Application Denied - Category Already Well Represented

I noticed it again. Someone complaining about receiving an “automated rejection message” for an application to edit, that stated “you have chosen a category that is already well represented” and that they should “apply for a category that is less represented”. Their belief is usually, that the category hasn’t been updated in many months (or years) and the category still had a “Volunteer To Edit” link on it. So it must not be well represented. Unfortunately, these comments are misleading to anyone who hasn’t applied to become an editor. The recipient of this letter has failed to mention what the actual denied application letter said, and chosen to focus on one small part of it that is likely not the real problem.

Firstly, there are NO automated responses to application acceptance or denials. If you apply, the response you receive may be one of the standard messages (or a modified version) but its been generated by a human being and done so because they reviewed your application and determined that this response was the most applicable. The entire section of the above denied application message reads:

Although we would like you to join us as a volunteer editor, you have chosen a category that is already well represented, or is broader than we typically assign to a new editor. We would encourage you to re-apply for a category that has fewer editors or is smaller in scope, in order to increase your chances of being accepted.

The key part of this is almost always “or is broader than we typically assign to a new editor”. In almost all cases of this nature, the category is either too large (typically having more than a hundred listed sites, or large/spammy suggestion pools) or so broad in scope that few sites would be listed there and it would be too much for an editor in training to try and maintain without more experience. The rest of this message is almost always ‘forgotten’ when someone posts a complaint about being denied on an application. Generally speaking, a category of less than a hundred listed sites is a good place to start an editors training.

One of the main reasons for a new editor to start in a smaller category, is because it provides a safer learning environment for them. No matter what the pre-existing state of the category is, a smaller category provides the chance for an editor to learn without too many complications. Also having access in a smaller section of the directory to start out, will help limit the amount of damage that mistakes made by a new editor can do. Remember, even if your application makes a good impression on the reviewer, it can only give a glimmer of insight into your potential skills as an editor. A smaller category makes it much easier and more manageable for a newbie trial run.

Do not be discouraged by a denied application or three. Many (most?) of us failed to get close enough on the first attempt, for a reviewer to take a chance on us. I think it was my third or fourth attempt before I got it in the ball park. Besides being able to identify and take the appropriate steps to rectify problems with your own denied application, helps to demonstrate many of the qualities a good editor possesses. Unless the reviewer left comments suggesting a future application wouldn’t be necessary, please take some time to work out and correct the problems with the denied application and re-apply. There is no set time period for waiting to reapply, once you are ready just go for it.

Recommended reading:

• Become An Editor
• Editing Guidelines