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Created: Feb 03, 2008

Updated: Jun 24, 2008

Membership: Open To Apply

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Created: Nov 10, 2008
Updated: Nov 18, 2008
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WiserEarth Editors Group Survey - Toward a Vibrant, Self-Sustaining Editors Community

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Q1. Please write down your WiserEarth username (required)
Answer Options Response Count

14

answered question 14

skipped question 0

 

 

Q2. When did you obtain Editor privileges?
Answer Options Response Percent Response Count
Not applicable (I don't have editor privileges yet) 16.7% 2
Less than a month ago 25.0% 3
One to three months ago 8.3% 1
Three to six months ago 0.0% 0
Six to twelve months ago 16.7% 2
More than a year ago 33.3% 4
Not sure 0.0% 0


answered question 12


skipped question 2

 

 

Q3. How active have you been in your role as an Editor?
Answer Options Response Percent Response Count
Very active (I contribute more than five hours a week) 0.0% 0
Quite active (I contribute up to five hours a week) 0.0% 0
Semi-active (I contribute occasionally) 70.0% 7
Not active (I rarely contribute) 30.0% 3


Can you share with us why? 8


answered question 10


skipped question 4

 

Number Can you share with us why?
1 Primary focus is on working in my community. Contributions to WiserEarth are an extension of that.
2 Tarvid went "election"
3 I have been extremely busy elsewhere recently, working full-time, full-time student, and the director of a student organization. As a result, outside promoting WISER EARTH within my network and updating on organizations in Montreal that I'm in touch with I really haven't been contributing very much at all.
4 i am busy in non profit work and want to use to share my all information with other friends on wiserearth
5 I'm just getting up to speed
6 I've been more active recently, but in the past I was quite busy with work obligations. Also, in the past it was less clear which tasks could really use my help, so I feel that the greater organization for editors has been inspiring and helped direct my energy. I am one of those people who really thrives off deadlines and priority setting!
7 My freelance writing career takes up most of my time online.
8 seemed like not enough interaction to keep discussions going...?

 

 

Q4. How often do you contribute to the website e.g. by editing, adding content, or making comments?
Answer Options Response Percent Response Count
Several times a day 0.0% 0
Every day 0.0% 0
Several times a week 0.0% 0
At least once a week 0.0% 0
About once or twice a month 50.0% 1
Rarely 50.0% 1


answered question 2


skipped question 12

 

 

Q5. Why did you decide to be, or would like to be, a WiserEarth editor? (Start answer with either "I decided to be a WiserEarth editor because I wanted to..." or "I would like to be a WiserEarth editor because I want to....")
Answer Options Response Count

12

answered question 12

skipped question 2

 

Number Response Text
1 I was asked to be a WiserEarth editor based on comments and support I had given to other editor's efforts.
2 I really believe in the cause
3 I became a WiserEarth Editor as part of my role as intern in the summer of 2007. I worked on adding organizations and resources at that time and so it made sense for me to be an editor. I originally volunteered to be an intern (virtual part-time intern), because I really thought having a resource where all of this information was easily available to people was both amazing and important and I really appreciated that something like it existed being an international development student.
4 use and share innovative community development ideas
5 I decided to be a WiserEarth editor because I wanted to network with others about ICT4D projects, particularly around One Laptop Per Child and other things needed to make it a success.
6 I wanted to play a greater role in the WE community
7 I'd love to be...
8 I choose to be one of WiseEarth Editors as a volunteers to contribute in my little way to solving humanity basic problems
9 I decided to be a WiserEarth editor because I wanted to help to my planet in a concrete way. I have always been a very staunch advocate of sustainable environmental practices. I read Paul Hawken's Ecology of Commerce last year. His intuitive connection of social justice and environmental groups made so much sense to me, as well as his linking of the environment and the economy. I was very excited to see WiserEarth forming, and wanted to be more than just a casual user. I wanted to actively further its growth, and help strengthen and unite the environmental movement, so that maybe some nature and diversity of species will be left in 50 years.
10 I decided to be a WiserEarth editor because I wanted to contribute creativity and ideas to help others who are seeking to solve problems.
11 I'm interested in the discussion because I want to promote 'Yes We Can' kind of thinking between networks with the potential for 'Yes We Will' kind of action.
12 I decided to be a WiserEarth editor because I firmly believe in the core process of the project. I believed my background in international education and global sustainability and 'project based collaborative learning' would well serve the missions of the organization.

 

 

Q6. I would be interested to take on the following role (select all that apply)
Answer Options Response Percent Response Count
Directory Editor (Ensuring that content in WiserEarth's directory is appropriate, accurate and up to date. Regularly add new content.) 8.3% 1
AoF Editor (Build up Areas of Focus portals and regularly add content related to an Editor's AoF) 16.7% 2
Moderator (Initiate, encourage and moderate discussions across the site) 16.7% 2
Networker (Create, grow, and manage groups around specific issues. Connect users and groups with similar focus). 50.0% 6
Support (Welcome and provide help for new users and new group admins) 16.7% 2
Outreach (Promote WiserEarth online and onlife. Grow the userbase) 50.0% 6
Regional Coordinator (Lead outreach and localization effort for a region. Build up region-specific content). 33.3% 4
Journalist (Gather interesting news and development within and about WiserEarth. Create and distribute a WiserEarth newsletter) 25.0% 3
Mediator (Help mediate user conflicts. Steering members to contribute constructively 25.0% 3
Developer (Investigate ways to make the platform more usable and useful to the community) 8.3% 1
Language Support (Translate WiserEarth's interface and key content into different languages. Facilitate cross-language communication between users) 0.0% 0
Other...(please specify) 16.7% 2


Please specify 5


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skipped question 2

 

Number Response Date Please specify
1 11/03/2008 15:15:00 Assist with the development of tutorials. Primary focus on biocultural diversith and ecoliteracy.
2 11/03/2008 15:46:00 Interested in "on the street" organizing
3 11/03/2008 16:03:00 i want to share the vulnerbale communities ideas of the development in poor world
4 11/03/2008 20:52:00 Planning integrated multi-partner programs.
5 11/18/2008 21:33:00 wiser earth university

 

 

Q7. Would you be willing to take on a leadership position of Editors with the same role?
Answer Options Response Percent Response Count
No. I just want to help out 33.3% 4
Maybe. But I need to see how things develop. 50.0% 6
Yes. I'd like to lead editors with the following role 16.7% 2


Please specify. Can be more than one, in order of preference (Directory Editor, AoF Editor, Moderator, Networker, Support, Outreach, Regional Coordinator, Journalist, Mediator, Developer, Language Support). 4


answered question 12


skipped question 2

 

Number Please specify. Can be more than one, in order of preference (Directory Editor, AoF Editor, Moderator, Networker, Support, Outreach, Regional Coordinator, Journalist, Mediator, Developer, Language Support).
1 Content Support
2 AoF Editor
3 If I did this, I have the most journalistic experience and have put out newsletters in the past. But I want to make sure I have the time to commit to such a role.
4 Journalist

 

 

Q8. What other experiences or skills that you have would you like to contribute to the WiserEarth community?
Answer Options Response Count

9

answered question 9

skipped question 5

 

Number Response Text
1 Perspective
2 Practice. I am not bad at argument but I prefer to focus on the practices which bring us together
3 I have a lot of experience in using arts based tools, photo-voice, collage, etc. for HIV and AIDS advocacy and education. I am heavily involved in this type of activism in Montreal and would be happy to share knowledge and resources on this particular subject with anyone who is interested.
4 community development environment protection innovative nadi filter promotion
5 Generalist, multiple skills, wide-ranging knowledge, to much to list here. See http://wiki.laptop.org/go/User:Mokurai
6 Not now
7 If Wiser needs any artistic or design help, advertising banners, etc., that would be an interesting and fun challenge for me.
8 All aspects of developing Collaborative Culture around shared visions
9 research skills in fleshing out areas of focus, breaking news in areas of focus, background

 

 

Q9. What do you need to be more effective as an Editor? (select all that apply)
Answer Options Must Have Necessary Nice to Have Not Necessary Response Count
Tutorials 4 5 3 0 11
More Editor-specific tools 2 4 4 2 12
Regular messages / emails to engage me from time to time on tasks and collaborations 4 6 3 0 12
List of open tasks to do, so I can choose what I can help with 3 7 1 0 11
Recognition of my contribution 2 2 6 2 12
Other 2 0 0 1 3





Please specify 3





answered question 12





skipped question 2

 

Number Please specify
1 Network visualization
2 Editor forums to discuss the open tasks, where editors of that focus can check and leave messages/priorities/advice whenever they want
3 self of engagement and shared goals, ongoing contact

 

 

Q10. What tutorials do you think are important to help you be effective as an Editor? (select all that apply)
Answer Options Response Percent Response Count
WiserEarth project's history, vision and mission. What they area and how to explain them to others. 50.0% 6
WiserEarth's features (e.g. directory of organizations, people, events, etc., group and networking, wiki editing, watchlist, HTML editing, etc.) 50.0% 6
WiserEarth's Terms of Use, Content Standards and Community Guidelines. How to manage content and community based on these. 50.0% 6
Editor-specific tools. What they are, how to find them, and how to use them. 83.3% 10
Other 0.0% 0


Please specify 0


answered question 12


skipped question 2

 

 

Q11. How often would you like to receive updates from the WiserEarth Editors Group?
Answer Options Response Percent Response Count
Once or twice a month 16.7% 2
Once a week 58.3% 7
Several times a week 16.7% 2
Every day 8.3% 1


answered question 12


skipped question 2

 

 

Q12. If the community reward you for your work a volunteer Editor, which kind of reward do you think is appropriate? (select all that apply)
Answer Options Response Percent Response Count
Send me a free, signed copy of Paul Hawken's Blessed Unrest 25.0% 3
Put the editor status beside my name or username whenever my name or username appears 50.0% 6
Confer me a certificate of service as WiserEarth editor so I can add it to my portfolio 25.0% 3
Create an Editor of the month or year recognition program 8.3% 1
Put my name or picture in a newsletter or publication 16.7% 2
Put my name or picture on WiserEarth’s homepage 25.0% 3
Put my name or picture on the editors group bulletin board 41.7% 5
A simple thanks would do. The Editor status and the work is already a reward in and of itself 41.7% 5
Other (Please specify) 16.7% 2


Please specify 2


answered question 12


skipped question 2

 

Number Please specify
1 Get some corporation to sponsor a grant
2 This isn't just about me - it's about appreciation generally, and the importance of reward even for those who claim they don't need/want it

 

Q13. What sort of requirements should WiserEarth establish for new Editors? (select all that apply)
Answer Options Response Percent Response Count
Been a WiserEarth user for three months 58.3% 7
Made at least 500 edits, 100 additions, and 25 comments 25.0% 3
Taken a short online training course that taught the basics about WiserEarth's mission, community guidelines, terms of use, Editor role, responsibilities and privileges 75.0% 9
Know a current Editor and gained a personal reference from them 41.7% 5
Other (please specify) 16.7% 2


Please specify 3


answered question 12


skipped question 2

 

Number Please specify
1 Relevant Experience
2 Personal listing, project or organization listing
3 clear assignment of resonsiblity, ownership of responsiblity, accountability

 

Q14. At present, Editor status is granted by the current six Administrators but in the future we would like the Editor community to select its own membership. Which of the following approaches would you like to see used to select new Editors?
Answer Options Response Percent Response Count
Meets minimum requirements, nominated by a current Editor, and endorsed by at least three other existing Editors 25.0% 3
Meets minimum requirements, approved by a small Editor committee (itself elected by the Editor community via democratic voting) 25.0% 3
Meets minimum requirements, any current Editor can approve a new Editor 16.7% 2
I like the current system where anyone can apply to become an Editor, no pre-requisites are necessary 25.0% 3
Other 8.3% 1


Please specify 1


answered question 12


skipped question 2

 

Number Please specify
1 The key is to embed the cultural pattern - gut feel says those who 'take to it' quickly and easily are right for the role, and those for whom it's a struggle are not. I'd set min requirements and then use a system of endorsements (possibly progressive - ie. start with limited editing rights which expand with the level of endorsement).

 

Q15. Should Editor status be conferred for a set time period (like a year), and if an Editor has been inactive for a long while (say six months) then their Editor status revoked at the end of the period?
Answer Options Response Percent Response Count
Yes 33.3% 4
Maybe 50.0% 6
No 16.7% 2


Explain your reasons here or if you have a suggestion/idea 5


answered question 12


skipped question 2

 

Number Explain your reasons here or if you have a suggestion/idea
1 Semi-annual questionnaire asking if persons still desires to be an Editor, and why they have not contributed.
2 I think that as a volunteer the time commitment you can make varies depending on what else is happening, some volunteers like me for example were very active at one time, am not active right now, and hope to be active again in the future. I don't think it hurts to let people keep editor status.
3 If there is going to be a process whereby editors apply and are accepted, then I don't think that privilege should be revoked unless they are causing problems on the site. That allows for editors to return, as I did, after a busy period. However, if they have been inactive for a long time, perhaps one of the administrators should contact them and see if they still have an interest, or if they will at a later time. Alternately, perhaps there could be a list compiled of inactive editors, and if an editor is inactive for six months/a year, they need to contact an admin to be reactivated, and demonstrate a renewed interest. But they shouldn't have to go through the entire application process again if they have already made contributions as an editor.
4 Inactive editors should be contacted at least twice by whomever approved them. Based on the feedback, then a decision should be made.
5 Absolute rules make no room for exceptional circumstances - if Editors have a 'buddy' or mutual support system in place, then inactivity would be either prevented or explained...

 

 

Q16. Would you be interested in defining further the criteria and process to select Editors?
Answer Options Response Percent Response Count
Yes. Please invite me to join future discussions. 58.3% 7
No. I will entrust it to other Editors and group members. 41.7% 5


answered question 12


skipped question 2

 

 

Q17. Do you have any other suggestions or comments relating to the role of a WiserEarth Editor, the WiserEarth Editors group, or WiserEarth in general?
Answer Options Response Count

9

answered question 9

skipped question 5

 

Number Response Text
1 Topics like 'Development' need to be broken down more finely, i.e.: FAQ's, Tutorials, etc...
2 I'd like to understand the organizational dynamics
3 yes also share editors information with all that they know the opportunity to be a better
4 Give us space to post White Papers on our chosen path to saving the world. ^_^
5 figure out how to engage the CreativeCitizen community more fully
6 It will be helpful to have regular email alerts for members, as this will help as reminder to members.
7 I very much like the transparency of the current WiserEarth, and I think one thing to avoid is a sort of top down structure in which a few people are making all the big decisions. I hope the relative democracy can be preserved through the adding of titles and responsibilities!
8 I'm keen to be connected, supportive and involved, but focussed on my own purpose - so I'll engage when and where my interest in forging 'the best' connections for change (not 'the most') coincide with Wiserearth development.
9 i haven't been active for awhile. Several reasons. Lack of clarity about what to do. Lack of sustained action (that I could determine); the site seemed to be lacking the sufficient catalyst to reach a critical mass which could move it into a more effective space

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