Merge pull request #136 from dandi/create-account-more-info

add details about intended users

docs/16_account.md

@@ -1,13 +1,27 @@
 # Create a DANDI Account
 
-A DANDI account is only required for specific features.
-Without a DANDI account, you can search, view, and download files.
-With a DANDI account, you can additionally create and edit Dandisets and access the DANDI Hub to analyze existing data.
+A DANDI account enhances your capabilities within the DANDI Archive.
+Without an account, users can freely search, view, and download available datasets.
+With an account, users can create and edit Dandisets, and use the DANDI Hub to analyze data.
 
-## Instructions
+DANDI provides two servers:
+- **Main server**: [https://dandiarchive.org/](https://dandiarchive.org/) - This is the primary platform for most users.
+- **Staging server**: [https://gui-staging.dandiarchive.org/](https://gui-staging.dandiarchive.org/) - Ideal for training and testing purposes.
 
-1. To create a DANDI account, first [create a GitHub account](https://github.com/) if you don't have one.
-1. Using your GitHub account, register for a DANDI account by selecting the `LOG IN WITH GITHUB` button on the [DANDI homepage](https://dandiarchive.org).
-1. You will receive an email acknowledging that your request for an account will be reviewed within 24 hours.
-  - **note**: Requests from new GitHub accounts and from emails that are not an `.edu` domain might take longer to review and are more likely to be rejected, especially if there are no plans described to upload data to the archive.
-1. If your request for an account is approved, you will be able to log in to DANDI using GitHub by clicking the `LOG IN WITH GITHUB` button.
+Accounts are independently managed on each server, allowing users to register on one or both, depending on their testing and deployment needs.
+
+DANDI is freely accessible to the neuroscience research community.
+Membership is usually granted automatically to GitHub accounts with a `.edu` or similar academic email.
+If your registration is denied:
+- With an academic email not linked to your GitHub, please contact [help@dandiarchive.org](mailto:help@dandiarchive.org) for assistance using this email address.
+- Without an academic email, account approval is still possible under specific circumstances. Appeal decisions at [help@dandiarchive.org](mailto:help@dandiarchive.org).
+
+## How to Register for a DANDI Account
+
+1. **Create a GitHub Account**: If not already a GitHub user, [sign up here](https://github.com/).
+2. **Register on DANDI**: Navigate to the [DANDI homepage](https://dandiarchive.org) and click the `LOG IN WITH GITHUB` button to register using your GitHub account.
+3. **Confirmation of Review**: Post-registration, you will receive an email confirming that your account is under review. Your request will be reviewed within 24 hours.
+   - **Note**: Reviews may extend beyond 24 hours for new GitHub accounts or non-.edu email addresses, particularly if the registration does not describe immediate plans to contribute data.
+4. **Accessing DANDI**: Upon approval, access DANDI by logging in through the `LOG IN WITH GITHUB` button.
+
+For support or further inquiries, reach out to [help@dandiarchive.org](mailto:help@dandiarchive.org).