Wikipedia:Adopt-a-User

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Introduction

Shortcut: WP:ADOPT

What is Wiki-adoption? Wiki-adoption is a program designed to help new users. Older editors can "adopt" newbies, helping them along the way as they learn about Wikipedia. We hope that this program will be able to steer new users away from vandalism and test edits, while at the same time teaching them the ins and outs of Wikipedia.

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Why haven't I heard of this before?

Wiki-adoption is a new program. It was recently created to help new users get along, and also to give older editors the chance to teach what they know to new editors. Currently over 125 users are involved, and with time the program will continue to expand just like everything else on Wikipedia.

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Joining

Joining Wikidoption is easy and fun. You can add the template {{Adoptme}} to your userpage, which adds you to Category:Wikipedians seeking to be adopted in Adopt-a-user. If you are wishing to adopt a newer user, just look through the new users listed in the category. If there are no users presently seeking adoption, just put {{Adopting}} on your user page. When you find a user you wish to adopt, replace the {{Adoptme}} on their user page with {{Adoptee|your username}} and add {{Adopter|Adoptee's user name}} to your own page. Also, substitute {{Adoptmessage|your username}} on their talk page.

If you like this proposal or think it could be improved upon, discuss it on the talk page or just go ahead, be bold, and fix it yourself.

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Goals

First and foremost, we want to be able to help new editors learn how to best contribute to Wikipedia. Whether it's writing articles, editing templates, or just fixing userboxes on their userpages, we want to have a helper ready in case they need help.

Adoptions will last until either the adopter or the adoptee decides to terminate the relationship. When an adopter sees that a user knows the ropes and is faring well he or she may ask the user if they feel as if they know how properly to edit and find information if they have a problem. Likewise, if an adoptee feels confident enough to go out on their own, he or she can be bold and remove the adoption templates and officially be unadopted. Be sure to remember to thank your adopter!

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