Contributing to Eco-Tools

I very much hope you will to contribute to Eco-Tools, either by writing your own modules, helping to improve existing modules, or just making suggestions. Initially there will be three ‘official’ levels of contribution, detailed below.

You should submit contributions to the Site Manager by e-mail, detailing clearly the level at which the contribution falls.

(At this time, the Site Manager is Gareth Russell.)

Level 1: Minor changes or suggestions — Acknowledgment

In this scenario, you contribute a minor correction or improvement to the code or text of an existing module. If the contribution is used, you get acknowledged in the module’s Version History. By submitting a Level 1 contribution, you release all rights to the material in that contribution, which may or may not be used, and, if used, may be altered at the discretion of the Site Manager.

Level 2: Substantial discussion — Advisor status

In this scenario, you contribute substantial advice to the eco-tools team, for example by discussing the implementation or presentation of the relevant methods. With your premission, you will be listed as an advisor for that module. Often, an advisor will be the original author of the technique being implemented (assuming they don’t quality as an author — see below). Similarly, these contributions are likely to be solicited by the eco-tools team.

Level 3: Major changes — Coauthorship

In this scenario, you contribute a substantial piece of code or text, representing the correction of a major error in the existing code or text, or the addition of significant new functionality. If the contribution is substantial enough, you will be invited to share authorship of the relevant module. If your contribution ends up being more than half of the revised module, you may be invited to be lead author. The decision as to whether your contribution merits Level 3 status is ultimately in the hands of the Site Manager. However, if you identify your submission as Level 3, you are protected. Material submitted as Level 3 will not be used until agreement has been reached between the Contributor and the Site Manager as to the nature and authorship of the revised module.

New Modules

If you have an idea for a useful module, or would like to create one yourself, please e-mail the Site Manager, explaining your idea.