Admins

Admins

Administrators (often referred to as admins or sysops) are users with additional permissions that are granted to help them contribute to and maintain a MediaWiki website. Admins are essential to the smooth running of any MediaWiki site, such as a Wikipedia, due to their ability to perform tasks that are restricted from regular users. These tasks include protecting and deleting pages, blocking and unblocking users, and accessing restricted technical features.

Roles and Responsibilities

Administrators have a variety of roles and responsibilities, which can vary depending on the specific MediaWiki site's needs. Common tasks include:

• Deleting and restoring pages: Admins can delete pages that do not meet the site's content guidelines and restore pages that were deleted in error.
• Protecting pages: They can protect pages to prevent vandalism or edit wars. This can include locking a page so only admins can edit it or setting it so only registered users can make edits.
• Blocking and unblocking users: Admins have the authority to block users who violate the site's policies and to unblock them if the situation warrants it.
• Editing protected pages: They can edit pages that have been protected to prevent vandalism.
• Access to restricted features: Admins can access certain technical features that are not available to regular users, such as viewing deleted revisions of pages.

Appointment

The process for becoming an administrator varies between different MediaWiki sites. Typically, it involves a community nomination or application process, followed by a discussion or vote among the current administrators or the wider community. Criteria for becoming an admin often include a history of positive contributions to the site, a demonstrated need for admin tools, and a community consensus in support of the appointment.

Tools and Technical Features

Administrators have access to a range of technical features to assist them in their duties. These include:

• A special dashboard with links to administrative functions.
• The ability to view and restore deleted content.
• Tools for mass deletion of pages (often used in the case of large-scale vandalism).
• Advanced user rights management capabilities.

Ethics and Conduct

Administrators are expected to follow high standards of conduct. They should use their powers judiciously, with a focus on the welfare of the community and the integrity of the site. Admin actions are generally transparent and can be reviewed by other admins or the community.

Challenges

Being an administrator can be challenging due to the need to handle contentious situations, such as edit wars or personal attacks. Admins must remain neutral and make decisions based on the site's policies and the broader interest of the community.

See Also

• Wikipedia:Administrators
• User (computing)
• MediaWiki

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