Note: To see the specifics of what each user status can do, take a look at the charts for:

• Permissions on a site that does not require registration
• Permissions on a site that requires registration
• Permissions on a site that requires invitation (including private sites)

General Descriptions

What can anonymous users do?

Everyone can read Wetpaint sites, but the range of ways to contribute for anonymous users is set by the administrator during the site setup process. As an anonymous user, you may be able to: add new pages, add keyword tags, edit existing pages, start a new thread, and rate others’ threads or posts. Whether or not you can do these things depends on if the Wetpaint site's permissions scheme is set to allow it. If you intend to contribute to a particular site regularly, you should register. Registration is quick, easy, and free. As a registered member of a site, you’ll be able to build a reputation for yourself as a contributor by having your username associated with all thread and content additions you make.

What can registered users do?

There are many advantages to being a registered member of a site. The main advantage is that you can build a reputation for yourself as a contributor to a particular site by having your username attached to your thread and content additions. Depending on the permissions scheme set by the site creator during the setup process, you may be given expanded options for contribution. You may be able to add new pages, add keyword tags, or edit existing pages. All users are able to post a thread and rate others’ threads or posts.

What can writers do?

On a site that has been set to the "invite only" permissions scheme, users must be approved as writers in order to add or edit content on the site. As a writer you can add new pages, add keyword tags, or edit existing pages. On a site set to "invite only" registered users will not have these options. To become a writer you must be invited by the site creator, administrator or moderator; or have them change your permissions on your profile if you're already a registered user on the site.

What can moderators do?

If you have a special interest in the workings of this site, take your involvement to the next level by becoming a moderator. Moderators help manage and guide the community in addition to creating content for the site. Moderators can delete pages, lock pages from being edited, and move and reorganize pages on the site. Since those changes can make a big impact on how the site looks and reads, it's best if only those who are highly invested in the site serve as moderators. Moderators can also promote members of the community to new roles, and ban disruptive users from the site. Find out more about moderating Wetpaint sites in the Moderating Guide.

What can site creators and administrators do?

Administrators are appointed by the site creator to serve as site moderator and to provide an additional level of support for the site. Just like moderators, administrators and creators have full privileges to delete pages, lock pages from being edited, ban or promote members of the community, and move and reorganize site pages. Administrators and creators can also change the settings on the site, including uploading a logo into the masthead area, changing the site header name, or selecting a new style template.

How To Section

How do I change a user's permissions setting? If you are the site creator, administrator, or moderator you can change the permissions level for any user that has a lower status than you do. To change someone's permissions level, click on the username to view their profile and then click on the "Change Permissions" button. If you don't see the option to change their permissions then you are either a) not signed in or b) do not have the authority to change user permissions.