We need to clarify the process of nominating and determining Featured Articles. Sure, we have a few guidelines, but we say nothing about how many people need to vote or how long a discussion stays open, and it isn't even stated that a consensus needs to be reached in order for a nomination to succeed! That's how vague this system is. So I have a couple of suggestions:
- Every discussion stays open for 3 weeks. Why so long? Well, the ideal time period between Featured Articles should be a month or two. Besides, not many people participate, and it's usually a long while before a user thinks to check the nominations page. Which brings me to my second point:
- At least five users must participate. Sounds reasonable enough, right? It's about enough considering participation at the moment.
- A positive consensus must be reached in order for a nomination to succeed. No vote weighs more than another, even the vote of an admin or a bureaucrat. It wouldn't make sense.
- Nominations must be closed by an admin, so he can enforce the result of the vote.
- A Featured Article must stay a Featured Article for at least 30 days. If a new Featured Article is determined before the 30 days are up, then wait until the 30 days are over before enforcing the results of the discussion.
Support? Oppose? Comment below. Questions? Concerns? Comment below. Other ideas? Comment below.