communityapproved

Communityapproved is a designation used by online communities and collaborative platforms to indicate that a particular item—such as a proposal, patch, post, product concept, or piece of content—has received broad support or endorsement from the community according to an established process. The label is typically non-binding and intended as a signal of alignment with communal values rather than formal authority.

The criteria and methods for achieving communityapproved status vary by platform. Common elements include clearly stated eligibility criteria, transparent discussion and review phases, and a verifiable threshold of community input, such as a poll pass, a minimum number of upvotes, or consensus in a discussion thread. Some implementations combine automated metrics with human moderation or a community-elected review committee. The process is usually documented to enable audit and reproducibility.

Communityapproved is applied to diverse contexts, including software development, content moderation, product ideation, and cultural or event planning within a community. It is intended to guide participants and stakeholders, helping them prioritize items that reflect collective interest without superseding official governance.

Critics argue that communityapproved signals can reinforce popularity bias, be susceptible to manipulation, or marginalize minority viewpoints if participation is uneven. Proponents contend that, when transparent and inclusive, such signals increase legitimacy and engagement.

See also: Community governance, consensus decision-making, open governance, crowd wisdom, moderation.