Contributing to VerseDB helps build a more accurate and complete comic database. This guide walks you through the process of submitting content edits.
Before You Begin
Quick Summary
- You must be logged in to submit edits
- Your email address must be verified
- Read our content guidelines before contributing
What You Can Edit
VerseDB allows edits to many content types:
| Content Type | Examples of Editable Fields |
|---|---|
| Characters | Names, descriptions, powers, first appearances |
| Series | Descriptions, publication details, start/end years |
| Issues | Release dates, prices, page counts, descriptions |
| Issue Variants | Variant names, descriptions, print runs, cover images |
| Creators | Biographies, birth/death dates, roles |
| Publishers | Descriptions, founding dates, headquarters |
| Story Arcs | Descriptions, related issues |
| Teams | Descriptions, formation dates, rosters |
| Titles | Descriptions, status |
| Comic Events | Descriptions, related series |
| Comic Shops | Names, addresses, services, contact info |
Note
Each content type has specific editable fields. Not all fields are editable by users.
Submitting an Edit
Step 1: Find Content to Edit
Browse or search for content that needs improvement. Look for missing information, outdated details, or errors.
Step 2: Click the Edit Button
Edit buttons appear in different places depending on the content:
- Field-specific edit icons next to individual fields
- "Edit" buttons on content pages
- "Add Creator", "Add Character", or similar relationship buttons
Step 3: Make Your Changes
The edit form varies based on field type:
Text Fields Enter your proposed change. The form shows the current value so you can see what you're changing.
Relationship Fields (Creators, Characters, Story Arcs) Search for entities to add or select existing relationships to remove.
File Uploads (Images) Upload images in JPEG, PNG, or WebP format. Maximum file size is 10MB.
Step 4: Add Notes (Recommended)
Include a brief note explaining your edit. This helps moderators understand why you made the change and speeds up the review process.
Tip
Good notes include sources, reasoning, or context. Example: "Updated release date per Marvel.com solicitation."
Step 5: Submit for Review
Click "Submit" to send your edit for review.
Quick Summary
- Your edit enters the moderation queue
- A moderator reviews your submission
- Approved edits are applied immediately and you earn XP
- You'll receive email notifications about your edit status (if enabled in settings)
Content Locks
VerseDB prevents editing conflicts by locking content during active editing.
How Locks Work
When you start editing, the system locks that content to prevent others from making conflicting changes. The lock is released when you submit your edit, cancel, or the lock expires.
Pending Submission Lock
If a field already has a pending edit awaiting review, you cannot submit another edit to that same field until the pending edit is processed.
Warning
If you see "Pending submission exists for this field," wait for the current edit to be reviewed before submitting yours.
Edit Statuses
| Status | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pending | Submitted and awaiting moderator review. |
| Approved | Moderator approved your edit. Changes are live. |
| Rejected | Moderator rejected your edit. Check the rejection notes. |
XP Rewards
You earn XP when a moderator approves your edit. The amount varies based on the field edited.
Bonus XP:
| Bonus | Amount |
|---|---|
| First edit ever | +50 XP |
| First edit in a category | +30 XP |
Note
Rejected edits do not earn XP. Focus on quality and accuracy to maximize your rewards.
Notifications
VerseDB can notify you about your edit status:
- Approved edits: Batched into a daily email summary
- Rejected edits: Sent immediately so you can address issues quickly
You can enable or disable content edit notifications in your Privacy Settings.
Tracking Your Submissions
View your submission history in your profile:
- Go to your Profile
- Navigate to Contributions
- See all submissions and their statuses
- Filter by Pending, Approved, or Rejected
If Your Edit Is Rejected
Rejections include notes from the moderator explaining why. Common reasons include:
- Information could not be verified
- Formatting did not match guidelines
- Content was opinion-based rather than factual
- A more accurate edit was already pending
Read the rejection notes, address the issues, and you can submit a revised edit.
Common Issues
"Content is currently locked" Someone else is editing this content. Wait a few minutes and try again.
"Pending submission exists for this field" This field has an edit awaiting review. Wait for it to be processed.
"Submission failed" Refresh the page and verify you're logged in. Try again. If the issue persists, contact support.
Tips for Successful Submissions
- Verify information before submitting
- Use official sources (publisher websites, printed credits)
- Include helpful notes for moderators
- Start with simple edits to build your approval rate
- Double-check spelling and formatting
- Guess or estimate information
- Copy text verbatim from other sources
- Include opinions or subjective language
- Submit duplicate edits
- Rush without reviewing your changes