> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://www.information-architecture.world/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://www.information-architecture.world/policies/contributor-agreement.md).

# Contributor agreement

Rights, licensing, and terms for contributing content to WIAA

This page summarizes what you're agreeing to when you contribute content to WIAA, such as blog posts, talks and presentations, and other resources). 

If this summary contradicts with the full agreement, the full agreement applies. 

{% hint style="info" %}
**Ready to contribute?**

1. **Editorial review.** The editorial team reviews your submission for fit, clarity, and alignment with WIAA editorial standards. This typically takes 2 weeks. 
2. **Feedback or edits, if needed.** Minor edits may happen. Anything that changes your meaning or argument will need your approval before publication. 
3. **Publishing.** Once approved, your contribution piece will go live on the relevant WIAA section (blog, content library, etc.) credited with your preferred name and bio
4. **Promotion.** Published content may be shared through WIAA's newsletter or social channels. 
5. **After it's live.** You can request changes at any time by emailing <editorial@information-architecture.world>.

<a href="https://forms.information-architecture.world/individual-contributor-agreement" class="button primary medium">Review and sign the agreement</a>
{% endhint %}

### Summary

**Rights and ownership.** Contributors keep copyright of their work. They grant WIAA a permanent, non-exclusive license to publish and promote it — but WIAA can't sell or license it to third parties without permission. Contributors can republish their work elsewhere as long as they credit WIAA and link back.

**Originality.** Contributors confirm the work is their own, doesn't infringe anyone's rights, and that any third-party material (quotes, images, data) is used with permission or falls within fair use.

**Editing.** WIAA can make minor edits without notice. Any changes that materially affect meaning or argument go back to the contributor for approval before publication. WIAA won't publish anything under a contributor's name without their final sign-off.

**Attribution.** Contributors are credited by their preferred display name, can include a bio up to 75 words, and can link to their website or portfolio.

**No payment.** Contributions are unpaid. WIAA is a volunteer-run association.

**Withdrawal.** Contributors can request removal at any time. WIAA will make reasonable efforts within 30 days, but can't guarantee removal from archived newsletters, cached pages, or content already shared on social media.

**Conflicts of interest.** Contributors must disclose any affiliations that could influence their content. Working for a vendor doesn't disqualify a contribution; it just needs to be disclosed upfront.

**AI-assisted content.** The ideas, argument, and voice must be the contributor's own. Light AI use (grammar, outlining, light editing) is fine. Using AI to generate the substantive content is not. Significant AI use must be disclosed at submission.

**Indexing and discoverability.** Contributors choose their preferences across two areas, all of which can be updated after publication:

* Whether their content appears in WIAA's internal content search and AI-assisted features (opt-out; included by default)
* Whether external search engines, web crawlers, and LLMs can index their content (opt-in; not included by default)

**Governing law and disputes.** Governed by the State of Florida, United States of America. Disputes are handled informally first, then mediation if needed, before any formal legal process.

## Frequently asked questions

### Your content rights and ownership

<details>

<summary>Do I keep the rights to what I create and contribute? </summary>

Yes. You keep the copyright. WIAA gets permission to publish and share your work.&#x20;

</details>

<details>

<summary>Can I publish my content elsewhere too?</summary>

Yes, as long as you credit WIAA as a previous publisher and link back where possible.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Will I be paid for my contribution?</summary>

No. WIAA is volunteer-run and doesn't offer compensation or honoraria for any contribution.&#x20;

</details>

<details>

<summary>What if I want my content taken down later?</summary>

Email <editorial@information-architecture.world>. WIAA will make reasonable efforts within 30 days, though things like archived newsletters or cached pages can't always be fully removed.

</details>

### Your content and AI

<details>

<summary>Will my content be used to train AI models?</summary>

Your content won't be used to power WIAA's own internal tools, unless you opt in.

</details>

<details>

<summary>What's the difference between "indexed" and "used for training"?</summary>

Indexing means your content can be found through WIAA's internal site search or through external search engines. Training means a model learns from your content to generate new output. Your content is indexed by default, but training by third-party commercial AI tools does not happen without your explicit written consent, regardless of your indexing settings.

</details>

<details>

<summary>Does opting out of AI indexing mean my work won't be published at all?</summary>

No. Indexing preferences only affect discoverability through search and AI tools. This has no bearing on whether your content is accepted or published.

</details>