CZ Talk:The Author Role

Here is an introduction to the Citizendium author role, written for people who are relatively unfamiliar with wikis and how they work. But it may be useful for wiki masters, because it also covers the Citizendium's special take on authorship.

What, exactly, do Citizendium authors do?

Authors write articles, and other content, of course. So they are the lifeblood of the project. But this is not the usual sort of authorship. They neither ask for assignments from editors, nor do editors give them to them. They just work on whatever they want to, whenever they want to--no deadlines, just expository bliss. This can be an existing article or a brand new one.

Also, our active authors--usually--act as more than just writers. They act as members of a dynamic, living community, discussing articles, debating policy, and joking around. (Don't worry; in case you are all business, joking around is not actually mandatory.) They really are citizens of a real online community.

Still, mostly authors just write.

Why become an author?

• Why unsigned articles
• Why do people contribute at all? How is it rewarding?
• Our prospects
• How do you become an active author?
• How to find more