Suggesting Topics

To suggest a new topic to RFLC you must be a registered member

When you suggest a new topic for RFLC it is automatically assumed that you are also volunteering to be the editor for that topic, therefore please ensure that your contact information includes an adequate description of the subjects/fields that you have experience and/or expertise in. This information will help the relevant topic editor and/or the Chief Editor to decide whether to accept your suggested topic, and you as the editor.

• Login, then use search or browse to find an appropriate topic to add your new subtopic to.
• Click on suggest sub-Topic in the upper right corner of the screen to go to the suggest a topic form.
• Following the on-screen examples complete the required and optional fields.
• Click on Submit. You will be notified in a few days, via your Inbox, if your suggested topic has been accepted. Alternatively the Chief Editor may contact you by email for clarifications and discussion about the Editorial responsibility before taking a decision.

Being an Editor

If you agree to be a Topic Editor in the RFLC, you would have the following responsibilities:

1. To write a suitable topic introduction.
2. To assess the quality, value and relevance of knowledge objects and other items which are submitted to your topic, and either accept or reject them, or forward then to a more appropriate topic.
3. To write editor's notes raising issues or providing key advice for users of the RFLC relating to the topic for which you are responsible.
4. To actively source new knowledge objects for your topic through networking and liaison with relevant people and organisations.
5. To edit, move or de-link knowledge object metadata within your topic area as you deem appropriate.
6. To suggest additional links between knowledge objects within your topic and other topics.
7. To add value to some knowledge objects within your topic area by marking them `Editor's Choice'.

Topic Facts

• Topic - equivalent to a subject category and comprising a grouping of knowledge within a specific subject area. A topic may have many subtopics.
• Subtopic - equivalent to a sub-category. Comprises a connected topic one level down from the current topic.
• Parent Topic - the connected topic one level up in the hierarchy from the current topic, and the initial topic to which you added your subtopic.
• Topic Tree - a topic with subtopics and their subtopics, etc., etc.
• Linked Topics - extremely relevant to the current topic and appearing in the list of actual subtopics, but followed by an @ sign.
• Topic Directory (Site Map) - displays all topics within each worldview.

Topic Tips

• Before suggesting a new topic, search and/or browse through the RFLC in areas inside and outside your top level topic to find areas of potential duplication. If there is a topic in another area of RFLC that is similar to the topic you are considering suggesting, consult the other topic editor and/or the chief editor.
• When choosing a title for your topic, please refer first to the concepts listed in the Rural Finance Ontology which will be available through a link in the top navigation bar. At this time the ontology is still under development.
• Avoid using acronyms or abbreviations unless they are commonly understood and avoid repeating the name of the parent topic in the subtopic name.
• Please DO NOT suggest topics called "General", "Miscellaneous", "Other Topics," or any other variation that implies a collection of general or unrelated links.
• Do not use abbreviations, and symbols to represent words, e.g. &, +, `n.