Volunteer Response Team/Volunteering

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OTRS volunteers are always welcome, but OTRS is a very selective process. Considering the nature of the work, the OTRS administrators must be familiar with you and your work on Wikimedia projects before accepting you as a volunteer. It may take some time before your request is replied to, please be patient.

Before volunteering, please read OTRS/info-en recruiting and make sure that the following statements accurately describe you:

• you're willing to work on difficult, sensitive, and at times hostile messages;
• you're courteous, skilled at resolving disputes, friendly even in the face of hostility, sensitive to the needs of those outside Wikipedia, and have extraordinary discretion;
• and you're willing to provide identification to the Wikimedia Foundation (per the Access to nonpublic data policy).

If so, make a new section like below and append it to this page.

====[[User:Example|]]====
*'''languages:''' Zulu, English-3, Inuit-3, and Sinhala-2
*'''history of most active user talk page:''' []
*'''rfxs''': [[w:Wikipedia:Requests for adminship/Example|rfa]], 
*'''Email sent''': Yes/no

I'd like to help out on OTRS because . ~~~~

Please also send an email to volunteers HYPHEN otrs SNAIL wikimedia D0T org linking to your application on this page. Thanks.

Note: Additional language skills are a plus. Currently, additional help is needed in: Spanish, German, Hebrew, Arabic, and Italian queues (in order of backlog). Please make sure you mention any language skills you have.

TheFearow

• languages: English, basic french
• history of most active user talk page: enwikinews (primary), enwiki (secondary)
• rfxs: rfa (unsuccessful), rfa2 (withdrawn after 2 hours), am admin on mw: however that's a no-rfa process
• Email sent: Yes

I'd like to help out on OTRS because I know that the queues etc are not going to go down by themselves, and I believe that OTRS is an important process for Wikimedia. I have good skills at dealing with people who are upset or confused, which I do a lot on enwiki. I can provide proof of identity (somehow) to the foundation if required. I would like to note I am not over the age of 18, however I have asked regarding this and apparently it is not a requirement. TheFearow 06:22, 23 July 2007 (UTC)

Also, I would like to point out my discussions with this user, an example of dispute resolution and working things out/discussing policies/answering the questions of a new user. TheFearow 05:19, 3 August 2007 (UTC)

I have updated some links etc. Thanks! TheFearow 07:32, 6 August 2007 (UTC)

• I support this candidate. Brian ^{Wikinews / Talk} 04:32, 16 August 2007 (UTC)

I changed most active talk page to enwikinews. 202.36.224.9 23:04, 2 September 2007 (UTC)

If we are going to permit under 18 year olds to deal with OTRS I feel this should be an exception rather than a rule. Where such a person has show good judgment and earned considerable trust on a project, the age thing doesn't worry me too much. But there just isn't in my opinion enough to judge Matt's maturity and likely ability to respond to tickets. WjBscribe 23:19, 3 September 2007 (UTC)

If you want I can provide any information - I used to run a helpdesk for my site and others, as well as a few other email boards. If you want I can answer a few tickets without actually responding, to show what sort of responses I would make and how I would deal with things. 222.153.13.127 05:51, 13 September 2007 (UTC)

I think Matt will be fine. Majorly (talk) 18:27, 13 September 2007 (UTC)

Again, I endorse Matt's request to help out with OTRS. He is knowledgeable and knows what he is doing. ~ Wikihermit 00:37, 17 September 2007 (UTC)

Navou / en:User:Navou

• Languages: English (native)
• History of most active user talk page: [1]

I can communicate to the foundation confirmation of my age, address of record, and identity. Navou 03:39, 3 June 2007 (UTC)

Spike Wilbury / en:User:Spike Wilbury

• languages: English, Spanish-3
• history of most active user talk page: [2]
• rfxs: rfa,

I am interested in volunteering for OTRS because I could be of great help with the permissions queue. I am an admin who works w:Wikipedia:Copyright problems quite extensively; I frequently run into articles where editors have claimed to have sent the requisite permissions email. It would be nifty to be able to kill two birds with one stone - I could verify on the spot and clear the issue. I am over 18 and willing to verify my identity. Spike Wilbury 15:13, 20 June 2007 (UTC)

en:User:Savidan

• languages: English, very limited Romance languages
• history of most active user talk page: [3]
• rfxs: rfa, English Wikipedia

I'd like to help out on OTRS because I feel it has become increasingly important to the project to have such an avenue of recourse. I've heard rumors that the queue is growing longer, and believe that I can be trusted to help out with this delicate yet vital area of the project. Please contact me on English Wikipedia, rather than here, to recieve a prompt response to any questions. Savidan 01:45, 17 July 2007 (UTC)

Wizardman/en:User:Wizardman

• languages: English, Spanish-2
• history of most active user talk page: [4]
• rfxs: rfa

I'd like to help out on OTRS because I notice that this is a realtively difficult area to work in if you're not prepared, however help is sorely needed, and i feel like I would be able to contribute well. I can help at permissions, since I believe I have a good idea of copyright, having worked with image deletion. I can help with info as well, and I can help elsewhere when needed. Wizardman 00:12, 24 July 2007 (UTC)

• I endorse wizardman fully Jaranda | wat's sup 19:22, 24 August 2007 (UTC)
• A trusted en.wiki admin who has my full endorsement - he's always thorough and diligent with his work. Ryan Postlethwaite 17:27, 7 September 2007 (UTC)
• An experienced admin who I've talked to many times and trust. R at enwiki 23:09, 16 September 2007 (UTC)

Chrislk02 / en:User:Chrislk02

• languages:English-n, Spanish-2
• history of most active user talk page: [5]
• rfxs: rfa,
• Email sent: Yes

I'd like to help out on OTRS because i already volunteer a significant amount of time working on issues either a.) emailed to me personally or b.) addressed on my talk page. I have dealt with issues requiring oversight and other privacy related issues and understand the privacy issues associated with them. I am also willing to provide my real life identity to the wikimedia foundation. Chrislk02 19:56, 25 July 2007 (UTC)

For what it's worth, I fully endorse Chris on joining OTRS - he's a very well respected admin at en.wiki and his judgement is second to none. I believe he has the required skills and ability to perform OTRS tasks with both confidentiality and excellence. Ryan Postlethwaite 17:23, 7 September 2007 (UTC)

ESkog / en:User:ESkog

• languages: English, Spanish-1, French-1
• history of most active user talk page: [6]
• rfxs: rfa,
• Email sent: Yes

I'd like to help out on OTRS because I have been around enwiki for a while, and have seen many calls for volunteers for this service. I've become somewhat of an expert on our media licensing policies and could perhaps provide the most help there right away. ESkog 16:35, 28 July 2007 (UTC)

Avraham/en:User:Avraham

• languages: English-n, Hebrew-1
• history of most active user talk page: enwiki history
• rfxs: rfa
• Email sent: Yes

I'd like to help out on OTRS because I am beginning to find myself more involved with the social aspects (ala Clay Shirky) of wikipedia—OTRS is the venue that handles the more difficult elements thereof. I am relatively cognizant of the applicable policies and guidelines and I participate in unblock-en-l, so I have experience in handling issues via e-mail. I have had mediation experience in one of my former occupations (a smattering of marriage therapy, counseling for youth/adults, etc.) that I feel would be helpful in volunteering with the OTRS. -- Avi 16:24, 28 August 2007 (UTC)

• I support this candidate. ^demon

Louperivois

• languages: French native, English-2
• history of most active user talk page: [7]]
• Email sent: Yes

I'd like to help out on OTRS because there are relatively few users who maintain the French queues. I am courteous, eager to help and my French is very good (better than my English, it's not difficult ;-)). I'm interested by this kind of client relationship and I created my account on WP fr two years ago.

Thanks.

Louperivois Ψ @ 04:39, 5 September 2007 (UTC)

Oscar / Usuario:Oscar

• languages: Spanish-n, English-1
• history of most active user talk page: link
• rfxs: rfa,
• Email sent: Yes

I'd like to help out on OTRS because I believe that the helps in my language (Spanish) are very reduced help at this moment (only 3 persons who are active in w:es, are voluntary to the OTRS), also I can say that I'm qualified to help and answer any doubt on Wikipedia's functioning in general, I've been an admin on es.wiki for several months and I've editing from the middle of 2005. Oscar (talk) 03:32, 6 September 2007 (UTC)

Mr.Z-man / User:Mr.Z-man

• languages: English-n, French-2
• history of most active user talk page: en.wp
• rfxs: rfa,
• Email sent: Yes

I'd like to help out on OTRS because until I read the meta page I had no idea it was that backlogged. I often respond to general queries at the en:Wikipedia:Help desk and I will always respond to questions asked on my talk page about any deletion, protection, revert, etc I have done or just general Wikipedia questions. I try to keep my cool at all times and I know when to stop if things are getting so stressful I won't be able to handle them properly (which isn't very often). Mr.Z-man 01:01, 7 September 2007 (UTC)

JodyB

• languages: English-n
• history of most active user talk page: [8]
• rfxs: rfa,
• Email sent: Yes

I'd like to help out on OTRS because In understand that there is usually a need for volunteers and I think I can be useful in this role. I function in real life as a minister and previously as a Registered Nurse. I am quite familiar with dealing with confidential matters of the most extreme kind. I think my interactions in life and on wiki demonstrate a willingness to work with people to bring about a satisfactory solution to problems. I respect the policies and guidelines of Wikipedia and believe I can help the public in their interactions with Wikipedia/Wikimedia. I am happy to provide proof of identity to the foundation as needed. Thank you for your consideration. JodyB 20:52, 14 September 2007 (UTC)

Jody is a good and fair man and I think he would make an excellent OTRS worker, however, he has only been an administrator for about two months. I don't know if there is currently a guideline about length of admin service, but I personally feel that two months is on the short side. Sarah Ewart 02:41, 16 September 2007 (UTC)

You don't need to be an admin to work on OTRS. Majorly (talk) 02:52, 16 September 2007 (UTC)

Really? I did not know that. For some reason I thought all OTRS people had adminship on or other project. Oh well, ignore my previous comment. Thanks Majorly, Sarah Ewart 12:17, 16 September 2007 (UTC)

• Although I only weakly supported this user's en RFA; I have been proved wrong and should have strongly supported. JodyB is very helpful and has excellent judgement. GDonato 23:16, 16 September 2007 (UTC)

ST47

• languages: English, spanish-3
• history of most active user talk page: [9]
• rfxs: rfa,
• Email sent: It will be by the time you see this

I'd like to help out on OTRS because I hear it's backlogged, and I feel that I can help. I've been an admin for a month or so, and I'm on the unblock mailing list, and I've read through the various subpages. ST47 00:34, 17 September 2007 (UTC)

I promoted ST47 to admin on enwiki, and I think this is a good idea. --Deskana 01:13, 20 September 2007 (UTC)

FT2

• Languages: en-3, fr-1, es-2
• History of most active user talk page: link
• RfX:

1. RfA – withdrawn at 80% approval (June 2006, self-nom)
2. RfA – approved (Jan 2007, nominated)

• Email sent: Yes

I'd be glad to offer whatever help works.

I spend a lot of wiki-time on a wide range of issues that need careful handling and communication already (disputes, article problems, 2nd opinions, informal mediation, etc) in a supportive and balanced manner. If others need more background or a "who are you", then there's more background on me at User:FT2/OTRS. As a side thing, I also work in real-life with material that is personal, sensitive and confidential.

(And I'm fine ID'ing myself and meet relevant criteria.)

If there's more needs saying, please ask. FT2 20:27, 24 September 2007 (UTC)