View source for Wikipedia:Bots/Requests for approval/Instructions for bot operators

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! colspan="2" style="background-color: #eee" | &nbsp;Instructions for bot operators
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|'''Before applying for approval'''
*Read the [[Wikipedia:Bot policy|bot policy]], and check the list of [[Wikipedia:Bot requests/Frequently denied bots|frequently denied bot requests]]. 
*If your task could be controversial (e.g. most bots making non-maintenance edits to articles and most bots posting messages on user talk pages), seek consensus for the task. Common places to start include [[WP:Village pump (proposals)]] and the talk pages of the relevant policies, guidelines, templates, and/or WikiProjects. Link to this discussion in your request for approval.
*You will need to create an account for your bot if you haven't already done so. Click [{{fullurl:Special:UserLogin|type=signup}} here] when logged in to create the account, linking it to yours. (If you do not create the bot account while logged in, it is likely to be blocked as a possible [[Wikipedia:Sockpuppetry|sockpuppet]] or unauthorised bot until you verify ownership)
*Create a userpage for your bot, linking to your userpage (this is commonly done using the {{tl|bot}} template) and describing its functions. You may also include an '[[Template:Emergency-bot-shutoff|emergency shutoff button]]'.
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|'''Filing the application'''
{{mbox|text='''[[User:Enterprisey/easy-brfa|easy-brfa.js]]''' can be used for quickly filing BRFAs. It checks for a bunch of filing mistakes automatically! It's recommended for experienced bot operators, but the script can be used by anyone.|textstyle=font-size:90%;padding:0.5em;|style=border:none;background-color:#EEE;|image=none}}
*Enter your '''bot{{'}}s user name''' in the box below and click the button. If this is a request for an additional task, put a task number as well (e.g. <code>BotName 2</code>).
*Complete the questions on the resulting page and save it.
<inputbox>
type=create
editintro=Wikipedia:Bots/Requests for approval/Editintro
preload=Wikipedia:Bots/Requests for approval/InputInit
prefix=Wikipedia:Bots/Requests for approval/
buttonlabel=Create request page
bgcolor=inherit
width=50
</inputbox>
* Your request must now be added to the correct section of the main approvals page: [{{fullurl:Wikipedia:Bots/Requests_for_approval|action=edit&section=1&editintro=Wikipedia:Bots/Requests_for_approval/AddSectionEditintro}} Click here] and add {{tl|BRFA}} to the top of the list, directly below the comment line.
**'''For a first request:''' use {{tlx|BRFA|{{green|''bot name''}}|<nowiki />|Open}}
**'''For an additional task request:''' use {{tlx|BRFA|{{green|''bot name''}}|{{green|''task number''}}|Open}}
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|'''During the approvals process'''
*During the process, an [[Wikipedia:Bot Approvals Group|approvals group]] member may approve a trial for your bot (typically after allowing time for community input), and {{U|AnomieBOT}} will move the request to [[Wikipedia:Bots/Requests for approval#Bots in a trial period|this]] section.
*Run the bot for the specified number of edits/time period, then add {{tl|Bot trial complete}} to the request page. It helps if you also link to the bot's contributions, and comment on any errors that may have occurred.
*{{U|AnomieBOT}} will move the request to the [[Wikipedia:Bots/Requests for approval#Bots that have completed the trial period|'trial complete']] section by moving the {{tl|BRFA}} template that applies to your bot 
*If you feel that your request is being overlooked (no BAG attention for ~1 week) you can add {{tl|BAG assistance needed}} to the page. However, '''please do not use it after every comment'''!
*At any time during the approvals process, you may withdraw your request by adding {{tl|BotWithdrawn}} to your bot's approval page.
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|'''After the approvals process'''
*After the trial edits have been reviewed and enough time has passed for any more discussion, a BAG member will approve or deny the request appropriately.
**'''For approved requests:''' The request will be listed [[Wikipedia:Bots/Requests for approval/Approved|here]]. If necessary, a bureaucrat will flag the bot within a couple of days and you can then run the task fully (it's best to wait for the flag, to avoid cluttering recent changes). If the bot already has a flag, or is to run without one, you may start the task when ready.
**'''For denied/expired/withdrawn requests:''' The request will be listed at the [[Wikipedia:Bots/Requests for approval#Denied requests|bottom]] of the main BRFA page in the relevant section.
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