Site Modification Status

Site Modification Status refers to the current state of a website's availability for modification by developers and users. It provides valuable information about the accessibility and collaborative nature of a website.

Different site modification statuses indicate varying degrees of openness and involvement in the development process. This article aims to provide an overview of the common site modification statuses and their implications.

## *Closed Modification Status*

A website with a **Closed** modification status typically indicates limited access to the site's development and restricted modification rights. In such cases, the development process is usually controlled by a select group of authorized individuals or organizations. The closed status suggests that the website's creators and developers may have exclusive control over its content, features, and functionality, limiting the contributions and influence of external developers and users.

In a closed modification status, only the individuals listed in the `creator.txt` file are authorized to edit the site and send pull requests. Typically, a user that is not part of the group of users, organization, or friend of the website creator that controls the site will not be permitted permissions to modify the site. The `creator.txt` file serves as a reference to identify the individuals who have the necessary permissions and responsibilities for modifying the website. (See creator.txt for more.)

This restricted access ensures tighter control over the development process and content updates. A closed modification status is best for personal websites, or non-community driven sites (such as a blog or company website).

## *Open Modification Status*

When a website is labeled as **Open** in terms of site modification status, it signifies a more inclusive and collaborative approach to development. An open website welcomes contributions and enhancements from a wider community of developers and users.

In an open modification status, typically stated in the `creator.txt` file, anyone is encouraged to add enhancements or data, as specified, to the site and send pull requests. This inclusive approach allows for a diverse range of contributions, fostering innovation, and community involvement. By granting broader access to the development process, open sites benefit from the collective expertise and creativity of a larger pool of contributors.

Open websites are best fit for community-driven projects (e.g. `Blooky.net`, a music sharing site which has an open status. Any user can submit UI changes or their own music files through a pull request).

## *Semi-Open Modification Status*

A **Semi-Open** website offers the best of both worlds when it comes to modification. A semi-open site allows any user to edit and submit changes to a site **with permission from the site's creator/owner**. This is different from a closed status in that closed sites are very specific and, well, closed in the people that they allow to edit their site, while a semi-open site allows *any* user to request permission first, then edit. Typically this is done through private contact with the site's owner/creator.

In an semi-open modification status, a list of allowed editors is typically stated in the `creator.txt` file as it is with a closed status. Think of a semi-open status more like collaborators on GitHub.