OpenStreetMap
The OSM Welcome message could use some changes to see if we can encourage more participation from new subscribers. The current signon process is quick and easy. (At least if you don’t read all the legalese in the Agreement.) My goal is to build a welcome message that encourages more participation and mapping. I invite everyone to share their thoughts on what should and shouldn’t be in the message.
Listed below, in no particular order, are some of my thoughts
- OSM Philosophy
- Code of Conduct
- Invitation to join the OSMF and local chapter
- How and why to donate to OSM
- Where to meet other mappers
- A link to HOT’s LearnOSM.
If you’d like to help, just drop me a line.
If it has been a while since you signed up for the first time, below is the current process as done on a desktop computer. Not sure what it looks like on a mobile device. The last screenshoot is the welcome message. What is your opinion; can it be improved?
Initial Sign up
Agreement
Full text of the agreement is here.
Confirmation Notice
Email Confirmation
Welcome Message
Discussion
Comment from mvexel on 14 November 2015 at 18:06
Great initiative! We should talk on Skype soon. I would absolutely love to help.
Comment from Glassman on 15 November 2015 at 06:42
We can use all the help with can get. There has got to be something better.
Comment from LivingWithDragons on 16 November 2015 at 15:21
It has been a long time since I signed up. The welcome page looks great in that screenshot of the current process, it’s certainly got better than it was years ago.
We shouldn’t be against further innovation and fresh views on the process. I hope your work goes far with other people in OSM.
Comment from malenki on 19 November 2015 at 15:12
http://www.openstreetmap.org/user/Glassman/diary/36237
I’d say the most important is: Make it short! Make it to the point!
At least when I think of how I handle “Welcome Messages” after registering my umpteenth account somewhere I skip every message which is longer than ~6 lines.
About a message with an essay as content I think: “I want to do XY which is why registered. The message I will read later – maybe.”
Half of what you list (about, philosophy, donations) is already on osm.org or easily to reach from there. And earnestly: How many newly registered users do you think will immediately jump to join the OSMF?