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

|Before applying for approval

• Read the bot policy, and check the list of 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 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 'emergency shutoff button'.

|Filing the application

{{mbox|text=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. BotName 2).
• Complete the questions on the resulting page and save it.

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

• Your request must now be added to the correct section of the main approvals page: [{{fullurl:Wikipedia:Bots/Requests_for_approval|action=edit§ion=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}}||Open}}
• For an additional task request: use {{tlx|BRFA|{{green|bot name}}|{{green|task number}}|Open}}

|During the approvals process

• During the process, an 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 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 '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.

|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 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 bottom of the main BRFA page in the relevant section.