User:SchroCat/littertray 4

Suggested text for welcome message for first timers. If anyone wants to tweak, rework or delete and start from scratch - feel free to use the space to work in. Cheers - SchroCat (talk) 13:26, 23 October 2023 (UTC)

Welcome to FAC

Hello, Example user! Thank you for your nomination of Example to FAC. A few pointers on the process and how to get the best from it.

What to expect

• FAC is not peer review. Reviewers are only checking that the article meets the FA criteria, and might offer light edits. The responsibility for making the article meet the criteria (and soliciting peer review when it does not) is yours as the nominator.
• As a first-time nominator at FAC, the nominated article will need to pass a source-to-text integrity spot check and a review for over-close paraphrasing.
• You should be aware that every aspect of the article will be rigorously examined against the FA criteria, including its standard of prose; breadth, standard and formatting of sources; image licencing; and adherence to the Manual of Style.
• The last push to prepare an article for FA will take much longer than you anticipate, sometimes as long as it takes to write the article itself. To avoid frustration, do this prep before continuing with your nomination.
• Since others might not know your work, your nomination might struggle to receive reviews at first. If it attracts no support within three weeks, it will be at risk of being archived. Having others pre-review the article prior to nomination, whether as a mentor or a peer reviewer, ensures that your nomination starts with the support that it needs to gain momentum.

Dealing with reviewers

• Try to deal with comments in a timely and constructive fashion
• Remember the reviewers are constructively giving their opinion on the FA criteria
• Don't take the criticism personally: reviewers are examining the article – not you!

How to get the best from the process

• Familiarize yourself with the FA standard by reviewing and reading other FA nominations. Each norm you learn through participation becomes less text another editor would otherwise need to add to their review of your work. By making it easier to review your work and showing how others have already vetted your work for basics, you will attract more reviews and avoid disappointment.
• Read other FAs in your topic area to understand the expectations for breadth of sources, depth of coverage, and quality of prose.
• Reviewing also increases the likelihood that others will review your nomination – although remember there is no quid pro quo at FAC.

Finally, good luck with the nomination! ~~~~