[Talk-us] Onboarding new mappers | Keeping track of changes

[stevea]

Good discussion!

I regularly click on the History tab in a wide swath of Bay Area (my 
home turf) looking for new edits, and especially, new mappers.  I 
virtually always make it a point to welcome new mappers in the area 
with something along the lines of "great job, welcome to the 
community!"  Depending on their response (from none to enthusiasm) I 
will "friend" them and/or offer my technical expertise, history of 
the area, suggestions, answers to their questions or whatever else 
they want/need to know.

I realize not everybody can or will do this, but imagine what a very 
nice and welcoming place OSM would be if most OSM volunteers (who are 
intermediate and advanced contributors) DID do this!  (OSM is a 
fairly friendly place right now, don't get me wrong).

Just like my mother taught me about waving to the neighbors:  it 
doesn't cost ANYthing to be friendly!

(Being HELPFUL can take time, yes, but please, "give what you can.")

It isn't creepy or Big Brother to click on the History tab and watch 
what is going on around you.  Rather, it makes for a better and 
friendlier mapping community.  Those who are ham radio operators, 
think of the deep-knowledge "Elmers" in the community who give back 
so much.  It's the same thing:  shared wisdom.

SteveA
California


Bryce Nesbitt writes:
>3) A first edit could go in a queue for an experienced mapper to 
>look at and comment on.  Hopefully that comment is "great job, 
>welcome to the community!"
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