User:Abhigya Pandey/GSoC Edit Request Wizard Microtask 1

Process to make an Edit Request
To make an edit request for fully protected, template-protected or semi-protected pages one should use "View Source" tab of the same page and then use "Submit an edit request" link at the bottom right to submit edit request. To edit the current main page or tomorrow's main page, one should add request to the appropriate section on Main Page/Errors.If want edit request for an article be renamed or moved, Requested moves is helpful for editing. For the beginners it is recommended to use edit request wizard. The wizard guides through the process of making the edit request. For making requests on having a conflict of interest one should consider Simple conflict of interest edit request. Further for making request for complex template place the required code on the template's sandbox page this tests the request before changing the live template or alternatively one can use a tag directly by adding it manually to the relevant page's talkpage. Once there is consensus for the change and final details have been worked out then a template had to put on the talk page along with a short, clear explanation. It takes a few days of time for an edit request to be acted upon by the administrator of specific category. When requested edits are found suitable and made to a page by the administrator copyright attribution have to be provided in the edit summary. While editing a non-protected page it is necessary to add "Edit summary" which describes the details and requirement of edit request, before publishing the changes one can see the preview of the changed page and select the duration of interval till which changes will be visible.

The Hardest/Confusing Part

 * As the process for edit request is lengthy which gradually reduces the interest of new editors. While making a request it is tough to categorise all the necessary requirements to consider the request a valid. Like it must be-

Supported by reliable sources

Neutrally worded

Not controversial


 * Requesting for the suitable template is quite difficult for the first time. Going through the Template namespace and User namespace is confusing.


 * Responding to requests for mandatory copyright attribution so that edit must be appropriately attributed in the edit summary is hard to understand.


 * Achieving consensus from differentiating between presumed consensus, levels of consensus and decisions not subject to consensus of editors is somewhat confusing.


 * For making an edit request to "conflict of interest (COI) edit" is time consuming as it involves a volunteer to spend their time reviewing and doing the edit beside taking part in relatively lengthy discussions.

Changes And Solutions

 * The process of reading lengthy documents for copyright and trusted sources attribution can be reduced by developing interface in such a manner that it rejects the facts which do not belong to reliable resources, check for "Quote comes from source".
 * Unauthorised links to sources must not be accepted while making an edit request.
 * Full screen view for Editor should be enabled to maintain distraction free writing.
 * Checking spelling and auto-correct grammar functionality must be added to make Editor user friendly.
 * Suggestion for typing sentences can make the editing easier.
 * Voice typing functionality for easier thought processing can be included.
 * Supporting a dictionary on the Editor might be helpful for user to write good content.
 * Better interface for image editing can be made on Editor.
 * Facility to create our own custom shortcuts for fast editing can also be included.
 * While hovers on icon beside representing it's name working functionality could make it better understandable for new user.
 * Error should be highlighted while making any mistake with syntax or applying unfair means.

Personal experience
It was easy to find a semi-protected page with "View Source" tab from the given list in the description. Going through the multiple templates and abiding rules of trusted source for making a valid edit request is quite tedious and time taking process but the instructions for these are easily understandable. I had a good experience with Editor while using different language's accent in content. Working with coloured syntax makes editing interesting.