On Point / Tag Relationship
The On Point application uses our Tag Database to pull data from each Sub-Department that appropriately fits under each featured issue. The role of the Tag Manager and ‘Tag Association’ lists is to ensure that each featured issue contains a list of accurate tags to display relevant data (Speeches, Bills, Measures, Ratings) under each issue on the app.
- Each tag in our Database has a unique (tag_id), which is assigned when the tag is created. Each tag has the same (tag_id) throughout all departments.
- On Point pulls data through ‘Tag Association’ lists, compiled of individual (tag_id)’s from our database under each (featured_id) issue.
- Tag Association list can be found in the (featured_tag) table, or in the Research drive on Desktop.
- Any piece of Votesmart data (Speech, Vote, Measure, Rating) that is tagged with at least one of the tags on the ‘Tag Association’ lists will display in the app under the appropriate issue.
Featured Issues
Once a featured issue has been selected, and a description has been written, a ‘Tag Association’ list is developed to pull Votesmart data to be displayed under each issue.
Tag Association lists can be found in the featured_tag SQL table, and also in the Research Drive (Research<Active<Department Projects<On Point<Tag Ties) and finding most recent folder of updated tag lists. Keep in mind these lists may not be as accurate and up-to-date and the tag lists in SQL. The SQL tables are the official lists that On Point is using to pull data.
‘Tag Association’ Lists
'Tag Association' lists are the most important component for the ongoing success and accuracy of On Point data, and so regular review and edit of these lists is essential to keep On Point current in keeping up and covering current issues. It is the role of the Tag Manager to oversee the constan monitoring of 'Tag Association' lists, and report with IT and Directors on any planned changes to these lists. As Tag Manager, one must ensure the 'Tag Association' lists are;
- Appropriate and specific in order to pull accurate data, and avoid pulling unnecessary, non-germane data - Using SQL to determine the accuracy and relevance of each tag (helpful queries can be found here: (http://wiki.votesmart.org/OnPointQueries ).
- Are reviewed and finalized by the Tag Manager, in coordination with Research and Election Directors, as well as National Director on a bi-monthly basis.
- Regularly updated by adding/removing tags through Mantis tickets, as decided by the Tag Manager and Directors, to reflect any changes to current issues.
- The On Point ‘Tag Association’ Management’ spreadsheet: https://drive.google.com/open?id=1LQp02Y_ThLshc87mYf7IORFUtBRVxBvQg6iryfRwaw8 - is used in the office to display ‘Tag Association’ changes, as well as a way for other Staff/Interns to make suggestions for additional tag additions/subtractions.
- The most Up to date ‘Tag Association’ lists can be found in the featured_tag table.
- Staff/Interns can make any suggestions regarding changes to ‘Tag Association’ lists and Featured Issues by talking to the Tag Manager, their respective Director, or including suggestions in the spreadsheet above.
Tag Manager Roles
The Tag Manager assumes the primary role in maintaining the ‘Tag Association’ lists and ensuring they remain up-to-date and accurate for data displayed on On Point. This role includes;
- Manage our Tag Database and regularly look out for newly created tags that may be relevant under any current featured issues.
- Monitoring accuracy of On Point ‘Tag Association’ lists and ensure they are up-to-date with most relevant tags.
- Develop ‘Tag Association’ lists, along with Department and National Directors for new featured On Point issues.
- Manage the “O nPoint ‘Tag Association’ Management" Spreadsheet, and address any change suggestions that are made/suggested by other staff members.
- Write Mantis Ticket to implement any changes (additions/subtractions of tags / new issues) to On Point ‘Tag Association’ lists.
- Example of Mantis ticket can be found here: http://mantis.votesmart.org/view.php?id=8729
- Use SQL to check accuracy and relevance on newly added/subtracted tags to review the impact on data that is being pulled in the App.
Management of the Tag Database should be checked once a week, and review of the ‘Tag Association’ Management spreadsheet should be checked every 1-2 weeks.
