Contribute - Revision history

TerryMoses: Maintenance: add DEFAULTSORT so the page files under surname

2026-06-03T14:33:24Z

Maintenance: add DEFAULTSORT so the page files under surname

← Older revision		Revision as of 14:33, 3 June 2026
Line 53:		Line 53:
	We read everything that comes in. We cannot promise to use everything. Some tips do not check out. Some accounts cannot be sourced to the standard a public page needs. When we can use what you send, we will, and the page will be more accurate because of it. That is the whole point of the project. The record is only as good as the people willing to correct it.		We read everything that comes in. We cannot promise to use everything. Some tips do not check out. Some accounts cannot be sourced to the standard a public page needs. When we can use what you send, we will, and the page will be more accurate because of it. That is the whole point of the project. The record is only as good as the people willing to correct it.

			{{DEFAULTSORT:Contribute}}
	[[Category:Prisonpedia]]		[[Category:Prisonpedia]]
	[[Category:Help]]		[[Category:Help]]

Orderly: Rewrite for clarity and neutral tone; preserve contact + account links

2026-06-03T14:33:17Z

Rewrite for clarity and neutral tone; preserve contact + account links

Show changes

Orderly: Humanization pass: prose rewrite for readability

2026-04-23T17:16:42Z

Humanization pass: prose rewrite for readability

Warden: Added MetaDescription template

2025-12-11T15:17:44Z

Added MetaDescription template

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:17, 11 December 2025
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			{{MetaDescription\|Comprehensive guide to Contribute. Learn about federal prison procedures, rights, and processes on Prisonpedia.}}
	Prisonpedia exists to provide accurate, comprehensive, and accessible information about the American criminal justice system, particularly for those navigating it firsthand.		Prisonpedia exists to provide accurate, comprehensive, and accessible information about the American criminal justice system, particularly for those navigating it firsthand.

Warden: Added See Also

2025-12-11T15:16:53Z

Added See Also

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:16, 11 December 2025
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	\|locale=en_US		\|locale=en_US
	}}		}}

			== See Also ==
			* [[Support_Our_Mission\|Support Our Mission]]
			* [[Prison_Consultants\|Prison Consultants]]

Warden: Updated to reflect open registration while maintaining quality standards

2025-12-08T19:55:22Z

Updated to reflect open registration while maintaining quality standards

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:55, 8 December 2025
Line 1:		Line 1:
	Prisonpedia exists to provide accurate, comprehensive, and accessible information about the American criminal justice system, particularly for those navigating it firsthand.		Prisonpedia exists to provide accurate, comprehensive, and accessible information about the American criminal justice system, particularly for those navigating it firsthand.

	Launched in March 2024, we are building a knowledge base for the justice-impacted, by the justice-impacted: created by individuals with direct experience in the criminal justice system, legal professionals who work within it, families who have supported loved ones through it, and subject matter experts committed to demystifying its complexities.		Launched in March 2024, we are building a knowledge base for the justice-impacted, by the justice-impacted: created by individuals with direct experience in the criminal justice system, legal professionals who work within it, families who have supported loved ones through it, and subject matter experts committed to demystifying its complexities.
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	As a young project still in its early stages, we are acutely aware that our credibility depends entirely on the quality and accuracy of our content. The information we provide has real-world consequences for real people making critical decisions. A poorly researched article about prison medical care could lead someone to make uninformed choices about their health. Inaccurate information about sentencing guidelines could give false hope or unnecessary anxiety. Unverified claims about prison conditions could mislead families trying to support their loved ones.		As a young project still in its early stages, we are acutely aware that our credibility depends entirely on the quality and accuracy of our content. The information we provide has real-world consequences for real people making critical decisions. A poorly researched article about prison medical care could lead someone to make uninformed choices about their health. Inaccurate information about sentencing guidelines could give false hope or unnecessary anxiety. Unverified claims about prison conditions could mislead families trying to support their loved ones.

	For this reason, we maintain high editorial standards and carefully ~~vet~~ all ~~contributors~~. We are not a platform for rumor, speculation, or personal grievance. We are building a serious reference work that can be trusted by defendants, families, attorneys, researchers, and policymakers alike.		For this reason, we maintain high editorial standards and carefully review all contributions. We are not a platform for rumor, speculation, or personal grievance. We are building a serious reference work that can be trusted by defendants, families, attorneys, researchers, and policymakers alike.

	=== ~~Current Registration Policy~~ ===		=== Join Our Community ===

	Registration is ~~currently restricted. Unlike~~ open ~~wikis where~~ anyone ~~can create an account and begin editing immediately, we require prospective contributors~~ to ~~connect with us directly before gaining editing access~~. ~~This allows us to:~~		We welcome new contributors who share our commitment to accuracy and quality. Registration is open to anyone who wants to help build this resource.

	* Verify the identity and background of potential contributors		'''To get started:'''
	* Understand each contributor'~~s areas of expertise and experience~~
	* Ensure alignment with our editorial standards and mission
	* Maintain the integrity and reliability of our content
	* Build a community of trusted contributors who can collaborate effectively

	~~We recognize this creates~~ a ~~higher barrier~~ to ~~entry than fully open platforms~~, ~~but~~ we ~~believe it is necessary at this stage~~ of our ~~development~~. ~~As we grow~~ and ~~establish robust~~ editorial ~~processes~~, ~~we may revisit this policy. For now~~, ~~quality~~ and ~~trustworthiness take precedence over rapid expansion~~.		# '''[https://prisonpedia.com/wiki/Special:CreateAccount Create an account]''' - Registration requires email verification and completion of a CAPTCHA to prevent spam.
			# '''Confirm your email''' - You'll receive a confirmation link to verify your email address.
			# '''Start contributing''' - Once confirmed, you can begin editing existing articles immediately.

			=== How Our Editorial Process Works ===

			To maintain the quality and integrity of our content, we use a tiered permission system:

			'''New Contributors''' can edit existing articles right away. This allows you to fix errors, add sourced information, improve clarity, and expand coverage on topics you know well. All edits are reviewed by our experienced editors to ensure they meet our standards.

			'''Established Contributors''' who demonstrate sustained, quality contributions over time earn additional privileges, including the ability to create new articles, move pages, and upload images. This threshold exists to ensure that those shaping the structure of our knowledge base have proven their commitment to our mission and editorial standards.

			'''Editors and Administrators''' work behind the scenes to review contributions, maintain consistency, resolve disputes, and ensure every article meets our quality standards. Our editorial team includes individuals with direct experience in the criminal justice system, legal professionals, and subject matter experts.

			This graduated system allows us to welcome new voices while protecting the reliability that our readers depend on.

	=== What We're Looking For in Contributors ===		=== What We're Looking For in Contributors ===
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	'''Respect for editorial process.''' Articles may be edited, restructured, or supplemented by other contributors. No one "owns" an article. The goal is to create the best possible resource, which often requires collaborative refinement over time.		'''Respect for editorial process.''' Articles may be edited, restructured, or supplemented by other contributors. No one "owns" an article. The goal is to create the best possible resource, which often requires collaborative refinement over time.

	'''Long-term commitment.''' We ~~are looking for~~ contributors who ~~will~~ remain engaged over months and years, not those seeking to make a single edit and disappear. The criminal justice system evolves constantly—laws change, policies shift, facilities close or open, and programs are created or eliminated. Maintaining an accurate, up-to-date knowledge base requires ongoing attention.		'''Long-term commitment.''' We value contributors who remain engaged over months and years, not those seeking to make a single edit and disappear. The criminal justice system evolves constantly—laws change, policies shift, facilities close or open, and programs are created or eliminated. Maintaining an accurate, up-to-date knowledge base requires ongoing attention.

			=== Getting Started ===

	~~=== How~~ to ~~Apply ===~~		Ready to contribute? Here's how to begin:

	~~If you believe you would be a valuable contributor to Prisonpedia, we want to hear from you. Please email~~ '''~~team@~~prisonpedia.com''' with ~~the following information:~~		# '''[https://prisonpedia.com/wiki/Special:CreateAccount Create your account]'''
			# '''Explore existing articles''' - Familiarize yourself with our style and coverage
			# '''Find something to improve''' - Spot an error? Know additional details? Have a source to add?
			# '''Make your edit''' - Click "Edit" and contribute your knowledge
			# '''Cite your sources''' - Back up factual claims with reliable references

	* Your background and areas of expertise (personal experience, ~~professional credentials~~, ~~research interests~~, ~~etc~~.)		If you have questions about contributing, want to propose a new article, or need guidance on a complex topic, email us at '''team@prisonpedia.com'''. We're happy to help new contributors find their footing.
	* Specific topics or areas where you could contribute valuable information
	* Examples of your writing, if available (published articles, blog posts, legal briefs, or other relevant materials)
	* Your motivation for wanting to ~~contribute to Prisonpedia~~

	~~We review applications~~ on a rolling basis and will respond to all serious inquiries. If we determine you're a good fit for our contributor community, we'll provide you with login credentials, access to our editorial guidelines, and guidance on how to begin contributing.		=== A Note on Privacy ===

	We understand that some ~~potential~~ contributors may wish to remain anonymous or use pseudonyms given the sensitive nature of this subject matter. We ~~can accommodate these concerns while still verifying credentials~~ and ~~expertise through our vetting process~~.		We understand that some contributors may wish to remain anonymous or use pseudonyms given the sensitive nature of this subject matter. You are welcome to register under a username that does not reveal your identity. We never publicly disclose contributor information, and your email address is kept private.

	=== Building Something That Lasts ===		=== Building Something That Lasts ===

	Prisonpedia is still in its ~~infancy~~. We have much to build, refine, and improve. But we are committed to doing this work carefully and correctly, laying a foundation that can support decades of growth. We are not interested in becoming the largest criminal justice wiki—we are interested in becoming the most reliable, the most trusted, and the most useful.		Prisonpedia is still in its early stages. We have much to build, refine, and improve. But we are committed to doing this work carefully and correctly, laying a foundation that can support decades of growth. We are not interested in becoming the largest criminal justice wiki—we are interested in becoming the most reliable, the most trusted, and the most useful.

			If you share that vision and want to help us achieve it, we welcome you to our community.

	~~If you share that vision and have the expertise, commitment, and integrity to help~~ us ~~achieve it, we welcome your application~~.		'''[https://prisonpedia.com/wiki/Special:CreateAccount Create an Account]''' \| '''Email us: team@prisonpedia.com'''

	~~Email us at: '''team@prisonpedia.com'''~~
	{{#seo:		{{#seo:
	\|title_mode=append		\|title_mode=append
	\|title_separator= - Prisonpedia		\|title_separator= - Prisonpedia
	\|description=~~Support~~ Prisonpedia~~'s mission to provide free, comprehensive information about~~ the federal prison system and ~~criminal justice~~.		\|description=Join Prisonpedia and help build the most trusted resource on the federal prison system. Create an account and start contributing today.
	\|keywords=~~support~~, ~~donate~~, prisonpedia, ~~mission~~, ~~help~~		\|keywords=contribute, join, prisonpedia, volunteer, edit, criminal justice, wiki
	\|type=article		\|type=article
	\|site_name=Prisonpedia		\|site_name=Prisonpedia
	\|locale=en_US		\|locale=en_US
	}}		}}

Warden: Enhance SEO: add keywords, type=article

2025-12-04T16:58:42Z

Enhance SEO: add keywords, type=article

← Older revision		Revision as of 16:58, 4 December 2025
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	Email us at: '''team@prisonpedia.com'''		Email us at: '''team@prisonpedia.com'''
	{{~~MetaDescription~~\|Support Prisonpedia's mission to provide free, comprehensive information about the federal prison system and criminal justice.}}		{{#seo:
			\|title_mode=append
			\|title_separator= - Prisonpedia
			\|description=Support Prisonpedia's mission to provide free, comprehensive information about the federal prison system and criminal justice.
			\|keywords=support, donate, prisonpedia, mission, help
			\|type=article
			\|site_name=Prisonpedia
			\|locale=en_US
			}}

Warden: Add WikiSEO meta description

2025-12-04T15:56:17Z

Add WikiSEO meta description

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:56, 4 December 2025
Line 69:		Line 69:

	Email us at: '''team@prisonpedia.com'''		Email us at: '''team@prisonpedia.com'''
			{{MetaDescription\|Support Prisonpedia's mission to provide free, comprehensive information about the federal prison system and criminal justice.}}

Orderly at 06:12, 22 November 2025

2025-11-22T06:12:01Z

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-== Contribute to Prisonpedia ==
+Prisonpedia exists to provide accurate, comprehensive, and accessible information about the American criminal justice system, particularly for those navigating it firsthand.
-=== Our Mission ===
+Launched in March 2024, we are building a knowledge base for the justice-impacted, by the justice-impacted: created by individuals with direct experience in the criminal justice system, legal professionals who work within it, families who have supported loved ones through it, and subject matter experts committed to demystifying its complexities.
 Our mission is to compile reliable, well-sourced information that helps people make informed decisions during some of the most challenging periods of their lives. We cover topics ranging from pre-sentencing strategies and prison consultant services to facility-specific information, legal processes, re-entry resources, and post-incarceration life. Every article is intended to serve as a practical resource grounded in real experience and verifiable facts.
@@ Line 71: / Line 69: @@
 Email us at: '''team@prisonpedia.com'''

Maintenance script: Updated Contribute page with contributor guidelines and application process

2025-11-22T06:01:13Z

Updated Contribute page with contributor guidelines and application process

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:01, 22 November 2025
Line 1:		Line 1:
	<!-- ~~Add~~ content about ~~how visitors~~ can ~~contribute~~ to Prisonpedia -->		== Contribute to Prisonpedia ==

			=== Our Mission ===

			Prisonpedia exists to provide accurate, comprehensive, and accessible information about the American criminal justice system—particularly for those navigating it firsthand. Launched in March 2024, we are building a knowledge base '''for us, by us''': created by individuals with direct experience in the criminal justice system, legal professionals who work within it, families who have supported loved ones through it, and subject matter experts committed to demystifying its complexities.

			Our mission is to compile reliable, well-sourced information that helps people make informed decisions during some of the most challenging periods of their lives. We cover topics ranging from pre-sentencing strategies and prison consultant services to facility-specific information, legal processes, re-entry resources, and post-incarceration life. Every article is intended to serve as a practical resource grounded in real experience and verifiable facts.

			=== Why Contributor Quality Matters ===

			As a young project still in its early stages, we are acutely aware that our credibility depends entirely on the quality and accuracy of our content. The information we provide has real-world consequences for real people making critical decisions. A poorly researched article about prison medical care could lead someone to make uninformed choices about their health. Inaccurate information about sentencing guidelines could give false hope or unnecessary anxiety. Unverified claims about prison conditions could mislead families trying to support their loved ones.

			For this reason, we maintain high editorial standards and carefully vet all contributors. We are not a platform for rumor, speculation, or personal grievance. We are building a serious reference work that can be trusted by defendants, families, attorneys, researchers, and policymakers alike.

			=== Current Registration Policy ===

			Registration is currently restricted. Unlike open wikis where anyone can create an account and begin editing immediately, we require prospective contributors to connect with us directly before gaining editing access. This allows us to:

			* Verify the identity and background of potential contributors
			* Understand each contributor's areas of expertise and experience
			* Ensure alignment with our editorial standards and mission
			* Maintain the integrity and reliability of our content
			* Build a community of trusted contributors who can collaborate effectively

			We recognize this creates a higher barrier to entry than fully open platforms, but we believe it is necessary at this stage of our development. As we grow and establish robust editorial processes, we may revisit this policy. For now, quality and trustworthiness take precedence over rapid expansion.

			=== What We're Looking For in Contributors ===

			We seek contributors who bring one or more of the following qualifications:

			'''Direct Experience:''' Individuals who have navigated the federal or state criminal justice systems, either as defendants, inmates, or family members of the incarcerated. Personal experience provides invaluable insights that cannot be found in official documentation, particularly regarding day-to-day realities, unwritten rules, and practical strategies for survival and success.

			'''Professional Expertise:''' Criminal defense attorneys, prison consultants, sentencing mitigation specialists, probation officers, corrections professionals, social workers, re-entry counselors, and other professionals who work within or adjacent to the criminal justice system. Your professional knowledge helps ensure our content is legally accurate, procedurally correct, and practically useful.

			'''Research and Writing Skills:''' Contributors should be capable of writing clearly, citing sources appropriately, and presenting information in an encyclopedic, neutral tone. We model our editorial standards on those of Wikipedia and other serious reference works. Personal opinions and advocacy have their place, but Prisonpedia articles should be factual, balanced, and well-documented.

			'''Commitment to Accuracy:''' All claims must be verifiable and properly sourced. We prioritize primary sources (statutes, court documents, official Bureau of Prisons policies) and reputable secondary sources (legal publications, academic research, established news organizations) over anecdotal reports or hearsay.

			'''Collaborative Spirit:''' Contributing to Prisonpedia means working with other editors to build something larger than any individual could create alone. This requires patience, willingness to accept editorial feedback, and commitment to consensus-building when disagreements arise.

			=== What We Expect from Contributors ===

			'''This is volunteer work.''' Prisonpedia is a community resource, and all contributors donate their time and expertise. There is no compensation for articles written, edits made, or time invested. Contributors participate because they believe in the mission and want to help others navigate the system they themselves have experienced or studied.

			'''Neutrality and objectivity.''' While many of our contributors have strong views about criminal justice reform, individual articles must maintain an encyclopedic tone. Advocacy, opinion, and personal narrative belong in clearly labeled sections or separate projects—not in reference articles about legal processes, facility information, or procedural guidance.

			'''Proper attribution.''' All information must be properly sourced. Original research and personal experience can inform articles, but claims of fact must be verifiable through reliable sources. We follow citation standards similar to those used by Wikipedia and academic publications.

			'''Respect for editorial process.''' Articles may be edited, restructured, or supplemented by other contributors. No one "owns" an article. The goal is to create the best possible resource, which often requires collaborative refinement over time.

			'''Long-term commitment.''' We are looking for contributors who will remain engaged over months and years, not those seeking to make a single edit and disappear. The criminal justice system evolves constantly—laws change, policies shift, facilities close or open, and programs are created or eliminated. Maintaining an accurate, up-to-date knowledge base requires ongoing attention.

			=== How to Apply ===

			If you believe you would be a valuable contributor to Prisonpedia, we want to hear from you. Please email '''team@prisonpedia.com''' with the following information:

			* Your background and areas of expertise (personal experience, professional credentials, research interests, etc.)
			* Specific topics or areas where you could contribute valuable information
			* Examples of your writing, if available (published articles, blog posts, legal briefs, or other relevant materials)
			* Your motivation for wanting to contribute to Prisonpedia

			We review applications on a rolling basis and will respond to all serious inquiries. If we determine you're a good fit for our contributor community, we'll provide you with login credentials, access to our editorial guidelines, and guidance on how to begin contributing.

			We understand that some potential contributors may wish to remain anonymous or use pseudonyms given the sensitive nature of this subject matter. We can accommodate these concerns while still verifying credentials and expertise through our vetting process.

			=== Building Something That Lasts ===

			Prisonpedia is still in its infancy. We have much to build, refine, and improve. But we are committed to doing this work carefully and correctly, laying a foundation that can support decades of growth. We are not interested in becoming the largest criminal justice wiki—we are interested in becoming the most reliable, the most trusted, and the most useful.

			If you share that vision and have the expertise, commitment, and integrity to help us achieve it, we welcome your application.

			Email us at: '''team@prisonpedia.com'''

			== See Also ==

			* [[About Prisonpedia]]
			* [[Editorial Standards]]
			* [[Citation Guidelines]]
			* [[Community Guidelines]]

			[[Category:Prisonpedia]]
			[[Category:Community]]

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:16, 23 April 2026
Line 2:		Line 2:
	Prisonpedia exists to provide accurate, comprehensive, and accessible information about the American criminal justice system, particularly for those navigating it firsthand.		Prisonpedia exists to provide accurate, comprehensive, and accessible information about the American criminal justice system, particularly for those navigating it firsthand.

	~~Launched~~ in March 2024, we ~~are~~ building a knowledge base for the justice-impacted, by the justice-impacted: created by individuals with direct experience in the criminal justice system, legal professionals who work within it, families who have supported loved ones through it, and subject matter experts committed to demystifying its complexities.		We launched in March 2024. Since then, we've been building a knowledge base for the justice-impacted, by the justice-impacted: created by individuals with direct experience in the criminal justice system, legal professionals who work within it, families who have supported loved ones through it, and subject matter experts committed to demystifying its complexities.

	Our mission is to compile reliable, well-sourced information that helps people make informed decisions during some of the most challenging periods of their lives. We cover topics ranging from pre-sentencing strategies and prison consultant services to facility-specific information, legal processes, re-entry resources, and post-incarceration life. Every article is ~~intended~~ to serve as a practical resource grounded in real experience and verifiable facts.		Our mission is straightforward: compile reliable, well-sourced information that helps people make informed decisions during some of the most challenging periods of their lives. We cover topics ranging from pre-sentencing strategies and prison consultant services to facility-specific information, legal processes, re-entry resources, and post-incarceration life. Every article is meant to serve as a practical resource grounded in real experience and verifiable facts.

	=== Why Contributor Quality Matters ===		=== Why Contributor Quality Matters ===

	As a ~~young~~ project ~~still~~ in its early stages, we ~~are acutely aware that~~ our credibility depends entirely on the quality and accuracy of our content. The information we provide has real-world consequences for real people making critical decisions. A poorly researched article about prison medical care could lead someone to make uninformed choices about their health. Inaccurate information about sentencing guidelines could give false hope or unnecessary anxiety. Unverified claims about prison conditions could mislead families trying to support their loved ones.		We're still young. That matters. As a project in its early stages, we know our credibility depends entirely on the quality and accuracy of our content. The information we provide has real-world consequences for real people making critical decisions. A poorly researched article about prison medical care could lead someone to make uninformed choices about their health. Inaccurate information about sentencing guidelines could give false hope or unnecessary anxiety. Unverified claims about prison conditions could mislead families trying to support their loved ones.

	For this reason, we maintain high editorial standards and carefully review all contributions. We ~~are~~ not a platform for rumor, speculation, or personal grievance. We ~~are~~ building a serious reference work that can be trusted by defendants, families, attorneys, researchers, and policymakers alike.		For this reason, we maintain high editorial standards and carefully review all contributions. We're not a platform for rumor, speculation, or personal grievance. We're building a serious reference work that can be trusted by defendants, families, attorneys, researchers, and policymakers alike.

	=== Join Our Community ===		=== Join Our Community ===
Line 24:		Line 24:
	=== How Our Editorial Process Works ===		=== How Our Editorial Process Works ===

	~~To maintain the quality and integrity of our content, we~~ use a tiered permission system:		We use a tiered permission system to maintain quality and integrity.

	'''New Contributors''' can edit existing articles right away. This ~~allows~~ you to fix errors, add sourced information, improve clarity, and expand coverage on topics you know well. All edits are reviewed by our experienced editors to ensure they meet our standards.		'''New Contributors''' can edit existing articles right away. This lets you fix errors, add sourced information, improve clarity, and expand coverage on topics you know well. All edits are reviewed by our experienced editors to ensure they meet our standards.

	'''Established Contributors''' who demonstrate sustained, quality contributions over time earn additional privileges, including the ability to create new articles, move pages, and upload images. This threshold exists to ensure that those shaping the structure of our knowledge base have proven their commitment to our mission and editorial standards.		'''Established Contributors''' who demonstrate sustained, quality contributions over time earn additional privileges, including the ability to create new articles, move pages, and upload images. This threshold exists to ensure that those shaping the structure of our knowledge base have proven their commitment to our mission and editorial standards.

	'''Editors and Administrators''' ~~work behind the scenes to~~ review contributions, maintain consistency, resolve disputes, and ensure every article meets our quality standards. Our editorial team includes individuals with direct experience in the criminal justice system, legal professionals, and subject matter experts.		'''Editors and Administrators''' review contributions, maintain consistency, resolve disputes, and ensure every article meets our quality standards. Our editorial team includes individuals with direct experience in the criminal justice system, legal professionals, and subject matter experts.

	This graduated system allows us to welcome new voices while protecting the reliability that our readers depend on.		This graduated system allows us to welcome new voices while protecting the reliability that our readers depend on.
Line 38:		Line 38:
	We seek contributors who bring one or more of the following qualifications:		We seek contributors who bring one or more of the following qualifications:

	'''Direct Experience:''' Individuals who ~~have~~ navigated the federal or state criminal justice systems, either as defendants, inmates, or family members of the incarcerated. Personal experience provides invaluable insights that ~~cannot be found~~ in official documentation, particularly regarding day-to-day realities, unwritten rules, and practical strategies for survival and success.		'''Direct Experience:''' Individuals who've navigated the federal or state criminal justice systems, either as defendants, inmates, or family members of the incarcerated. Personal experience provides invaluable insights that you won't find in official documentation, particularly regarding day-to-day realities, unwritten rules, and practical strategies for survival and success.

	'''Professional Expertise:''' Criminal defense attorneys, prison consultants, sentencing mitigation specialists, probation officers, corrections professionals, social workers, re-entry counselors, and other professionals who work within or adjacent to the criminal justice system. Your professional knowledge helps ensure our content is legally accurate, procedurally correct, and practically useful.		'''Professional Expertise:''' Criminal defense attorneys, prison consultants, sentencing mitigation specialists, probation officers, corrections professionals, social workers, re-entry counselors, and other professionals who work within or adjacent to the criminal justice system. Your professional knowledge helps ensure our content is legally accurate, procedurally correct, and practically useful.
Line 50:		Line 50:
	=== What We Expect from Contributors ===		=== What We Expect from Contributors ===

	'''This is volunteer work.''' Prisonpedia is a community resource, and all contributors donate their time and expertise. There is no compensation for articles written, edits made, or time invested. Contributors participate because they believe in the mission and want to help others navigate the system they themselves have experienced or studied.		'''This is volunteer work.''' Prisonpedia is a community resource, and all contributors donate their time and expertise. There's no compensation for articles written, edits made, or time invested. Contributors participate because they believe in the mission and want to help others navigate the system they themselves have experienced or studied.

	'''Neutrality and objectivity.''' ~~While many~~ of our contributors have strong views about criminal justice reform, individual articles must maintain an encyclopedic tone. Advocacy, opinion, and personal narrative belong in clearly labeled sections or separate projects—not in reference articles about legal processes, facility information, or procedural guidance.		'''Neutrality and objectivity.''' Many of our contributors have strong views about criminal justice reform. Still, individual articles must maintain an encyclopedic tone. Advocacy, opinion, and personal narrative belong in clearly labeled sections or separate projects—not in reference articles about legal processes, facility information, or procedural guidance.

	'''Proper attribution.''' All information must be properly sourced. Original research and personal experience can inform articles, but claims of fact must be verifiable through reliable sources. We follow citation standards similar to those used by Wikipedia and academic publications.		'''Proper attribution.''' All information must be properly sourced. Original research and personal experience can inform articles, but claims of fact must be verifiable through reliable sources. We follow citation standards similar to those used by Wikipedia and academic publications.
Line 70:		Line 70:
	# '''Cite your sources''' - Back up factual claims with reliable references		# '''Cite your sources''' - Back up factual claims with reliable references

	~~If you have~~ questions about contributing~~, want~~ to propose a new article~~, or need~~ guidance on a complex topic~~, email~~ us at '''team@prisonpedia.com'''. We're happy to help new contributors find their footing.		Have questions about contributing? Want to propose a new article? Need guidance on a complex topic? Email us at '''team@prisonpedia.com'''. We're happy to help new contributors find their footing.

	=== A Note on Privacy ===		=== A Note on Privacy ===

	We understand that some contributors may wish to remain anonymous or use pseudonyms given the sensitive nature of this subject matter. You ~~are~~ welcome to register under a username that ~~does not~~ reveal your identity. We never publicly disclose contributor information, and your email address is kept private.		We understand that some contributors may wish to remain anonymous or use pseudonyms given the sensitive nature of this subject matter. You're welcome to register under a username that doesn't reveal your identity. We never publicly disclose contributor information, and your email address is kept private.

	=== Building Something That Lasts ===		=== Building Something That Lasts ===

	Prisonpedia is still in its early stages. We have much to build, refine, and improve. But we ~~are~~ committed to doing this work carefully and correctly, laying a foundation that can support decades of growth. We ~~are~~ not interested in becoming the largest criminal justice wiki—we ~~are~~ interested in becoming the most reliable, the most trusted, and the most useful.		Prisonpedia is still in its early stages. We have much to build, refine, and improve. But we're committed to doing this work carefully and correctly, laying a foundation that can support decades of growth. We're not interested in becoming the largest criminal justice wiki—we're interested in becoming the most reliable, the most trusted, and the most useful.

	If you share that vision and want to help us achieve it, we welcome you to our community.		If you share that vision and want to help us achieve it, we welcome you to our community.