What is this site about ?

• This pilot site is designed to test a new concept for providing reviews of the evidence about tobacco control issues that are as up to date as possible (the pilot only deals with health warnings on cigarette packet). NB: You will be able to use most of the functionality of this site without registering and logging in. However, if you do register, and log in, you will have access to extra functionality (see below). If you want to register, simply click on “create new account”, and follow the instructions.
• Every document on the site has two versions, a consolidated, authorised version that can be cited (once the site moves beyond the pilot stage), and a "live" version, that can be edited by registered users.
• To access a document, simply click on "consolidated documents" and choose the document you are interested in.

What can you do on this site ?

• You can find answers to your questions concerning the research evidence about Tobacco Control issues. (Currently only health warnings). You will need to scroll down a document to find each question.  If you click on a question (heading), it will take you to the editable version of this part of the document.
• In the editable (“live”) version area you can add comments (everybody), or edit the content (if logged in). 
• Comments you add can be requests for unanswered questions to be addressed, disagreements and suggestions for content; indeed anything of relevance that you want to see changed (that is not libellous or offensive).
• You can check out what new evidence exists that has not yet been integrated with the consolidated (authorised) version. You will find it in what we call the “Knowledge queue”.  This contains a list (sometimes with attached copies) of the latest research papers, or other sources of new knowledge that have been identified, and which will eventually be incorporated into a new authorised version.  Anybody who is logged in can add new reference material (i.e. papers and reports) to this list, and those who are not registered can make suggestions for new material in the comments section. 
• If you are logged in, you can edit the live version where you think it is incomplete or inaccurate. NB:  if you are not registered, you can suggest edits by using the "Comments" section. If you do make extensive edits to an existing document, it would be appreciated if you answer the Revision Information so that other users know why you made the changes.  If you are an author of any of core research bearing on the material you edit, it would be appreciated if you identify yourself (automatic if logged in).
• From time to time the editable version will be reviewed by the editorial board, and used, along with material in the Knowledge Queue, to create a new authorised version. At that point the old authorised version will be archived (but still be accessible - see Instructions).

If you decide to edit the "live" version of a document, it is important to note that the editor software defaults to Rich Text Format. To paste from another document use "Ctrl V". You can format text, add images, and include tables if you need to. More detailed instructions will be found in the instructions section.

How do I know how up to date it is?

• The latest consolidated (authorised and citeable) version of the document is dated with the completion date.
• Any new information that the site is ‘aware’ of, and that has not been fully incorporated into the consolidated version, will be found in the Knowledge Queue. If you are registered, you can add new items directly to this queue if you are aware of new evidence that is missing, if you are not, you can make suggestions in the comments area.

Unlike traditional sites, this one actively involves users in ensuring that it is both relevant, and up to date. Like a Wiki, the site is set up so that users who are registered can edit the content. If you want to register, simply click on "create new account", and follow the instructions.

Tobacco Control people anywhere; whether they be service providers (e.g. people running cessation/quitting services), educators (e.g. interested in preventing young people from smoking), researchers, advocates, activists, policy developers, social marketers, medical practitioners or community outreach workers. You will find that the site is organised around the questions that Tobacco Control people have told us they want answers to.  

• If the pilot is successful the site will be expanded to cover other issues (e.g. cessation, tobacco product information, smoke-free regulations).
• We hope to establish protocols so that you can collaborate with other users, in different locations, in the production of joint papers, research proposals, program plans etc. You will be able to keep such documents private by turning off the "published" under "Publishing Options".