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Contributing Without a GitHub Account

Not everyone has or wants a GitHub account. OIR supports several paths for non-technical contributors.

Prefer the phone-friendly guide: Suggest Content — includes GitHub login-first steps and local draft tips.

Option 1: Decap CMS (Web Editor)

Visit openinternetresearch.com/admin/ to use the browser-based content editor.

Login (important on phones)

  1. Open github.com/login in the same browser and sign in.
  2. Return to openinternetresearch.com/admin/ (trailing slash).
  3. Tap Login with GitHub and approve access.

If you try the editor before GitHub login, mobile browsers often fail the OAuth step.

What you need / what it does

  • What you need: A GitHub account (free) for authentication
  • What it does: Form-based editor that creates pull requests automatically
  • IDs: You do not invent record IDs — a temporary ID is assigned on save; editors rename during review
  • Drafts: The editor autosaves a local draft on your device if you leave to copy a link; use Delete draft for a fresh form
  • Best for: Adding new records, editing existing content, fixing errors

Note: the public Outreach CRM is browse-only and does not use GitHub login. Login is only for /admin/.

If you don't have a GitHub account, see the options below.

Option 2: Email Submission

Send structured suggestions to the project maintainer:

To: The project owner (see repository contacts) Subject: [OIR Suggestion] <brief description>

Include:

  • What to change: Page title or ID, and what's wrong
  • Correction: The accurate information with sources
  • Sources: URLs or document references supporting your correction
  • Your name (optional): For attribution in the changelog

The maintainer will create an issue or PR on your behalf. Your contribution will be attributed in the commit message.

Option 3: Structured Intake Form

For proposing new documents or organizations:

Provide the following information (as much as you can):

Document/Organization Name:
Type: [organization | case | statute | person | source]
URL (if available):
Summary (1-2 sentences):
Relevance to OIR:
Tags: [from TAXONOMY.md]
Sources/Evidence:

Option 4: Anonymous Suggestions

For corrections where you prefer not to be identified:

  • Suggestions without attribution are accepted
  • You may use any communication channel
  • All suggestions go through the same editorial review process
  • AI-assisted suggestions should be noted as such

What Happens Next

  1. Intake: Your suggestion is logged as a GitHub issue or draft PR
  2. Triage: A moderator reviews it within the moderation queue
  3. Validation: Sources are checked per RESEARCH_STANDARDS.md
  4. Publication: If approved, content is merged and the site updates

Attribution

Unless you request anonymity:

  • Your name appears in the Git commit message
  • You're listed in the CHANGELOG for significant contributions
  • For ongoing contributors, we can add you to CONTRIBUTORS.md

Limitations

Non-GitHub contributions:

  • May take longer to process (requires manual conversion)
  • Cannot be self-served through the automated workflow
  • Still require the same editorial standards and source requirements
  • Are subject to the same moderation and review process

Questions?

See Contributing for the full contribution guide, or contact the project maintainer.