Wikipedia:Adopt-a-user/Adoptee's Area

Getting adopted
The adoption program is open to relatively inexperienced editors who would like more detailed help and detailed support in learning about editing  Wikipedia, its policies and guidelines. Depending on the individual adopter you find, you could be given a structured program of Wikipedia training pages to work through. Alternatively, you could simply be invited to ask detailed questions about specific areas that interest you and receive structured advice back as part of a long conversational thread. Joining is easy; but it is up to you to be pro-active by following this method:

How to find an adopter: Look at our list of adopters who are actively available to take on new adoptees; the list gives information about their interests, abilities and any restrictions they may have (or if they're currently unavailable to adopt). Once you find one you like, contact them on their talk page and ask to be adopted. You should include a brief explanation of your own editing interests and your reasons for seeking adoption (e.g. understanding policies and guidelines; countering vandalism, creating a new article, etc).

If you've been adopted and you don't think your adopter is a good fit for you, just let them know and then follow this process again to get a new adopter. Adopters recognise that sometimes they aren't the best person to help you, and they won't be offended if you tell them you're looking for another adopter. Equally, don't be offended if they respond to your request for adoption if they say they don't feel they're the right person for you, or if they're too busy right now. It happens!

If you're having problems with your adopter that you feel you can't discuss with them, please leave a message on the main adopt-a-user talk page and other editors will do what they can to help you. If you have an urgent query, please place helpme on your user talk page followed by your query, or seek advice at the Teahouse which is an excellent help forum, dedicated to quickly assisting brand new users with specific questions about editing.


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What it's all about
Adoption is...
 * ...a single point of contact (mentorship), where the adopter gives guidance, answers questions and offers friendly advice and support.
 * ...for help with technical difficulties, policy interpretation and conflict management.

Adoption is not...
 * ...forever. Once experienced enough, an adoptee will be able to "graduate", though some stay in touch with their adopters for years afterwards.
 * ...for the newest of users. It's intended more for those who've been editing a while, but have limited experience, and now want to expand their involvement.
 * ...a social club. Though fun, adoption is only here to help users improve and use Wikipedia.
 * ...a shield. Adoptees remain solely responsible for their behaviour.


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Resources and Help
For a list of useful resources to help you get started on Wikipedia, see the adoptee resources page - feel free to add anything, in or out of Wikipedia, that you think other new users will find helpful.

Teahouse
For a fast answer when your adopter is not available, why not ask at the Teahouse, a friendly environment where questions are answered quickly.

Removal of the adoptee status
In case of more than 30 days of inactivity, a user's adoptee status may be removed.