CZ:Nomination page/Editorial Council/Johan A. Förberg

I feel that the most important issue for the Citizendium is keeping in mind where our strengths lie, and how we can capitalise on them. We will, at least for some time ahead, be compared to That Other Wiki in every aspect. In order to attract new Authors and Editors, and to keep a good climate for our Citizens, we need to use these strengths and make them more pronounced. This will let us stand out from the wiki crowd and gain attention.

I believe these are the most important strengths that Citizendium has over other wikis:


 * Our high standards. We should not go below them, even when it is the easiest thing to do. People will not trust a wiki that claims to be better than it is. Therefore, we must always strive to give the best possible coverage of any subject, or not cover it at all. We do not need all articles that other wikis have, but those that we choose to write about must be top-notch.


 * Our unique expertise-recognising, real-names, professional, friendly community. Our recognition of experts and their importance for the project is the major reinterpretation of the wiki concept, and one that defines the Citizendium. Real names are key to establishing responsibility and professionalism. The largest issue that I see is how to ensure that Authors will be able to work together with Editors with the lowest amount of friction. I see a system, where new authors are guided during their first time at the Citizendium, as a possible solution to the problem of adjusting to this community. In order for cooperation to be possible, the workgroup system must be clear and functional. In order for us to build articles up from scratch to approval-quality in reasonable time, it must be possible to organise focus on certain articles. Citizens must feel that their efforts are noticed and important, and not just thrown on the pile of stubs.

If elected, I'm going to serve the entire term. Please direct any questions to: johan at forberg dot se.

I'm a student of engineering physics at Lund University in Sweden.