Add a "Contribute" tab to the about page

[mt_suzette]

The path to find out how to contribute is several levels deep in WordPress itself. Right now, you have to click on the W icon, then About WordPress, then the Credits tab, and then scroll down to the bottom of that page to see a micro link in the footer: Want to see your name in lights on this page? Get involved in WordPress.

Also, only Core Contributors are on this list so it gives a false promise of being listed on this page if you contribute which is not the case.

We discussed adding a link in #wordpress-sfd and everyone thought this would be a good idea so that more people could find out how to get started in contribution.

I am new to creating tickets so please let me know if there is any other information you need!

[mt_suzette]

Here is the discussion from #wordpress-sfd:

mt_Suzette: Wouldn't be helpful to point /encourage people to contribute somewhere in WordPress itself? Like in the dashboard? or welcome screen?

[1:55pm] Siobhan: I think there is something on the welcome screen

[1:56pm] Siobhan: Maybe a Contribute link on the menu with the WordPress logo in the admin bar. That's probably one for the community group tho

[1:57pm] DrewAPicture: That would be awesome

[1:57pm] mt_Suzette: I looked on the Welcome Screen, I didn't see anything about how to get started contributing, just a link of where to start

[1:57pm] mt_Suzette: (using WordPress)

[1:57pm] Siobhan: hrm

[1:57pm] Siobhan: Maybe raise a ticket on Trac? Make the suggestion?

[1:58pm] DrewAPicture: It might be on credits page?

[1:58pm] DrewAPicture: At the bottom of the credits tab: Want to see your name in lights on this page? Get involved in WordPress.

[1:58pm] DrewAPicture: Links to http://codex.wordpress.org/Contributing_to_WordPress

[1:59pm] Siobhan: The problem with that is, the credits tab is just core folks

[1:59pm] Siobhan: And we don't want to indicate that people can get there by contributing to any area

[2:01pm] mt_Suzette: I couldn't find the credits page, but I have seen it before

[2:02pm] Siobhan: I can't find it either

[2:03pm] JerrySarcastic: from the dashboard, click on the WordPress icon>About WordPress and then click on the tab Credits

[2:04pm] JerrySarcastic: Easy, am I right?

[2:04pm] Siobhan: are you ever wrong?

[2:04pm] JerrySarcastic: Ask my lady...

[2:04pm] mt_Suzette: Yes, I see it now, but that seems rather hidden

[2:05pm] JerrySarcastic: That's an understatement.  

[2:05pm] DrewAPicture: I like the idea of a make.wordpress.org link in the W dropdown though.

[2:05pm] DrewAPicture: Especially if we get a makeover on that page

[2:05pm] Siobhan: yeah, that would be nice

[2:05pm] JerrySarcastic: Esp. if it says something simple, like "Contribute" in teh dropdown

[2:06pm] Siobhan: Alright - that's something we can all approve of

[2:06pm] Siobhan: Someone open a ticket on trace?

[2:06pm] Siobhan: ^trac

[markoheijnen]

My opinion is that WordPress core is not the place for a contribute link. However it should be more prominent on WordPress.org and the make websites.

[nacin]

Until there is an top-dollar entrance/landing page for contributing to all things WordPress (which I hope comes in 2013), thinking we should pass on this.

[jenmylo]

Replying to nacin:

Until there is an top-dollar entrance/landing page for contributing to all things WordPress (which I hope comes in 2013)

Working on it currently with @ievolver and @stephanis, hoping to launch v1 sometime in February.

That said, a link from the W is separate from the "only Core Contributors are on this list so it gives a false promise of being listed on this page if you contribute" issue raised, so let's not conflate the two. If someone wants to suggest altering the credits page approach, a new ticket should be created for that.

[SergeyBiryukov]

Replying to jenmylo:

If someone wants to suggest altering the credits page approach, a new ticket should be created for that.

Related: #22305

[nacin]

#30923 was marked as a duplicate.

[SergeyBiryukov]

Related: ​https://twitter.com/glueckpress/status/477801746660859904

[Shelob9]

In the past this idea was not considered ready. @nacin said until there is a "top-dollar entrance/landing page for contributing to all things WordPress" this was a no-go and people agreed. Now that we have ​https://make.wordpress.org/ and it is pretty awesome, I think it's time to re-consider.

I have a patch that adds a "Contribute" tab to the "About" page. It focuses less on contributing to core, and more on other ways to contribute to the project--docs, theme review, accessibility--that are less apparent to those who are new to the idea.

My parch should be considered a draft proposal and while most of its language is lifted from the make site, I'm sure the text will need some revision. That said, I think it's passed time to add this in some form or another and wanted to start the conversation.

[helen]

Thanks for patching, @Shelob9. This ticket really needs a design and content direction first and foremost before it can really be considered. Would be great to have some people take point on that.

I am going to move this out of 4.2 for the moment, it's easily brought back as things progress. Putting in Future because I do think it's a valuable addition somewhere.

[Shelob9]

@helen Thanks for the feedback. I agree the design could be better, and will try to find some help for that, as I am not a designer. I am also attaching a full screenshot to facilitate discussion.

As far as needing a content direction, I was very intentional in the content. It is designed to show people ways to contribute beyond contributing to core. I don't see any specific feedback in the chat logs on the content itself, but am happy to take feedback and will solicit some feedback in the #outreach Slack channel. The criticism that I would offer myself, looking over it now is that it doesn't link to ​http://central.wordcamp.org/

I think it is important to keep in mind that the people that we are hopping to reach with this new tab are not those who are already engaged. While, all of these links are available on make.wordpress.org, the goal of this tab is to get people who do not know that is a thing to make their first trip there or to consider a WordCamp or a WordPress Meetup for the first time.

[ocean90]

#33007 was marked as a duplicate.

[lukecavanagh]

@Shelob9

Seems like a solid change for about, that should hopefully landing in a future release.

[boemedia]

We discussed this ticket in today's design ticket triage. We agreed this could use more focus and we think the call for designing these tabs could use a design champion to make it more visually appealing :).

However, we don't want to see adding this tab being delayed by design. Therefore, we suggest publishing the tab with the next release, like is done with the privacy tab.

As well, we'd love to see someone from #marketing involved in this for more inviting text.

[bridgetwillard]

Hey thanks for looping in Marketing, Monique.

We are always happy to provide and/or edit copy for any project.

Specifically the "mostly volunteers" phrase is inaccurate as the official line is that "no one is paid to make WordPress," though we know that many volunteers are sponsored.

A few things pop out to me.

1. Without creating a Tab, possible solution is to move text.

We could move the line at the very bottom that says

"Want to see your name in lights on this page? Get involved in WordPress."

under

"WordPress is created by a worldwide team of passionate individuals."

2. The tab is a good solution, let's make the copy compelling.

Include more teams and/or a video of a Contributor and their story. @andreamiddleton has told a lot of success stories over the last year or so in her WordCamp talks including @melchoyce. A "Like Me" campaign to recruit volunteers works.

3. Why here?

I've been using self-hosted WordPress since 2015 and even though I wrote the copy for 4.8's about page, I didn't even realize there were other tabs here. I update and move on. Meaning, I don't pay attention to this, and I'm a) your target demo of people who contribute without code; and b) a Marketing Team Rep.

We should be careful about user bias. If people don't look at this page, it's not going to be a helpful recruiting tool to have a tab.

That said, I'm glad @mt_Suzette opened this ticket and it takes a lot of guts to put your ideas out in the open.

4. We should make it easier to contribute. But.

The Marketing Team just created a [1 page PDF for Contributor Days]​https://wordpress.slack.com/files/U26LTC54Z/FA53HGK0U/contributorday-onboardingpdf-041118.pdf that may also be good for Contributor Drives at WordPress Meetups.

Ever since 4.8 and the WordPress News and Events widget, Meetup attendance has grown (anecdotally, though I suppose Community has some stats).

5. What if we put this idea in a dashboard widget (higher visibility)?

Iteration?? Or crazy idea?

Those are my thoughts.

Love y'all.

Bridget

Replying to boemedia:

We discussed this ticket in today's design ticket triage. We agreed this could use more focus and we think the call for designing these tabs could use a design champion to make it more visually appealing :).

However, we don't want to see adding this tab being delayed by design. Therefore, we suggest publishing the tab with the next release, like is done with the privacy tab.

As well, we'd love to see someone from #marketing involved in this for more inviting text.

[boemedia]

Totally agree with your comments on visibility, Bridget. I actually never clicked the ‘W’ before I started contributing. And I only quickly scan the first tab on new releases. Findability here is a key thing, however, information overload could be a problem if we need to create dashboard widgets for this type of information. Therefore I think moving this text up on the first tab would be a solution I prefer, I combintation with a more visual appealing design to make the part about contributing stand out more.

[jeffmora]

From contributor day in WordCamp Madrid 18, I would like to say that improving the visibility of the community is a really good idea, as well as showing the posibility of being part of this, helping with anything that one can provide. How about show the different teams that people could be part of? It would be something simple, with icons as in get involved but without the descriptions, or with shorter descriptions.

[desrosj]

23348.2.diff​ moves the text from the bottom of the page to the location @bridgetwillard suggested. I think this is the only thing we could land in 4.9.6.

A new tab should probably not be added in a minor, anyway.

[SergeyBiryukov]

23348.2.diff​ looks good to me.

[SergeyBiryukov]

In 43032:

Help/About: Move "Get involved" link on Credits screen to the top of the page for better visibility.

Props bridgetwillard, desrosj.
See #23348.

[SergeyBiryukov]

In 43033:

Help/About: Move "Get involved" link on Credits screen to the top of the page for better visibility.

Props bridgetwillard, desrosj.
Merges [43032] to the 4.9 branch.
See #23348.

[cathibosco1]

This came up in a design team meeting a few weeks ago... I'd like to make a couple of recommendations.

I recommend an additional tab would be helpful
"Get Involved" - A short intro and below links to various teams much much like this page ​https://make.wordpress.org/
It has the links needed for getting involved...
(but maybe this was resolved with simply moving the link up)

When that page gets updated - so should this tab. We would be happy to provide some illustrations or styles etc...

Also I think the content under the Freedoms Tab could use a big refresh. Recently the About Page ​https://wordpress.org/about/
got a big refresh and with that we got some new illustrations from the design team for each of the freedoms.
Let's get that tab up to date based on the /about page.

This would be very "actionable" for us to add/update now and also for peeps to take action through.

​https://d.pr/i/NbcZfd

​https://d.pr/i/m62Otd

I have .png files of all illustrations - let me know who to get them to so we can proceed. :)

[cathibosco1]

I have all of the Freedom Graphics from the design team in two .png layout formats - rectangle and square.
They are all also in 2x variations as well...

I can't seem to add the compressed file here. argh I FIGURED IT OUT!

Please let me know who I can get them to - I can always upload them to the Design Channel in Slack? - Thank you

[cathibosco1]

The Four Freedom Illustrations

[desrosj]

Moving all tickets in 4.9.7 to 4.9.8.

[pento]

This needs an owner to be milestoned.

[karmatosed]

For now, adding in 'needs design' to ensure this gets the right keyword.

[oglekler]

From previous Slack discussion (17 months ago):

audrasjb 10:41 PM
The main question is the content we want to show, because there is already a link to make.wordpress.org on the credits screen

costdev 10:41 PM
Also, would this be a 'live' tab for updates across versions or would this need to be generalised to a point of 'futureproofed'?

marybaum 10:42 PM
I think we can focus all that discussion on https://core.trac.wordpress.org/ticket/23348

audrasjb 10:42 PM
maybe a reproduction of the Make teams listed on make.wordpress.org would work, but we need content, design, etc :slightly_smiling_face:

From the discussion 15, March, 2023:

costdev 11:29 PM
I think a menu item directly under (W) might be useful too/instead. Gets someone there quicker. The current links are: About WordPress, WordPress.org, Documentation, Support, Feedback. I think a Contribute link might be useful there

_

This new Contribute page/tab can be a bit for improving onboarding process, mentioned by Hari Shanker R:
​https://make.wordpress.org/project/2023/02/06/proposal-creating-a-wordpress-contributor-mentorship-program/

On this page we can tell about different ways to contribute to WordPress in easy to understand, appealing language. It is possible that many WordPress users don't even imagine all the ways that they can contribute to WordPress and how many skills and talents current contributors use and develop contributing to WordPress.

Plus, a link to the Orientation tool can be useful as well.

It is described here: ​https://make.wordpress.org/community/2019/06/17/contributor-orientation-tool/ bit link for itself if not working anymore.

This tool can be placed as a link/banner on the Make home page as a block "What team is best suited for me?"

• We can make information and structure of this page/tab timeless as possible, but update styling according to related About page appearance.
• It will be great to see the Contribute page as the About page tab and a link under (W) at the same time. In addition, see the proposal to improve the About page visibility: #57877

I created a ticket in the Marketing team GitHub to work on the structure and content of the tab: ​https://github.com/WordPress/Marketing-Team/issues/217

All input is welcome 🙌

[davidmusnik]

Hello people,

I have been investigating this issue during the contributing day organized by WPFR in Paris on April 20th, 2023. For the record, this is the first time the person writing this comment is participating to such an event.

Adding a contribute option should involve several modifications :

1- wp-admin/about.php

This first modification creates a new element in an array as well as a new file which might be named « contribute.php », in line with the other options such as «about», «credits», «freedoms» and «privacy». More precisely:

<?php
<nav class="about__header-navigation nav-tab-wrapper wp-clearfix" aria-label="<?php esc_attr_e( 'Secondary menu' ); ?>">
        <a href="about.php" class="nav-tab nav-tab-active" aria-current="page"><?php _e( 'What&#8217;s New' ); ?></a>
        <a href="credits.php" class="nav-tab"><?php _e( 'Credits' ); ?></a>
        <a href="freedoms.php" class="nav-tab"><?php _e( 'Freedoms' ); ?></a>
        <a href="privacy.php" class="nav-tab"><?php _e( 'Privacy' ); ?></a>
        <a href="contribute.php" class="nav-tab"><?php _e( 'Contribute' ); ?></a>
</nav>

In addition to this change, all other PHP files which display the secondary menu, say « about.php », « credits.php », « freedoms.php » and « privacy.php » should also be modified to include this new contribute entry in that very secondary menu.

1.1- wp-admin/contribute.php

This new file, heavyly country dependant, requires further design in line with the other {«about», «credits», «freedoms» and «privacy»} internal pages already in place.

2- wp-includes/admin-bar.php

This modification involves the creation of a new node in an existing one as listed below. Obviously, the href element of the code should be localized according to the country under considération.

<?php
$wp_admin_bar->add_node(
        array(
        'parent' => 'wp-logo-external',
        'id'     => 'Contribute',
        'title'  => __( 'Contribute' ),
        'href'   => __( 'https://wordpress.org/support/article/contributing-to-wordpress/' ),
                )
        );

Draft for the new Contribute Tab for the About page. The purpose of this PR is to move the ticket forward — allow other contributors to see how it can look and baseline to work on further.

Trac ticket: #23348

[oglekler]

Hi @davidmusnik, thank you for your input.

The most difficult question is what to write on this tab, to make information appealing and lasting without need to reinvent it with each release.

I invite you and everyone to collaborate on the marketing ticket ​https://github.com/WordPress/Marketing-Team/issues/217 and make input in the content draft.

[audrasjb]

The proposal looks nice to me, except for the “Pick your favourite language or library” section: several listed languages are not used at all in WordPress :)

Maybe the best way to iterate would be to create a shared document?

[oglekler]

@audrasjb
​https://docs.google.com/document/d/17mCtcAugdr3xMrgFKBPVEgxHUY34FpJ4i6yrZQJUtqY/edit?usp=sharing - this is the document in question 🙂

[mehdi01]

Thank you @mt_suzette for your proposal.

The proposal is really great to me. beside that another section can be added which is "Event" Section. So that people can see specifically how many event have you attended and what was you role to it. I'm planning to make a design for the event section.