WordCamp Developers asked me a few months ago if there was a way to have the WordCamp give back to WordPress by contributing to the WordPress Codex. I've been working with them and their WordPress Meetup group volunteers and a few behind the scenes folks to get this rocking. I'm really excited about how this is all going to work.<br>
<br>We've set up a blog with for managing the effort through the month of May. It's the WordPress Codex Documentation Things to Do List blog at <a href="http://wpdocsteam.wordpress.com/">http://wpdocsteam.wordpress.com/</a>.<br>
<br>I've put together an initial announcement about the May 5 event and month long effort: <a href="http://wpdocsteam.wordpress.com/2011/04/26/celebrate-the-8th-birthday-of-wordpress-by-contributing-to-the-codex/">http://wpdocsteam.wordpress.com/2011/04/26/celebrate-the-8th-birthday-of-wordpress-by-contributing-to-the-codex/</a><br>
<br>The how tos are: <a href="http://wpdocsteam.wordpress.com/how-to-help-the-wordpress-codex/">http://wpdocsteam.wordpress.com/how-to-help-the-wordpress-codex/</a> and <a href="http://wpdocsteam.wordpress.com/writing-tips-for-the-wordpress-codex/">http://wpdocsteam.wordpress.com/writing-tips-for-the-wordpress-codex/</a><br>
<br>Here is what we need to do. <br><br>1. Get a list of what needs doing added to the blog with clear directions.<br>2. If you can participate on May 5 or during the month, we'll need your help on the blog, in the Codex, and on the IRC (reminder it's on the FreeNode IRC at #wordpress-docs).<br>
3. Spread the word.<br><br>A key help will be to monitor Recent Changes to ensure that no evil slips through and to double check additions and changes to make sure they are right, as you all have the expertise and experience to know right from wrong. <br>
<br>Thanks so much to the WordCamp Developer team for kicking us in the buns to get the Codex updated. With all the developers attending, they really wanted to get their participants to give back to the WordPress Community, so what better way to do that!<br>
<br>I know that there has been a lot of confusion, lack of information, and updates on the WordPress Handbooks. I've heard from Jane that she went ahead with a new team of volunteers to create those, and it is my understanding that the WordPress Codex articles may be used in those handbooks, but that the Codex will continue to grow as a tips, techniques, and coverage of how to use WordPress beyond those handbooks. We've yet to discus how exactly all that is going to happen, and what the future holds, but this month is a chance to really get the Codex updated as it stands and generate a lot of new energy, and help people who want to volunteer give back and help others to celebrate the birthday month of WordPress.<br>
<br>Thanks in advance for all your help, in the past, now, and future. This has been a labor of love for a long time for many and it is much appreciated. <br><br>Lorelle<br>