Revision history for BioGuide
Additions:
On this wiki page, you will find a description of the body of work the Profiles program is in charge of along with links that will give you the details you need to perform every task.
====**Three Good Traits of a Researcher**====
The three traits of a good researcher at Vote Smart are Thoroughness, Accuracy, and Speed, in that order. That is, if you can do nothing else, be thorough. If you can do two things, be thorough and accurate. If you're thorough, accurate and fast, that makes you a rockstar - this generally comes with practice.
The quality of our data depends on these traits. Practicing being thorough and accurate first will help you to be a valuable member of the team. Speed will inevitably come as you gain more experience. If you attempt to be speedy right off the bat, not only will you be putting bad data into our database, but you won't develop a strong foundation for future growth. Your supervisor will provide you with feedback to help you recognize the errors that you make, and will help you get faster over time by teaching you the techniques the team has developed over a long period of time. Patience is key here, as with learning how to do research of any sort.
[[http://votesmart.org/ Our Website]] - specifically the biography sections; it is crucial that you understand how our data goes from the original source to our website and how it is displayed on our website.
- An example candidate [[https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/biography/53279/joe-biden-jr Joe Biden]]
[[http://wiki.votesmart.org/ProfilesGuide Our Wiki]] - it contains valuable background information, data standards, staff and intern expectations, and training and management guides. To start, pay special attention to the processes and policies we have put in place.
- Our schedules contain lists of states, candidates, and sources to research and help keep us on track.
- Your supervisor will show these to you and assign you your daily and weekly tasks.
- It is extremely important to be thorough in collecting biographical, contact, and office information. Although you might not see how a specific piece of information could affect a voter's decision, we can't make that decision for the voter. Do not move on to the next politician or source until you have searched all areas for new content.
- Familiarity with these sources and a reliable routine will contribute to **accuracy, thoroughness,** and **speed** (listed in order of importance) in profiles research.
- On occasion, we can utilize [[SecondarySources Secondary Sources]] to improve comprehensiveness of our research.
Your supervisor will assign tracking sheets for you to work through. You will find the corresponding tracking sheet for that state and office on Google Drive under Officials Tracking or Candidate/Election Tracking. Past research sheets are saved in the Research drive: Research > Active > Research Programs > Profiles > Officials Tracking (or Elections). In addition to the tracking sheet, you will also need to search for that state and office in Admin under the Office Seeking or Office Held options for a list of candidates and current officials.
Each year, the Profiles program completes research on officials and candidates by finding their websites and taking information directly from this primary source.
Searching for websites is pretty easy to do–just use Google. Discovering what keywords to use that will bring up the best results is an essential skill in the research world. Figuring out a routine for finding websites will allow you to find more content and become an effective researcher.
Check out [[https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/biography/53279/joe-biden-jr Joe Biden]] and look for "Biography" in the tabs at the top. This guide will explain everything you need to know about entering the information you have found into Admin, which will automatically upload your additions to the website (always remember to save!).
At certain times of the year, mainly after elections, you may be assigned to complete some updates to office information. This can include advancing officials into office, changing leadership positions, or adding officials to committees once they have been assigned. The associated wiki pages will help you get familiar with this type of data.
The Profiles program is also in charge of finding/updating photos for officials and candidates. This process works a little differently because we use the Desktop Drive (NextCloud) instead of admin.
You have now delved pretty far into the basics of the Profiles program. You may be wondering about a bunch of different things. We have put together a Helpful Hints/FAQ page to try to answer some general questions/provide you a quick source of hints/tips for decreasing errors and increasing speed.
====**Three Good Traits of a Researcher**====
The three traits of a good researcher at Vote Smart are Thoroughness, Accuracy, and Speed, in that order. That is, if you can do nothing else, be thorough. If you can do two things, be thorough and accurate. If you're thorough, accurate and fast, that makes you a rockstar - this generally comes with practice.
The quality of our data depends on these traits. Practicing being thorough and accurate first will help you to be a valuable member of the team. Speed will inevitably come as you gain more experience. If you attempt to be speedy right off the bat, not only will you be putting bad data into our database, but you won't develop a strong foundation for future growth. Your supervisor will provide you with feedback to help you recognize the errors that you make, and will help you get faster over time by teaching you the techniques the team has developed over a long period of time. Patience is key here, as with learning how to do research of any sort.
[[http://votesmart.org/ Our Website]] - specifically the biography sections; it is crucial that you understand how our data goes from the original source to our website and how it is displayed on our website.
- An example candidate [[https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/biography/53279/joe-biden-jr Joe Biden]]
[[http://wiki.votesmart.org/ProfilesGuide Our Wiki]] - it contains valuable background information, data standards, staff and intern expectations, and training and management guides. To start, pay special attention to the processes and policies we have put in place.
- Our schedules contain lists of states, candidates, and sources to research and help keep us on track.
- Your supervisor will show these to you and assign you your daily and weekly tasks.
- It is extremely important to be thorough in collecting biographical, contact, and office information. Although you might not see how a specific piece of information could affect a voter's decision, we can't make that decision for the voter. Do not move on to the next politician or source until you have searched all areas for new content.
- Familiarity with these sources and a reliable routine will contribute to **accuracy, thoroughness,** and **speed** (listed in order of importance) in profiles research.
- On occasion, we can utilize [[SecondarySources Secondary Sources]] to improve comprehensiveness of our research.
Your supervisor will assign tracking sheets for you to work through. You will find the corresponding tracking sheet for that state and office on Google Drive under Officials Tracking or Candidate/Election Tracking. Past research sheets are saved in the Research drive: Research > Active > Research Programs > Profiles > Officials Tracking (or Elections). In addition to the tracking sheet, you will also need to search for that state and office in Admin under the Office Seeking or Office Held options for a list of candidates and current officials.
Each year, the Profiles program completes research on officials and candidates by finding their websites and taking information directly from this primary source.
Searching for websites is pretty easy to do–just use Google. Discovering what keywords to use that will bring up the best results is an essential skill in the research world. Figuring out a routine for finding websites will allow you to find more content and become an effective researcher.
Check out [[https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/biography/53279/joe-biden-jr Joe Biden]] and look for "Biography" in the tabs at the top. This guide will explain everything you need to know about entering the information you have found into Admin, which will automatically upload your additions to the website (always remember to save!).
At certain times of the year, mainly after elections, you may be assigned to complete some updates to office information. This can include advancing officials into office, changing leadership positions, or adding officials to committees once they have been assigned. The associated wiki pages will help you get familiar with this type of data.
The Profiles program is also in charge of finding/updating photos for officials and candidates. This process works a little differently because we use the Desktop Drive (NextCloud) instead of admin.
You have now delved pretty far into the basics of the Profiles program. You may be wondering about a bunch of different things. We have put together a Helpful Hints/FAQ page to try to answer some general questions/provide you a quick source of hints/tips for decreasing errors and increasing speed.
Deletions:
>>{{{toc title="Table of Contents" levels="h2,h3,h4"}}}>>
On this wiki page, you will find a description of the body of work the Profiles Sub-Department is in charge of along with links that will give you the details you need to perform every task.
{{include ThreeGoodResearcherTraits}}
[[http://votesmart.org/ Our Website]] - specifically the biography sections; it is crucial that you understand how our data goes from the original source to our website and how it is displayed on our website.
An example candidate: [[http://votesmart.org/candidate/biography/9490/ Barack Obama]]
[[http://wiki.votesmart.org/ProfilesGuide Our Wiki]] - it contains valuable background information, data standards, staff and intern expectations, and training and management guides. To start, pay special attention to the processes and policies we have put in place.
~~- Our schedules contain lists of states, candidates, and sources to research and help keep us on track.
~~- Your supervisor will show these to you and assign you your daily and weekly tasks.
~~- It is extremely important to be thorough in collecting biographical, contact, and office information. Although you might not see how a specific piece of information could affect a voter's decision, we can't make that decision for the voter. Do not move on to the next politician or source until you have searched all areas for new content.
~~- Familiarity with these sources and a reliable routine will contribute to **accuracy, thoroughness,** and **speed** (listed in order of importance) in profiles research.
~~- On occasion, we can utilize [[SecondarySources Secondary Sources]] to improve comprehensiveness of our research.
Your supervisor will assign tracking sheets for you to work through. You will find the corresponding tracking sheet for that state and office on Google Drive under Officials Tracking or Candidate/Election Tracking. Past research sheets are saved in the Research drive: Research > Active > Research Programs > Profiles > Officials Tracking (or Elections). In addition to the tracking sheet, you will also need to search for that state and office in Admin under the Office Seeking or Office Held options for a list of candidates and current officials.
Each year, the Profiles Sub-Department completes research on officials and candidates by finding their websites and taking information directly from this primary source.
Searching for websites can be looked at as a battle between yourself and Google. Discovering what keywords to use that will bring up the best results is an art in the research world. Mastering a routine for finding websites will allow you to find more content and become an effective researcher.
Check out [[https://admin.votesmart.org/candidateBio.do?candidateId=9490 Barack Obama]] and look for "Biography" in the tabs at the top. This guide will explain everything you need to know about entering the information you have found into Admin, which will automatically upload your additions to the website (after SAVING of course!).
At certain times of the year, mainly after elections, you may be assigned to completing some updates to office information. This can include advancing officials into office, changing leadership positions, or adding officials to committees once they have been assigned. The associated wiki pages will help you get familiar with this type of data.
The Profiles Sub-Department is also in charge of finding/updating photos for officials and candidates. This process works a little differently because we use the Desktop Drive instead of admin.
You have now delved pretty far into the basics of the Profiles Sub-Department. You may be wondering about a bunch of different things. We have put together a Helpful Hints/FAQ page to try to answer some general questions/provide you a quick source of hints/tips for decreasing errors and increasing speed.
Revision [57341]
Edited on 2020-12-22 10:55:09 by JamesW [Adjustments made for 2020 research updates]Additions:
~~- On occasion, we can utilize [[SecondarySources Secondary Sources]] to improve comprehensiveness of our research.
Revision [57336]
Edited on 2020-12-16 17:43:09 by JamesW [Adjustments made for 2020 research updates]Additions:
===Tracking Sheets - Available in Google Docs and the Desktop Drive===
Deletions:
Revision [57335]
Edited on 2020-12-16 17:42:40 by JamesW [Adjustments made for 2020 research updates]Deletions:
Revision [57334]
Edited on 2020-12-16 17:42:12 by JamesW [Adjustments made for 2020 research updates]Additions:
Your supervisor will assign tracking sheets for you to work through. You will find the corresponding tracking sheet for that state and office on Google Drive under Officials Tracking or Candidate/Election Tracking. Past research sheets are saved in the Research drive: Research > Active > Research Programs > Profiles > Officials Tracking (or Elections). In addition to the tracking sheet, you will also need to search for that state and office in Admin under the Office Seeking or Office Held options for a list of candidates and current officials.
Deletions:
Revision [57333]
Edited on 2020-12-16 17:40:31 by JamesW [Adjustments made for 2020 research updates]Deletions:
~- Click the ID number by the name of the candidate to open their Biographical Information page in a new window.
~- Also open the campaign and/or official website. To do this, click the Addresses Tab on their Bio page. Click on the election or the current office held. Scroll down and click on the link to the candidate or official's website. Scroll down again and click "Visit...". The website, if the link is working, will open in a new window.
~- If there is no website entered in Admin, search for one via Google. Keep in mind that candidates are increasingly utilizing Facebook to communicate with their constituents and may list biographical information there instead. Use your best judgement to determine if the site is actually affiliated with the candidate or if it is just a fan page. We will only use information that is posted on an official Facebook page.
~- If you are unable to find something, make a note of it in the 'Notes' section of your tracking sheet and go on to the next name on the list. For elected officials, if a website is not listed, you can visit the general legislative body's website and then search for the individual.
~- Find as much information as you can. It is best to start in the "About Joe" or "Meet Jane" sections of the website. **Presidential and Congressional politicians should not have any empty fields in their bio without exhaustive research.**
~- Go on to the next name on the list.
Revision [57322]
Edited on 2020-12-16 15:31:15 by JamesW [Adjustments made for 2020 research updates]Additions:
Your supervisor will assign tracking sheets for you to work through. You will find the corresponding tracking sheet for that state and office on Google Drive under Officials Tracking or Candidate/Election Tracking. You can also reach these same sheets using Research drive > Active > Research Programs > Profiles > Officials Tracking (or Elections). In addition to the tracking sheet, you will also need to search for that state and office in Admin under the Office Seeking or Office Held options for a list of candidates and current officials.
Deletions:
Additions:
[[http://votesmart.org/ Our Website]] - specifically the biography sections; it is crucial that you understand how our data goes from the original source to our website and how it is displayed on our website.
[[http://wiki.votesmart.org/ProfilesGuide Our Wiki]] - it contains valuable background information, data standards, staff and intern expectations, and training and management guides. To start, pay special attention to the processes and policies we have put in place.
[[https://admin.votesmart.org/ Admin]] - a user-friendly way to enter and check pieces of data. You will be using this extensively and will be shown how it works during training.
~~- Our schedules contain lists of states, candidates, and sources to research and help keep us on track.
~~- Your supervisor will show these to you and assign you your daily and weekly tasks.
~~- On many of our schedules there is a column labeled "Notes" - this is where you would note any anomalies you found. They can be very helpful.
All our data is collected from **primary** sources and you can see some examples of what a primary source is on the [[ProfilesDataStandards Data Standards]] page.
~~- Familiarity with these sources and a reliable routine will contribute to **accuracy, thoroughness,** and **speed** (listed in order of importance) in profiles research.
Now that you have checked out all the resources we use to collect and enter information in the Profiles Sub-Department, let's get a little bit more specific and check out the intricacies of our Profiles Sub-Department!
Your supervisor will assign you a state and office to work on (for example, Tennessee State Senate)[[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Xtnw9gFjuKX54oRwvl83harq5Ql6qYSSro9Tg0Y6EUY/edit?usp=drive_web&ouid=100180762879341317058 using our schedule tracking sheet]]. You will find the corresponding tracking sheet for that state and office on Google Drive under Officials Tracking or Candidate/Election Tracking. You can also reach these same sheets using Research drive > Active > Research Programs > Profiles > Officials Tracking (or Elections). In addition to the tracking sheet, you will also need to search for that state and office in Admin under the Office Seeking or Office Held options for a list of candidates and current officials.
In admin:
~- If there is no website entered in Admin, search for one via Google. Keep in mind that candidates are increasingly utilizing Facebook to communicate with their constituents and may list biographical information there instead. Use your best judgement to determine if the site is actually affiliated with the candidate or if it is just a fan page. We will only use information that is posted on an official Facebook page.
~- If you are unable to find something, make a note of it in the 'Notes' section of your tracking sheet and go on to the next name on the list. For elected officials, if a website is not listed, you can visit the general legislative body's website and then search for the individual.
~- Go on to the next name on the list.
The Profiles Sub-Department is also in charge of finding/updating photos for officials and candidates. This process works a little differently because we use the Desktop Drive instead of admin.
Head to the [[ProfilesHelfulHintsFAQ Helpful Hints/FAQ]] page for some FAQ's and some advice on how to become a better profiles researcher.
[[http://wiki.votesmart.org/ProfilesGuide Our Wiki]] - it contains valuable background information, data standards, staff and intern expectations, and training and management guides. To start, pay special attention to the processes and policies we have put in place.
[[https://admin.votesmart.org/ Admin]] - a user-friendly way to enter and check pieces of data. You will be using this extensively and will be shown how it works during training.
~~- Our schedules contain lists of states, candidates, and sources to research and help keep us on track.
~~- Your supervisor will show these to you and assign you your daily and weekly tasks.
~~- On many of our schedules there is a column labeled "Notes" - this is where you would note any anomalies you found. They can be very helpful.
All our data is collected from **primary** sources and you can see some examples of what a primary source is on the [[ProfilesDataStandards Data Standards]] page.
~~- Familiarity with these sources and a reliable routine will contribute to **accuracy, thoroughness,** and **speed** (listed in order of importance) in profiles research.
Now that you have checked out all the resources we use to collect and enter information in the Profiles Sub-Department, let's get a little bit more specific and check out the intricacies of our Profiles Sub-Department!
Your supervisor will assign you a state and office to work on (for example, Tennessee State Senate)[[https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1Xtnw9gFjuKX54oRwvl83harq5Ql6qYSSro9Tg0Y6EUY/edit?usp=drive_web&ouid=100180762879341317058 using our schedule tracking sheet]]. You will find the corresponding tracking sheet for that state and office on Google Drive under Officials Tracking or Candidate/Election Tracking. You can also reach these same sheets using Research drive > Active > Research Programs > Profiles > Officials Tracking (or Elections). In addition to the tracking sheet, you will also need to search for that state and office in Admin under the Office Seeking or Office Held options for a list of candidates and current officials.
In admin:
~- If there is no website entered in Admin, search for one via Google. Keep in mind that candidates are increasingly utilizing Facebook to communicate with their constituents and may list biographical information there instead. Use your best judgement to determine if the site is actually affiliated with the candidate or if it is just a fan page. We will only use information that is posted on an official Facebook page.
~- If you are unable to find something, make a note of it in the 'Notes' section of your tracking sheet and go on to the next name on the list. For elected officials, if a website is not listed, you can visit the general legislative body's website and then search for the individual.
~- Go on to the next name on the list.
The Profiles Sub-Department is also in charge of finding/updating photos for officials and candidates. This process works a little differently because we use the Desktop Drive instead of admin.
Head to the [[ProfilesHelfulHintsFAQ Helpful Hints/FAQ]] page for some FAQ's and some advice on how to become a better profiles researcher.
Deletions:
[[http://wiki.votesmart.org/BioGuide Our Wiki]] - it contains valuable background information, data standards, staff and intern expectations, and training and management guides. To start, pay special attention to the processes and policies we have put in place.
[[https://admin.votesmart.org/ Admin]] - a user-friendly way to enter and check pieces of data. You will be using this extensively, and will be shown how it works during training. Just take a look for now.
~~- Our schedules contain lists of states, candidates, and sources, as well as providing a system to keep us on track
~~- Your supervisor will show these to you and assign your daily and weekly tasks.
~~- On many of our schedules, there is a column labeled "Notes" - this is where notes go for each website. They can be very helpful.
The **primary** sources from which we collect our data. See some examples of what a primary source is on the [[ProfilesDataStandards Data Standards]] page.
~~- Familiarity with these sources and a reliable routine will contribute to accuracy, thoroughness, and speed (listed in order of importance) in profiles research.
Now that you have checked out all the resources we use to collect and enter information in the Profiles Sub-Department, lets get a little bit more specific and check out the intricacies to our Profiles Sub-Department!
Your supervisor will assign you a state and office to work on (for example, Tennessee State Senate). You will find the corresponding tracking sheet for that state and office on the Research drive > Active > Research Programs > Profiles > Officials Tracking > State Legislative > [state]. In addition to the tracking sheet, you will also need to search for that state and office in Admin under the Office Seeking or Office Held options for a list of candidates and current officials.
~- If there is no website entered in Admin, search for one via Google. Keep in mind that candidates are increasingly utilizing Facebook to communicate with their constituents, and may list biographical information there. Use your best judgement to determine if the site is actually affiliated with the candidate, or if it is just a fan page. We will only use information that is posted on an official Facebook page.
~- If you are unable to find one, record the candidate ID and "No Web Presence" on your tracking sheet and go on to the next name on the list. For elected officials, if a website is not listed, you can visit the general legislative body's website and then search for the individual.
~- Go on to the next name on the list. Let your supervisor know where you left off before you leave each day.
==="Public Statements" Tab===
In the Profiles Sub-Department, we collect "Issue Positions" (sometimes abbreviated "IPs") for mainly state level officials and candidates. This is due to the massive nature of doing any research on state level officials (there are about 7400 state legislative offices, for example). It is vital that anyone working in the Profiles Sub-Department be familiar with how to collect issue positions, how to enter them into Admin, and how to categorize/tag them perfectly!
Go to the [[Issue Issue Positions]] page now for a guide on how to enter information in to this tab. in the Profiles Sub-Department, we only collect the "Issue Positions" type of public statement so look for that first!
The Profiles Sub-Department is also in charge of finding photos for officials and candidates without a photo, with an out-dated photo, or who have a bad photo. This process works a little differently because we use the Desktop Drive instead of admin.
Head to the [[ProfilesHelfulHintsFAQ Helpful Hints/FAQ]] page for some FAQ's and some advice on become a better profiles researcher.
Additions:
Your supervisor will assign you a state and office to work on (for example, Tennessee State Senate). You will find the corresponding tracking sheet for that state and office on the Research drive > Active > Research Programs > Profiles > Officials Tracking > State Legislative > [state]. In addition to the tracking sheet, you will also need to search for that state and office in Admin under the Office Seeking or Office Held options for a list of candidates and current officials.
Deletions:
Additions:
[[https://admin.votesmart.org/ Admin]] - a user-friendly way to enter and check pieces of data. You will be using this extensively, and will be shown how it works during training. Just take a look for now.
Deletions:
Deletions:
Additions:
Your supervisor will assign you a state and office to work on (for example, Tennessee State Senate). You will find the corresponding tracking sheet for that state and office on the Research drive > Active > Research Programs > Profiles > [current year] Elections > Regular Elections > [state] > [office]. In addition to the tracking sheet, you will also need to search for that state and office in Admin under the Office Seeking or Office Held options for a list of candidates and current officials.
Deletions:
Additions:
~- If you are unable to find one, record the candidate ID and "No Web Presence" on your tracking sheet and go on to the next name on the list. For elected officials, if a website is not listed, you can visit the general legislative body's website and then search for the individual.
~- ++If you add information to a candidate/official's bio page, record the candidate ID and updated code in your tracking sheet.++
Each year, the Profiles Sub-Department completes research on officials and candidates by finding their websites and taking information directly from this primary source.
~- ++If you add information to a candidate/official's bio page, record the candidate ID and updated code in your tracking sheet.++
Each year, the Profiles Sub-Department completes research on officials and candidates by finding their websites and taking information directly from this primary source.
Deletions:
~- If you add information to a candidate/official's bio page, record the candidate ID and updated code in your tracking sheet.
Each year, the Profiles Sub-Department completes research on officials and candidates by finding their websites and taking information direct from this primary source.
Additions:
[[https://admin.votesmart.org/ Admin]] - a user-friendly way enter and check pieces of data. You will be using this extensively, and will be shown how it works during training. Just take a look for now.
Deletions:
Additions:
Searching for websites can be looked at as a battle between yourself and Google. Discovering what keywords to use that will bring up the best results is an art in the research world. Mastering a routine for finding websites will allow you to find more content and become an effective researcher.
Deletions:
Deletions:
CategoryPolicies
[[Categories1 Alphabetical List]]
CategoryTree
IdiomsandExamples>>
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~- If you add information to a candidate/official's bio page, record the candidate ID and updated code in your tracking sheet.
Deletions:
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~~- On many of our schedules, there is a column labeled "Notes" - this is where notes go for each website. They can be very helpful.
Deletions:
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==Are you ready for some wiki training? Don't worry, we'll go over most of this during in-person training soon!==
{{{toc title="Table of Contents" levels="h1,h2,h3,h4,h5"}}}
{{{toc title="Table of Contents" levels="h1,h2,h3,h4,h5"}}}
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<<{{{toc title="Table of Contents" levels="h1,h2,h3,h4,h5"}}}<<::c::
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{{include ThreeGoodResearcherTraits}}
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The three traits of good profiles research are **Thoroughness, Accuracy, and Speed,** in that order. That is, if you can do nothing else, be thorough. If you can do two things, be thorough and accurate. If you're thorough, accurate and fast, that makes you a **rockstar** - this generally comes with practice.
The quality of our data depends on this hierarchy of sorts. Practicing being thorough and accurate first, will help you to be a valuable member of the team. Speed will inevitably come as you gain more experience. If you attempt to be speedy right off the bat, not only will you be putting bad data into our database, but you won't develop a strong foundation for future growth. Your supervisor will provide you with feedback to help you recognize common errors that you make, and will help you get faster over time by teaching you the tricks and techniques the profiles team has developed over a long period of time. Be patient!
Revision [15620]
Edited on 2015-05-21 16:28:31 by hannahk [Changed speeches/public statements to profiles/bio]Additions:
The quality of our data depends on this hierarchy of sorts. Practicing being thorough and accurate first, will help you to be a valuable member of the team. Speed will inevitably come as you gain more experience. If you attempt to be speedy right off the bat, not only will you be putting bad data into our database, but you won't develop a strong foundation for future growth. Your supervisor will provide you with feedback to help you recognize common errors that you make, and will help you get faster over time by teaching you the tricks and techniques the profiles team has developed over a long period of time. Be patient!
[[http://votesmart.org/ Our Website]] - specifically the biography sections; it is crucial that you understand how our data goes from the original source to our website.
[[http://votesmart.org/ Our Website]] - specifically the biography sections; it is crucial that you understand how our data goes from the original source to our website.
Deletions:
[[http://votesmart.org/ Our Website]] - specifically the public statements sections; it is crucial that you understand how our data goes from the original source to our website.
Additions:
===The Profiles Wiki===
Deletions:
Additions:
[[http://wiki.votesmart.org/BioGuide Our Wiki]] - it contains valuable background information, data standards, staff and intern expectations, and training and management guides. To start, pay special attention to the processes and policies we have put in place.
Deletions:
Additions:
====**Profiles Research**====
Deletions:
Additions:
[[http://wiki.votesmart.org/ProfilesGuide <- Back to the Profiles Guide]]
Deletions:
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<- Back to [[http://wiki.votesmart.org/ProfilesGuide Profiles Guide]]
Additions:
**Still need to add content**
Additions:
===Finding and Adding Photos===
The Profiles Sub-Department is also in charge of finding photos for officials and candidates without a photo, with an out-dated photo, or who have a bad photo. This process works a little differently because we use the Desktop Drive instead of admin.
Go to the [[Photos Photos]] page to learn how this process works.
The Profiles Sub-Department is also in charge of finding photos for officials and candidates without a photo, with an out-dated photo, or who have a bad photo. This process works a little differently because we use the Desktop Drive instead of admin.
Go to the [[Photos Photos]] page to learn how this process works.
Deletions:
~- any part of that politician's campaign website or official website (including official social media accounts like facebook and LinkedIn)
~- any direct quote made by the politician to a reliable publisher, as long as it's not a controversial topic like military history. "Reliable publishers" would include those that are part of our speeches database, other reputable news media, and information found on government websites (like campaign finance filings, official voter guides, and Secretary of State websites).
~- anything submitted to us directly from the politician (typically via secure.votesmart.org or the candidate bio form)
===**Keep in Mind:**===
~- Ask questions if you are uncertain about anything.
~- Many candidates are already in our database and will therefore already have some information
~- Check the information against what the candidate has most recently given us. Follow the general rule that more is better (e.g. if a nickname is in the database but not on the new bio info, leave it in). Bio data should only be removed if it is a duplicate entry or a reputable source has proven the information to be incorrect.
~- Do not abbreviate anything, even if typing it out seems redundant or unnecessary. If an acronym is more commonly known, use the written-out version and put the acronym in parentheses
~- If you cannot read something or need help, never hesitate to ask for help
~- Do not, under any circumstances, write on a candidate's returned bio form. If there is a problem with the form or you cannot read an entry, tell your supervisor
~- For all current positions use "present" with a lower-case "p" rather than "Present" or "current."
~~- Example: Representative, United States House of Representatives, 1996-present.
~- If you are unable to verify if a candidate still holds or when they may have stopped holding a position for which 'present' is listed, delete the years and move the position to the proper place amongst the other positions listed without years.
~- If there are no years listed, do not assume that the membership is present. Only use "present" if a candidate has specifically listed it as present.
~- All years should be written out in full.
~~- Example: correct: 1985-1989 incorrect: 1985-89.
~- **SAVE YOUR CHANGES** - if you forget this, it's like you didn't do the work.
Additions:
====**Researching Officials and Candidates**====
===Searching for Websites===
==="Biography" Tab - Admin===
==="Addresses" Tab - Admin===
==="Offices" Tab - Admin===
==="Public Statements" Tab===
====**Helpful Hints/FAQ**====
===Searching for Websites===
==="Biography" Tab - Admin===
==="Addresses" Tab - Admin===
==="Offices" Tab - Admin===
==="Public Statements" Tab===
====**Helpful Hints/FAQ**====
Deletions:
==Searching for Websites==
=="Biography" Tab - Admin==
=="Addresses" Tab - Admin==
=="Offices" Tab - Admin==
=="Public Statements" Tab==
===**Helpful Hints/FAQ**===
Additions:
<<{{{toc title="Table of Contents" levels="h1,h2,h3,h4,h5"}}}<<::c::
===**Helpful Hints/FAQ**===
You have now delved pretty far into the basics of the Profiles Sub-Department. You may be wondering about a bunch of different things. We have put together a Helpful Hints/FAQ page to try to answer some general questions/provide you a quick source of hints/tips for decreasing errors and increasing speed.
Head to the [[ProfilesHelfulHintsFAQ Helpful Hints/FAQ]] page for some FAQ's and some advice on become a better profiles researcher.
===**Helpful Hints/FAQ**===
You have now delved pretty far into the basics of the Profiles Sub-Department. You may be wondering about a bunch of different things. We have put together a Helpful Hints/FAQ page to try to answer some general questions/provide you a quick source of hints/tips for decreasing errors and increasing speed.
Head to the [[ProfilesHelfulHintsFAQ Helpful Hints/FAQ]] page for some FAQ's and some advice on become a better profiles researcher.
Deletions:
Deletions:
[[Online Entering Information Submitted Online]]
===Importing Addresses:===
[[CreatingExceltoImport Creating Excel to Import]]
[[CheckingImports Checking Imports]]
Additions:
Go to the [[Issue Issue Positions]] page now for a guide on how to enter information in to this tab. in the Profiles Sub-Department, we only collect the "Issue Positions" type of public statement so look for that first!
Deletions:
Revision [15218]
Edited on 2015-05-05 11:18:48 by Jamieson [adding formatting/edits to intro sentences]Additions:
Along with the "Biography" tab, this is the most common type of update that we do, and one of the most important. The information we find and input into the "Addresses" tab provides citizens access to mailing addresses, websites, social media, and emails that the politician uses to communicate with his/her constituents.
At certain times of the year, mainly after elections, you may be assigned to completing some updates to office information. This can include advancing officials into office, changing leadership positions, or adding officials to committees once they have been assigned. The associated wiki pages will help you get familiar with this type of data.
=="Public Statements" Tab==
In the Profiles Sub-Department, we collect "Issue Positions" (sometimes abbreviated "IPs") for mainly state level officials and candidates. This is due to the massive nature of doing any research on state level officials (there are about 7400 state legislative offices, for example). It is vital that anyone working in the Profiles Sub-Department be familiar with how to collect issue positions, how to enter them into Admin, and how to categorize/tag them perfectly!
Go to the [[Issue Positions]] page now for a guide on how to enter information in to this tab. in the Profiles Sub-Department, we only collect the "Issue Positions" type of public statement so look for that first!
At certain times of the year, mainly after elections, you may be assigned to completing some updates to office information. This can include advancing officials into office, changing leadership positions, or adding officials to committees once they have been assigned. The associated wiki pages will help you get familiar with this type of data.
=="Public Statements" Tab==
In the Profiles Sub-Department, we collect "Issue Positions" (sometimes abbreviated "IPs") for mainly state level officials and candidates. This is due to the massive nature of doing any research on state level officials (there are about 7400 state legislative offices, for example). It is vital that anyone working in the Profiles Sub-Department be familiar with how to collect issue positions, how to enter them into Admin, and how to categorize/tag them perfectly!
Go to the [[Issue Positions]] page now for a guide on how to enter information in to this tab. in the Profiles Sub-Department, we only collect the "Issue Positions" type of public statement so look for that first!
Deletions:
Check out [[https://admin.votesmart.org/candidateBio.do?candidateId=9490 Barack Obama]] and look for "Office" in the tabs at the top. This guide will explain everything you need to know about entering the information you have found into Admin, which will automatically upload your additions to the website (after SAVING of course!).
===Public Statements Tab:===
[[Issue Positions]]
Additions:
IdiomsandExamples>>
Deletions:
Deletions:
[[New Entering New Addresses]]
[[Zip City, State & Zip]]
[[Phone Phone & Fax Numbers]]
[[PhoneNumberLookupInstructions Finding Campaign Phone Numbers if Not Easily Available]]
[[Email E-Mail & Web Addresses]]
[[Campaign Campaign Address]]
[[State State Leg. Address Types]]
[[Cong Congressional Address Types]]
[[Statewide Statewide Officials Address Types]]
[[Staff Key Staff Addresses]]
Additions:
=="Addresses" Tab - Admin==
Check out [[https://admin.votesmart.org/candidateBio.do?candidateId=9490 Barack Obama]] and look for "Addresses" in the tabs at the top. This guide will explain everything you need to know about entering the information you have found into Admin, which will automatically upload your additions to the website (after SAVING of course!).
Go to the [[AddressesTab Addresses Tab]] page now for a tutorial on the **Addresses Tab**.
=="Offices" Tab - Admin==
Check out [[https://admin.votesmart.org/candidateBio.do?candidateId=9490 Barack Obama]] and look for "Addresses" in the tabs at the top. This guide will explain everything you need to know about entering the information you have found into Admin, which will automatically upload your additions to the website (after SAVING of course!).
Go to the [[AddressesTab Addresses Tab]] page now for a tutorial on the **Addresses Tab**.
=="Offices" Tab - Admin==
Deletions:
Additions:
==Offices Tab - Admin==
Deletions:
Additions:
===**Researching Officials and Candidates**===
==Offices Tab - Admin--
Check out [[https://admin.votesmart.org/candidateBio.do?candidateId=9490 Barack Obama]] and look for "Office" in the tabs at the top. This guide will explain everything you need to know about entering the information you have found into Admin, which will automatically upload your additions to the website (after SAVING of course!).
Go to the [[OfficeTab Office Tab]] page now for a tutorial on the **Office Tab**.
==Offices Tab - Admin--
Check out [[https://admin.votesmart.org/candidateBio.do?candidateId=9490 Barack Obama]] and look for "Office" in the tabs at the top. This guide will explain everything you need to know about entering the information you have found into Admin, which will automatically upload your additions to the website (after SAVING of course!).
Go to the [[OfficeTab Office Tab]] page now for a tutorial on the **Office Tab**.
Deletions:
===Offices Tab:===
[[Office Dates]]
[[Committees Committees]]
[[IndividualsLeadershipPositions Leadership Positions]]
Additions:
Go to the [[BiographyTab Biography Tab]] page now for a tutorial of the **Biography Tab**.
Deletions:
[[Gender Gender]]
[[Title Title]]
[[Status Status & FECID]]
[[Home Home City]]
[[Birth Birth Date]]
[[Place Birth Place]]
[[Family Family]]
[[Religion Religion]]
[[Education Education]]
[[Professional Professional]]
[[Experience Political Experience]]
[[Caucuses Caucuses, Commissions & Task Forces]]
[[Organizational Organizational]]
[[Default Default Positions]]
[[Additional Additional]]
[[Abbreviations Common Abbreviations]]
[[BioErrors Common Errors to Avoid]]
Additions:
====Introduction====
====**Three Good Traits**====
====**Profiles Resources**====
===Vote Smart's Website===
===The Speeches Wiki===
===Admin - Our User-Friendly Portal to the Database===
===Schedules - Available in Google Docs and the Desktop Drive===
===Sources===
====**Profiles Sub-Department Research**====
===How do we assign work?===
===**Keep in Mind:**===
===Researching Officials and Candidates===
Each year, the Profiles Sub-Department completes research on officials and candidates by finding their websites and taking information direct from this primary source.
==Searching for Websites==
=="Biography" Tab - Admin==
Check out [[https://admin.votesmart.org/candidateBio.do?candidateId=9490 Barack Obama]] and look for "Biography" in the tabs at the top. This guide will explain everything you need to know about entering the information you have found into Admin, which will automatically upload your additions to the website (after SAVING of course!).
[[BiographyTab Biography Tab]]
====**Three Good Traits**====
====**Profiles Resources**====
===Vote Smart's Website===
===The Speeches Wiki===
===Admin - Our User-Friendly Portal to the Database===
===Schedules - Available in Google Docs and the Desktop Drive===
===Sources===
====**Profiles Sub-Department Research**====
===How do we assign work?===
===**Keep in Mind:**===
===Researching Officials and Candidates===
Each year, the Profiles Sub-Department completes research on officials and candidates by finding their websites and taking information direct from this primary source.
==Searching for Websites==
=="Biography" Tab - Admin==
Check out [[https://admin.votesmart.org/candidateBio.do?candidateId=9490 Barack Obama]] and look for "Biography" in the tabs at the top. This guide will explain everything you need to know about entering the information you have found into Admin, which will automatically upload your additions to the website (after SAVING of course!).
[[BiographyTab Biography Tab]]
Deletions:
===**Three Good Traits**===
===**Profiles Resources**===
==Vote Smart's Website==
==The Speeches Wiki==
==Admin - Our User-Friendly Portal to the Database==
==Schedules - Available in Google Docs and the Desktop Drive==
==Sources==
===**Profiles Sub-Department Research**===
==How do we assign work?==
==**Keep in Mind:**==
===Bio Tab:===
Additions:
===**Profiles Sub-Department Research**===
Now that you have checked out all the resources we use to collect and enter information in the Profiles Sub-Department, lets get a little bit more specific and check out the intricacies to our Profiles Sub-Department!
==How do we assign work?==
Now that you have checked out all the resources we use to collect and enter information in the Profiles Sub-Department, lets get a little bit more specific and check out the intricacies to our Profiles Sub-Department!
==How do we assign work?==
Deletions:
Additions:
===**Profiles Sub-Department Research:**===
Deletions:
[[ProfilesAdmin Administration of the Profiles Program]]
===Researching Bios:===
Additions:
==Schedules - Available in Google Docs and the Desktop Drive==
~~- Our schedules contain lists of states, candidates, and sources, as well as providing a system to keep us on track
~~- Our schedules contain lists of states, candidates, and sources, as well as providing a system to keep us on track
Deletions:
Revision [15195]
Edited on 2015-05-05 10:26:29 by Jamieson [formatting and adding "profiles resources&quo;]Additions:
======**Welcome to the Profiles Sub-Department!**======
Are you ready for some wiki training? Don't worry, we'll go over most of this during in-person training soon!
===Introduction===
On this wiki page, you will find a description of the body of work the Profiles Sub-Department is in charge of along with links that will give you the details you need to perform every task.
===**Three Good Traits**===
The quality of our data depends on this hierarchy of sorts. Practicing being thorough and accurate first, will help you to be a valuable member of the team. Speed will inevitably come as you gain more experience. If you attempt to be speedy right off the bat, not only will you be putting bad data into our database, but you won't develop a strong foundation for future growth. Your supervisor will provide you with feedback to help you recognize common errors that you make, and will help you get faster over time by teaching you the tricks and techniques the speeches team has developed over a long period of time. Be patient!
===**Profiles Resources**===
==Vote Smart's Website==
[[http://votesmart.org/ Our Website]] - specifically the public statements sections; it is crucial that you understand how our data goes from the original source to our website.
An example candidate: [[http://votesmart.org/candidate/biography/9490/ Barack Obama]]
==The Speeches Wiki==
[[http://wiki.votesmart.org/BioGuidee Our Wiki]] - it contains valuable background information, data standards, staff and intern expectations, and training and management guides. To start, pay special attention to the processes and policies we have put in place.
==Admin - Our User-Friendly Portal to the Database==
[[https://admin.votesmart.org/ Admin]] - a user-friendly way enter and check pieces of data. You will be using this extensively, will be shown how it works during training. Just take a look for now.
==Schedules - Available in Google Docs and the Desktop Drive** - our schedules contain lists of states, candidates, and sources, as well as providing a system to keep us on track
==Sources==
The **primary** sources from which we collect our data. See some examples of what a primary source is on the [[ProfilesDataStandards Data Standards]] page.
Are you ready for some wiki training? Don't worry, we'll go over most of this during in-person training soon!
===Introduction===
On this wiki page, you will find a description of the body of work the Profiles Sub-Department is in charge of along with links that will give you the details you need to perform every task.
===**Three Good Traits**===
The quality of our data depends on this hierarchy of sorts. Practicing being thorough and accurate first, will help you to be a valuable member of the team. Speed will inevitably come as you gain more experience. If you attempt to be speedy right off the bat, not only will you be putting bad data into our database, but you won't develop a strong foundation for future growth. Your supervisor will provide you with feedback to help you recognize common errors that you make, and will help you get faster over time by teaching you the tricks and techniques the speeches team has developed over a long period of time. Be patient!
===**Profiles Resources**===
==Vote Smart's Website==
[[http://votesmart.org/ Our Website]] - specifically the public statements sections; it is crucial that you understand how our data goes from the original source to our website.
An example candidate: [[http://votesmart.org/candidate/biography/9490/ Barack Obama]]
==The Speeches Wiki==
[[http://wiki.votesmart.org/BioGuidee Our Wiki]] - it contains valuable background information, data standards, staff and intern expectations, and training and management guides. To start, pay special attention to the processes and policies we have put in place.
==Admin - Our User-Friendly Portal to the Database==
[[https://admin.votesmart.org/ Admin]] - a user-friendly way enter and check pieces of data. You will be using this extensively, will be shown how it works during training. Just take a look for now.
==Schedules - Available in Google Docs and the Desktop Drive** - our schedules contain lists of states, candidates, and sources, as well as providing a system to keep us on track
==Sources==
The **primary** sources from which we collect our data. See some examples of what a primary source is on the [[ProfilesDataStandards Data Standards]] page.
Deletions:
The primary objective for Project Vote Smart is to provide the essential tools that American citizens need when selecting their representatives and monitoring their job performances. Along with Public Statements, Issue Positions (Political Courage Test), Campaign Finances, Voting Records and Special Interest Group Ratings; the Profiles program is one of the six major arms of Vote Smart database that aids the average citizen in understanding how their representatives represent them on issues.
The Profile Information is one of the most commonly used sections of the website. Information entered here is posted to the website almost immediately, so it's crucial that the data entered here is 100% accurate and formatted correctly. During election season, you will be collecting biographical, contact, issue position and photo information for candidates. During off election years, you will be collecting biographical, contact, issue positions, office information and photos for officials currently in office.
====Our goal, as profiles researchers, is to collect all biographical, contact, and office information for the officials we cover, format and categorize it correctly, and display it on our website in a timely fashion.====
~- **our website** - specifically the biographical, office, and contact information sections
~~- An example candidate: http://votesmart.org/candidate/biography/9490/
~- **our wiki** - it contains information and answers to many questions about your job and the organization. Pay special attention to our formatting and categorization rules.
~~- http://wiki.votesmart.org/BioGuide
~- **admin** - a user-friendly way to interact with our database
~~- https://admin.votesmart.org/
~- **schedules in google docs and the desktop drives** - our schedules contain lists of states, candidates, and sources, as well as providing a system to keep us on track
~- **sources** - the primary sources from which we collect our data
Revision [13849]
Edited on 2015-01-28 13:48:54 by KristenVicedomini [formatting and adding "profiles resources&quo;]Additions:
~- Check the information against what the candidate has most recently given us. Follow the general rule that more is better (e.g. if a nickname is in the database but not on the new bio info, leave it in). Bio data should only be removed if it is a duplicate entry or a reputable source has proven the information to be incorrect.
Deletions:
Additions:
~~- An example candidate: http://votesmart.org/candidate/biography/9490/
~- any direct quote made by the politician to a reliable publisher, as long as it's not a controversial topic like military history. "Reliable publishers" would include those that are part of our speeches database, other reputable news media, and information found on government websites (like campaign finance filings, official voter guides, and Secretary of State websites).
==**Keep in Mind:**==
~- any direct quote made by the politician to a reliable publisher, as long as it's not a controversial topic like military history. "Reliable publishers" would include those that are part of our speeches database, other reputable news media, and information found on government websites (like campaign finance filings, official voter guides, and Secretary of State websites).
==**Keep in Mind:**==
Deletions:
~- any direct quote made by the politician to a reliable publisher, as long as it's not a controversial topic like military history. "Reliable publishers" would include those that are part of our speeches database, other reputable news media, and information found on government websites (like campaign finance filings and official voter guides).
==Keep in Mind:==
[[IdiomsandExamples]]
Revision [12094]
Edited on 2014-12-04 16:18:21 by JamieWillett [Added new pg: managing profiles program]Additions:
**===Profiles Overview===**
[[ProfilesAdmin Administration of the Profiles Program]]
[[ProfilesAdmin Administration of the Profiles Program]]
Additions:
[[IdiomsandExamples]]
Deletions:
Deletions:
Additions:
[[Tagging-Bios Idioms and Examples]]
Deletions:
Additions:
[[Tagging-Bios Idioms and Examples /delete]]
Deletions:
Additions:
[[Tagging-Bios Idioms and Examples/delete]]
Deletions:
Additions:
[[Tagging-Bios Idioms and Examples]]
Additions:
[[Tagging-BiosIdiomsAndExamples]]
Deletions:
Additions:
[[Tagging-Bios Idioms and Examples]]
Deletions:
Additions:
[[Bios Idioms and Examples]]
Additions:
===Public Statements Tab:===
[[Issue Positions]]
[[Issue Positions]]
Additions:
~~- Your supervisor will show these to you and assign your daily and weekly tasks.
==Keep in Mind:==
~- Many candidates are already in our database and will therefore already have some information
~~- Example: Representative, United States House of Representatives, 1996-present.
~~- Example: correct: 1985-1989 incorrect: 1985-89.
==Keep in Mind:==
~- Many candidates are already in our database and will therefore already have some information
~~- Example: Representative, United States House of Representatives, 1996-present.
~~- Example: correct: 1985-1989 incorrect: 1985-89.
Deletions:
Keep in Mind:
~- Many candidates are already in our database and will have some information typed in
~~- Example: Representative, United States House of Representatives, 1996-present.
~~- Example: correct: 1985-1989 wrong: 1985-89.
===Check List for Staff Members when Training Interns:===
Training Interns on Profiles document(s):
research/management/manuals and instructions/intern training manuals/training interns on bios/docs for staff
research/management/manuals and instructions/intern training manuals/training interns on bios/docs for interns
No Differences
Additions:
>>**Category Project Links**
CategoryPolicies
[[Categories1 Alphabetical List]]
CategoryTree
IdiomsandExamples>>[[Name Name]]
CategoryPolicies
[[Categories1 Alphabetical List]]
CategoryTree
IdiomsandExamples>>[[Name Name]]
Deletions:
Additions:
The primary objective for Project Vote Smart is to provide the essential tools that American citizens need when selecting their representatives and monitoring their job performances. Along with Public Statements, Issue Positions (Political Courage Test), Campaign Finances, Voting Records and Special Interest Group Ratings; the Profiles program is one of the six major arms of Vote Smart database that aids the average citizen in understanding how their representatives represent them on issues.
====Our goal, as profiles researchers, is to collect all biographical, contact, and office information for the officials we cover, format and categorize it correctly, and display it on our website in a timely fashion.====
The three traits of good profiles research are **Thoroughness, Accuracy, and Speed,** in that order. That is, if you can do nothing else, be thorough. If you can do two things, be thorough and accurate. If you're thorough, accurate and fast, that makes you a **rockstar** - this generally comes with practice.
To do this effectively, you will need to be familiar with the following:
~- **our website** - specifically the biographical, office, and contact information sections
~~- http://votesmart.org/candidate/biography/
~- **our wiki** - it contains information and answers to many questions about your job and the organization. Pay special attention to our formatting and categorization rules.
~~- http://wiki.votesmart.org/BioGuide
~- **admin** - a user-friendly way to interact with our database
~~- https://admin.votesmart.org/
~- **schedules in google docs and the desktop drives** - our schedules contain lists of states, candidates, and sources, as well as providing a system to keep us on track
~~- Your supervisor will show these to you and assign your daily, weekly tasks.
~~- On many of our schedules, there is a column labeled "Notes" - this is where notes go for each website. They can be really helpful.
~- **sources** - the primary sources from which we collect our data
~~- It is extremely important to be thorough in collecting biographical, contact, and office information. Although you might not see how a specific piece of information could affect a voter's decision, we can't make that decision for the voter. Do not move on to the next politician or source until you have searched all areas for new content.
~~- Familiarity with these sources and a reliable routine will contribute to accuracy, thoroughness, and speed (listed in order of importance) in profiles research.
~- Ask questions if you are uncertain about anything.
~- Do not, under any circumstances, write on a candidate's returned bio form. If there is a problem with the form or you cannot read an entry, tell your supervisor
~- **SAVE YOUR CHANGES** - if you forget this, it's like you didn't do the work.
====Our goal, as profiles researchers, is to collect all biographical, contact, and office information for the officials we cover, format and categorize it correctly, and display it on our website in a timely fashion.====
The three traits of good profiles research are **Thoroughness, Accuracy, and Speed,** in that order. That is, if you can do nothing else, be thorough. If you can do two things, be thorough and accurate. If you're thorough, accurate and fast, that makes you a **rockstar** - this generally comes with practice.
To do this effectively, you will need to be familiar with the following:
~- **our website** - specifically the biographical, office, and contact information sections
~~- http://votesmart.org/candidate/biography/
~- **our wiki** - it contains information and answers to many questions about your job and the organization. Pay special attention to our formatting and categorization rules.
~~- http://wiki.votesmart.org/BioGuide
~- **admin** - a user-friendly way to interact with our database
~~- https://admin.votesmart.org/
~- **schedules in google docs and the desktop drives** - our schedules contain lists of states, candidates, and sources, as well as providing a system to keep us on track
~~- Your supervisor will show these to you and assign your daily, weekly tasks.
~~- On many of our schedules, there is a column labeled "Notes" - this is where notes go for each website. They can be really helpful.
~- **sources** - the primary sources from which we collect our data
~~- It is extremely important to be thorough in collecting biographical, contact, and office information. Although you might not see how a specific piece of information could affect a voter's decision, we can't make that decision for the voter. Do not move on to the next politician or source until you have searched all areas for new content.
~~- Familiarity with these sources and a reliable routine will contribute to accuracy, thoroughness, and speed (listed in order of importance) in profiles research.
~- Ask questions if you are uncertain about anything.
~- Do not, under any circumstances, write on a candidate's returned bio form. If there is a problem with the form or you cannot read an entry, tell your supervisor
~- **SAVE YOUR CHANGES** - if you forget this, it's like you didn't do the work.
Deletions:
~- DO NOT, under any circumstances, write on a candidate's returned bio form. If there is a problem with the form or you cannot read an entry, tell your supervisor
~- **SAVE YOUR CHANGES**
Additions:
======Profile Information:======
Keep in Mind:
~- DO NOT, under any circumstances, write on a candidate's returned bio form. If there is a problem with the form or you cannot read an entry, tell your supervisor
~- **SAVE YOUR CHANGES**
===Acceptable Data Sources:===
~- any part of that politician's campaign website or official website (including official social media accounts like facebook and LinkedIn)
~- any direct quote made by the politician to a reliable publisher, as long as it's not a controversial topic like military history. "Reliable publishers" would include those that are part of our speeches database, other reputable news media, and information found on government websites (like campaign finance filings and official voter guides).
===Researching Bios:===
===Check List for Staff Members when Training Interns:===
===Online Biographical Information===
===Bio Tab:===
===Offices Tab:===
===Address Tab:===
===Importing Addresses:===
Keep in Mind:
~- DO NOT, under any circumstances, write on a candidate's returned bio form. If there is a problem with the form or you cannot read an entry, tell your supervisor
~- **SAVE YOUR CHANGES**
===Acceptable Data Sources:===
~- any part of that politician's campaign website or official website (including official social media accounts like facebook and LinkedIn)
~- any direct quote made by the politician to a reliable publisher, as long as it's not a controversial topic like military history. "Reliable publishers" would include those that are part of our speeches database, other reputable news media, and information found on government websites (like campaign finance filings and official voter guides).
===Researching Bios:===
===Check List for Staff Members when Training Interns:===
===Online Biographical Information===
===Bio Tab:===
===Offices Tab:===
===Address Tab:===
===Importing Addresses:===
Deletions:
**Keep in Mind:**
~- **DO NOT**, under any circumstances, write on a candidate's returned bio form. If there is a problem with the form or you cannot read an entry, tell your supervisor
~- ===**SAVE YOUR CHANGES**===
===**Acceptable Data Sources:**===
~- any part of that politician's campaign website or official website (including **official** social media accounts like facebook and LinkedIn)
~- any **direct quote** made by the politician to a reliable publisher, as long as it's not a controversial topic like military history. "Reliable publishers" would include those that are part of our speeches database, other reputable news media, and information found on government websites (like campaign finance filings and official voter guides).
===**Researching Bios:**===
===**Check List for Staff Members when Training Interns:**===
===**Online Biographical Information**===
===**Bio Tab:**===
===**Offices Tab:**===
===**Address Tab:**===
===**Importing Addresses:**===
Additions:
~- If you are unable to find one, record the candidate ID and "No Website" on your tracking sheet and go on to the next name on the list. For elected officials, if a website is not listed, you can visit the general legislative body's website and then search for the individual.
Deletions:
Additions:
The Profile Information is one of the most commonly used sections of the website. Information entered here is posted to the website almost immediately, so it's crucial that the data entered here is 100% accurate and formatted correctly. During election season, you will be collecting biographical, contact, issue position and photo information for candidates. During off election years, you will be collecting biographical, contact, issue positions, office information and photos for officials currently in office.
~- Many candidates are already in our database and will have some information typed in
~- Check the information against what the candidate has most recently given us. Follow the general rule that more is better (e.g. if a nickname is in the database but not on the new bio info, leave it in)
~- Do not abbreviate anything, even if typing it out seems redundant or unnecessary. If an acronym is more commonly known, use the written-out version and put the acronym in parentheses
~- If you cannot read something or need help, never hesitate to ask for help
~- **DO NOT**, under any circumstances, write on a candidate's returned bio form. If there is a problem with the form or you cannot read an entry, tell your supervisor
~- For all current positions use "present" with a lower-case "p" rather than "Present" or "current."
~~- Example: Representative, United States House of Representatives, 1996-present.
~- If you are unable to verify if a candidate still holds or when they may have stopped holding a position for which 'present' is listed, delete the years and move the position to the proper place amongst the other positions listed without years.
~- If there are no years listed, do not assume that the membership is present. Only use "present" if a candidate has specifically listed it as present.
~- All years should be written out in full.
~~- Example: correct: 1985-1989 wrong: 1985-89.
~- ===**SAVE YOUR CHANGES**===
~- any part of that politician's campaign website or official website (including **official** social media accounts like facebook and LinkedIn)
~- any **direct quote** made by the politician to a reliable publisher, as long as it's not a controversial topic like military history. "Reliable publishers" would include those that are part of our speeches database, other reputable news media, and information found on government websites (like campaign finance filings and official voter guides).
~- anything submitted to us directly from the politician (typically via secure.votesmart.org or the candidate bio form)
Your supervisor will assign you a state and office to work on (for example, Tennessee State Senate). You will find the corresponding tracking sheet for that state and office on the Research drive > Research Divisions > Profile Coverage > Elections > [current year] Elections > Candidate Profiles. In addition to the tracking sheet, you will also need to search for that state and office in Admin under the Office Seeking or Office Held options for a list of candidates and current officials.
~- Click the ID number by the name of the candidate to open their Biographical Information page in a new window.
~- Also open the campaign and/or official website. To do this, click the Addresses Tab on their Bio page. Click on the election or the current office held. Scroll down and click on the link to the candidate or official's website. Scroll down again and click "Visit...". The website, if the link is working, will open in a new window.
~- If there is no website entered in Admin, search for one via Google. Keep in mind that candidates are increasingly utilizing Facebook to communicate with their constituents, and may list biographical information there. Use your best judgement to determine if the site is actually affiliated with the candidate, or if it is just a fan page. We will only use information that is posted on an official Facebook page.
~- If you are unable to find one, record the ++candidate++ ID and "No Website" on your tracking sheet and go on to the next name on the list. For elected officials, if a website is not listed, you can visit the general legislative body's website and then search for the individual.
~- Find as much information as you can. It is best to start in the "About Joe" or "Meet Jane" sections of the website. **Presidential and Congressional politicians should not have any empty fields in their bio without exhaustive research.**
~- If you add information to a candidate/official's bio page, record the candidate ID and Updated code in your tracking sheet.
~- Go on to the next name on the list. Let your supervisor know where you left off before you leave each day.
Training Interns on Profiles document(s):
~- Many candidates are already in our database and will have some information typed in
~- Check the information against what the candidate has most recently given us. Follow the general rule that more is better (e.g. if a nickname is in the database but not on the new bio info, leave it in)
~- Do not abbreviate anything, even if typing it out seems redundant or unnecessary. If an acronym is more commonly known, use the written-out version and put the acronym in parentheses
~- If you cannot read something or need help, never hesitate to ask for help
~- **DO NOT**, under any circumstances, write on a candidate's returned bio form. If there is a problem with the form or you cannot read an entry, tell your supervisor
~- For all current positions use "present" with a lower-case "p" rather than "Present" or "current."
~~- Example: Representative, United States House of Representatives, 1996-present.
~- If you are unable to verify if a candidate still holds or when they may have stopped holding a position for which 'present' is listed, delete the years and move the position to the proper place amongst the other positions listed without years.
~- If there are no years listed, do not assume that the membership is present. Only use "present" if a candidate has specifically listed it as present.
~- All years should be written out in full.
~~- Example: correct: 1985-1989 wrong: 1985-89.
~- ===**SAVE YOUR CHANGES**===
~- any part of that politician's campaign website or official website (including **official** social media accounts like facebook and LinkedIn)
~- any **direct quote** made by the politician to a reliable publisher, as long as it's not a controversial topic like military history. "Reliable publishers" would include those that are part of our speeches database, other reputable news media, and information found on government websites (like campaign finance filings and official voter guides).
~- anything submitted to us directly from the politician (typically via secure.votesmart.org or the candidate bio form)
Your supervisor will assign you a state and office to work on (for example, Tennessee State Senate). You will find the corresponding tracking sheet for that state and office on the Research drive > Research Divisions > Profile Coverage > Elections > [current year] Elections > Candidate Profiles. In addition to the tracking sheet, you will also need to search for that state and office in Admin under the Office Seeking or Office Held options for a list of candidates and current officials.
~- Click the ID number by the name of the candidate to open their Biographical Information page in a new window.
~- Also open the campaign and/or official website. To do this, click the Addresses Tab on their Bio page. Click on the election or the current office held. Scroll down and click on the link to the candidate or official's website. Scroll down again and click "Visit...". The website, if the link is working, will open in a new window.
~- If there is no website entered in Admin, search for one via Google. Keep in mind that candidates are increasingly utilizing Facebook to communicate with their constituents, and may list biographical information there. Use your best judgement to determine if the site is actually affiliated with the candidate, or if it is just a fan page. We will only use information that is posted on an official Facebook page.
~- If you are unable to find one, record the ++candidate++ ID and "No Website" on your tracking sheet and go on to the next name on the list. For elected officials, if a website is not listed, you can visit the general legislative body's website and then search for the individual.
~- Find as much information as you can. It is best to start in the "About Joe" or "Meet Jane" sections of the website. **Presidential and Congressional politicians should not have any empty fields in their bio without exhaustive research.**
~- If you add information to a candidate/official's bio page, record the candidate ID and Updated code in your tracking sheet.
~- Go on to the next name on the list. Let your supervisor know where you left off before you leave each day.
Training Interns on Profiles document(s):
Deletions:
- Many candidates are already in our database and will have some information typed in
- Check the information against what the candidate has most recently given us. Follow the general rule that more is better (e.g. if a nickname is in the database but not on the new bio info, leave it in)
- Do not abbreviate anything, even if typing it out seems redundant or unnecessary. If an acronym is more commonly known, use the written-out version and put the acronym in parentheses
- If you cannot read something or need help, never hesitate to ask for help
- **DO NOT**, under any circumstances, write on a candidate's returned bio form. If there is a problem with the form or you cannot read an entry, tell a staff member
- For all current positions use "present" with a lower-case "p" rather than "Present" or "current." Example: Representative, United States House of Representatives, 1996-present.
- If you are unable to verify if a candidate still holds or when they may have stopped holding a position for which 'present' is listed, delete the years and move the position to the proper place amongst the other positions listed without years.
- If there are no years listed, do not assume that the membership is present. Only use "present" if a candidate has specifically listed it as present.
- All years should be written out in full. Example: right: 1985-1989 wrong: 1985-89.
- ===**SAVE YOUR CHANGES**===
- any part of that politician's campaign website or official website (including **official** social media accounts like facebook and LinkedIn)
- any **direct quote** made by the politician to a reliable publisher, as long as it's not a controversial topic like military history. "Reliable publishers" would include those that are part of our speeches database, other reputable news media, and information found on government websites (like campaign finance filings and official voter guides).
- anything submitted to us directly from the politician (typically via secure.votesmart.org or the candidate bio form)
Your supervisor will assign you a state and office to work on (for example, Tennessee State Senate). You will find the corresponding tracking sheet for that state and office on the Research drive > Research Divisions > Profile Coverage > Elections > 2014 Elections > Candidate Profiles. In addition to the tracking sheet, you will also need to search for that state and office in Admin under the Office Seeking or Office Held options for a list of candidates and current officials.
- Click the ID number by the name of the candidate to open their Biographical Information page in a new window.
- Start by visiting the campaign and/or official website. Click the Addresses Tab on their Bio page. Click on the election or the current office held. Scroll down and click on the link to the candidate or official's website. Scroll down again and click "Visit...". The website, if the link is working, will open in a new window.
- If there is no website entered in Admin, search for one via Google. Keep in mind that candidates are increasingly utilizing Facebook to communicate with their constituents, and may list biographical information. Use your best judgement to determine if the site is actually affiliated with the candidate, or if it is just a fan page. We will only use information that is posted on an official Facebook page.
- If you are unable to find one, record the ++candidate++ ID and No Website code on your tracking sheet and go on to the next name on the list. For elected officials, if a website is not listed, you can visit the general legislative body's website and then search for the individual.
- Find as much information as you can. It is best to start in the "About Joe" or "Meet Jane" sections of the website. **Presidential and Congressional politicians should not have any empty fields in their bio without exhaustive research.**
- If you add information to a candidate/official's bio page, record the candidate ID and Updated code in your tracking sheet.
- Go on to the next name on the list. Let your supervisor know where you left off before you leave each day.
Training Interns on Profiles:
document(s) found at:
Additions:
- any **direct quote** made by the politician to a reliable publisher, as long as it's not a controversial topic like military history. "Reliable publishers" would include those that are part of our speeches database, other reputable news media, and information found on government websites (like campaign finance filings and official voter guides).
Deletions:
Additions:
- any direct quote made by the politician to a reliable publisher, as long as it's not a controversial topic like military history. "Reliable publishers" would include those that are part of our speeches database, other reputable news media, and information found on government websites (like campaign finance filings and official voter guides).
Deletions:
Additions:
===**Acceptable Data Sources:**===
- any direct quote made by the politician to a reliable publisher, as long as it's not a controversial topic like military history. "Reliable publishers" would include those that are part of our speeches database, or other reputable news media.
- Find as much information as you can. It is best to start in the "About Joe" or "Meet Jane" sections of the website. **Presidential and Congressional politicians should not have any empty fields in their bio without exhaustive research.**
- any direct quote made by the politician to a reliable publisher, as long as it's not a controversial topic like military history. "Reliable publishers" would include those that are part of our speeches database, or other reputable news media.
- Find as much information as you can. It is best to start in the "About Joe" or "Meet Jane" sections of the website. **Presidential and Congressional politicians should not have any empty fields in their bio without exhaustive research.**
Deletions:
- Any direct quote made by the candidate to a reliable publisher, as long as it's not a controversial topic like military history. "Reliable publishers" would include those that are part of our speeches database, or other reputable news media.
- Find as much information as you can. It is best to start in the "About Joe" or "Meet Jane" sections of the website.
Revision [10381]
Edited on 2013-11-13 15:16:00 by KristenVicedomini [added "acceptable data sources"]Additions:
===Acceptable Data Sources:===
- any part of that politician's campaign website or official website (including **official** social media accounts like facebook and LinkedIn)
- Any direct quote made by the candidate to a reliable publisher, as long as it's not a controversial topic like military history. "Reliable publishers" would include those that are part of our speeches database, or other reputable news media.
- anything submitted to us directly from the politician (typically via secure.votesmart.org or the candidate bio form)
- any part of that politician's campaign website or official website (including **official** social media accounts like facebook and LinkedIn)
- Any direct quote made by the candidate to a reliable publisher, as long as it's not a controversial topic like military history. "Reliable publishers" would include those that are part of our speeches database, or other reputable news media.
- anything submitted to us directly from the politician (typically via secure.votesmart.org or the candidate bio form)
Additions:
- If there is no website entered in Admin, search for one via Google. Keep in mind that candidates are increasingly utilizing Facebook to communicate with their constituents, and may list biographical information. Use your best judgement to determine if the site is actually affiliated with the candidate, or if it is just a fan page. We will only use information that is posted on an official Facebook page.
Deletions:
Additions:
[[Office Dates]]
Deletions:
Additions:
[[DatesforOfficeHolders]]
Deletions:
Additions:
[[Office Dates]]
Additions:
The Profile Information is one of the most commonly used sections of the website. Information entered here is posted to the website almost immediately, so it's crucial that the data entered here is 100% accurate and formatted correctly. During election season, you will be collecting biographical, contact, issue position and photo information for candidates. During off election years, you will be collecting biographical, contact, issue positions, office information and photos for currently officials in office.
Deletions:
Additions:
@@**====== Profile Information: ======**@@
Deletions:
Additions:
Your supervisor will assign you a state and office to work on (for example, Tennessee State Senate). You will find the corresponding tracking sheet for that state and office on the Research drive > Research Divisions > Profile Coverage > Elections > 2014 Elections > Candidate Profiles. In addition to the tracking sheet, you will also need to search for that state and office in Admin under the Office Seeking or Office Held options for a list of candidates and current officials.
Deletions:
Additions:
[[Default Default Positions]]
Deletions:
Additions:
document(s) found at:
research/management/manuals and instructions/intern training manuals/training interns on bios/docs for staff
research/management/manuals and instructions/intern training manuals/training interns on bios/docs for interns
research/management/manuals and instructions/intern training manuals/training interns on bios/docs for staff
research/management/manuals and instructions/intern training manuals/training interns on bios/docs for interns
Deletions:
Additions:
- If you are unable to verify if a candidate still holds or when they may have stopped holding a position for which 'present' is listed, delete the years and move the position to the proper place amongst the other positions listed without years.
Deletions:
Additions:
- **DO NOT**, under any circumstances, write on a candidate's returned bio form. If there is a problem with the form or you cannot read an entry, tell a staff member
Deletions:
Additions:
document found at: research/bios/training interns on bios/bio training doc
Deletions:
Additions:
document found at: research/bios/bio training doc
Deletions:
Bios:
-Go through every detail on bio training guide.
-Go through each field from Name to Organizations, go through specifics for each field including weird nuisances.
-Make sure to inform them of the “general default†entries: Served for military experience, Attended/Graduated, Employee, Member
-Things to remember: Education – no apostrophes; Political – put most current position in bio entry; CCTF and Organizations (and professional) - make sure there are no duplicates; Member, Advisory Board not just Advisory Board, Organization. They are not the “Boardâ€, they are a Member of the Board.
Additional Bio:
-If this information is readily available, then have an intern add it – otherwise do not waste time on finding this.
-There are no strict formatting rules, but make sure there are no periods at the end of the entries and make sure it “useful†to users
Contact:
-Show them the difference between campaign and office contact entries in admin.
-Only add websites, emails, social media to office tab if it is relevant to the office held, not the campaign cycle (based on last updates)
-Do not duplicate links and addresses in office information
-Campaign contact information is removed from the website a few months after the election cycle, so we need to make sure we have all the relevant contact information (may be same as campaign) for office contact information
-Always check all mailing addresses and phone numbers, because room numbers may change
-Always add the newest URL, regardless if there is a URL in the office information or not
Statements:
-Add issue positions if the official has them on their official website
-Double check to make sure we don't already have these exact issue positions
-Use 01/01/current year for the date, Unknown as the location, Issue Position:___ for the title
Office:
-Make sure they are active, not elected
-Make sure they have next elect date if they are not term limited, last date elected, and first took office (first took office can be the January following the first elected year)
-Make sure the offices match the elect dates. There shouldn't be two “house district 16†entries if there was no time gap between the two terms. If they lost as an incumbent, and then won again following that incumbent loss, then there should be two separate office entries.
Additions:
- **DO NOT**, under any circumstances, write on a candidate�s returned bio form. If there is a problem with the form or you cannot read an entry, tell a staff member
- If you are unable to verify if a candidate still holds or when they may have stopped holding a position for which �present� is listed, delete the years and move the position to the proper place amongst the other positions listed without years.
-
===**Check List for Staff Members when Training Interns:**===
Training Interns on Profiles:
*Before assigning an intern to profile updates, make sure the our membership rosters = government rosters. Make sure our committee roster lists = government committee roster lists AND always change the contact information for the 'active' committees. Never delete committees, just make them inactive.
Bios:
-Go through every detail on bio training guide.
-Go through each field from Name to Organizations, go through specifics for each field including weird nuisances.
-Make sure to inform them of the “general default†entries: Served for military experience, Attended/Graduated, Employee, Member
-Things to remember: Education – no apostrophes; Political – put most current position in bio entry; CCTF and Organizations (and professional) - make sure there are no duplicates; Member, Advisory Board not just Advisory Board, Organization. They are not the “Boardâ€, they are a Member of the Board.
Additional Bio:
-If this information is readily available, then have an intern add it – otherwise do not waste time on finding this.
-There are no strict formatting rules, but make sure there are no periods at the end of the entries and make sure it “useful†to users
Contact:
-Show them the difference between campaign and office contact entries in admin.
-Only add websites, emails, social media to office tab if it is relevant to the office held, not the campaign cycle (based on last updates)
-Do not duplicate links and addresses in office information
-Campaign contact information is removed from the website a few months after the election cycle, so we need to make sure we have all the relevant contact information (may be same as campaign) for office contact information
-Always check all mailing addresses and phone numbers, because room numbers may change
-Always add the newest URL, regardless if there is a URL in the office information or not
Statements:
-Add issue positions if the official has them on their official website
-Double check to make sure we don't already have these exact issue positions
-Use 01/01/current year for the date, Unknown as the location, Issue Position:___ for the title
Office:
-Make sure they are active, not elected
-Make sure they have next elect date if they are not term limited, last date elected, and first took office (first took office can be the January following the first elected year)
-Make sure the offices match the elect dates. There shouldn't be two “house district 16†entries if there was no time gap between the two terms. If they lost as an incumbent, and then won again following that incumbent loss, then there should be two separate office entries.
- If you are unable to verify if a candidate still holds or when they may have stopped holding a position for which �present� is listed, delete the years and move the position to the proper place amongst the other positions listed without years.
-
===**Check List for Staff Members when Training Interns:**===
Training Interns on Profiles:
*Before assigning an intern to profile updates, make sure the our membership rosters = government rosters. Make sure our committee roster lists = government committee roster lists AND always change the contact information for the 'active' committees. Never delete committees, just make them inactive.
Bios:
-Go through every detail on bio training guide.
-Go through each field from Name to Organizations, go through specifics for each field including weird nuisances.
-Make sure to inform them of the “general default†entries: Served for military experience, Attended/Graduated, Employee, Member
-Things to remember: Education – no apostrophes; Political – put most current position in bio entry; CCTF and Organizations (and professional) - make sure there are no duplicates; Member, Advisory Board not just Advisory Board, Organization. They are not the “Boardâ€, they are a Member of the Board.
Additional Bio:
-If this information is readily available, then have an intern add it – otherwise do not waste time on finding this.
-There are no strict formatting rules, but make sure there are no periods at the end of the entries and make sure it “useful†to users
Contact:
-Show them the difference between campaign and office contact entries in admin.
-Only add websites, emails, social media to office tab if it is relevant to the office held, not the campaign cycle (based on last updates)
-Do not duplicate links and addresses in office information
-Campaign contact information is removed from the website a few months after the election cycle, so we need to make sure we have all the relevant contact information (may be same as campaign) for office contact information
-Always check all mailing addresses and phone numbers, because room numbers may change
-Always add the newest URL, regardless if there is a URL in the office information or not
Statements:
-Add issue positions if the official has them on their official website
-Double check to make sure we don't already have these exact issue positions
-Use 01/01/current year for the date, Unknown as the location, Issue Position:___ for the title
Office:
-Make sure they are active, not elected
-Make sure they have next elect date if they are not term limited, last date elected, and first took office (first took office can be the January following the first elected year)
-Make sure the offices match the elect dates. There shouldn't be two “house district 16†entries if there was no time gap between the two terms. If they lost as an incumbent, and then won again following that incumbent loss, then there should be two separate office entries.
Deletions:
- If you are unable to verify if a candidate still holds or when they may have stopped holding a position for which ‘present’ is listed, delete the years and move the position to the proper place amongst the other positions listed without years.
Deletions:
Additions:
- To enter a newly found candidate website, go to the addresses tab in admin. Select the "election name" for the current year. Select "Add New Web Address." "Address type" will always be "Campaign." Change "web address type" to the correct type. Enter the URL, and click Save.
Deletions:
Additions:
- To enter a newly found candidate website, go to the addresses tab in admin. Select the "election name" for the current year. Select "Add New Web Address." "Address type" will always be "Campaign." Change "web address type" to the correct type. Enter the URL, being sure to include http:// and click Save.
Deletions:
Additions:
- To enter a newly found candidate website, go to the addresses tab in admin. Select the "election name" for the current year. Select "Add New Web Address." "Address type" will always be "Campaign." Change "web address type" to the correct type. Enter the URL, being sure to include http://, and click Save.
Additions:
===**Researching Bios:**===
Your supervisor will assign you a state and office to work on (for example, Tennessee State Senate). You will find the corresponding tracking sheet for that state and office on the Research drive > 2012 Elections > Bio, Contact Info, Issue Positions Research. In addition to the tracking sheet, you will also need to search for that state and office in Admin under the Office Seeking or Office Held options for a list of candidates and current officials.
- If there is no website entered in Admin, search for one via Google. Keep in mind that candidate's are increasingly utilizing Facebook to communicate with their constituents, and may list biographical information. Use your best judgement to determine if the site is actually affiliated with the candidate, or if it is just a fan page. We will only use information that is posted on an official Facebook page.
- If you are unable to find one, record the ++candidate++ ID and No Website code on your tracking sheet and go on to the next name on the list. For elected officials, if a website is not listed, you can visit the general legislative body's website and then search for the individual.
- If you add information to a candidate/official's bio page, record the candidate ID and Updated code in your tracking sheet.
Your supervisor will assign you a state and office to work on (for example, Tennessee State Senate). You will find the corresponding tracking sheet for that state and office on the Research drive > 2012 Elections > Bio, Contact Info, Issue Positions Research. In addition to the tracking sheet, you will also need to search for that state and office in Admin under the Office Seeking or Office Held options for a list of candidates and current officials.
- If there is no website entered in Admin, search for one via Google. Keep in mind that candidate's are increasingly utilizing Facebook to communicate with their constituents, and may list biographical information. Use your best judgement to determine if the site is actually affiliated with the candidate, or if it is just a fan page. We will only use information that is posted on an official Facebook page.
- If you are unable to find one, record the ++candidate++ ID and No Website code on your tracking sheet and go on to the next name on the list. For elected officials, if a website is not listed, you can visit the general legislative body's website and then search for the individual.
- If you add information to a candidate/official's bio page, record the candidate ID and Updated code in your tracking sheet.
Deletions:
Your supervisor will assign you a state and office to work on (for example, Tennessee State Senate). You will search for that state and office in Admin under the Office Seeking or Office Held options for a list of candidates and current officials.
- If there is no website entered in Admin, search for one on Google. If you are unable to find one, record the ++candidate++ ID and No Website code in your log and go on to the next name on the list. For elected officials, if a website is not listed, you can visit the general legislative body's website and then search for the individual.
- If you add information to a candidate/official's bio page, record the candidate ID and Updated code in your log.
Deletions:
- ++If the Bio Form Year field says 2008, you do not need to find biographical information for this candidate. Record the candidate ID and Bio Form code in your log and go on to the next name on the list. ++
- ++If the candidate has not submitted a Bio Form, you need to find biographical information for this candidate/official.++
Additions:
- Start by visiting the campaign and/or official website. Click the Addresses Tab on their Bio page. Click on the election or the current office held. Scroll down and click on the link to the candidate or official's website. Scroll down again and click "Visit...". The website, if the link is working, will open in a new window.
- If there is no website entered in Admin, search for one on Google. If you are unable to find one, record the ++candidate++ ID and No Website code in your log and go on to the next name on the list. For elected officials, if a website is not listed, you can visit the general legislative body's website and then search for the individual.
- If there is no website entered in Admin, search for one on Google. If you are unable to find one, record the ++candidate++ ID and No Website code in your log and go on to the next name on the list. For elected officials, if a website is not listed, you can visit the general legislative body's website and then search for the individual.
Deletions:
- If there is no ++campaign++ website entered in Admin, search for one on Google. If you are unable to find one, record the ++candidate++ ID and No Website code in your log and go on to the next name on the list. For elected officials, if a website is not listed, you can visit the general legislative body's website and then search for the individual.
Additions:
Your supervisor will assign you a state and office to work on (for example, Tennessee State Senate). You will search for that state and office in Admin under the Office Seeking or Office Held options for a list of candidates and current officials.
Deletions:
Additions:
- Many candidates are already in our database and will have some information typed in
- Check the information against what the candidate has most recently given us. Follow the general rule that more is better (e.g. if a nickname is in the database but not on the new bio info, leave it in)
- Do not abbreviate anything, even if typing it out seems redundant or unnecessary. If an acronym is more commonly known, use the written-out version and put the acronym in parentheses
- If you cannot read something or need help, never hesitate to ask for help
- **DO NOT**, under any circumstances, write on a candidate’s returned bio form. If there is a problem with the form or you cannot read an entry, tell a staff member
===**Working on Bios:**===
- Check the information against what the candidate has most recently given us. Follow the general rule that more is better (e.g. if a nickname is in the database but not on the new bio info, leave it in)
- Do not abbreviate anything, even if typing it out seems redundant or unnecessary. If an acronym is more commonly known, use the written-out version and put the acronym in parentheses
- If you cannot read something or need help, never hesitate to ask for help
- **DO NOT**, under any circumstances, write on a candidate’s returned bio form. If there is a problem with the form or you cannot read an entry, tell a staff member
===**Working on Bios:**===
Deletions:
- Check it against what the candidate has most recently given us. Follow the general rule that more is better (e.g. if a nickname is in the database but not on the new bio info, leave it in).
- In general, do not abbreviate anything. Type everything out even if it seems redundant or unnecessary. If an acronym is more commonly known, simply add the written-out version in parentheses following the acronym.
- If you can’t read something or need help, never hesitate to ask for help.
- **DO NOT**, under any circumstances, write on a candidate’s returned bio form. If there is a problem with the form or you cannot read an entry, tell a staff member.
===**Process:**===
Revision [2974]
Edited on 2009-09-16 12:08:30 by KristenVicedomini [added "acceptable data sources"]Additions:
[[BioErrors Common Errors to Avoid]]
Additions:
- Click the ID number by the name of the candidate to open their Biographical Information page in a new window.
Deletions:
Additions:
[[Abbreviations Common Abbreviations]]
Additions:
Your supervisor will assign you a state and office to work on (for example, Tennessee State Senate). You will search for that state and office in Admin under the Office ++Seeking++ Held option for a list of ++candidates++ officials.
- ++Scroll to the bottom of the page.++
- ++If the candidate has not submitted a Bio Form, you need to find biographical information for this candidate/official.++
- Start by visiting the ++campaign and/or++ official website. Click the Addresses Tab on their Bio page. Click on ++their 2009 election++ the current office held on the right-hand side of the page. Scroll down and click on the ++campaign++ website. Scroll down again and click "Visit...". The campaign website will open in a new window.
- If there is no ++campaign++ website entered in Admin, search for one on Google. If you are unable to find one, record the ++candidate++ ID and No Website code in your log and go on to the next name on the list. For elected officials, if a website is not listed, you can visit the general legislative body's website and then search for the individual.
- ++Scroll to the bottom of the page.++
- ++If the candidate has not submitted a Bio Form, you need to find biographical information for this candidate/official.++
- Start by visiting the ++campaign and/or++ official website. Click the Addresses Tab on their Bio page. Click on ++their 2009 election++ the current office held on the right-hand side of the page. Scroll down and click on the ++campaign++ website. Scroll down again and click "Visit...". The campaign website will open in a new window.
- If there is no ++campaign++ website entered in Admin, search for one on Google. If you are unable to find one, record the ++candidate++ ID and No Website code in your log and go on to the next name on the list. For elected officials, if a website is not listed, you can visit the general legislative body's website and then search for the individual.
Deletions:
- Scroll to the bottom of the page.
- If the candidate has not submitted a Bio Form, you need to find biographical information for this candidate/official.
- Start by visiting the campaign and/or official website. Click the Addresses Tab on their Bio page. Click on their 2009 election. Scroll down and click on the campaign website. Scroll down again and click "Visit...". The campaign website will open in a new window.
- If there is no campaign website entered in Admin, search for one on Google. If you are unable to find one, record the candidate ID and No Website code in your log and go on to the next name on the list. For elected officials, you can visit the general legislative body's website and then search for the individual.
Additions:
- If there are no years listed, do not assume that the membership is present. Only use "present" if a candidate has specifically listed it as present.
Deletions:
Additions:
- In general, do not abbreviate anything. Type everything out even if it seems redundant or unnecessary. If an acronym is more commonly known, simply add the written-out version in parentheses following the acronym.
Deletions:
Deletions:
- Candidates for Congress, State Legislature, and Governor
- Anything on the main Bio Tab
- Campaign Web Addresses not already in Admin
Additions:
- ++If the Bio Form Year field says 2008, you do not need to find biographical information for this candidate. Record the candidate ID and Bio Form code in your log and go on to the next name on the list. ++
- If the candidate has not submitted a Bio Form, you need to find biographical information for this candidate/official.
- Start by visiting the campaign and/or official website. Click the Addresses Tab on their Bio page. Click on their 2009 election. Scroll down and click on the campaign website. Scroll down again and click "Visit...". The campaign website will open in a new window.
- If there is no campaign website entered in Admin, search for one on Google. If you are unable to find one, record the candidate ID and No Website code in your log and go on to the next name on the list. For elected officials, you can visit the general legislative body's website and then search for the individual.
- If you add information to a candidate/official's bio page, record the candidate ID and Updated code in your log.
- If the candidate has not submitted a Bio Form, you need to find biographical information for this candidate/official.
- Start by visiting the campaign and/or official website. Click the Addresses Tab on their Bio page. Click on their 2009 election. Scroll down and click on the campaign website. Scroll down again and click "Visit...". The campaign website will open in a new window.
- If there is no campaign website entered in Admin, search for one on Google. If you are unable to find one, record the candidate ID and No Website code in your log and go on to the next name on the list. For elected officials, you can visit the general legislative body's website and then search for the individual.
- If you add information to a candidate/official's bio page, record the candidate ID and Updated code in your log.
Deletions:
- If there is not a 2008 Bio Form, you need to find biographical information for this candidate.
- Start by visiting the campaign website. Click the Addresses Tab on their Bio page. Click on their 2008 election. Scroll down and click on the campaign website. Scroll down again and click "Visit...". The campaign website will open in a new window.
- If there is no campaign website entered in Admin, search for one on Google. If you are unable to find one, record the candidate ID and No Website code in your log and go on to the next name on the list.
- If you add information to a candidate's bio page, record the candidate ID and Updated code in your log.
Revision [2561]
Edited on 2009-05-27 09:43:38 by KristenVicedomini [added "acceptable data sources"]No Differences
Revision [2560]
Edited on 2009-05-27 09:43:24 by KristenVicedomini [added "acceptable data sources"]Additions:
[[IndividualsLeadershipPositions Leadership Positions]]
Revision [2299]
Edited on 2009-04-22 16:00:01 by KristenVicedomini [added "acceptable data sources"]Additions:
[[PhoneNumberLookupInstructions Finding Campaign Phone Numbers if Not Easily Available]]
Deletions:
Revision [2298]
Edited on 2009-04-22 15:59:34 by KristenVicedomini [added "acceptable data sources"]Additions:
[[PhoneNumberLookupInstructions Finding Campaign Phone Numbers if None Available]]
Revision [1992]
Edited on 2009-03-05 09:23:49 by KristenVicedomini [added "acceptable data sources"]Additions:
===**Importing Addresses:**===
Deletions:
Revision [1974]
Edited on 2009-03-03 11:35:16 by KristenVicedomini [added "acceptable data sources"]No Differences
Revision [1972]
Edited on 2009-03-03 11:32:21 by KristenVicedomini [added "acceptable data sources"]Additions:
[[CreatingExceltoImport Creating Excel to Import]]
[[CheckingImports Checking Imports]]
[[CheckingImports Checking Imports]]
Deletions:
[[Checking Imports]]
Revision [1971]
Edited on 2009-03-03 11:30:42 by KristenVicedomini [added "acceptable data sources"]Additions:
===**Importing Addresses**===
[[Creating Excel to Import]]
[[Checking Imports]]
[[Creating Excel to Import]]
[[Checking Imports]]
Additions:
- **DO NOT**, under any circumstances, write on a candidate’s returned bio form. If there is a problem with the form or you cannot read an entry, tell a staff member.
Deletions:
Additions:
- Candidates for Congress, State Legislature, and Governor
Additions:
- If there is no campaign website entered in Admin, search for one on Google. If you are unable to find one, record the candidate ID and No Website code in your log and go on to the next name on the list.
- If you add information to a candidate's bio page, record the candidate ID and Updated code in your log.
- Go on to the next name on the list. Let your supervisor know where you left off before you leave each day.
- If you add information to a candidate's bio page, record the candidate ID and Updated code in your log.
- Go on to the next name on the list. Let your supervisor know where you left off before you leave each day.
Deletions:
Additions:
- ===**SAVE YOUR CHANGES**===
===**Process:**===
Your supervisor will assign you a state and office to work on (for example, Tennessee State Senate). You will search for that state and office in Admin under the Office Seeking option for a list of candidates.
- Click View by the name of the candidate to open their Biographical Information page in a new window.
- Scroll to the bottom of the page.
- If the Bio Form Year field says 2008, you do not need to find biographical information for this candidate. Record the candidate ID and Bio Form code in your log and go on to the next name on the list.
- If there is not a 2008 Bio Form, you need to find biographical information for this candidate.
- Start by visiting the campaign website. Click the Addresses Tab on their Bio page. Click on their 2008 election. Scroll down and click on the campaign website. Scroll down again and click "Visit...". The campaign website will open in a new window.
- If there is no campaign website entered in Admin, search for one on Google.
- Find as much information as you can. It is best to start in the "About Joe" or "Meet Jane" sections of the website.
**Things We Do in Arizona:**
- Anything on the main Bio Tab
- Campaign Web Addresses not already in Admin
===**Process:**===
Your supervisor will assign you a state and office to work on (for example, Tennessee State Senate). You will search for that state and office in Admin under the Office Seeking option for a list of candidates.
- Click View by the name of the candidate to open their Biographical Information page in a new window.
- Scroll to the bottom of the page.
- If the Bio Form Year field says 2008, you do not need to find biographical information for this candidate. Record the candidate ID and Bio Form code in your log and go on to the next name on the list.
- If there is not a 2008 Bio Form, you need to find biographical information for this candidate.
- Start by visiting the campaign website. Click the Addresses Tab on their Bio page. Click on their 2008 election. Scroll down and click on the campaign website. Scroll down again and click "Visit...". The campaign website will open in a new window.
- If there is no campaign website entered in Admin, search for one on Google.
- Find as much information as you can. It is best to start in the "About Joe" or "Meet Jane" sections of the website.
**Things We Do in Arizona:**
- Anything on the main Bio Tab
- Campaign Web Addresses not already in Admin
Deletions:
Additions:
[[Cong Congressional Address Types]]
Deletions:
Additions:
===**SAVE YOUR CHANGES**===
Additions:
===**Bio Tab:**===
Deletions:
Additions:
The Biographical Information is one of the most commonly used sections of the website. Information entered here is posted to the website almost immediately, so it's crucial that the data entered here is 100% accurate and formatted correctly.
**//Ask questions if you are uncertain about anything.//**
**Keep in Mind:**
- Many candidates are already in our database and will have some information already typed in.
- Check it against what the candidate has most recently given us. Follow the general rule that more is better (e.g. if a nickname is in the database but not on the new bio info, leave it in).
- In general, do not abbreviate anything. Type everything out even if it seems redundant or unnecessary.
- If you can’t read something or need help, never hesitate to ask for help.
- DO NOT, under any circumstances, write on a candidate’s returned bio form. If there is a problem with the form or you cannot read an entry, tell a staff member.
- For all current positions use "present" with a lower-case "p" rather than "Present" or "current." Example: Representative, United States House of Representatives, 1996-present.
- If you are unable to verify if a candidate still holds or when they may have stopped holding a position for which ‘present’ is listed, delete the years and move the position to the proper place amongst the other positions listed without years.
- If there are no years listed do not assume that the membership is present. Only use "present" if a candidate has specifically listed it as present.
- All years should be written out in full. Example: right: 1985-1989 wrong: 1985-89.
**//Ask questions if you are uncertain about anything.//**
**Keep in Mind:**
- Many candidates are already in our database and will have some information already typed in.
- Check it against what the candidate has most recently given us. Follow the general rule that more is better (e.g. if a nickname is in the database but not on the new bio info, leave it in).
- In general, do not abbreviate anything. Type everything out even if it seems redundant or unnecessary.
- If you can’t read something or need help, never hesitate to ask for help.
- DO NOT, under any circumstances, write on a candidate’s returned bio form. If there is a problem with the form or you cannot read an entry, tell a staff member.
- For all current positions use "present" with a lower-case "p" rather than "Present" or "current." Example: Representative, United States House of Representatives, 1996-present.
- If you are unable to verify if a candidate still holds or when they may have stopped holding a position for which ‘present’ is listed, delete the years and move the position to the proper place amongst the other positions listed without years.
- If there are no years listed do not assume that the membership is present. Only use "present" if a candidate has specifically listed it as present.
- All years should be written out in full. Example: right: 1985-1989 wrong: 1985-89.
Deletions:
Additions:
The Biographical Information is one of the most commonly used sections of the website. Information entered here is posted to the website almost immediately, so it's crucial that the data entered here is 100% accurate and formatted correctly. **//Ask questions if you are uncertain about anything.//**
Deletions:
Additions:
===**Online Biographical Information**===
[[Online Entering Information Submitted Online]]
[[Online Entering Information Submitted Online]]
Deletions:
Additions:
===**Offices Tab:**===
===**Address Tab:**===
[[Staff Key Staff Addresses]]
[[New Entering New Addresses]]
[[Zip City, State & Zip]]
[[Phone Phone & Fax Numbers]]
[[Email E-Mail & Web Addresses]]
[[Online ===**Online Biographical Information**===]]
===**Address Tab:**===
[[Staff Key Staff Addresses]]
[[New Entering New Addresses]]
[[Zip City, State & Zip]]
[[Phone Phone & Fax Numbers]]
[[Email E-Mail & Web Addresses]]
[[Online ===**Online Biographical Information**===]]
Deletions:
**Address Tab:**
Additions:
===**Bio Tab**===
