Help:Creating a New WikiProject

When starting a new project, one key to success is in the planning that is done before the project begins. The following are vital to a successful project:

Identify a Project Leader

 * A project leader can define what it is you want to accomplish and how, and be able to communicate a clear picture of what the project will do. The project leader will take care of the following or assign others to do so:
 * Clearly define the scope of the project
 * Recruit individuals who can help with the project
 * Hold regular meetings or discussions on where things are, give kudos, etc.
 * Train and give individual attention to volunteers to do the tasks spelled out

Name the project, and create the project pages &amp; tasks

 * Name your project: Following these conventions will help your project be found:
 * The name of the project should begin with the word "FamilySearch Wiki" and followed by a colon, ":"
 * After the colon type the word "WikiProject"
 * Then type the name of the project.
 * Example: FamilySearch Wiki:WikiProject Utah
 * Add the new project to the list on the Projects Seeking Contributors page, under the subject heading that is related to the new project
 * Create a Welcome page that:
 * Includes general information about the project
 * Gives an area where people can sign up to participate
 * Shows what stage the project is in (kept up to date) and what currently needs help
 * Explains how the project members will communicate with each other going forward. (See #3 below for more information.)
 * Define tasks and create pages to explain the various tasks. Make the tasks simple so that someone new to the wiki doesn't feel overwhelmed with the scope of the work. On each task page, add the description of the task and a include sign-up sheet for the tasks that give information about the task, a spot for people to sign up, when the task is completed, etc.

Decide how you will communicate
Frequent communication is vital to the success of a project. Some options are:


 * Regular meetings in MeetingPlace Sometimes regular meetings over the phone can help kick start a project. When having regular meetings, however, be sure that the information discussed is tracked on Wiki pages so that those who can't attend are kept up to date.
 * WikiProject discussion pages Discussion pages keep the conversation together with the project
 * FamilySearch Wiki Forums Forums help with threaded messages
 * Skype Skype is a great instant messaging tool for more immediate group communication

Seek volunteers to help

 * Wiki Contributors: Look at who has contributed to existing pages in that topic area in the past and invite them to join in on the project
 * Forums: Let people know in the FamilySearch Wiki forums that a new project has been created
 * Community News: Mention the new project and milestones on the Community News page.
 * Facebook Wiki page: Invite people to participate on the FamilySearch Wiki Facebook page.
 * Facebook Community: See if there is a Facebook Genealogy Research Community for this area, and invite people to participate there.
 * General public: Invite those in the community who have special knowledge about research in this area to be a part of the project. One way to find them is through bloggers at Geneabloggers (see a list of bloggers by type).