Guidelines - 21. Contributor Improvement Program

How The CIP Works

21.1.1. The Contributor Improvement Program (shortened to CIP) is an algorithm which puts a submission limit on users who get too many 'bad' votes (for example, 'Needs Major Changes' or 'Entirely Incorrect'). The goal is to give these users impetus to improve their submissions, and at the same time protect the database from incorrect submissions. Getting on the CIP should not be seen as a negative thing in itself, or a bad mark against the user. Perhaps they just needs to brush up on the guidelines and get to grips with the submission process. However, the CIP can also be useful to spot people who are perhaps abusing the database. If it comes to light that a user has ended up on the CIP for abusive submissions or edits, further action may be taken to block them entirely from using the database. You can view the users currently on the CIP here.

21.1.2. An undisclosed algorithm, based on votes made on a users contributions to the database, automatically decides when a user will be put on the Contributor Improvement Program. Once on the CIP, the user will be limited to a total of three contributions waiting for votes at any one time. If the user has more than three contributions currently waiting for votes at the time they get put on the CIP, these will remain in the database, but they won't be able to submit any more until they are voted on. Users on the CIP are still able to edit all their current unvoted contributions. A user on the CIP needs to start making 'good' submissions, and receive votes on them ('Correct', for example), to get off the CIP. This again is an undisclosed algorithm.

Getting Off The CIP

21.2. A good plan to get off the CIP is:

• Check your past contributions and see the comments and votes placed on them. Note any mistakes made that others have commented or voted on.

• Have a good read of the submission guidelines and try to understand more about what the database is looking for regarding good quality contributions, and what you have done wrong.

• Review and try to improve any remaining submissions you have made, in order to make them correct. If this isn't possible, you can also make new contributions up the the limit of three at a time.

• Request votes in this thread in the Voting & Checking Information Forum.

Asking For Help

21.3. Please post a request for help in the Adding & Updating forum if you need help. Note that you should have tried your best to help yourself first, by reading the submission guidelines for example.

Helping Users On The CIP

21.4. Voters and other users are welcome to 'coach' users who are listed on the CIP in order to help them get their submissions straight, understand the guidelines, and get off the program. Leaving comments on a CIP users submissions, and / or PMing them may help them to make the submissions correct, and understand the database system better.

Abuse

21.5. Please PM the database manager if you suspect anyone of abusing the database or being abusive to other users. If someone is found to be acting in bad faith, they may be permanently blocked from using the database.

Appeal Being Put On The CIP

21.6. The system is automatic, however, if you feel strongly that you should not be on the CIP, please PM the database manager stating your case, and the system will be reviewed.

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