How to be a lead reviewer for Nupedia

In the Nupedia editorial guidelines, see also the lead review section and especially the lead review process section.

The lead reviewer's primarily responsibility is to ensure that an article is "almost ready" for inclusion in Nupedia.  The lead reviewer is expected to be able to speak and judge authoritatively on the topic of the reviewed article.

Nupedia has a complex and thorough review process.  If you are with us as a lead reviewer for only an article or two, it would be unreasonable for us to expect you to be familiar with every part of our policy guidelines; the following should provide an adequate orientation.

1. Go to the signup page and create a Nupedia user ID for yourself.

2. We provide a byline and short bio for lead reviewers.  So, please fill out "Your Bio" (but log in first).

3. E-mail the area editor (i.e., the person who asked you to review the article) and let him/her know what your Nupedia user ID is; we will use the ID to record the information that you're the lead reviewer of the article.  The system will then make it possible for you to view the article discussion page when you've logged in.

4. You should be notified automatically by e-mail when the article is ready for review.  To view the article, go to the member area homepage (but be sure to log in first).  On that page, there should be a direct link to the lead review discussion page for the article; you can find this link under the heading "Articles for which you are lead reviewer." (Alternatively, a direct link to this discussion page should be sent to your e-mail address.)

5. As you conduct the review, a few things are very important to bear in mind.  First of all, this is supposed to be a blind review; therefore, your identity will be masked by the system as will that of the author.  Please do not reveal your identity unless you are certain the author already knows it.  Second, if and when you believe the article is acceptable, go to the approval form (a link to this form will be on the member area homepage when you have logged in) and press the approval button.  Only when the lead reviewer believes that the draft article is nearly satisfactory for inclusion in Nupedia should the article be approved.  Third, it's possible you might conclude the article is irremediable; please write the subject editor for help in this situation.

6. When the lead review process (step three) is complete, the article moves on to an open review process (step four), in which it is hoped you will participate.  Again, at the end of the open review process, your approval of the article will be required in order for it to be included in the encyclopedia.  Again, you can find a link to the relevant discussion page from your member area homepage after you have logged in.

If you need further help, please e-mail the subject editor.  Also, our editor-in-chief, Larry Sanger, is happy to answer questions about what to do when; write him at lsanger@nupedia.com.