link to the proposal.

After the post has been made, the Liaison should create two "answers" on the post:

• Yes! I agree with this structure.
• No! I do not agree with this structure (please list your concerns as a comment).

After this proposal has been submitted to G2G, the Liaison who submitted the proposal will update the task on the Vision & Collaboration To-Do List, including the date that the post was made and a link to the G2G post.

During the G2G Last Call process, all community members may want to discuss what's being proposed, or they may simply vote. Any modifications and/or additions to the draft proposal should be documented (if applicable or as needed). Wait for either one week after the initial post was created (if no one objects or presents any major modifications {see below}) or one week after the debates on the G2G Last Call post have concluded, then proceed to Step 5!

Note: If a major change or modification has been made to a proposal based on G2G comments, then the proposal will need to be resubmitted to G2G in accordance with Step 3. Examples of a major change would be:

• Modification to the scope of the proposal; or
• Additional categorization criteria, requirements or considerations for the structure.

Step 5: G2G Structure Announcement

Once the discussions or votes within the G2G Last Call post has settled, the Liaison who is submitting the proposal will go to G2G to make an official announcement on the category structure, and should include the following tags at a minimum: categorization, leaders. Make sure to use any other applicable tags, as well as the tag(s) for any Project affected, so that it grabs the attention of members who may be interested. This G2G post should be phrased as "Here's the approved rule for x categories", and should include a link to both the proposal and the G2G Last Call post.

After this Announcement has been submitted to G2G, the Liaison who submitted the proposal will update the task on the Vision & Collaboration To-Do List, including the date that the post was made and a link to the G2G post.

This post must be left up for at least 2 full days, just in case something comes up at the last minute, before the process of changing the categories begins.

If any changes need to be made to the help pages, one of the Categorization Project Leaders would make those changes once the Announcement has been made.

Condensed Workflow

Category Structure Proposal Process Click to view larger image...