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<big>'''This social contract establishes the principles we follow when adding and editing material in our wiki.  By honoring our social contract we retain the privilage to edit.  This contract is enforced by our [[moderator team]].  Complaints about violations of this contract can be made on our [[complaints|Complaints Page]].'''</big>
Our participation in the Nearshore Wiki as an editor is based on our agreement to follow our social contract.  This is a non-legal agreement that is administered by our [[moderator team]] which is responsible for interpreting and applying these provisionsIt establishes the principles we follow when adding or editing material in this wiki.  [[Complaints]] can be made on our [[complaints|Complaints Page]].
<br>
<br>
:''(v. 2.1 October 2014)
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===The Scientific Ethos===
We are dedicated to the use of the scientific method, which involves the careful description of our propositions using precise language, the design of experiments to test hypotheses, the development of logical arguments, the citation of our evidence, and the analysis of probability. We avoid [[logical fallacy|logical fallacies]] and present ideas in a clear and sequential manner.  When others appear to misunderstand our work we endeavor to improve the clarity and precision of our writing.  The goal in critique is to precisely identify alternative hypotheses or opinions and to compare the available weight of evidence.  Evidence is not limited to peer reviewed publications, however we must be clear about the sources of our evidence so that others way weigh our evidence using their own judgment.


==The Scientific Ethos==
===Use Clear Neutral Language===
We are dedicated to the use of the scientific methodThis method involves the transparent identification of hypotheses using precise language, the development of tests, and the development of logical networks of theory from which we can make inferences.   
Our purpose is to precisely convey meaning so that all readers can understand our wordsWords that form the crux of a hypothesis, theory, or argument should be selected carefully so that there is no ambiguity about their meaningWords designed to provoke an emotive response or conclusion based on snap judgement (for example, words like 'ridiculous' or 'obvious') cloud our ability to accurately assess an argumentToward this end we use clear neutral language to describe evidence and uncertaintyWhere definitions or meanings of words are ambiguous, we clarify our meaning or develop a supporting [[topic page]].
===Use of logic and transparent conceptual models===
We agree to test our own logic and present ideas in a clear and sequential mannerWhen others challenge our logic we will assume that our communication was not sufficiently explicit, and will work to improve the clarity and precision of our communicationsOur goal of challenge and refinement is to identify specific competing hypotheses that can be tested.


===Presentation of evidence and citation===
===Keep Analysis Impersonal and Critique Civil===
We will focus our contributions on the identification and precise citation of evidence to test hypotheses and clarify conceptual models.  Evidence is not limited to peer reviewed publications, however we must be clear about the sources of our evidence so that others way weigh our evidence using their own judgment.
We agree that the purpose of contributing to the wiki is to strengthen a network of knowledge to advance ecosystem management.  To this end, we commit to the analysis of concise ideas, and do not use critique as an opportunity evaluate the character or intentions of others.  If propositions are flawed, we challenge those ideas with evidence and logic. Each page has a discussion page (see tab on top), where the author can provide notes, and others can identify weaknesses in the text to provoke stronger analysis.  Authors of text are encouraged to resolve strong critique on the discussion page through text revision or additional discussion page response.
==Use of Language==
 
The most subjective portion of our social contract concerns our choice of words, where we contribute words, and the intent behind that contribution.
===Page Edit Courtesy===
===Use Clear Neutral Language===
Please refrain from extensive edits of [[workgroup]] pages or [[effort]] pages created by members of those workgroups or efforts (however contributions to the discussion page is fair game).  Topic pages are generally fair game, however please reconsider before removing a line or reasoning suggested by another author, and state your intent to complete a major edit in the discussion page. All other pages are intended as collaborative space.
Our purpose is to precisely convey meaning so that all readers can understand our words.  Words that form the crux of a hypothesis, theory, or argument should be selected carefully so that there is no ambiguity about their meaning.  Words designed to provoke an emotive response or conclusion based on snap judgement (for example, words like 'ridiculous' or 'obvious') rather than weight of evidence cloud our ability to accurately assess the state of knowledge.  Toward this end we agree to use neutral language to describe evidence and uncertainty.  Where definition or meaning of words is ambiguous, operational definitions will be provided, or developed on a special topic page.
 
===Provide Impersonal Analysis===
===Resolve Disagreement===
We agree that the purpose of contributing to the wiki is to strengthen a network of knowledge to advance conservation science.  To this end, we commit to the analysis of concise ideas, not the critique of individuals providing the ideas.  If the ideas are flawed, the ideas should be challenged as described.
Where two authors are unable to develop text that reflects a shared understanding, this requires that we develop a more detailed understanding of the disagreement.  There are two alternatives:
===Critique===
#One author may present their view in the page text, and the other author may dissent briefly on the discussion page or develop an additional section to a [[topic]] page to indicate an area of dissent.
Each page has two sides:  a main page where the goal is to provide accurate and precise information about our knowledge and activities, and a critique page, where the goal is to identify weaknesses in the text and provoke stronger analysis.  Authors of text are encouraged to resolve strong critique through text revision or discussion in person, or on the critique page.
#The disagreement is identified using precise and neutral language in the text of the page, and the disagreement is further represented in one or more [[topic]] pages.
==Disagreement==
 
Where two authors are unable to develop text that reflects a shared understanding, this requires that we develop a more detailed understanding of the disagreement.  There are three alternatives:
In all cases, we will be careful to identify and focus on citation of evidence and precise conceptual arguments.  Should two authors be unable to come to an agreement, the matter should be posted on the [[complaints]] page and an outcome will be selected by the [[moderator team]].
#One author may present their view in the page text, and the other author may dissent on the critique page.
 
#One author may present a majority view in the page text, while the other develops a dissenting view in a [[special topic page]].
===Post Documents Considerately===
#The disagreement is presented using precise and neutral language, and the disagreement is further represented in a [[special topic page]].
We will only post documents, images or text that are the original work of the poster, or part of the public domain, or where the author has agreed that the materials are ready and appropriate for public distribution (such as in a public and official government publication).  We will not infringe on personal copyright or other applicable law.  We understand that the Wiki is governed by a [http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/deed.en_US Creative Commons Cite and Share Alike License].
In all cases, we will be careful to identify and focus on citation of evidence and precise conceptual arguments.  Should two authors be unable to come to an agreement, the matter should be posted on the [[complaints]] page and a decision will be made by the [[moderator team]].
 
===Keep Text Short and Accessible===
We will work to generate clean, succinct, and accessible text.  The purpose of this platform is to transfer concepts, evidence and work products, not the development of extended expository essays.  We use [[templates]], [[categories]], and [[links]] to enhance the accessibility of information.  We will follow [[wiki practice|good wiki practice]] when developing new pages or editing existing pages.
 
===Limit Socio-political Commentary===
We recognize that restoration hinges on sociopolitical decisions concerning land use.  This is not the forum for developing sociopolitical philosophies and opinions.  Our focus here is on using the scientific method to enrich our understanding of the processes, structures, and behaviors of systems, including human systems, by presenting sources of evidence.
 
===Refrain from Economic Self Promotion===
While you may describe fee-based work on your workgroup or user page and link to a private web-page, and may share information about resources that are not free, this wiki is not intended for solicitation, advertisement, informational commercials, or funneling traffic to offsite commercial websites.


==Posting of materials==
===Take Personal Responsibility===
We will only post materials where the author has agreed that the material is ready and appropriate for public distribution.  We will not infringe on personal copyright, or an authors personal opinion of when materials are ready for distribution.  We will be consistent with agency policy in our dissemination of research products.  We understand that the Nearshore Wiki is governed by a Creative Commons Cite and Share Alike License.
We recognize that it is our personal responsibility to understand this social contract and work with our colleagues to demonstrate our good intentions.  We identify on our user page our legal name, any relevant organizational affiliation, and we maintain an active email address in our account preferences.  We understand that if the [[moderator team]] finds our conduct inconsistent with this contract that our participation as an editor of this site may be brought to an end.
==Editing Text==
|}
We will work to generate clean and accessible text.  The purpose of this platform is the transfer information and work products, not the development of on-line expository essays.  We use links, templates and categories to enhance the accessibility of information.  I will follow [[wiki practice|the practices of this wiki]] when developing new pages or editing existing pages including:
*Adherence to [[page type]] templates
*Accurate use of [[page flags]]
*Use of critical [[:category:structure|categories]]
==Personal Responsibility==
I recognize that it is my personal responsibility to understand this social contract and work with my colleagues to demonstrate my good intentions.  I understand that if other members repeatedly find my conduct inconsistent with this contract that my participation as an editor of this site may be brought to an end.
[[category:organization]]

Revision as of 15:22, 5 January 2016

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This social contract establishes the principles we follow when adding and editing material in our wiki. By honoring our social contract we retain the privilage to edit. This contract is enforced by our moderator team. Complaints about violations of this contract can be made on our Complaints Page.

(v. 2.1 October 2014)

The Scientific Ethos

We are dedicated to the use of the scientific method, which involves the careful description of our propositions using precise language, the design of experiments to test hypotheses, the development of logical arguments, the citation of our evidence, and the analysis of probability. We avoid logical fallacies and present ideas in a clear and sequential manner. When others appear to misunderstand our work we endeavor to improve the clarity and precision of our writing. The goal in critique is to precisely identify alternative hypotheses or opinions and to compare the available weight of evidence. Evidence is not limited to peer reviewed publications, however we must be clear about the sources of our evidence so that others way weigh our evidence using their own judgment.

Use Clear Neutral Language

Our purpose is to precisely convey meaning so that all readers can understand our words. Words that form the crux of a hypothesis, theory, or argument should be selected carefully so that there is no ambiguity about their meaning. Words designed to provoke an emotive response or conclusion based on snap judgement (for example, words like 'ridiculous' or 'obvious') cloud our ability to accurately assess an argument. Toward this end we use clear neutral language to describe evidence and uncertainty. Where definitions or meanings of words are ambiguous, we clarify our meaning or develop a supporting topic page.

Keep Analysis Impersonal and Critique Civil

We agree that the purpose of contributing to the wiki is to strengthen a network of knowledge to advance ecosystem management. To this end, we commit to the analysis of concise ideas, and do not use critique as an opportunity evaluate the character or intentions of others. If propositions are flawed, we challenge those ideas with evidence and logic. Each page has a discussion page (see tab on top), where the author can provide notes, and others can identify weaknesses in the text to provoke stronger analysis. Authors of text are encouraged to resolve strong critique on the discussion page through text revision or additional discussion page response.

Page Edit Courtesy

Please refrain from extensive edits of workgroup pages or effort pages created by members of those workgroups or efforts (however contributions to the discussion page is fair game). Topic pages are generally fair game, however please reconsider before removing a line or reasoning suggested by another author, and state your intent to complete a major edit in the discussion page. All other pages are intended as collaborative space.

Resolve Disagreement

Where two authors are unable to develop text that reflects a shared understanding, this requires that we develop a more detailed understanding of the disagreement. There are two alternatives:

  1. One author may present their view in the page text, and the other author may dissent briefly on the discussion page or develop an additional section to a topic page to indicate an area of dissent.
  2. The disagreement is identified using precise and neutral language in the text of the page, and the disagreement is further represented in one or more topic pages.

In all cases, we will be careful to identify and focus on citation of evidence and precise conceptual arguments. Should two authors be unable to come to an agreement, the matter should be posted on the complaints page and an outcome will be selected by the moderator team.

Post Documents Considerately

We will only post documents, images or text that are the original work of the poster, or part of the public domain, or where the author has agreed that the materials are ready and appropriate for public distribution (such as in a public and official government publication). We will not infringe on personal copyright or other applicable law. We understand that the Wiki is governed by a Creative Commons Cite and Share Alike License.

Keep Text Short and Accessible

We will work to generate clean, succinct, and accessible text. The purpose of this platform is to transfer concepts, evidence and work products, not the development of extended expository essays. We use templates, categories, and links to enhance the accessibility of information. We will follow good wiki practice when developing new pages or editing existing pages.

Limit Socio-political Commentary

We recognize that restoration hinges on sociopolitical decisions concerning land use. This is not the forum for developing sociopolitical philosophies and opinions. Our focus here is on using the scientific method to enrich our understanding of the processes, structures, and behaviors of systems, including human systems, by presenting sources of evidence.

Refrain from Economic Self Promotion

While you may describe fee-based work on your workgroup or user page and link to a private web-page, and may share information about resources that are not free, this wiki is not intended for solicitation, advertisement, informational commercials, or funneling traffic to offsite commercial websites.

Take Personal Responsibility

We recognize that it is our personal responsibility to understand this social contract and work with our colleagues to demonstrate our good intentions. We identify on our user page our legal name, any relevant organizational affiliation, and we maintain an active email address in our account preferences. We understand that if the moderator team finds our conduct inconsistent with this contract that our participation as an editor of this site may be brought to an end.