# Index Moderation Protocol This protocol governs how the Network Nations Index is moderated — maintaining quality and coherence while supporting open contribution through a transparent pull request workflow. ## Instantiation **Trigger Type:** Action-based **Trigger Condition:** - A contributor submits a pull request to the Index repository - A concern is raised about an existing entry - Periodic review is conducted ## Authority & Oversight | Role | Authority | Accountability | |------|-----------|----------------| | [[Steward Council]] | Final moderation decisions, merge authority | Alliance Assembly | | Reviewing Steward | Reviews and approves/requests changes on PRs | Steward Council | | Contributor | Submits PRs with accurate information | Reviewing Steward | ## Moderation Principles - **Open by default:** The Index welcomes contributions; PRs are merged unless clearly misaligned - **Light touch:** Review focuses on alignment and accuracy, not editorial judgment - **Transparency:** All moderation happens in public PR comments - **Appeal available:** Rejected PRs may appeal to full Steward Council ## Entry Criteria Entries should demonstrate alignment with the [[Network Nation Definition]]: **Must have:** - Distributed community (not purely local) - Shared identity or coherence - Some form of coordination or governance - Genuine activity (not vaporware) **Red flags (may warrant rejection):** - Purely commercial venture with no community aspect - No evidence of actual activity or membership - Misrepresentation or false claims - Content that conflicts with Alliance values ## Rights & Responsibilities ### Contributor **Rights:** - Fork the Index repository - Submit pull requests for new entries or updates - Receive review feedback within 14 days - Receive explanation if PR is not merged - Appeal rejection to Steward Council **Responsibilities:** - Provide accurate information - Follow contribution guidelines and templates - Respond to review comments and requested changes - Update entries when circumstances change ### Reviewing Steward **Rights:** - Review and comment on pull requests - Request changes before merge - Approve and merge PRs that meet criteria - Close PRs that clearly don't meet criteria - Flag PRs for Council review **Responsibilities:** - Review PRs within 14 days - Apply criteria consistently - Provide clear, constructive feedback - Escalate uncertain cases to Council ## Process Sequence | Step | Action | Actor | Duration | Output | |------|--------|-------|----------|--------| | 1 | Fork repository | Contributor | — | Personal fork created | | 2 | Create/edit entry | Contributor | — | Changes in branch | | 3 | Submit pull request | Contributor | — | PR open for review | | 4 | Review PR | Reviewing Steward | Within 14 days | Approved, changes requested, or flagged | | 5 | Address feedback (if needed) | Contributor | 14 days | PR updated | | 6 | Final decision | Steward (or Council) | Within 7 days | PR merged or closed | | 7 | Appeal (if requested) | Steward Council | Within 14 days | Appeal decided | ### Step 1-3: Submission Contributors: 1. Fork the Network Nations Index repository 2. Create a new branch for their changes 3. Add or edit entry following the provided template 4. Submit a pull request with clear description PR description should include: - Type of change (new entry, update, correction) - Brief summary of the Network Nation or resource - Any relevant context ### Step 4: Review Reviewing Steward examines the PR: - **Approve:** Entry meets criteria; PR merged - **Request Changes:** Minor issues to address; contributor updates PR - **Flagged:** Uncertain case referred to Steward Council - **Close:** Entry clearly doesn't meet criteria; explanation provided in comments ### Step 5: Iteration If changes requested: - Contributor addresses feedback in PR - Steward re-reviews updated PR - Process continues until resolved ### Step 6: Resolution - **Merged:** Entry live in Index - **Closed:** PR not merged; contributor may appeal or submit revised PR later ## Periodic Review Steward Council conducts annual review of Index entries to: - Identify inactive or defunct projects - Flag outdated information for update - Ensure continued alignment Entries may be marked inactive or archived via PR if projects become defunct. ## Completion & Outputs **Protocol completes when:** - PR is merged - PR is closed (with appeal period passed) - Appeal is decided **Outputs:** - Index entry (if merged) - Public PR record with review history - Communication via PR comments ## Exceptions & Edge Cases - **Borderline cases:** When alignment is unclear, err toward merging with notation - **Prominent rejections:** If closing PR for well-known project, Steward Council reviews collectively - **Self-removal:** Entry maintainers may submit PR to remove their own entries at any time - **Urgent corrections:** Stewards may make direct commits for critical fixes, documented in commit history ## Related Protocols - [[Network Nation Definition]] — Criteria basis - [[Steward Council Protocol]] — Appeal handling