Checklist

☐ The sequence is not already in the OEIS in any shape or form.

☐ You can provide at least four terms of the sequence.

☐ The terms of the sequence as you have it are absolutely correct.

☐ You can give a short description or definition of the sequence.

☐ The short description or definition uses only standard terminology (not TeX, not Mathematica).

☐ You have references to books and journals that are directly relevant to the sequence.

☐ You have checked that all external links work at the time you submit the sequence.

☐ You have given one or two examples (unless your sequence is very simple).

☐ Any programs given will run on a fresh start of Mathematica/gp/Maple/etc. (to make sure you have not overlooked some library or definition dependence).

☐ The cross-references to other sequences are directly and obviously relevant to the sequence under consideration.

☐ You have either keyword:nonn or keyword:sign, and have added other keywords that apply.

Explanation

Once I have assured myself that a particular sequence which I'm studying can be of interest to others, I still like to put it through a pre-submit checklist. At first I didn't have my own checklist, I just made sure the sequence met the requirements for the Submit page in the Main OEIS (though those requirements are included in this checklist and are printed in green boldface italic). Gradually I added other things to my checklist and it's gotten long enough that it helps me to have it written down.

This is by no means intended to legislate, for after all, there are some interesting sequences which would fail this checklist. Though it does help for one to understand why the sequence does not pass the checklist and thus be able to explain the value of the sequence being listed in the OEIS. But keep in mind that even if it is obvious to you why a sequence is interesting, it might not be obvious at all to the next person who looks at the sequence!