Upon visiting a forum thread, new editors will often notice a thread called "Come Here to Get Your Category Checked". What is this thread for? What follows is an overview of the various benefits of using this thread.
Essentially, it is a thread where you can ask to have another, experienced, editor examine a category and offer feedback as to its strengths and weaknesses. When a new editor feels they have done as much as they can in developing the category they are working on, a "Cat Check" is a way to get a second opinion as to whether there are any areas which could be improved.
For me, the process was a daunting one. Eighteen months ago, when I asked for a Category Check, the thought of publicly asking for another editor to comment on my editing left me a little apprehensive. My biggest fear was that I would be publicly reprimanded for any unintentional mistakes I had made, or misunderstandings I had about the guidelines. In hindsight, my concern was completely unwarranted.
As gieselle (who has recently had a category checked) suggests, "There is no need to feel nervous or apprehensive. The senior editors offer their time as catcheck staff because they are willing to help you – not admonish you. It is a time when you can benefit from their expertise and guidance. I was anxious to see their encouragement and constructive criticism because I was then better able to understand and measure my own progress. I was able to establish a baseline and see which areas needed improvement and which were satisfactory... For me, the catcheck was absolutely useful. Gentle reminders about de-hyping, non-repetition of title words in the description, learning to determine which DMOZ category is the best fit and the inclusion of media dates were all suggestions that were beneficial to me."
A key observation she makes is about suggestions being put in the form of "gentle reminders". The last things experienced editors want to do, when checking a category for a new editor, is discourage you from editing! Rather, they want to give you the sort of encouragement which will maintain your enthusiasm, as well as help you improve your editing. angela45, who regularly volunteers to undertake "Category Checks"suggests, "As far as a benefit to the directory, it is quite astonishing how many new editors flourish and become better editors from this type of feedback."
The process of Category Checking does not, however, just benefit those who ask for them – they can be just as helpful for those conducting the Checks.
