We create beta sites through the open democratic process at Stack Exchange Area 51. “Beta” means that the site is still being defined and constructed, which leads to a few differences from the non-beta sites in our network:
- All beta sites have the same temporary placeholder design. Once the site is no longer beta, it will have a unique design built with input from the community.
- Reputation thresholds for privileges are lower during the beta phase to help ensure community governance early on.
- In early beta, the Stack Exchange team appoints moderators until the site is large enough to sustain a democratic moderator election.
During beta, the community works together to answer seven essential questions for every Stack Exchange site:
- Are questions about {subject} on or off topic?
- What should our FAQ contain?
- How should we tag questions about {subject}?
- Who should the moderators be?
- What’s the “elevator pitch” for our site?
- What should our logo and site design look like?
- How do we promote our site?
There is no set amount of time for a site to remain in beta; it will be in beta for as long as necessary to reach critical mass, with periodic evaluations that help communities know where they stand and what they need to work on.