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

Instructions for bot operators

I Before applying for approval You will need to create an account for your bot if you haven't already done so. Click 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) Ensure that you have read the bot policy and that your bot is compliant with it. It is also generally a good idea to create a userpage for your bot, linking to your userpage, describing its functions and including an 'emergency shutoff button' (template here) just in case anything goes wrong. II Filing the application Replace BotName with 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. Your request must now be added to the correct section of the main approvals page: For new bots: Click here and add {{BRFA|YOUR_BOT_ACCOUNT_NAME_GOES_HERE||Open}} to the top of the list, directly below the comment line. For new tasks for existing bots: Click here and add {{BRFA|YOUR_BOT_ACCOUNT_NAME_GOES_HERE|TASK_NUMBER_GOES_HERE|Open}} to the top of the list, directly below the comment line. III During the approvals process After a reasonable amount of time has passed for community input, an approvals group member will most likely approve a trial for your bot and move the request to this section. Run the bot for the specified number of edits/time period, then add {{BotTrialComplete}} to the request page and move the request to the 'trial complete' section by moving the {{BRFA}} template that applies to your bot (it helps if you also link to the bot's contributions, and comment on any errors that may have occurred). If you feel that your request is being overlooked (no BAG attention for ~1 week) you can add {{BAGAssistanceNeeded}} 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 {{BotWithdrawn}} to your bot's approval page. IV 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.