CZ:Charter/Feedback/Archive 3: Difference between revisions

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'''This page ''was'' explicitly open for any Citizen (see [[CZ:Charter drafting/Feedback/Archive_1|archived version]]), but that did not appear to be useful for the drafters.'''
''This page ''was'' explicitly open for any Citizen (see [[CZ:Charter drafting/Feedback/Archives|archived versions]]), then restricted to the drafting Committee.'' <br />
 
'''''It is now open to all Citizens again.'''''
{{CZ-Charter-drafting}}
----


{{TOC|right}}
{{TOC|right}}


Here follows a review of the draft ([http://en.citizendium.org/wiki?title=CZ:Charter_drafting&oldid=100600861 permalink to version reviewed]) of the [[CZ:Charter drafting]].  
Here follows a '''review of the draft as of 22:08, 15 January 2010''' ([http://en.citizendium.org/wiki?title=CZ:Charter_drafting&oldid=100626545 permalink to version reviewed]) of the [[CZ:Charter drafting|Citizendium Charter]]. Such reviews (concerning different versions of the draft) have also been provided by [[User:Tom Morris/Charter Draft|Tom Morris]], [[User:Peter Schmitt/Charter|Peter Schmitt]] ([[User talk:Peter Schmitt/NewDraft|NEXT draft]]), [[User:Thomas H. Larsen/Draft charter|Thomas H. Larsen]], and in a similar manner by [http://forum.citizendium.org/index.php/topic,2930.msg26062.html#msg26062 Dan Nessett] and [http://forum.citizendium.org/index.php/topic,3027.msg26805.html#msg26805 Milton Beychok].


For each sentence of the draft, please do one of the following:
For each sentence of the draft, please do one of the following (especially if you have a strong opinion about it):
#sign it if you find the current phrasing satisfactory
#Sign it if you find the current phrasing (including section structure and titles) satisfactory.
#add a '''one-sentence comment''' if you have only minor remarks, or  
#Add a link to a place (e.g. a forum post or CZ user page) in which you discuss why not. Then sign.
#add an "open question" to the [[CZ_Talk:Charter_drafting#Open_questions|Open questions section at the Charter drafting's talk page]] and comment there if you think there still needs to be discussion.


If you think a section needs to be renamed, state it right at its beginning.  
Note: '''No discussion on this page. Please use the [http://forum.citizendium.org/index.php/topic,3027.0.html dedicated Forum thread].'''


'''To keep this page slim and usable, any further discussions should go to the [http://forum.citizendium.org/index.php/topic,2930.0.html Forum thread on the Charter].'''
'''Please do not change the phrasing of the Charter text herein &mdash; if something has been changed in the draft itself, please strike out the phrasing here (along with any signatures or links it may have received in the meantime) and add the new one below.'''


'''Please do not change the phrasing of the Charter text herein &mdash; if something has been changed there, please strike out the phrasing here and add the new one below.'''
----


==Mission statement==
==Mission statement==
The Citizendium is a collaborative expert-guided effort to collect, structure and update knowledge and to render it conveniently accessible to the public for free.
The Citizendium is a collaborative effort to collect, structure, and update knowledge and to render it conveniently accessible to the public for free.  
* [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
:--[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:42, 15 January 2010 (UTC)
* [[User:Dan Nessett|Dan Nessett]] 03:51, 17 November 2009 (UTC)
 
It is created by volunteers &mdash; henceforth Citizens &mdash; who contribute under their real names and agree to a social covenant centered around trust.
:--[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:42, 15 January 2010 (UTC)
 
====Membership====
 
*Citizendium membership is open to anyone.
:--[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:42, 15 January 2010 (UTC)
::We believe that everyone has knowledge to share, regardless of educational attainment, professional experience, or any other factor.
 
*All members register and contribute to the project under their real names. 
:--[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:42, 15 January 2010 (UTC)
::This energizes the creation of a vibrant community and encourages civil behavior.
 
*The Citizendium community recognizes the special role that subject matter experts play in assuring that the site’s contents meet these standards. 
:--[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:42, 15 January 2010 (UTC)
::We recognize two important types of expertise: broad knowledge and deep knowledge. 
 
::Experts with broad knowledge of one or more domains of knowledge help us ensure that the topics of our articles are presented in the scientific, philosophical, cultural and methodological contexts in which professionals discuss them. 
 
::Experts with deep knowledge of specific topics help us make sure that we have all of the relevant facts and that we present them correctly. 
 
::Many people have both types of knowledge. 
 
::Official recognition of expertise shall be based on guidelines established by the [[#Editorial Council|Editorial Council]].
 
*Contributors must act responsibly and in a civil manner.
:--[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:42, 15 January 2010 (UTC)
::Derogatory or offensive commentary is impermissible: inappropriate material shall be removed at the discretion of the constabulary.
 
====Style====
*All entries at Citizendium should engage their subjects comprehensively, neutrally and objectively to the greatest degree possible.
:--[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:42, 15 January 2010 (UTC)
::Comprehensiveness entails providing full explanations of all facets of a subject that experts judge significant.
 
::Furthermore, each topic should be represented as a complex whole rather than a simple conglomeration of its parts: a good Citizendium entry will illustrate how different aspects of its topic fit together and highlight applications and connections to other topics.
 
::It will also be neutral, which means it will not align with any one position if there is controversy amongst experts concerning some aspect of its topic.
 
::Instead, it will remain objective, describing each relevant position without skewing the presentation toward the personal beliefs or positions of the author(s).
 
::In short, entries should present the big picture, including all relevant perspectives, and should be carefully crafted and bias-free. Citizendium is not a place for advocacy or for advertisement. 
 
*Unnecessarily complicated presentation should be avoided. 
::Citizendium material is intended for the general public and should be constructed so as to maximize accessibility. 
 
::The basic content provided at the Citizendium is intended for an audience with completed secondary education.
 
::More specialized material is welcome but it should be presented without unnecessary jargon and should be contextualized through prominent links to entries that explain background information and related non-specialist material. 
 
*As far as possible, special needs of visually or otherwise impaired users and of responsibly exercized automated access will be taken into account.
::Citizendium encourages contributions on all topics, albeit with sensitivity towards appropriateness and avoiding sensationalism.
 
::Exceptionally, Editors and Constables have the authority to intervene at their discretion if article content appears to be inconsistent with criminal or civil law or if content is discriminatory or slanderous against persons or groups of persons on the basis of religion, religious belief, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender.
 
::Such decisions are subject to Citizendium's appeal process.
 
====Content development====
*Citizendium is a multimedial collaborative project, open to constructive contributions by any Citizen to any of its content at any time.
:--[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:42, 15 January 2010 (UTC)
::We trust members of the Citizendium community to act in good faith and we encourage them to be bold in contributing to the project but we also require professional behavior.


==Fundamental policies==
::This entails acceptance of guidance from experts and from the wider Citizendium community as well as the obligation to remain civil and constructive even in cases of dispute.


===Professionalism===
*The collaborative environment in which we develop our articles is an important part of the Citizendium community.  
Contributors to the project&nbsp;&mdash; henceforth Citizens&nbsp;&mdash; are required to behave professionally.
::Just like other user-generated websites, we rely on the contributions of many different people spread out around the world, working at different times and in different ways. Some of these contributions are very small while others are quite extensive.  
* [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
This means acceptance of guidance from experts and from the wider Citizendium community and the obligation to remain civil and constructive even in cases of dispute.
* [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
Personal attacks are never acceptable, even when phrased as false courtesy.
*I would think this is already covered by the requirement of being civil [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
**Constables have said they could use better guidance; let's hear from them. [[User:Howard C. Berkowitz|Howard C. Berkowitz]] 22:02, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
***Hear! Hear! (The sound of one Constable clapping. Maybe some *other* Constable has requested better guidance -- I myself have never had any Doubts. I suppose the only truly questionable cases arise when a Citizen attempts misguided humor that, on the printed page [monitor screen], comes across without the humor and appears to be an attack. I don't think any policy, however, can be written that can define the do's and don't's here.) [[User:Hayford Peirce|Hayford Peirce]] 23:04, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
***No, I don't need guidance on this. [[User:D. Matt Innis|D. Matt Innis]] 13:40, 18 November 2009 (UTC)


A set of persons of mature judgment&nbsp;&mdash; hereafter the Constables&nbsp;&mdash; shall be specially empowered to enforce rules laid out in this Charter or its accompanying documents.
::Some reflect many years of professional experience while others are made by people who are just beginning to learn about a topic.  
* [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
The enforcement of these rules&nbsp;&mdash; up to and including the ejection of participants from the project&nbsp;&mdash; is to be carried out with reasonable pragmatism and leniency, including in those situations where the applicability of existing rules may be unclear.
* [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)


===Real names===
::All are important for the project. Cooperation and sensitivity to others are therefore very important and disruptive behavior is not tolerated.
All Citizens must register using their real names, which will define their user name.
* [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)


===Expertise===
*Citizendium encourages all members to submit constructive criticism on all of its material.  
Expertise will be respected.  
:--[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:42, 15 January 2010 (UTC)
* [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
::Where appropriate, we encourage members to simply fix any mistakes they find as they browse the site but we insist that potentially controversial changes (such as the deletion of a large block of text or the reorientation of text describing a contentious topic) be discussed ahead of time with any other contributors who are also at work on the article and, if possible, with an appropriate editor.   
It shall be recognized through publications (including contributions to the Citizendium), credentials or employment, or through any other means established by the Editorial Council.
* [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
:* I don't think " recognized through publications (including contributions to the Citizendium), credentials or employment" belongs in the charter. What is a publication? What are legitimate credentials? How is employment history evaluated? I think this should all be left to the Editorial Council, since in practice that will be the case anyway. So, I would suggest rewording this as "Determination of expertise will be made by the Editorial Council." {{UnsignedShort|Dan Nessett}}


===Collaboration===
::If a dispute arises, we defer to expertise.
The Citizendium is a collaborative project, open to constructive contributions by any Citizen to any of its content at any time.  
:--[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:45, 15 January 2010 (UTC)
*<s>Strictly speaking, not any Citizen may contribute to Approved content at any time. [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
</s>
**Sorry, I don't understand the above comment. [[User:Howard C. Berkowitz|Howard C. Berkowitz]] 22:02, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
***What I mean is that Approved content is to be protected, such that not every one can edit it. --[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 22:05, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
The Citizendium also allows collaboration with non-Citizen partners on any matters relevant to the project's mission, provided that the interaction does not conflict with this Charter.
* [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
* [[User:Dan Nessett|Dan Nessett]] 03:57, 17 November 2009 (UTC)


===Accessibility===
*Experts guide the development of Citizendium entries in a transparent manner.  
While the basic content provided at the Citizendium is intended for an audience with completed secondary education, more specialized content is welcome if placed in context.  
:--[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:42, 15 January 2010 (UTC)
* [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
::Authors are encouraged to seek out the guidance of subject matter experts and experts are encouraged to offer advice whenever they are comfortable doing so.  
As far as possible, special needs of visually or otherwise impaired users and of machines will be taken into account.
* [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)


===Being Bold===
::Experts and non-experts should work together as partners in the development of balanced articles; overbearing behavior by either party is unconstructive and unacceptable.
Citizens are encouraged to be bold in contributing to the project.
* [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
:* Even though this is a mantra in the wiki world, I don't think it actually serves any useful purpose. One person's boldness is another person's rashness. I'm afraid this principle looks good on paper, but becomes meaningless in practice. [[User:Dan Nessett|Dan Nessett]] 04:01, 17 November 2009 (UTC)


==Governance==
*Integration of the Citizendium with teaching and research is encouraged as long as it adheres to the principles of this charter.
:--[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:42, 15 January 2010 (UTC)
 
==Personnel and governance==
The Citizendium is devoted to transparent and fair governance at a minimum of bureaucracy. Special roles will not be created without excellent reason.
The Citizendium is devoted to transparent and fair governance at a minimum of bureaucracy. Special roles will not be created without excellent reason.
* [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
:--[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:55, 15 January 2010 (UTC)
 
===Content===
====Authors====
Any Citizen can act as an Author, contribute or modify content, unless blocked from specific articles or topics by an Editor or Constable. 
:--[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:55, 15 January 2010 (UTC)


===Authors===
Any Citizen can act as an Author, i.e. contribute or modify content, unless blocked from specific articles or topics by an Editor or Constable.
*"Blocked" may be too specific for the charter, and perhaps we should mention here that Author is also used in the sense of "not an Editor". [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
:* I agree. There needs to be a definition that clearly distinguishes between authors and editors. I think defining author and editor as roles clarifies this distinction and allows particular citizens to work in either or both roles (with the proviso that editors must be approved by the editorial council).  [[User:Dan Nessett|Dan Nessett]] 04:05, 17 November 2009 (UTC)
Blocks may be appealed through the Dispute Resolution procedure.
Blocks may be appealed through the Dispute Resolution procedure.
* "Blocks" &mdash; see above. [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)


===Editors===
Pseudonyms may not be used.
 
Within a month after the entry into force of this charter, all existing pseudonym accounts shall be closed by the Constabulary, and the respective user pages protected.
 
The Citizens concerned may reapply under their real name.
 
====Editors====
Editors are Citizens who&nbsp;&mdash; because of their recognized expertise in specific areas&nbsp;&mdash; are responsible for the scope and quality of the content presented by the Citizendium.  
Editors are Citizens who&nbsp;&mdash; because of their recognized expertise in specific areas&nbsp;&mdash; are responsible for the scope and quality of the content presented by the Citizendium.  
*a bit long but otherwise OK. [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
:* Who appoints editors? I assume the editorial council, but I don't see that stated in its section. [[User:Dan Nessett|Dan Nessett]] 04:09, 17 November 2009 (UTC)


Specifically, in their areas of expertise, they are entitled (1) to make decisions about specific questions or disputes concerning particular articles, and (2) to approve high-quality articles.
Specifically, in their areas of expertise, they are entitled (1) to make decisions about specific questions or disputes concerning particular articles, and (2) to approve high-quality articles.  
* [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)


===Management Committee===
The criteria for granting or revoking Editorship are to be defined by the Editorial Council.
*Still not sure whether that's the best name. [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
:--[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:55, 15 January 2010 (UTC)
:* Executive committee? [[User:Dan Nessett|Dan Nessett]] 04:10, 17 November 2009 (UTC)
 
A Management Committee shall be responsible for matters concerned with the non-editorial policies of Citizendium, such as finance, external alliances, communications, administration, and behavior.  
====Registration of new Editors====
* [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
To streamline the [[CZ:Editor Application Review Procedure]], applications for Editorship shall be processed in two steps.  
To this end, it may appoint Administrators and Task Managers whose activities it will oversee.
 
* [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
First, an applicant will be registered as an Author, so s/he can immediately start editing.  
It will also appoint Constables and oversee their activities.
*Could perhaps be combined with previous sentence somehow. [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)


The Management Committee shall consist of thirteen Citizens, who may not simultaneously serve on the Editorial Council.
Secondly, the application for Editorship will be reviewed by the [[:Category:CZ Editorial Personnel Administrators|Editorial Personnel Administrators]] (to be appointed by the Editorial Council) who will strive to make a decision within one week.
*Smaller number (nine) may be more appropriate for the beginning, since we are short on personnel. [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)


They may, however, be Constables or Task Managers.
[[CZ:Editorial Council Resolution 0012]] shall be extended such that these new Editors will be categorized as [[:Category:New CZ Editors|New Editors]] during the first three months after registration or until their first contribution to the project.
* [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
A quorum shall consist of seven members.
*Would be five for nine members. [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
**Given the low participation rates on the project, it may turn out that five is the most workable. [[User:Meg Ireland|Meg Ireland]] 22:12, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
The members of the Management Committee shall be elected by vote of active Citizens and Authors, with two-year renewable terms.
*Perhaps up to thrice consecutively. [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
**Why are we assuming there is a problem requiring term limits? [[User:Howard C. Berkowitz|Howard C. Berkowitz]] 22:02, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
***I agree with Howard. See my comments above on low participation rates in the project. I don't think we should place restrictive limits, yet. Not until we've got a whole influx of new and willing authors etc. We can always review this in future. [[User:Meg Ireland|Meg Ireland]] 22:12, 16 November 2009 (UTC)


The Management Committee will appoint one of its members as the Management Lead, who will represent the Citizendium externally on all matters except content.
====Editorial Council====
*"Lead" may not be the best name. [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)


Members of the Management Committee shall be responsible for contractual and financial matters.  
An Editorial Council will be responsible for guiding content and establishing policy.
*We have the Administration for this, which the MC oversees. [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
:--[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:55, 15 January 2010 (UTC)
The Committee, with advice from legal and audit advisers, will designate those members that can enter into contracts or expend funds on behalf of CZ.
*[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)


Substantial expenditures will require more than one signature.
It shall consist of nine active Citizens, with five seats reserved for Editors.  
*[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)


===Editorial Council===
The remaining four seats are reserved for Authors that are not Editors.
An Editorial Council will be responsible for guiding content and establishing policy.
* [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
It will be made up of active Citizens, with eight seats reserved for Editors.
*The total number of seats has to be stated first, then their allocation;
The remaining five seats are reserved for Authors that are not Editors.
*see above for number, and [[#Authors]] section for disambiguation. [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)


The Editorial Council shall consist of thirteen Citizens, who may not simultaneously serve on the Management Committee or be Constables.  
A quorum shall consist of five members.  
*I also suggest to reduce the number here (perhaps to 11; 6 plus 5). [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)


They may, however, be Task Managers.  
Members of the Editorial Council may not simultaneously serve on the Management Committee or be Constables.
* [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
:--[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:55, 15 January 2010 (UTC)


A quorum shall consist of seven members.  
They may, however, be Task Managers.
*Would be six then. [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
:--[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:55, 15 January 2010 (UTC)


The members of the Editorial Council will be elected by vote of active Citizens, with two-year terms renewable once consecutively.  
The members of the Editorial Council will be elected by vote of active Citizens, with two-year terms renewable once consecutively.
*[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)


The Editorial Council will appoint one of its members as the Editorial Lead, who will represent the Citizendium externally on matters of content.
The Editorial Council will appoint one of its members as the Editorial Lead, who will represent the Citizendium externally on matters of content.
*The "Editorial Lead" function could use a better name. [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)


During deliberations on a matter covered by specific workgroups, the Chief Editor of that Workgroup, or another member, may be part of a quorum if that individual is not a Council member. If, however, the matter under discussion involves a dispute with such an Editor, that Editor may state positions to the Council but not vote on them unless already a member.
During deliberations on a matter covered by specific workgroups, the Chief Editor of that Workgroup, or another member, may be part of a quorum if that individual is not a Council member.
*A bit too long. [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
 
:* If an editor is involved with a dispute that comes before the Management Council, general conflict of interest principles should prohibit that editor from voting on the issue, even if he/she is a Management Council member. [[User:Dan Nessett|Dan Nessett]] 04:15, 17 November 2009 (UTC)
If, however, the matter under discussion involves a dispute with such an Editor, that Editor may state positions to the Council but not vote on them unless already a member.
 
=====Workgroups=====
The Editorial Council may create and reorganize workgroups to arrange areas of content, and to encourage collaboration among Authors and Editors in areas of expertise.


====Workgroups====
The Editorial Council may create and reorganize workgroups to arrange areas of content, and to encourage collaboration among Authors and Editors in areas of expertise.
*Phrasing "collaboration among Authors and Editors in areas of expertise" has room for improvement. [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
Workgroup members will build top-level articles and knowledge structures for the articles in a discipline.
Workgroup members will build top-level articles and knowledge structures for the articles in a discipline.
*Somewhat redundant to previous sentence, may be too detailed for the charter. [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)


The Editorial Council shall elaborate a strategy and policy on topic-specific collaboration, chiefly based on [[CZ:Workgroups]] and some accepted ontology or other knowledge categorization scheme.  
The Editorial Council shall elaborate a strategy and policy on topic-specific collaboration, chiefly based on [[CZ:Workgroups]] and some accepted ontology or other knowledge categorization scheme.  
*Perhaps better to put this into the interim guidance section. [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)


In addition to subject specific Workgroups, there shall be a General Workgroup with jurisdiction over general issues of style and content, and for articles of very wide scope.  
In addition to subject specific Workgroups, there shall be a General Workgroup with jurisdiction over general issues of style and content, and for articles of very wide scope.  
* [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)


There may be, in addition, interdisciplinary or specialized Subgroups.  
There may be, in addition, interdisciplinary or specialized Subgroups.
*Possibly too detailed for the charter. [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)


In addition, there may be Area Groups, as for (e.g., Science or Science & Technology) to deal with broad issues affecting many but not all workgroups (e.g., units of measurement).
In addition, there may be Area Groups, as for (e.g., Science or Science & Technology) to deal with broad issues affecting many but not all workgroups (e.g., units of measurement).
*Too detailed for the charter, at least the examples. [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)


When there are disputes on content issues, assuming there are multiple Editors in a workgroup, they will attempt to resolve the dispute.  
When there are disputes on content issues, assuming there are multiple Editors in a workgroup, they will attempt to resolve the dispute.  
*Assumption could be simplified. [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
 
Failing agreement, the matter will be taken to the Ombudsman, and then to the Editorial Council.
Failing agreement, the matter will be taken to the Ombudsman, and then to the Editorial Council.
* [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)


===Administration===
=====Task Managers=====
The Citizendium's administration handles the legal, financial and technical operations necessary for the project to fulfil its mission.
The Editorial Council may appoint individuals, not necessarily Editors or members of the Editorial Council, to task-specific roles, such as dealing with the various people and organizations involved in Approving a high-quality article, in reviewing the credentials of Editor applicants, etc.
* [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
 
===Editor-in-Chief===
An Editor-in-Chief shall be appointed, with a term of office of four years renewable once, by simple majority of each of the Editorial Council and Management Committee. 
 
The functions of this office shall be:
#to ensure day-to-day smooth functioning of the Citizendium;
#to facilitate the practical implementation of the Citizendium editorial policy as defined by its governing institutions;
#to make interim editorial decisions (in consultation with other editors); and
#to carry out any other tasks as required by this Charter or decisions of the governing bodies.
 
===Non-content operations===
====Management Committee====
 
A Management Committee shall be responsible for matters concerned with the non-editorial policies of Citizendium, such as finance, external alliances, communications, administration, and behavior.
:--[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:55, 15 January 2010 (UTC)
 
To this end, it may appoint Administrators and Task Managers whose activities it will oversee.
:--[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:55, 15 January 2010 (UTC)
 
It will also appoint Constables and oversee their activities.
:--[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:55, 15 January 2010 (UTC)
 
The Management Committee shall consist of seven Citizens, who may not simultaneously serve on the Editorial Council. 
 
They may, however, be Constables or Task Managers. 
 
A quorum shall consist of four members. 
 
The members of the Management Committee shall be elected by vote of active Citizens and Authors, with two-year renewable terms. 
 
The Management Committee will appoint one of its members as the Management Lead, who will represent the Citizendium externally on all matters except content.
 
The Committee, with advice from legal and audit advisers, will designate those members that can enter into contracts or expend funds on behalf of the Citizendium.
 
Substantial expenditures will require more than one signature.
:--[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:55, 15 January 2010 (UTC)
 
=====External partners=====
The Citizendium invites collaboration with non-Citizen partners on any matters relevant to the project's mission, provided that such collaboration does not conflict with this Charter.
:--[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:55, 15 January 2010 (UTC)
 
The Management Council shall elaborate a strategy and policy on collaboration with external partners, paying particular attention to fostering the collaboration with instructors by way of [[CZ:Eduzendium|Eduzendium]], and with external experts or professional organizations for the purposes of providing or reviewing content at the Citizendium.
 
=====Task Managers=====
Like the Editorial Council, the Management Committee  may appoint individuals, not necessarily  members of that Editorial Committee, to task-specific roles, such software testing and development supervision, preliminary media contacts, etc.
 
=====Consultants=====
The Management Committee may, within the financial rules, consult with professionals such as attorneys and accountants.
 
=====Administration=====
The Citizendium's administration handles the legal, financial and technical operations necessary for the project to fulfill its mission.  
:--[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:55, 15 January 2010 (UTC)
 
It may include contractors or employees, under the policy direction of the Management Committee, who eventually may be directed, on a routine basis, by an employee such as an Executive Director.
 
===Behavior and dispute resolution===
 
 
====Constabulary====
 
The Constabulary shall be charged with upholding the Citizendium's rules of behavior as determined by community policy, covering all Citizens including those with official positions (such as the Ombudsman or the Editor-in-Chief).
 
The Constabulary's authority is restricted to matters of behavior and they shall not intervene in matters of content.
:--[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:55, 15 January 2010 (UTC)


===Dispute resolution===
Constabulary tools include: advice and instruction on wiki or through Citizen email, removal of offensive text, and warning and banning of users according to written guidelines.
Disputes will be settled at the lowest possible level, such as by bringing in peer Editors or Constables.
*Phrasing to be brushed. [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)


Next, the Ombudsman will be contacted for non-binding mediation.  
The enforcement of these rules is to be carried out with reasonable pragmatism and leniency without prejudice as to Citizen status or position and only in those situations where the applicability of existing rules is clear.  
*[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)


Should that fail, the matter will go to the appropriate body&nbsp;&mdash; the Editorial Board/Council for content matters and the Management Council for behavioral and administrative matters.
The Constabulary may develop additional tools and will publish and monitor the appropriate use of said tools.  
*Name of EB/EC has to be fixed. [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)


As a last resort, both Councils may appoint members to an arbitration panel, for Final arbitration as defined below.
Decisions of constables may be appealed through the appropriate adjudication process as determined by the Management Council.
*[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)


====Ombudsman====
====Ombudsman====
The role of Ombudsman shall be vested in a Citizen with substantial CZ experience and widely respected judgment, who may appoint up to two other Citizens to support his/her work.  
An Ombudsman shall be appointed, charged with the task of assisting in dispute resolution, as laid down in this Charter. 
*[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
 
The role of Ombudsman shall be vested in a Citizen with substantial Citizendium experience and widely respected judgement, who may appoint up to two other Citizens (Assistant Ombudsmen) to support his/her work; their appointment and termination of duties is at the personal discretion of the Ombudsman.


The Ombudsman will be elected by simple majority vote of each of the Editorial Council and Management Council, for a term of 4 years.  
The Ombudsman will be elected by simple majority vote of each of the Editorial Council and Management Council, for a term of 4 years.  
*4 years is very long for our kind of project, so I'd prefer something less but renewable. [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
:* Agreed. How about 2 years with 2 year extensions up to some limit (6 years? 8 years?) [[User:Dan Nessett|Dan Nessett]] 04:18, 17 November 2009 (UTC)


An Ombudsman may be recalled by a supermajority (75%) of each of the Editorial and Management Councils.
An Ombudsman may be recalled by a supermajority (75%) of each of the Editorial and Management Councils.
* We do not have provisions for replacing any one in a Special function. [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)


====Final arbitration====
====Dispute resolution====
In the event of a dispute that cannot be resolved at a level below that of the Editorial Council or the Management Committee, appeals boards may be constituted on an ad hoc basis.  
Disputes will be settled at the lowest possible level, such as by bringing in peer Editors or Constables. 
*Phrase need brushing. [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
 
Next, the Ombudsman will be contacted for non-binding mediation. 
 
Should that fail, the matter will go to the appropriate body&nbsp;&mdash; the Editorial Board/Council for content matters and the Management Council for behavioral and administrative matters. 
 
As a last resort, both Councils may appoint members to an arbitration panel, for final arbitration as defined below.
 
In the event of a dispute that cannot be resolved at a level below that of the Editorial Council or the Management Committee, appeals boards may be constituted on an ad hoc basis.


They will consist of three members nominated by the Editorial Council and three members nominated by the Management Committee, who shall not have been involved in the specific dispute.   
They will consist of three members nominated by the Editorial Council and three members nominated by the Management Committee, who shall not have been involved in the specific dispute.   
*[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)


An Ombudsman will preside; that official shall direct the Board and will be non-voting other than to possess a tie-breaking vote.  
An Ombudsman will preside; that official shall direct the Board and will be non-voting other than to possess a tie-breaking vote.  
*[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)


Should no Ombudsman be available who is not a party to the matter, the Councils shall appoint a special presider from the Citizenry.
Should no Ombudsman be available who is not a party to the matter, the Councils shall appoint a special presider from the Citizenry.
*[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)


===Electorate===
===Electorate===
All Authors are entitled to vote on the adoption or modification of this charter.
All Authors are entitled to vote on the adoption or modification of this charter.
*Authors or Citizens? [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
:--[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:55, 15 January 2010 (UTC)


==License==
==License==
The content of the Citizendium will always be free to use, reuse, and redistribute.  
The content of the Citizendium will always be free to use, reuse, and redistribute.  
*[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
:--[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:55, 15 January 2010 (UTC)
 
Content originating at the Citizendium is available under a [[CZ:Creative Commons CC-by-sa 3.0|Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported]] license.  
Content originating at the Citizendium is available under a [[CZ:Creative Commons CC-by-sa 3.0|Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported]] license.  
*Perhaps too detailed for the Charter. [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
 
Content that originated elsewhere may also be incorporated into the Citizendium if such reuse is permitted by the copyright owners.
Content that originated elsewhere may also be incorporated into the Citizendium if such reuse is permitted by the copyright owners or copyright status.
*[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
:--[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:55, 15 January 2010 (UTC)


==Legal status==
==Legal status==
The Citizendium will be owned and ultimately controlled by a non-profit organization.
The Citizendium will be owned and controlled by the Citizendium Foundation, a non-profit organization.
*Is "owned" appropriate here? [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
:* Yes. Someone has to own the assets of the enterprise. [[User:Dan Nessett|Dan Nessett]] 04:19, 17 November 2009 (UTC)


==Languages==
==Languages==
The official language of the Citizendium is English. Branches in other languages require approval by the Editorial Council and have to be based on this English-language charter or an approved translation.
 
*[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
The official language of the Citizendium shall be English.
:--[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:57, 15 January 2010 (UTC)
 
Branches in other languages require approval by the Management Committee and shall have the same legal status as the English language Citizendium (see [[CZ:Charter drafting#Legal status|Legal status above]]). 
 
Non-English Citizendiums shall construct their governance in accordance with this charter or a translation approved by the Management Committee.
:--[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:57, 15 January 2010 (UTC)
 
Branch language Editorial Councils, including the English language Citizendium Editorial Council, shall be empowered to develop policy regarding non-native language content on their native language Citizendiums. 
 
Consistent with the Citizendium's respect for expertise, the Editorial Council of any branch language version may request the Editorial Councils of other language versions to revise, add, or remove content in the former branch's native language.
 
All user pages shall be in the native language for that version of Citizendium.
 
No branch or non-English version of Citizendium shall be permitted at later times to adopt policy that contravenes this charter


==Final clause==
==Final clause==
*Not sure whether that's the most appropriate heading. [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
===Ratification===
===Ratification===
If this Charter has been ratified by two thirds or more of the votes validly cast in a referendum for this purpose, it shall be certified by the Editor-in-Chief within a week after the closing of the referendum.  
If this Charter has been ratified by two thirds or more of the votes validly cast in a referendum for this purpose, it shall be certified by the Editor-in-Chief within a week after the closing of the referendum.
*Could be shorter. [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
:--[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:59, 15 January 2010 (UTC)
 
:* What happens if the attempt at ratification fails? I'm not sure the contingency plan belongs in the charter, since if ratification fails, then any plan within it is moot. However, there should be some thought put into the possibility. [[User:Dan Nessett|Dan Nessett]] 03:50, 17 November 2009 (UTC)


For future amendments, a certifying official or officials shall be agreed upon by the joint Management Committee and Editorial Council.
For future amendments, a certifying official or officials shall be agreed upon by the joint Management Committee and Editorial Council.
*Phrasing to be brushed. [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)


===Entry into force===
===Entry into force===
This Charter shall enter into force on the day following ratification.
This Charter shall enter into force on the day following ratification.
*[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
:--[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:59, 15 January 2010 (UTC)
:* Doesn't the existing EIC have to put the charter in force? [[User:Dan Nessett|Dan Nessett]] 04:22, 17 November 2009 (UTC)


===Interim guidance for the transition period===
===Interim guidance for the transition period===
*Perhaps better on a special [[CZ:Interim Policy]] page? [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
 
As long as the administrative prerequisites for implementing the charter are not entirely fulfilled, the rules listed in this section shall provide interim guidance to the Editorial Council, Management Council, and other bodies.  
As long as the administrative prerequisites for implementing the charter are not entirely fulfilled, the rules listed in this section shall provide interim guidance to the Editorial Council, Management Council, and other bodies.  
*Phrasing to be brushed. [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
:--[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:59, 15 January 2010 (UTC)


Such material may be modified by those bodies by their normal procedures, without a full Charter amendment.
Such material may be modified by those bodies by their normal procedures, without a full Charter amendment.
*Phrasing to be brushed if we go for the policy page. [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)


====Editorial Council and Management Committee====
====Editorial Council and Management Committee====
For both bodies, the intention is to elect half of the members each year, so of the first group, a number corresponding to the quorum will be selected, by lot or personal agreement, to serve one-year terms.  
For both bodies, the intention is to elect half of the members each year, so of the first group, a number corresponding to the quorum will be selected, by lot or personal agreement, to serve one-year terms.
*[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)


====Citizens with pseudonyms====
:The Editorial Council shall vote on each of the [[CZ:Editorial Council Resolutions Complete List|resolutions of the previous Editorial Council]] whether they should continue to be in force or not.
Citizens currently registered with a pseudonym will be granted up to one year of time to re-register for a new account under their real name.
::--[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:59, 15 January 2010 (UTC)
*One year not necessary. [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
One year after the entry into force of this charter, all pseudonym accounts shall be locked by the Constabulary.
*Locking can be done immediately. [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
:* What is meant by "locking"? Does it mean "locking out" (i.e., the account is terminated)? Or does it mean no other pseudonymous accounts will be created? In the first case, while one year is too long, perhaps 2-4 months will give any such account holders time to create real name accounts if they so chose. In the latter case, I think no further pseudonymous accounts should be created once the charter comes into force. [[User:Dan Nessett|Dan Nessett]] 04:26, 17 November 2009 (UTC)
 
====Inactive Editors====
[[CZ:Editorial Council Resolution 0012]] will be extended such that newly registered Editors who have not yet contributed to the project shall be regarded as [[:Category:Inactive CZ Editors|Inactive Editors]].
*A separate Category [[:Category:New CZ Editors|New Editors]] may be even better. [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
:* Agreed. Telling someone who has just been appointed an editor that they are inactive would have an adverse psychological effect. [[User:Dan Nessett|Dan Nessett]] 04:27, 17 November 2009 (UTC)
 
====External partners====
The Management Council shall elaborate a strategy and policy on collaboration with external partners, paying particular attention to fostering the collaboration with instructors by way of [[CZ:Eduzendium|Eduzendium]], and with external experts or professional organizations for the purpose of reviewing content at the Citizendium or providing content to it.


===Future amendments===
===Future amendments===
This Charter shall be open to amendment at any time subsequent to its ratification.  
This Charter shall be open to amendment at any time subsequent to its ratification.  
*Perhaps add provisions for suitable period to discuss the matter? 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
:--[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:59, 15 January 2010 (UTC)


The Management Council is hereby vested with the power to act upon proposals for amendment originating from any Citizen or Citizendium institution.  
The Management Council is hereby vested with the power to act upon proposals for amendment originating from any Citizen or Citizendium institution.  
*[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
 
The process of Amendment requires the Management Council initially to consult with Citizens (including via the Forum) and subsequently to draft an appropriate amended text.  
The process of Amendment requires the Management Council initially to consult with Citizens (including via the Forum) and subsequently to draft an appropriate amended text.  
*Mention of the Forum too specific. [[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)


The decision to accept the amended text will be taken by popular vote of the Citizenry, and requires a two-thirds majority of votes validly cast.
The decision to accept the amended text will be taken by popular vote of the Citizenry, and requires a two-thirds majority of votes validly cast.
*[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:50, 16 November 2009 (UTC)
:--[[User:Daniel Mietchen|Daniel Mietchen]] 21:59, 15 January 2010 (UTC)
 
=Anything else?=
''Ported to the [[CZ_Talk:Charter_drafting#Open_questions|Open questions section at the Charter drafting's talk page]].''

Latest revision as of 23:21, 22 September 2010

This page was explicitly open for any Citizen (see archived versions), then restricted to the drafting Committee.
It is now open to all Citizens again.


Here follows a review of the draft as of 22:08, 15 January 2010 (permalink to version reviewed) of the Citizendium Charter. Such reviews (concerning different versions of the draft) have also been provided by Tom Morris, Peter Schmitt (NEXT draft), Thomas H. Larsen, and in a similar manner by Dan Nessett and Milton Beychok.

For each sentence of the draft, please do one of the following (especially if you have a strong opinion about it):

  1. Sign it if you find the current phrasing (including section structure and titles) satisfactory.
  2. Add a link to a place (e.g. a forum post or CZ user page) in which you discuss why not. Then sign.

Note: No discussion on this page. Please use the dedicated Forum thread.

Please do not change the phrasing of the Charter text herein — if something has been changed in the draft itself, please strike out the phrasing here (along with any signatures or links it may have received in the meantime) and add the new one below.


Mission statement

The Citizendium is a collaborative effort to collect, structure, and update knowledge and to render it conveniently accessible to the public for free.

--Daniel Mietchen 21:42, 15 January 2010 (UTC)

It is created by volunteers — henceforth Citizens — who contribute under their real names and agree to a social covenant centered around trust.

--Daniel Mietchen 21:42, 15 January 2010 (UTC)

Membership

  • Citizendium membership is open to anyone.
--Daniel Mietchen 21:42, 15 January 2010 (UTC)
We believe that everyone has knowledge to share, regardless of educational attainment, professional experience, or any other factor.
  • All members register and contribute to the project under their real names.
--Daniel Mietchen 21:42, 15 January 2010 (UTC)
This energizes the creation of a vibrant community and encourages civil behavior.
  • The Citizendium community recognizes the special role that subject matter experts play in assuring that the site’s contents meet these standards.
--Daniel Mietchen 21:42, 15 January 2010 (UTC)
We recognize two important types of expertise: broad knowledge and deep knowledge.
Experts with broad knowledge of one or more domains of knowledge help us ensure that the topics of our articles are presented in the scientific, philosophical, cultural and methodological contexts in which professionals discuss them.
Experts with deep knowledge of specific topics help us make sure that we have all of the relevant facts and that we present them correctly.
Many people have both types of knowledge.
Official recognition of expertise shall be based on guidelines established by the Editorial Council.
  • Contributors must act responsibly and in a civil manner.
--Daniel Mietchen 21:42, 15 January 2010 (UTC)
Derogatory or offensive commentary is impermissible: inappropriate material shall be removed at the discretion of the constabulary.

Style

  • All entries at Citizendium should engage their subjects comprehensively, neutrally and objectively to the greatest degree possible.
--Daniel Mietchen 21:42, 15 January 2010 (UTC)
Comprehensiveness entails providing full explanations of all facets of a subject that experts judge significant.
Furthermore, each topic should be represented as a complex whole rather than a simple conglomeration of its parts: a good Citizendium entry will illustrate how different aspects of its topic fit together and highlight applications and connections to other topics.
It will also be neutral, which means it will not align with any one position if there is controversy amongst experts concerning some aspect of its topic.
Instead, it will remain objective, describing each relevant position without skewing the presentation toward the personal beliefs or positions of the author(s).
In short, entries should present the big picture, including all relevant perspectives, and should be carefully crafted and bias-free. Citizendium is not a place for advocacy or for advertisement.
  • Unnecessarily complicated presentation should be avoided.
Citizendium material is intended for the general public and should be constructed so as to maximize accessibility.
The basic content provided at the Citizendium is intended for an audience with completed secondary education.
More specialized material is welcome but it should be presented without unnecessary jargon and should be contextualized through prominent links to entries that explain background information and related non-specialist material.
  • As far as possible, special needs of visually or otherwise impaired users and of responsibly exercized automated access will be taken into account.
Citizendium encourages contributions on all topics, albeit with sensitivity towards appropriateness and avoiding sensationalism.
Exceptionally, Editors and Constables have the authority to intervene at their discretion if article content appears to be inconsistent with criminal or civil law or if content is discriminatory or slanderous against persons or groups of persons on the basis of religion, religious belief, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender.
Such decisions are subject to Citizendium's appeal process.

Content development

  • Citizendium is a multimedial collaborative project, open to constructive contributions by any Citizen to any of its content at any time.
--Daniel Mietchen 21:42, 15 January 2010 (UTC)
We trust members of the Citizendium community to act in good faith and we encourage them to be bold in contributing to the project but we also require professional behavior.
This entails acceptance of guidance from experts and from the wider Citizendium community as well as the obligation to remain civil and constructive even in cases of dispute.
  • The collaborative environment in which we develop our articles is an important part of the Citizendium community.
Just like other user-generated websites, we rely on the contributions of many different people spread out around the world, working at different times and in different ways. Some of these contributions are very small while others are quite extensive.
Some reflect many years of professional experience while others are made by people who are just beginning to learn about a topic.
All are important for the project. Cooperation and sensitivity to others are therefore very important and disruptive behavior is not tolerated.
  • Citizendium encourages all members to submit constructive criticism on all of its material.
--Daniel Mietchen 21:42, 15 January 2010 (UTC)
Where appropriate, we encourage members to simply fix any mistakes they find as they browse the site but we insist that potentially controversial changes (such as the deletion of a large block of text or the reorientation of text describing a contentious topic) be discussed ahead of time with any other contributors who are also at work on the article and, if possible, with an appropriate editor.
If a dispute arises, we defer to expertise.
--Daniel Mietchen 21:45, 15 January 2010 (UTC)
  • Experts guide the development of Citizendium entries in a transparent manner.
--Daniel Mietchen 21:42, 15 January 2010 (UTC)
Authors are encouraged to seek out the guidance of subject matter experts and experts are encouraged to offer advice whenever they are comfortable doing so.
Experts and non-experts should work together as partners in the development of balanced articles; overbearing behavior by either party is unconstructive and unacceptable.
  • Integration of the Citizendium with teaching and research is encouraged as long as it adheres to the principles of this charter.
--Daniel Mietchen 21:42, 15 January 2010 (UTC)

Personnel and governance

The Citizendium is devoted to transparent and fair governance at a minimum of bureaucracy. Special roles will not be created without excellent reason.

--Daniel Mietchen 21:55, 15 January 2010 (UTC)

Content

Authors

Any Citizen can act as an Author, contribute or modify content, unless blocked from specific articles or topics by an Editor or Constable.

--Daniel Mietchen 21:55, 15 January 2010 (UTC)

Blocks may be appealed through the Dispute Resolution procedure.

Pseudonyms may not be used.

Within a month after the entry into force of this charter, all existing pseudonym accounts shall be closed by the Constabulary, and the respective user pages protected.

The Citizens concerned may reapply under their real name.

Editors

Editors are Citizens who — because of their recognized expertise in specific areas — are responsible for the scope and quality of the content presented by the Citizendium.

Specifically, in their areas of expertise, they are entitled (1) to make decisions about specific questions or disputes concerning particular articles, and (2) to approve high-quality articles.

The criteria for granting or revoking Editorship are to be defined by the Editorial Council.

--Daniel Mietchen 21:55, 15 January 2010 (UTC)

Registration of new Editors

To streamline the CZ:Editor Application Review Procedure, applications for Editorship shall be processed in two steps.

First, an applicant will be registered as an Author, so s/he can immediately start editing.

Secondly, the application for Editorship will be reviewed by the Editorial Personnel Administrators (to be appointed by the Editorial Council) who will strive to make a decision within one week.

CZ:Editorial Council Resolution 0012 shall be extended such that these new Editors will be categorized as New Editors during the first three months after registration or until their first contribution to the project.

Editorial Council

An Editorial Council will be responsible for guiding content and establishing policy.

--Daniel Mietchen 21:55, 15 January 2010 (UTC)

It shall consist of nine active Citizens, with five seats reserved for Editors.

The remaining four seats are reserved for Authors that are not Editors.

A quorum shall consist of five members.

Members of the Editorial Council may not simultaneously serve on the Management Committee or be Constables.

--Daniel Mietchen 21:55, 15 January 2010 (UTC)

They may, however, be Task Managers.

--Daniel Mietchen 21:55, 15 January 2010 (UTC)

The members of the Editorial Council will be elected by vote of active Citizens, with two-year terms renewable once consecutively.

The Editorial Council will appoint one of its members as the Editorial Lead, who will represent the Citizendium externally on matters of content.

During deliberations on a matter covered by specific workgroups, the Chief Editor of that Workgroup, or another member, may be part of a quorum if that individual is not a Council member.

If, however, the matter under discussion involves a dispute with such an Editor, that Editor may state positions to the Council but not vote on them unless already a member.

Workgroups

The Editorial Council may create and reorganize workgroups to arrange areas of content, and to encourage collaboration among Authors and Editors in areas of expertise.

Workgroup members will build top-level articles and knowledge structures for the articles in a discipline.

The Editorial Council shall elaborate a strategy and policy on topic-specific collaboration, chiefly based on CZ:Workgroups and some accepted ontology or other knowledge categorization scheme.

In addition to subject specific Workgroups, there shall be a General Workgroup with jurisdiction over general issues of style and content, and for articles of very wide scope.

There may be, in addition, interdisciplinary or specialized Subgroups.

In addition, there may be Area Groups, as for (e.g., Science or Science & Technology) to deal with broad issues affecting many but not all workgroups (e.g., units of measurement).

When there are disputes on content issues, assuming there are multiple Editors in a workgroup, they will attempt to resolve the dispute.

Failing agreement, the matter will be taken to the Ombudsman, and then to the Editorial Council.

Task Managers

The Editorial Council may appoint individuals, not necessarily Editors or members of the Editorial Council, to task-specific roles, such as dealing with the various people and organizations involved in Approving a high-quality article, in reviewing the credentials of Editor applicants, etc.

Editor-in-Chief

An Editor-in-Chief shall be appointed, with a term of office of four years renewable once, by simple majority of each of the Editorial Council and Management Committee.

The functions of this office shall be:

  1. to ensure day-to-day smooth functioning of the Citizendium;
  2. to facilitate the practical implementation of the Citizendium editorial policy as defined by its governing institutions;
  3. to make interim editorial decisions (in consultation with other editors); and
  4. to carry out any other tasks as required by this Charter or decisions of the governing bodies.

Non-content operations

Management Committee

A Management Committee shall be responsible for matters concerned with the non-editorial policies of Citizendium, such as finance, external alliances, communications, administration, and behavior.

--Daniel Mietchen 21:55, 15 January 2010 (UTC)

To this end, it may appoint Administrators and Task Managers whose activities it will oversee.

--Daniel Mietchen 21:55, 15 January 2010 (UTC)

It will also appoint Constables and oversee their activities.

--Daniel Mietchen 21:55, 15 January 2010 (UTC)

The Management Committee shall consist of seven Citizens, who may not simultaneously serve on the Editorial Council.

They may, however, be Constables or Task Managers.

A quorum shall consist of four members.

The members of the Management Committee shall be elected by vote of active Citizens and Authors, with two-year renewable terms.

The Management Committee will appoint one of its members as the Management Lead, who will represent the Citizendium externally on all matters except content.

The Committee, with advice from legal and audit advisers, will designate those members that can enter into contracts or expend funds on behalf of the Citizendium.

Substantial expenditures will require more than one signature.

--Daniel Mietchen 21:55, 15 January 2010 (UTC)
External partners

The Citizendium invites collaboration with non-Citizen partners on any matters relevant to the project's mission, provided that such collaboration does not conflict with this Charter.

--Daniel Mietchen 21:55, 15 January 2010 (UTC)

The Management Council shall elaborate a strategy and policy on collaboration with external partners, paying particular attention to fostering the collaboration with instructors by way of Eduzendium, and with external experts or professional organizations for the purposes of providing or reviewing content at the Citizendium.

Task Managers

Like the Editorial Council, the Management Committee may appoint individuals, not necessarily members of that Editorial Committee, to task-specific roles, such software testing and development supervision, preliminary media contacts, etc.

Consultants

The Management Committee may, within the financial rules, consult with professionals such as attorneys and accountants.

Administration

The Citizendium's administration handles the legal, financial and technical operations necessary for the project to fulfill its mission.

--Daniel Mietchen 21:55, 15 January 2010 (UTC)

It may include contractors or employees, under the policy direction of the Management Committee, who eventually may be directed, on a routine basis, by an employee such as an Executive Director.

Behavior and dispute resolution

Constabulary

The Constabulary shall be charged with upholding the Citizendium's rules of behavior as determined by community policy, covering all Citizens including those with official positions (such as the Ombudsman or the Editor-in-Chief).

The Constabulary's authority is restricted to matters of behavior and they shall not intervene in matters of content.

--Daniel Mietchen 21:55, 15 January 2010 (UTC)

Constabulary tools include: advice and instruction on wiki or through Citizen email, removal of offensive text, and warning and banning of users according to written guidelines.

The enforcement of these rules is to be carried out with reasonable pragmatism and leniency without prejudice as to Citizen status or position and only in those situations where the applicability of existing rules is clear.

The Constabulary may develop additional tools and will publish and monitor the appropriate use of said tools.

Decisions of constables may be appealed through the appropriate adjudication process as determined by the Management Council.

Ombudsman

An Ombudsman shall be appointed, charged with the task of assisting in dispute resolution, as laid down in this Charter.

The role of Ombudsman shall be vested in a Citizen with substantial Citizendium experience and widely respected judgement, who may appoint up to two other Citizens (Assistant Ombudsmen) to support his/her work; their appointment and termination of duties is at the personal discretion of the Ombudsman.

The Ombudsman will be elected by simple majority vote of each of the Editorial Council and Management Council, for a term of 4 years.

An Ombudsman may be recalled by a supermajority (75%) of each of the Editorial and Management Councils.

Dispute resolution

Disputes will be settled at the lowest possible level, such as by bringing in peer Editors or Constables.

Next, the Ombudsman will be contacted for non-binding mediation.

Should that fail, the matter will go to the appropriate body — the Editorial Board/Council for content matters and the Management Council for behavioral and administrative matters.

As a last resort, both Councils may appoint members to an arbitration panel, for final arbitration as defined below.

In the event of a dispute that cannot be resolved at a level below that of the Editorial Council or the Management Committee, appeals boards may be constituted on an ad hoc basis.

They will consist of three members nominated by the Editorial Council and three members nominated by the Management Committee, who shall not have been involved in the specific dispute.

An Ombudsman will preside; that official shall direct the Board and will be non-voting other than to possess a tie-breaking vote.

Should no Ombudsman be available who is not a party to the matter, the Councils shall appoint a special presider from the Citizenry.

Electorate

All Authors are entitled to vote on the adoption or modification of this charter.

--Daniel Mietchen 21:55, 15 January 2010 (UTC)

License

The content of the Citizendium will always be free to use, reuse, and redistribute.

--Daniel Mietchen 21:55, 15 January 2010 (UTC)

Content originating at the Citizendium is available under a Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0 Unported license.

Content that originated elsewhere may also be incorporated into the Citizendium if such reuse is permitted by the copyright owners or copyright status.

--Daniel Mietchen 21:55, 15 January 2010 (UTC)

Legal status

The Citizendium will be owned and controlled by the Citizendium Foundation, a non-profit organization.

Languages

The official language of the Citizendium shall be English.

--Daniel Mietchen 21:57, 15 January 2010 (UTC)

Branches in other languages require approval by the Management Committee and shall have the same legal status as the English language Citizendium (see Legal status above).

Non-English Citizendiums shall construct their governance in accordance with this charter or a translation approved by the Management Committee.

--Daniel Mietchen 21:57, 15 January 2010 (UTC)

Branch language Editorial Councils, including the English language Citizendium Editorial Council, shall be empowered to develop policy regarding non-native language content on their native language Citizendiums.

Consistent with the Citizendium's respect for expertise, the Editorial Council of any branch language version may request the Editorial Councils of other language versions to revise, add, or remove content in the former branch's native language.

All user pages shall be in the native language for that version of Citizendium.

No branch or non-English version of Citizendium shall be permitted at later times to adopt policy that contravenes this charter

Final clause

Ratification

If this Charter has been ratified by two thirds or more of the votes validly cast in a referendum for this purpose, it shall be certified by the Editor-in-Chief within a week after the closing of the referendum.

--Daniel Mietchen 21:59, 15 January 2010 (UTC)

For future amendments, a certifying official or officials shall be agreed upon by the joint Management Committee and Editorial Council.

Entry into force

This Charter shall enter into force on the day following ratification.

--Daniel Mietchen 21:59, 15 January 2010 (UTC)

Interim guidance for the transition period

As long as the administrative prerequisites for implementing the charter are not entirely fulfilled, the rules listed in this section shall provide interim guidance to the Editorial Council, Management Council, and other bodies.

--Daniel Mietchen 21:59, 15 January 2010 (UTC)

Such material may be modified by those bodies by their normal procedures, without a full Charter amendment.

Editorial Council and Management Committee

For both bodies, the intention is to elect half of the members each year, so of the first group, a number corresponding to the quorum will be selected, by lot or personal agreement, to serve one-year terms.

The Editorial Council shall vote on each of the resolutions of the previous Editorial Council whether they should continue to be in force or not.
--Daniel Mietchen 21:59, 15 January 2010 (UTC)

Future amendments

This Charter shall be open to amendment at any time subsequent to its ratification.

--Daniel Mietchen 21:59, 15 January 2010 (UTC)

The Management Council is hereby vested with the power to act upon proposals for amendment originating from any Citizen or Citizendium institution.

The process of Amendment requires the Management Council initially to consult with Citizens (including via the Forum) and subsequently to draft an appropriate amended text.

The decision to accept the amended text will be taken by popular vote of the Citizenry, and requires a two-thirds majority of votes validly cast.

--Daniel Mietchen 21:59, 15 January 2010 (UTC)