# Contributing to VizAI Business Registry

Thank you for your interest in contributing to the VizAI Business Registry! This guide will help you understand how to submit businesses, request corrections, and improve the registry.

## Ways to Contribute

### 1. Submit a Business Profile (Free)

Anyone can submit a business to the community tier:

**Option A: Web Form (Recommended)**
- Fill out our [onboarding form](https://www.vizai.io/onboarding-form.html)
- We'll create the profile and submit a PR on your behalf

**Option B: GitHub Issue**
- Use the [business submission template](.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/business-submission.md)
- Provide all required information
- We'll review and create the profile

**Option C: Direct PR (Advanced)**
- Fork this repository
- Create a new JSON file following our schema
- Submit a pull request
- See [Schema Documentation](schema/SCHEMA-DOCS.md)

### 2. Request a Correction

Found outdated or incorrect information?
- Open an issue using the [correction request template](.github/ISSUE_TEMPLATE/correction-request.md)
- Provide evidence for the correction (link to official source)
- We'll review and update if verified

### 3. Upgrade to Verified

Community entries can be upgraded to verified status:
- Visit [VizAI pricing](https://www.vizai.io/packages.html)
- Start with Tier 0 ($495 CAD) for snapshot + verified entry
- Or Tier 1 ($650/mo) for verified entry + monitoring

### 4. Improve Documentation

Help make the registry better:
- Fix typos or unclear documentation
- Improve examples
- Enhance validation tools
- Submit PRs for review

## Submission Guidelines

### Required Information

All business profiles must include:
- ✅ Legal business name
- ✅ Primary domain (must be verifiable)
- ✅ Elevator pitch (1-2 sentences)
- ✅ Detailed description (2-3 paragraphs)
- ✅ Headquarters location
- ✅ Contact email

### Optional But Recommended
- Business founding year
- Key products/services
- Target customer description
- Leadership information
- Social media profiles

### Data Quality Standards

- **Accuracy:** All information must be factual and current
- **Sources:** Provide links to official sources
- **Objectivity:** Descriptions should be neutral, not marketing copy
- **Completeness:** Fill out all applicable fields
- **Verification:** Provide proof of domain ownership or authorization

### What We Don't Accept

❌ Incomplete profiles
❌ Marketing fluff or exaggerated claims
❌ Unverifiable information
❌ Duplicate entries
❌ Profiles for individuals (unless sole proprietors)
❌ Defunct or inactive businesses

## Verification Process

### Community Tier (Free)
1. Submit business information
2. We validate basic information
3. Entry added to `/data/community/`
4. Marked as "community-verified"

### Verified Tier (Paid)
1. Purchase Tier 0 or Tier 1 service
2. Complete full onboarding form
3. Verify domain ownership
4. Human review by VizAI analyst
5. Entry added to `/data/verified/`
6. Ongoing monitoring (Tier 1+)

## Review Timeline

- **Community submissions:** 5-7 business days
- **Corrections:** 3-5 business days
- **Verified entries:** 1-2 business days (after purchase)

## Code of Conduct

Please read our [Code of Conduct](CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md) before participating.

## Questions?

- **Email:** hello@vizai.io
- **Website:** [www.vizai.io](https://www.vizai.io)
- **GitHub Issues:** For technical questions

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Thank you for helping build the business database AI can trust!