# Contributing to Open Engineer

## Current Phase: The Bedrock Phase

Contributions follow a strict workflow. All editorial rules are defined in `reference/editorial-principles.md`. This document does not duplicate them.

## How to Contribute

### 1. Read the Dependency Tree

The specification is linear (OE-0000 through OE-0011). Do not skip ahead. Do not jump between documents without understanding the dependency chain. See `ROADMAP.md` for the full tree.

### 2. Follow the Editorial Gate

All proposed additions must pass the four-question framework and, for refinements, the five-question Refinement Gate. See `reference/editorial-principles.md` for the complete rules.

### 3. Apply the Enduring Concept Test

Every new term must pass the test defined in `reference/editorial-principles.md` (Section 5) and Law 5 (`laws/engineering-laws.md`).

### 4. Check for Duplication

Before proposing anything, verify it does not already exist under a different name in OE-0002 (Core Vocabulary) or elsewhere in the specification.

## Workflow

Observe -> Draft -> Review -> Accept -> Freeze (RC) -> Reference

See OE-0000 for the document status lifecycle and OE-0011 for the full change workflow.

## Key Constraints

- Do not redefine earlier layers in the dependency tree — only extend them.
- Do not duplicate editorial rules — reference `reference/editorial-principles.md`.
- Do not introduce technology-anchored terms — use enduring concepts (Law 5).