User:Missvain/Host guide

Welcome Teahouse Hosts! This resource serves as a "guide" for Teahouse/Hosts to help make your role as host a bit easier.

This nutshell needs major help!

Visit these pages for other resources. (Other things will have their own pages as needed)
 * How to guides
 * Wikiproject guide
 * Policies
 * What Wikipedia is Not
 * Glossary

How do I invite new users to the Teahouse?
Aside from serving new users at the Teahouse, Hosts will also invite new users to visit the Teahouse. This section will cover how you can determine what types of new users to invite, and resources where you can find those users.

Create your custom template
Here at the Teahouse we like to keep things friendly and personal. The power if invitation is a great tool in making new people feel welcome. Each host will be able to create a custom "invite" template.

>Information about templates will go here<

Create your email template
You can also email a new user, if they have their "Email this user," preference on. This makes for a more personal and intimate invitation, and can allow for you to avoid embarrassing the new user if you are concerned with edits they are making.

>>Insert demo email here<<

Where do I find new users?

 * Teahouse Database Report Everyday we have a robot that generates a list of all the users who have created a new Wikipedia account in 24 hours and since that creation, have made 10+ edits.
 * Take a look at those editors by viewing the "contribs" link. This will take you to their user contributions page which will show you all of their contributions. Just by comparing page differences you can easily view if they are making quality contributions.
 * If you decide to invite that new user, visit their talk page and drop an invite off.
 * After you drop off an invitation, return to the database report page and leave a comment in the "host notes" section of the template for that user. Let us know that you invited them and sign your comment.
 * But what if I decide not to invite that new user? If you realize that the contributor is making bad faith edits, i.e. is a vandal, is a sockpuppet, is disruptive. Then feel free to note that in the comment box. You can also take the appropriate efforts (i.e. informing admins, dropping off a polite request to stop vandalism) as needed.


 * Feedback Dashboard The Feedback Dashboard was created for new users to voice their opinions about their editing experiences. There you'll find happy, sad, and confused editors who sometimes have good intentions, some don't.
 * Visit the Feedback Dashboard and find a new user that interests you. Click on "contribs" to see what their recent contributions are.
 * If you feel they are making well intended contributions to Wikipedia, invite them to participate in the Teahouse. If the user asks a question on the Feedback Dashboard you can answer it on their talk page or direct them to the Teahouse for guidance.
 * You can email them or leave them a template on their talk page.
 * After you are done inviting them all you have to do is wait!


 * New user contributions Every time you hit refresh on this page you'll see new contributions by new users.
 * Here you can scan the contributions of new users. Find a contribution that interests you and stop by the talk page of the good faith editor.
 * Drop off a customized template or an email invite and wait and see!


 * Meetups and edit-a-thons If you're active in offline events, you might meet new editors or contributors at meetups or edit-a-thons. Let them know about the Teahouse and encourage others who are putting on events to do the same!

Reference materials
This section will cover Wikipedia policy, procedures and processes in a simple and easy to understand manner. The most common questions asked by new users relate to these subjects, and if we, as Hosts, can explain to new users these procedures and policies in easy to understand ways, then we'll be able to foster successful editors. Here you will find tips of the trade in explaining to new users important Wikipedia ways.

The Five Pillars
Wikipedia operates on five principles, the Five Pillars. The Five Pillars are great tools to use to explain to new users, why we do what we do here at Wikipedia. As dedicated Wikipedians, we even forget about them. Use the Five Pillars to inspire others, educate new users, and remind yourself that Wikipedia does have ethics.

Engaging new users at the Teahouse
We all know how time consuming assisting new (and experienced!) users can be. What can start off as a small issue can turn into article reviews and constant pinging via our talk page for help. So how can we keep new users coming back for help, without opening a can of worms, and by still developing helpful content and serving our new fellow contributors?

There is no reason to go into a detailed explanation and link to a bunch of convoluted instructions (we all know how frustrating Wikipedia policies and instructions are!). Get to the point by answering in a clear, concise, friendly way that gets to the point without Wiki-speak. Getting to the point and answering questions efficiently will allow new users to proceed with their editing quicker. Remember: they will always come back if they need more help. They'll hang out on IRC and ask more questions if they're struggling, they'll ask another question or follow up with you directly on the Q&A page or your talk page. Keep it short, sweet and friendly - and they will be back!
 * When a new user asks a question, be short and to the point.
 * If the newbie still needs help, they'll come back for it.

Engagement concerns
New users will come and go. When you realize that a new user that you've been helping has stopped editing, you can send them a friendly email to follow up with them, or drop by their talk page. Emails are more powerful; since they go directly to the new user. Perhaps they still needed more help, or life got in the way. Just by reaching out and knowing you care about their participation is really a powerful tool.
 * What if I see a new user isn't contributing anymore or has "disappeared?"

New users often seek feedback for their article creations. Instead of sending new users elsewhere, Hosts have the option of providing article feedback to requested Teahouse users. Instead of providing lengthy feedback on the Teahouse Q&A board, Hosts are encouraged to provide reviews on article talk pages or on the new users talk page. Hosts are not required to provide reviews, but those who have interest - go for it!
 * Article review requests