New editor = lots and lots to learn.
too long, didn’t read:
chunk down the process of adding releases.
direct new users to master one chunk before starting on the next.
How about instead of the intuitively obvious, painfully slow approach of struggle to add release, forget most of the guidelines that were found and struggle to add second release, forget most of the guidelines that were understood and struggle to add third release, …, we suggest a different approach to new editors?
The aim is for “wriggling then crawling then walking” rather than a series of jumping in the deep end.
Process:
- New editor selectors the fifteen releases 1CD releases they wish to add first. And are directed to a tutorial that shows them how to make sure that a release is not already in the database.
- They are then pointed to a tutorial which shows them how to add a release using only the release name and the artist name and language (as language can be necessary for release title) and edit note. Nothing else. A bare minimum release - no dates, no tracklist, no recordings, no script, no barcodes, etc, etc.
- The new editor is encouraged to ask questions on the forum.
- They create 15 bare minimum releases. And are given assistance they request and feedback by the community during this time.
- When this is completed, the new editor is either steered towards creating more bare minimum releases, or more likely, pointed at a tutorial which shows them how to complete the Release information page.
- They complete the “Release information” pages for their 15 releases, again asking for needed assistance and being given feedback.
- If they demonstrate proficiency in that they are directed to another tutorial that shows them how to add Tracklists.
- The New Editor completes 15 Tracklists.
- If they have demonstrated proficiency in that they are directed to another tutorial that shows them how to add the Recordings to a release.
- They complete adding the Recordings to their 15 releases.
- If they have demonstrated proficiency in that they are asked if they have the desire and facilities to enter coverart for their releases. If yes they are directed to another tutorial that shows them how to add the Cover Art to a release.
- They complete adding the Cover Art to their 15 releases.
- If they have demonstrated proficiency in that they are directed to another tutorial that shows them how to add the DiscIDs and AcouticIDs to a release.
- They complete adding the DiscIDs and AcouticIDs to their 15 releases.
- They are suggested to select another 15 releases they wish to add and work through the 1. - 14. sequence again.
- The New Editor is then directed to a tutorial that shows them how to; create Collections, add their releases to the their Collections and how to subscribe to their Collections. And the benefits and joys of doing so.
- They create, add and subscribe if they so desire.
- After adding 30 releases the New Editor is asked if they wish to enter Relationships into their 30 releases, and directed to a short article describing the benefits of doing so. If they wish to learn how to enter relationships into their releases they are directed to a tutorial that shows them how.
- They are given assistance as requested and feedback.
- The New Editor is by now a Beginner Editor who has become somewhat proficient in each stage of adding a release by doing many real-life tasks in each single stage before moving on to the next stage, they know what to read for answers and they know where to ask for help.
After say 5 new users have tried out this approach we look at their proficiency and user experience, make tweaks or scrap the whole dammed thing and start again.
Basically we would be:
Chunking down the very complex skill of adding a release in accordance with the guidelines.
Providing training to the New Editor in what to read to know the guidelines.
Providing training to the New Editor in where to ask questions.
Helping New Editors get more capable quicker at adding releases they wish to tag.
Exposing New Editors to more advanced editing procedures.
Making their adventure on Musicbrainz more fruitful, enjoyable and understandable.
Probably increasing average contributions from New Editors who wish to tag.
Possibly be retaining more Beginner Editors who get enjoyable experiences adding relationships.
Creating a reputation of Musicbrainz being a friendly place where you can succeed and enjoy tagging and editing - and get help if you need it.
Increasing returning Beginning Editors who enjoyed their last sojourn and know exactly how to get back into the game to tag their new CDs - work through steps 1 - 19.