Contributor Policy

1 Mission & Core Values

Aevum Encyclopedia is a global, non-profit knowledge platform dedicated to preserving and sharing accurate, accessible, and comprehensive information across all disciplines. Our contributors are the foundation of this mission.

All contributions must align with the following core values:

• Neutrality: Content must present multiple viewpoints fairly, without bias or advocacy. Encyclopedic entries should inform, not persuade.
• Verifiability: Every factual claim must be attributable to reliable, published sources. Original research and unpublished findings are prohibited.
• Accessibility: Knowledge should be free and available to all. Contributors help ensure content is written in clear, inclusive language suitable for diverse audiences.
• Excellence: We strive for the highest standards of accuracy, depth, and presentation. AI tools may assist, but human expertise drives quality.

"The goal is not just to collect information, but to curate understanding. Every edit should bring the reader closer to truth."

2 Eligibility & Contributor Roles

Aevum Encyclopedia welcomes contributors from all backgrounds. We recognize different levels of participation to ensure quality while maintaining an open community.

2.1 Contributor Tiers

• Community Editor: Any registered user who passes the introductory verification quiz. Can edit existing articles and submit new drafts for review.
• Verified Expert: Contributors with validated credentials in specific domains (e.g., PhD, professional certifications). Can publish articles in their field with reduced review latency.
• Senior Reviewer: Experienced editors appointed by the editorial board. Responsible for peer review, conflict resolution, and quality assurance.
• Editorial Board: Elected representatives who oversee policy enforcement, strategic direction, and platform governance.

3 Content Guidelines

High-quality content is the result of adherence to clear standards. All submissions should follow these guidelines.

3.1 Structure & Format

• Lead Summary: Every article must begin with a concise, standalone summary (150–300 words) that defines the topic and outlines key points.
• Sections: Use logical headings and subheadings. Follow the Aevum Style Guide for hierarchy and formatting.
• Length: Articles should be comprehensive. Short stubs are acceptable temporarily but must be expanded within 90 days.

3.2 Tone & Language

• Use formal, encyclopedic prose. Avoid colloquialisms, slang, and conversational tone.
• Write in the third person. Avoid "we," "you," or "I."
• Prioritize clarity and precision. Define technical terms on first use.
• Use inclusive language that respects diverse identities and cultures.

3.3 Citations & References

Reliable sourcing is non-negotiable. Acceptable sources include:

• Peer-reviewed academic journals
• Books published by reputable presses
• Official government and institutional publications
• Established news organizations with editorial oversight

Self-published sources, personal blogs, social media posts, and unverified websites are generally not acceptable. All citations must use the Aevum Citation Format (based on Chicago Style).

4 Review & Approval Process

Aevum employs a multi-layered review system to maintain quality while enabling rapid updates.

4.1 Workflow

1. Submission: Contributors submit articles or edits through the editorial dashboard.
2. AI Pre-Screening: Our AI system checks for formatting, citation completeness, and potential plagiarism.
3. Peer Review: A Senior Reviewer or Verified Expert in the relevant domain evaluates content for accuracy, neutrality, and adherence to guidelines.
4. Publication: Approved content is published. Revisions may be requested if issues are identified.

4.2 Timelines

Standard review takes 3–7 business days. Urgent updates to time-sensitive topics may be fast-tracked with "Provisional" status until full review is complete.

5 Licensing & Intellectual Property

By contributing to Aevum Encyclopedia, you agree to the following terms regarding your work.

5.1 Creative Commons License

All content is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International (CC BY-SA 4.0) license. This means:

• Others may share and adapt your work, even commercially.
• They must give appropriate credit to you as the author.
• Derivative works must use the same license.

5.2 Author Attribution

Your username will be permanently associated with your contributions in the article history. You may opt out of public attribution, but your work will remain under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

6 Code of Conduct

Aevum Encyclopedia is committed to fostering a safe, respectful, and collaborative environment. All participants must adhere to this Code of Conduct.

• Be Respectful: Treat all community members with dignity. Harassment, discrimination, threats, or personal attacks are strictly prohibited.
• Collaborate in Good Faith: Edit to improve content, not to promote personal agendas. Constructive feedback is encouraged; trolling or vandalism is not.
• Disclose Conflicts: If you have a personal or financial interest in a topic, you must declare it in your profile and edit summary.
• Respect Privacy: Do not publish personal information about living individuals without consent. Follow our privacy and notability guidelines.

Violations may result in warnings, temporary suspension, or permanent ban, depending on severity. The Editorial Board handles enforcement decisions.

7 Dispute Resolution

Disagreements over content or conduct are inevitable in a collaborative project. We provide structured pathways for resolution.

7.1 Content Disputes

• Talk Pages: Discuss changes on the article's talk page first. Seek consensus with other editors.
• Mediation: If consensus fails, request mediation from a Senior Reviewer.
• Arbitration: Persistent disputes may be escalated to the Arbitration Committee for a binding decision.

7.2 Conduct Disputes

Report code of conduct violations via the "Report" button on any user profile or edit. Reports are reviewed confidentially within 48 hours.

8 Policy Updates

This Contributor Policy is reviewed annually or as needed. Changes are proposed through community discussion and approved by the Editorial Board. Contributors will be notified of significant updates via email and platform announcements.

Continued participation constitutes acceptance of the current policy.

9 Contact & Support

Have questions about contributing? Need clarification on policy? Our community support team is here to help.

• Email: contributors@aevumenc.com
• Help Center: support.aevumenc.com
• Community Forum: forum.aevumenc.com/policies
• Report Abuse: abuse@aevumenc.com