Forum:Where can New Admins Go To Learn?

Is there a page where new Admins can get a really detailed manual on how to do things and what features available to us (but not to users)? For example, I have no idea how to create an auto reply message to new users, or if I can see a list of every page or article created on my Wiki. I've checked the Admin FAQ, but it really only focuses on editing and deletion.

Any help? Much appreciated!

Scott son of Pete 13:02, September 27, 2010 (UTC)

http://irwinallen.wikia.com/wiki/Irwin_Allen_Wiki


 * It a "teach your self" course with some on the job training (when a problem occurs you seek a solution and can ask here (on the forum) for specific advice, or use special:contact for staff input).


 * Look at the wikia policies and at some of the bigger wikis for tips (but don get bogged down creating policies for problems that dont exist yet in general). A basic definition of what the wiki is about and (not) can be referred to later to inform users if there material is not suitable etc. As the wiki grows the 'comunity' (not just admins) agree any changes in scope. Layout and naming conventions can be defined but being too rigid may scare users off and just leaving a message on their talk page if they create loads of off topic pages is better than a heavy handed deletion policy with no explanation given. 'Educate' users rather than a 'big stick' approach, by editing new pages into the Wikis standard format with a edit summary to that effect, keeps the look consistent. Wikipedia is over run with policies and guidance such as manuals of style etc.
 * For lists of different types of pages on the wiki and also wanted page types, look under the "special pages" item in the side bar toolbox in monaco (its vanished in oassis).
 * for welcome messages see MediaWiki:Welcomecreation, MediaWiki:Welcome-message-user, MediaWiki:Welcome-message-anon and look in Help:MediaWiki namespace for info on various messages that admins can change on 'there' wiki.
 * Special:ListGroupRights for what different 'groups' can (or not) do.
 * But remember every Wiki is different as the knowledge and wiki skill of the users varies. As admin you should guide tham but Not try to Boss them as it is not 'Your' Wiki, and dictators scare new editors away generally.

Note: Others may have different views to me and are free to add there opinions and tips as thats the idea of wikis. open to editing by all. - BulldozerD11 14:48, September 27, 2010 (UTC)


 * Great, thank you. Oh, when I said "my" wiki, I wasn't speaking in terms of ownership, just saying that's the one I oversee. :-)

Scott son of Pete 16:41, September 27, 2010 (UTC)


 * Sorry if you interpreted my comments as to inferring ownership by you, (it was not meant that way) I was trying to just highlighting a common misconception by Some Creators / Admins, use of 'an Admins or Bureaucrates Wiki' would have perhaps been better than using 'Your' Wiki like i did. ;) - BulldozerD11 17:15, September 27, 2010 (UTC)