What are User Roles?

Not all MakerHub users are created equal. Different users may be granted different permissions and privileges, such as the ability to edit content, approve comments, or creating contact forms. The reason for structuring levels of access in this way is two-fold: it avoids unnecessary clutter and confusion when administrating the site, and it creates an additional level of security in case a user account is compromised. To limit site vulnerability, MakerHub should have as few users of each role as is necessary.

What are MakerHub’s User Roles?

MakerHub has six different user roles. From least access to most access:

Anonymous Viewers
Anonymous Viewers represent anyone visiting MakerHub who is not logged into the site. Currently, Anonymous Viewers can comment on articles and upvote articles and comments. While MakerHub does have spam filtering, we may chose to restrict comment privileges to Subscribers and above.

Subscribers
Like Anonymous Viewers, Subscribers can comment on articles and upvote articles and comments. Subscribers, however, are registered users who log into the site. This allows for better user tracking, such as viewing all comments and other activity performed by a single user. It is expected that most students will fall into this category after MakerHub’s pilot phase.

Contributors
Contributors have very basic content editing privileges. They may create and edit new Resource Center articles and can approve new comments made on the site, but are unable to edit or delete pre-existing content made by others. TAs and upper-level students are good candidates for the Contributor role.

Authors
Authors are able to create and edit Resource Center articles regardless of who originally authored the content. Authors can also create News posts, moderate comments, and view contact and feedback form submissions (listed under “Flamingo” in the Admin menu). Most staff members are good candidates for the Author role, though certain volunteers and alumni workers may be promoted to this role as well depending on need.

Editors
Editors are able to author, edit, and delete any and all content on MakerHub, including but not limited to Resource Center articles, News posts, and contact forms. Unlike Contributors and Authors, Editors are also able to create and edit Resource Center categories. Editors are also able to create users and manage user roles. Site coordinators and members of the Makerspace Working Group are good candidates for the Editor role.

Super Administrators
Super Administrators are able to change any and all aspects of the MakerHub site, including the addition and removal of site features.