Heading: Introduction
In a significant development for WordPress.org’s Plugin Review Team, Mika Epstein, who has been serving for the past ten years, is stepping down. However, before her departure, Epstein has launched a new group of volunteers to continue the team’s crucial work. This article will explore the responsibilities of the Plugin Review Team, introduce the new members, and discuss the application process for prospective volunteers.
Heading: Responsibilities of the Plugin Review Team
The Plugin Review Team plays a vital role in the WordPress.org community. Their responsibilities include approving newly submitted plugins, maintaining the Plugin Reviewer Handbook, and investigating any reported security issues and guideline violations. This team ensures that all plugins available on WordPress.org meet the necessary standards and do not pose any security risks to users.
Heading: Introduction of the New Members
To continue the work of the Plugin Review Team, six sponsored volunteers have joined the team. These new members are David Pérez, Evan Herman, Francisco Torres, Luke Carbis, Marta Torre, and Paco Marchante. With an estimated contribution of over 50 hours per week, these volunteers are already making a significant impact by addressing the backlog of plugins awaiting review.
Heading: Vetting Process for New Members
Joining the Plugin Review Team requires a thorough vetting process. Current team members evaluate each applicant based on specific criteria. Some of the qualities sought after in potential team members include a solid track record as a plugin developer, clear and constructive communication skills with developers and users, an interest in improving tools and processes, and excellent collaborative and conflict-management abilities.
Heading: Call for More Volunteers
Despite the addition of new members, there is still a need for more volunteers to join the Plugin Review Team. Epstein encourages individuals who can commit at least five hours per week to apply. Prospective team members must submit an application that will be evaluated by current team members. The application process includes providing examples of coded plugins to demonstrate experience, providing references, and detailing contributions to the WordPress project.
Heading: Conclusion
The Plugin Review Team of WordPress.org is entering a new era with the departure of Mika Epstein and the introduction of a group of dedicated volunteers. Their responsibilities include approving plugins, maintaining guidelines, and addressing security issues. The new members bring a fresh perspective and are already making progress in tackling the backlog of plugins. With the call for more volunteers, the team aims to continue its essential work in ensuring the quality and security of plugins available on WordPress.org.
