[Wikimediauk-l] Election Night Editathon(s?)
Hi all, If you are one of those people who like to stay up on election night <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_Kingdom_general_election,_2015>as all the results come in, you might like to consider joining us in the General Election 2015 Editathon. <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Meetups/UK/General_Election_2015_Editathon> So far we have started off booking the basement at Development House, where Wikimedia is based, but it would be great to hear of other initiatives by Wikimedians getting together to help update hundreds of pages, and indeed we there will also be new pages to create. Of course others might like to participate from the comfort of their own homes. With 650 constituencies producing results, new MPs elected and a need for new infographic images there is a large amount of work to do. Wouldn't it be great if we could make sure that when people google about the results on the morning of 8th May, they get up-to-date verified information. If we are to get anywhere near this goal, a certain amount of preparation is needed, identifying pages likely to need updating, and working out how to avoid edit conflicts etc. Look at the 2010 election map <https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:2010UKElectionMap.svg> and how it changed during the night! Anyway, nominations closed at the end of last week, so now is the best time to start co-ordinating how we can cover this election. Please add comments to the talk page here <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia_talk:Meetups/UK/General_Election_2015_Editathon> . all the best Fabian Tompsett, Volunteer Support Organiser, Wikimedia UK, Address: 56-64 Leonard St, Shoreditch, London EC2A 4LT Phone:020 7065 0990 *Mobile: *07840 455 746 Wikimedia UK is a Company Limited by Guarantee registered in England and Wales, Registered No. 6741827. Registered Charity No.1144513. Registered Office 4th Floor, Development House, 56-64 Leonard Street, London EC2A 4LT. United Kingdom. Wikimedia UK is the UK chapter of a global Wikimedia movement. The Wikimedia projects are run by the Wikimedia Foundation (who operate Wikipedia, amongst other projects). Visit http://www.wikimedia.org.uk/ and @wikimediauk ___ Wikimedia UK mailing list wikimediau...@wikimedia.org http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l WMUK: https://wikimedia.org.uk
[Wikimediauk-l] Outreach question
Ally's question is very interesting, and as shown by the responses, we can't really be sure what's effective. An experiment I have been running for the recent Cinema Museum Editathon <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_Program:Wikimedia_UK/Cinema_Museum_2015_%28Spring_2015%29> has been to set up a publicity subpage <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_Program_talk:Wikimedia_UK/Cinema_Museum_2015_%28Spring_2015%29/Publicity> which includes links to the page views for the sign up page. I would welcome comments on this on the event talk page <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_Program_talk:Wikimedia_UK/Cinema_Museum_2015_%28Spring_2015%29>. I am already aware that this was a somewhat clumsy first step, but what i would like to refine is a publicity template that can be added to event pages and which - provides prompts for suitable ways of conducting publicity - a record of what has been done so that a group of people preparing for the event can pick up on jobs and not repeat that which others have already done - a record of when things were done (see below) - a link to the metrics for the page, so that we can easily compare publicity actions and hit count (but we need to remain aware of the limitations of any such correlation) Perhaps we could find somewhere on-wiki to share our thoughts on this. Any ideas where would be best? all the best Fabian Tompsett, Volunteer Support Organiser, Wikimedia UK, Address: 56-64 Leonard St, Shoreditch, London EC2A 4LT Phone:020 7065 0990 *Mobile: *07840 455 746 Wikimedia UK is a Company Limited by Guarantee registered in England and Wales, Registered No. 6741827. Registered Charity No.1144513. Registered Office 4th Floor, Development House, 56-64 Leonard Street, London EC2A 4LT. United Kingdom. Wikimedia UK is the UK chapter of a global Wikimedia movement. The Wikimedia projects are run by the Wikimedia Foundation (who operate Wikipedia, amongst other projects). Visit http://www.wikimedia.org.uk/ and @wikimediauk ___ Wikimedia UK mailing list wikimediau...@wikimedia.org http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l WMUK: https://wikimedia.org.uk
[Wikimediauk-l] Education Program Extension Userrights
Hi all, Following Edward's email I would encourage anyone involved in editathons or who is interested in becoming either an online or campus ambassador to check out: Wikipedia:Education program/Ambassadors <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Education_program/Ambassadors> At the bottom of the page are links to apply for online and campus ambassador userrights. These then show up on the Wikipedia:Education noticeboard <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Education_noticeboard>. Established Wikimedians will have no problem getting userrights, but sometimes the process needs a bit of nudge to get it sorted out a bit quicker. <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Education_noticeboard> Currently this is very much addressed to supporting the Education Program, especially in the USA/Canada. However, various wikimedians in different chapters across the world (eg Education Program:Cascadia Wikimedians User Group <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_Program:Cascadia_Wikimedians_User_Group>) are experimenting with using it to run editathons. the Cinema Museum editathon is one of these in the UK. This piloting will enable us to: - identify how effective the extension is - identify how it might be adapted to be more useful for editathons - get feedback as regards how friendly people find the interface Of course, obtaining campus or ambassador userrights also enables wikimedians to interact more effectively with students on one of the courses, whether in the UK or further a field. One issue that warrants further consideration is the extent to which students get involved with Wikipedia in one of these courses, but never appreciate the existence of the broader Wikimedian community around them. Whilst we wouldn't want to be disruptive to the class by pushing community involvement too hard, we can explore appropriate ways to highlight opportunities to the students with the approval of the academics running the courses. I think there is a lot of room for thought about this. all the best Fabian Tompsett, Volunteer Support Organiser, Wikimedia UK, Address: 56-64 Leonard St, Shoreditch, London EC2A 4LT Phone:020 7065 0990 *Mobile: *07840 455 746 Wikimedia UK is a Company Limited by Guarantee registered in England and Wales, Registered No. 6741827. Registered Charity No.1144513. Registered Office 4th Floor, Development House, 56-64 Leonard Street, London EC2A 4LT. United Kingdom. Wikimedia UK is the UK chapter of a global Wikimedia movement. The Wikimedia projects are run by the Wikimedia Foundation (who operate Wikipedia, amongst other projects). Visit http://www.wikimedia.org.uk/ and @wikimediauk ___ Wikimedia UK mailing list wikimediau...@wikimedia.org http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l WMUK: https://wikimedia.org.uk
[Wikimediauk-l] Cinema Museum, London editathon Saturday 7th March
Hi all, Just to let you all know that we are having an editathon at the Cinema Museum on Saturday 7th March. The editahon page <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_Program:Wikimedia_UK/Cinema_Museum_2015_%28Spring_2015%29> is a little different as we are using the Education Program <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Education_program> extension. Feedback on the user interface would be very helpful. Please note, to register you click "enroll". I intend to draw together a list of suggestions as regards ways in which the page design could be imporved. Another innovation is the publicity sub page. There are two ideas behind this. 1. This allows volunteers to help with publicity online (putting posts on facebook etc.) and to record what they have done to avoid repetition. 2. There is also a link to the page views which means that we can then look for the immediate impact of a publicity action. For example, the page hits peaked at 65 following the advertising of the event on the Wikimedia UK Facebook page <https://www.facebook.com/WikimediaUK?fref=ts>. It would be great to see you on the day if you can come, and any help with online publicity would be greatly appreciated. all the best Fabian Tompsett, Volunteer Support Organiser, Wikimedia UK, Address: 56-64 Leonard St, Shoreditch, London EC2A 4LT Phone:020 7065 0990 *Mobile: *07840 455 746 Wikimedia UK is a Company Limited by Guarantee registered in England and Wales, Registered No. 6741827. Registered Charity No.1144513. Registered Office 4th Floor, Development House, 56-64 Leonard Street, London EC2A 4LT. United Kingdom. Wikimedia UK is the UK chapter of a global Wikimedia movement. The Wikimedia projects are run by the Wikimedia Foundation (who operate Wikipedia, amongst other projects). Visit http://www.wikimedia.org.uk/ and @wikimediauk ___ Wikimedia UK mailing list wikimediau...@wikimedia.org http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l WMUK: https://wikimedia.org.uk
[Wikimediauk-l] Wikipedia Science Conference, 2nd and 3rd September 2015
Hi all, Planning is going ahead for this autumn's Wikipedia Science Conference. Weare keen to build community involvement into this from the outset. There is new Planning subpage <https://wikimedia.org.uk/wiki/Wikipedia_Science_Conference/Planning> where you can help shape this conference and catch up on volunteer opportunities in the run up to the conference itself. This conference has great potential in bringing together both Wikimedians and scientists to discover the common ground which will make future colloboration so exciting. all the best Fabian Tompsett, Volunteer Support Organiser, Wikimedia UK, Address: 56-64 Leonard St, Shoreditch, London EC2A 4LT Phone:020 7065 0990 *Mobile: *07840 455 746 Wikimedia UK is a Company Limited by Guarantee registered in England and Wales, Registered No. 6741827. Registered Charity No.1144513. Registered Office 4th Floor, Development House, 56-64 Leonard Street, London EC2A 4LT. United Kingdom. Wikimedia UK is the UK chapter of a global Wikimedia movement. The Wikimedia projects are run by the Wikimedia Foundation (who operate Wikipedia, amongst other projects). Visit http://www.wikimedia.org.uk/ and @wikimediauk ___ Wikimedia UK mailing list wikimediau...@wikimedia.org http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l WMUK: https://wikimedia.org.uk
[Wikimediauk-l] Postponement of Volunteer Strategy Gathering
Postponement of Volunteer Strategy Gathering Wikimedia UK has reluctantly decided to postpone the volunteer strategy day which was scheduled for Saturday 28 February. This will now happen later in the year. The primary reason for this postponement is that there is more value to the charity and its volunteers in holding the event later in the year when a budget will be in place, when the charity has a new CEO and any pending structural or other changes to the staff team have taken effect. The event represents a significant investment of volunteer time and effort and so it is appropriate that we value that time respectfully. Like all other resources, volunteer time is limited and we do not wish to leave anyone feeling that their time was wasted because the event took place too soon. Please do be assured that conversations that may have happened at the gathering will still take place. The charity is still very keen to consult with the volunteers and members on the proposed topics (and any others, of course) but for the time being these will be focused online rather than in person. We are looking at hosting regular group conversations online, either by Google Hangout, Skype or conference call. More information about the practical details will be made available presently. Q: Why was the event postponed when it is only three weeks away? A: We feel that the event will be more helpful later in the year. There will be more substantial matters upon which volunteers can have a meaningful influence.Furthermore, the new chief executive will be in post and they will welcome the chance to engage with as many members of the community as possible. Q: When will the new event take place? A: We are working on the basis that the next volunteer strategy gathering <https://wikimedia.org.uk/wiki/Volunteer_Strategy_Gathering/2015> will take place in September. This will give the new CEO plenty of time to establish themself in the new role and have an understanding of our community and the charity's needs. Q: What about the topics up for discussion? A: The postponement will allow these conversations to be developed, with the Wikimedia UK Wiki, being the primary channel for this. We are also piloting using the Education Program Extension <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Help:Education_Program_extension> at the Cinema Museum editathon <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Education_Program:Wikimedia_UK/Cinema_Museum_2015_%28Spring_2015%29>, Saturday 7th March and are looking at other opportunities to gain some experience. If you would like to participate piloting the Education Program Extension, or have some other innovation that you would like to see tested please contact: fabian.tomps...@wikimedia.org.uk Q: I have already booked my travel. What happens to my ticket? A: If you are able to get a refund, please do so. However if a full refund is not possible, please send us the documentation and we will ensure that you are not out of pocket. For all inquiries regarding the ongoing development of our volunteer strategy, including the future gathering, please contact fabian.tomps...@wikimedia.org.uk all the best Fabian Tompsett, Volunteer Support Organiser, Wikimedia UK, Address: 56-64 Leonard St, Shoreditch, London EC2A 4LT Phone:020 7065 0990 *Mobile: *07840 455 746 Wikimedia UK is a Company Limited by Guarantee registered in England and Wales, Registered No. 6741827. Registered Charity No.1144513. Registered Office 4th Floor, Development House, 56-64 Leonard Street, London EC2A 4LT. United Kingdom. Wikimedia UK is the UK chapter of a global Wikimedia movement. The Wikimedia projects are run by the Wikimedia Foundation (who operate Wikipedia, amongst other projects). Visit http://www.wikimedia.org.uk/ and @wikimediauk ___ Wikimedia UK mailing list wikimediau...@wikimedia.org http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l WMUK: https://wikimedia.org.uk
[Wikimediauk-l] Wikimedia UK Volunteer Strategy Gathering 2 (28th February 2015)
Hi all, Registration is now open for the Volunteer Strategy Gathering 2. We shall be in Birmingham again,however at a different venue, the Priory Rooms This event will be taking place on Saturday 28th February at: The Priory Rooms, Quaker Meeting House 40 Bull Street Birmingham B4 6AF http://www.theprioryrooms.co.uk/page/location We will be gathering from 10:00 am and really getting down to things about 11:00 am. Please see https://wikimedia.org.uk/wiki/VSG2 for more information Please complete this form to book your place: I've invited you to fill out the form Wikimedia UK Volunteer Strategy Gathering 2 (28th February 2015). To fill it out, visit: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1LtrZryy-QlVRz8dO7JEdweHwKnTDoiH4nxhGjvNCgXk/viewform?c=0&w=1&usp=mail_form_link ___ Wikimedia UK mailing list wikimediau...@wikimedia.org http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l WMUK: https://wikimedia.org.uk
[Wikimediauk-l] Volunteer Strategy Gathering 1 Data
Hi all, Happy Wikipedia Day <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Wikipedia_Day>! The raw data from the post-it notes which John Cummings kindly got people to fill out is available at this google document: Volunteer Strategy Gathering 1 Data <https://docs.google.com/a/wikimedia.org.uk/spreadsheets/d/1MutXIjzqWf0GUgE7blv5oa2g5j-gu_cgi4jc_d2ipZY/edit#gid=343921556> I have coded these responses, principally through the use of colour and upload to commons, see the galleries on Volunteer Strategy Gathering/November 2014/Data <https://wikimedia.org.uk/wiki/Volunteer_Strategy_Gathering/November_2014/Data>. Coding is always somewhat subjective so if people want to adopt another approach, the raw data is available. I am working in preparation for the Volunteer Strategy Gathering 2 <https://wikimedia.org.uk/wiki/Volunteer_Strategy_Gathering/February_2015> about which more details will be available soon. However, I would encourage everyone to look at the ideas which are coming up and think how they would like to contribute to the shaping of the second gathering. Please contribute to the wiki or contact me by email, phone etc. all the best Fabian Tompsett, Volunteer Support Organiser, Wikimedia UK, Address: 56-64 Leonard St, Shoreditch, London EC2A 4LT Phone:020 7065 0990 *Mobile: *07840 455 746 Wikimedia UK is a Company Limited by Guarantee registered in England and Wales, Registered No. 6741827. Registered Charity No.1144513. Registered Office 4th Floor, Development House, 56-64 Leonard Street, London EC2A 4LT. United Kingdom. Wikimedia UK is the UK chapter of a global Wikimedia movement. The Wikimedia projects are run by the Wikimedia Foundation (who operate Wikipedia, amongst other projects). Visit http://www.wikimedia.org.uk/ and @wikimediauk ___ Wikimedia UK mailing list wikimediau...@wikimedia.org http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l WMUK: https://wikimedia.org.uk
[Wikimediauk-l] Wikimedia UK Survey
Hi all, A big thank you to all of you who have completed the Volunteer Survey. It is a big help, and the data generated will feed into our strategy discussion. There may be some of you who haven't received an e-mail about the survey, but there is still time if you can spare a few minutes, as the closing date will be Sunday 18th January. Just follow this link: Wikimedia UK Volunteer Survey <https://docs.google.com/a/wikimedia.org.uk/forms/d/1tRXG3YlJhDAlGoe0wYDY5daiQXxOYHWYk9Nugj4Ixg4/edit#> . The results will be made available in due course. all the best Fabian Tompsett, Volunteer Support Organiser, Wikimedia UK, Address: 56-64 Leonard St, Shoreditch, London EC2A 4LT Phone:020 7065 0990 *Mobile: *07840 455 746 Wikimedia UK is a Company Limited by Guarantee registered in England and Wales, Registered No. 6741827. Registered Charity No.1144513. Registered Office 4th Floor, Development House, 56-64 Leonard Street, London EC2A 4LT. United Kingdom. Wikimedia UK is the UK chapter of a global Wikimedia movement. The Wikimedia projects are run by the Wikimedia Foundation (who operate Wikipedia, amongst other projects). Visit http://www.wikimedia.org.uk/ and @wikimediauk ___ Wikimedia UK mailing list wikimediau...@wikimedia.org http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l WMUK: https://wikimedia.org.uk
[Wikimediauk-l] WLM awards ceremony and community Xmas party 2014
Hi all, We shall be having a Wiki Loves Monuments and community Xmas party 2014 in the basement at Development House on Thursday 18th December from 5pm to 8pm. Please bring a bottle to add to the festivities. It would be great to see you there. all the best Fabian Tompsett, Volunteer Support Organiser, Wikimedia UK, Address: 56-64 Leonard St, Shoreditch, London EC2A 4LT Phone:020 7065 0990 *Mobile: *07840 455 746 Wikimedia UK is a Company Limited by Guarantee registered in England and Wales, Registered No. 6741827. Registered Charity No.1144513. Registered Office 4th Floor, Development House, 56-64 Leonard Street, London EC2A 4LT. United Kingdom. Wikimedia UK is the UK chapter of a global Wikimedia movement. The Wikimedia projects are run by the Wikimedia Foundation (who operate Wikipedia, amongst other projects). Visit http://www.wikimedia.org.uk/ and @wikimediauk ___ Wikimedia UK mailing list wikimediau...@wikimedia.org http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l WMUK: https://wikimedia.org.uk
[Wikimediauk-l] FDC Recommendations/Volunteer Strategy Gathering, Saturday 29th November
Hi all, The Funds Dissemination Committee (FDC) has published its recommendations several days early https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Grants:APG/FDC_portal/FDC_recommendations/2014-2015_round1#Wikimedia_UK Whilst this means a reduction of funding for Wikimedia UK, having the information a week before our Volunteer Strategy Gathering is certainly helpful. Wikimedia UK is keen to ensure as many of our volunteers as possible participate in this gathering, and so is willing to cover reasonable volunteer travelling expenses and accommodation where appropriate. The gathering will be in Birmingham (see details here <https://wikimedia.org.uk/wiki/Volunteer_Strategy_Gathering/November_2014>), with a further gathering planned for the end of February. In light of Jon Davies' resignation and the initiation of a process to choose a new permanent CEO in the New Year, this gathering is likely to be of pivotal significance. With the publication of the FDC recommendations, the discussions will take place with the benefit of a better understanding of the financial environment in which WIkimedia Uk will find itself. all the best Fabian Tompsett, Volunteer Support Organiser, Wikimedia UK, Address: 56-64 Leonard St, Shoreditch, London EC2A 4LT Phone:020 7065 0990 *Mobile: *07840 455 746 ___ Wikimedia UK mailing list wikimediau...@wikimedia.org http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l WMUK: https://wikimedia.org.uk
[Wikimediauk-l] London Wiki Wednesdays Special events
Hi all, We are continuing to keep the Wikimedia UK office open until 8pm on Wednesday evenings, and now have some special events. See London Wiki Wednesdays <https://wikimedia.org.uk/wiki/London_Wiki_Wednesdays> The ones coming up shortly are: - October 29th Featured articles Wiki Wednesday <https://donate.wikimedia.org.uk/civicrm/event/info?id=152&reset=1> - <https://donate.wikimedia.org.uk/civicrm/event/info?id=152&reset=1>November 5th Wikidata Wiki Wednesday <https://donate.wikimedia.org.uk/civicrm/event/info?id=154&reset=1> Hope you can make it. We still have a couple of slots available for London Wiki Wednesdays this year, so if there's any aspect of being a Wikimedian you would like to discuss, do get in contact! all the best Fabian Tompsett, Volunteer Support Organiser, Wikimedia UK, Address: 56-64 Leonard St, Shoreditch, London EC2A 4LT Phone:020 7065 0990 *Mobile: *07840 455 746 ___ Wikimedia UK mailing list wikimediau...@wikimedia.org http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l WMUK: https://wikimedia.org.uk
[Wikimediauk-l] London Wiki Wednesdays
Hi all, London WikiWednesdays <https://wikimedia.org.uk/wiki/London_Wiki_Wednesdays> are being developed as way that Wikimedia UK can interact more with the Wikimedia community and our volunteers. This is a bit experiemntal, and so we have scheduled in teh wednesdays up until 17th December to see how it goes. Basically, it's about having a regular weekly opportunity to get together with low outlay of resources, by using our base at Development House on Wednesday evenings (6-8pm) We have tried this out a bit with volunteers recruited to work on Wikimania. We now want to engage a broader range of Wikimedians based in London. Most weeks it will be either in the office, or on occasions when we want to attract broader members of the public we will use the rooms in the basement. The aim is to be a bit more focused than the Monthly meet ups (with an option for socialising after 8pm) and we want volunteers to see it as an opportunity to get some of their own ideas taken forward. So please add any ideas you may have to the weeks which currently just say "General drop-in". e.g. if there is someone who has experience using snuggle <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Snuggle>, that would make a great topic. Whilst it is our aim to keep these sessions informal, it is useful to know whetehr to expect you, so please confirm if you intend to come. all the best Fabian Tompsett, Volunteer Support Organiser, Wikimedia UK, Address: 56-64 Leonard St, Shoreditch, London EC2A 4LT Phone:020 7065 0990 *Mobile: *07840 455 746 ___ Wikimedia UK mailing list wikimediau...@wikimedia.org http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l WMUK: https://wikimedia.org.uk
[Wikimediauk-l] Meetup Venues
I think we need to look at the sort of things we want out of a venue: - Not too noisy - Decent food/drink, but not too expensive - Spacious rather than cramped (particularly important for people with children) - Ideally, a children's play area attached - Near railway station for people out of town and with parking not to far away for those who still drive cars. Perhaps there are some other points that could be added.I am not sure about public Wifi asI am getting increasingly nervous about security issues as regards this. However, perhaps we can organise Wikimifis for the occasion. all the best all the best Fabian Tompsett, Volunteer Support Organiser, Wikimedia UK, Address: 56-64 Leonard St, Shoreditch, London EC2A 4LT Phone:020 7065 0990 ___ Wikimedia UK mailing list wikimediau...@wikimedia.org http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l WMUK: https://wikimedia.org.uk
[Wikimediauk-l] Wikidata Training, London Saturday 11 Oct
Hi all, Wikimedia UK will be running a one day workshop on Wikidata. This will be in the basement of Development House, London, the building where Wikimedia UK offices are located. If you are interested in coming please register here <https://donate.wikimedia.org.uk/civicrm/event/info?id=147&reset=1>. We are very lucky to have Magnus Manske lead the session and we are particularly keen to encourage our accredited trainers to attend as we plan to build the capacity to run more sessions up and down the country. Wikidata is an amazing innovation which promises to have an increasingly significant impact both on the way Wikipedia works as well as on the wider Open Data movement. This is a good opportunity to get a clearer understanding of how Wikidata works. all the best Fabian Tompsett, Volunteer Support Organiser, Wikimedia UK, Address: 56-64 Leonard St, Shoreditch, London EC2A 4LT Phone:020 7065 0990 ___ Wikimedia UK mailing list wikimediau...@wikimedia.org http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l WMUK: https://wikimedia.org.uk
[Wikimediauk-l] Wikimania UK Scholarships
Hi all, Just a reminder that the deadline for Wikimedia UK Scholarships to Wikimania 2014 is rapidly approaching: Deadline: Sunday 15th June. If you are interested, you can find the application form here <https://docs.google.com/a/wikimedia.org.uk/forms/d/1Ch3SXSW2YLuICmiOouxQ7hhtbCRH36CjTNjyFZPfSbs/viewform> . Looking forward to seeing you at Wikimania! all the best Fabian Tompsett, Wikimania Support Team, Wikimedia UK, Address: 56-64 Leonard St, Shoreditch, London EC2A 4LT Phone:020 7065 0991 Mobile: 07548 103787 ___ Wikimedia UK mailing list wikimediau...@wikimedia.org http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l WMUK: https://wikimedia.org.uk
[Wikimediauk-l] A chance to visit the Barbican pre Wikimania, 8 June
Hi all, In order to start getting a feel for Wikimania 2014 <http://wikimania2014.wikimedia.org/wiki/Main_Page>, we shall be having an informal visit to the Barbican Centre <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/en:Barbican_Centre> on Sunday 8th June. If you fancy coming along, please add your name here <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Meetup/London/82#Are_you_coming_on_this_walk.3F> . We will be joining the London Meetup <https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Meetup/London/82> in Penderel's Oak later. all the best Fabian Tompsett, Wikimania Support Team, Wikimedia UK, Address: 56-64 Leonard St, Shoreditch, London EC2A 4LT Phone:020 7065 0991 Mobile: 07548 103787 ___ Wikimedia UK mailing list wikimediau...@wikimedia.org http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l WMUK: https://wikimedia.org.uk
[Wikimediauk-l] Lessons fromGhana
Hi all, Yes thanks to Rupert for posting this. And thanks to Fae for stepping in and involving the WMGH folks. And of course thanks to the WMGH folks for mobilising so effectively despite all the confusion. I think Felix hit the nail on the head when he said: "Although I personally think it was successful, I generally reason that an event like this should be directed through the local Wikimedia community. This helps create our identity and reliefs doubts about what we do here. We must be the noticed as the frontiers for Wikimedia; this will enable people to learn that we are their link to Wikimedia here in Ghana and no need to look else where." If WMUK has learnt that lesson, then that will be a big step forward. all the best Fabian User:Leutha > Date: Fri, 4 Apr 2014 17:48:40 +0100 > From: Chris Keating > To: UK Wikimedia mailing list > Subject: Re: [Wikimediauk-l] Fwd: [Wikimedia-GH] Report on "Talking > Wikipedia in Ghana" > Message-ID: > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > Thanks for forwarding, Rupert! > > Good to hear the event worked well and glad to hear from Jon that we're > exploring future collaboration with the Ghanaian Wikimedia community. > > Chris > On 4 Apr 2014 14:00, "rupert THURNER" wrote: > >> Fyi >> -- Weitergeleitete Nachricht -- >> Von: "Felix Nartey" >> Datum: 04.04.2014 14:02 >> Betreff: [Wikimedia-GH] Report on "Talking Wikipedia in Ghana" >> An: "Planning Wikimedia Ghana Chapter" >> >> >> Greetings all >> >> Last Saturday, Enock Nyamador, Raphael Berkye, Michael Mettle, Timothy >> Quarshie and I attended the Talk Wikipedia in Ghana event held by Kwaku, >> a >> Ghanaian but UK based Wikimedian. >> >> The event was one that I would say, was necessary and beneficial to all >> that were present. Basic thoughts about Wikipedia and how we can >> contribute >> locally were also touched on. Our presence was immediately known because >> of >> appearance in the T-shirts. Reverence was given to the PWMGH community. >> He >> intermittently sought our views on questions been asked and gave us the >> opportunity to pitch what the community here in Ghana does. We were also >> given the platform to have A hands on edit, where we took the entire >> audience through basic editing. >> >> Although I personally think it was successful, I generally reason that >> an >> event like this should be directed through the local Wikimedia >> community. >> This helps create our identity and reliefs doubts about what we do here. >> We >> must be the noticed as the frontiers for Wikimedia; this will enable >> people >> to learn that we are their link to Wikimedia here in Ghana and no need >> to >> look else where. >> >> We were able to recruit as usual, given the opportunity to meet with the >> folks at the open source community in Ghana and a few goodies grabBED >> for >> the community's use, which means more goodies for you!! >> Best >> -- >> >> >> >> *Felix Nartey | DSE CAL Bank Ltd. | Co-manager GBG TEMA >> <https://plus.google.com/u/0/106882654487622047846/posts> **| Wikimedian >> | About me <http://about.me/felix.nartey> | +233 263 564043 >> <%2B233%20263%20564043> **| **Check out!! <http://goo.gl/4oHJeQ>* >> >> >> >> >> ___ Wikimedia UK mailing list wikimediau...@wikimedia.org http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l WMUK: https://wikimedia.org.uk
Re: [Wikimediauk-l] Fwd: Invite - Recognising Value and the Sharing
Hi all, I think I would have agreed with Fae, were it not for the fact that there is no charge to attend this event. In fact I have contacted Stevie as regards attending on behalf of WMUK (even though I doubt I have the sort of charisma that Ed has suggested would be useful). As I now have an over 60s free travel card, there are no implications as regards travel costs. So bearing in mind the zero impact on the Charities finances, I hope no one regards my attendance as problematic? all the best Fabian User:Leutha > Message: 1 > Date: Tue, 18 Mar 2014 12:05:34 + > From: Fæ > To: UK Wikimedia mailing list > Subject: Re: [Wikimediauk-l] Fwd: Invite - Recognising Value and the > Sharing Economy > Message-ID: > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 > > On 18/03/2014, Stevie Benton wrote: >> Hello folks. >> >> If anyone is interested in the sharing economy, and would like to attend >> this event, please let me know. We can try and arrange something. >> >> Thank you, >> >> Stevie > > I am unsure as to why Wikimedia UK would want to promote a > collaborative commerce conversation (as the LLDC and Echo describe the > event), rather than ensuring our members and volunteers take part in > open knowledge conferences and events. This appears to be a > business/charity networking social of the 'big society' format. Lots > of people are interested in the issues of the sharing economy (I am an > active support of freecycling); but this seems a long way from > Wikimedia projects, if the intention was to pay expenses for someone > to attend and write a blog post about it. > > If anyone has spare time we have a lot of past GLAM (and University) > contacts from editathons that could do with practical follow up, or > support finishing creating articles and making use of media uploads. > The issue for the backlog of properly completing past projects is > attracting active and productive volunteers (globally), which seems a > pressing issue compared to the benefits to the charity of creating a > bigger list of potential commercial, political and NFP partner > organizations. > > Fae > -- > fae...@gmail.com https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Fae ___ Wikimedia UK mailing list wikimediau...@wikimedia.org http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l WMUK: https://wikimedia.org.uk
Re: [Wikimediauk-l] Allegation of thefts at London wikimeets
Hi all, Firstly I would note that the item on Jimmy's talk page is from an account with a one-off edit, that its language is inuendo and gossip with potentially a significantly bad impact on the person being fingered. I think this is trolling. However, the term "Wiki-related events" could refer to the London Wiki meetups, or events organised by Wikimedia UK. Also, there is a specific allegation that WMUK procedures are so lax that there are no adequate records concerning WMUK equipment. The vague nature of the slur offers a number of interpretations, including that the allegedly missing property belongs to WMUK, and that WMUK is implicated in not taking appropriate action. Mike Peel's comment that "Apparently WMUK's not missing any equipment..." is useful, but I feel WMUK needs to issue official confirmation, specifically addressing: a) Whether any WMUK property has gone missing b) Whether any complaint about missing property has arisen from any WMUK organised event c) If either the above situations have arisen, how it is being handled d) Clarifying that the London Meetups are a community-organised event held in a public place at which participants are encouraged to exercise the same level of care for their personal belongings as they would in any other public venue. I feel we need to nip this in the bud. all the best Fabian User:Leutha > Date: Thu, 13 Mar 2014 20:08:07 + > From: Richard Symonds > To: UK Wikimedia mailing list > Subject: Re: [Wikimediauk-l] Allegation of thefts at London wikimeets > Message-ID: > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > This is the first I've heard of it - but it is indeed something that > should > be reported directly to the police. If true then it may well be a theft. > > If anyone has any more information about this, then please contact the > police as a priority (dial 101). > > Otherwise, I think we should keep discussion on this list relatively > general, as talking about a specific unsolved incident with other people > in > a public forum makes it much more difficult for the police to get best > evidence, because it taints the evidence of others. > > Richard Symonds > Wikimedia UK > 0207 065 0992 > > Wikimedia UK is a Company Limited by Guarantee registered in England and > Wales, Registered No. 6741827. Registered Charity No.1144513. Registered > Office 4th Floor, Development House, 56-64 Leonard Street, London EC2A > 4LT. > United Kingdom. Wikimedia UK is the UK chapter of a global Wikimedia > movement. The Wikimedia projects are run by the Wikimedia Foundation (who > operate Wikipedia, amongst other projects). > > *Wikimedia UK is an independent non-profit charity with no legal control > over Wikipedia nor responsibility for its contents.* ___ Wikimedia UK mailing list wikimediau...@wikimedia.org http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l WMUK: https://wikimedia.org.uk
Re: [Wikimediauk-l] Wikimediauk-l Digest, Vol 101, Issue 17
Hi, I think this is very interesting. Based in Tower Hamlets we have in mind the effects of the air raids here: http://www.ideastore.co.uk/local-history-online-exhibitions-upper-north-street-school-air-raid-june-1917 Not so much on Wikipedia yet. See: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/German_strategic_bombing_during_World_War_I I looked at the historical material about the bombing of Poplar some time ago, it is clear there were quite divergent views about it locally, re the deaths of our children locally: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Poplar_Memorial.jpg Certainly the views of Sylvia Pankhurst were quite distinct from that of the local bishop, but this was a bit later in the war. Perhaps you could share an outline of the project here (or perhaps it would work better on wiki) as regards what is envisaged and how it can link with other WWI experiences such as: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raid_on_Yarmouth https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bombardment_of_Yarmouth_and_Lowestoft and also in the context of: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U.S._occupation_of_Veracruz_(1914) I think if we are to live up to the conception of a NPOV we need to ensure that any accessing of local material is put in the broader context of the entire global context of the First World War. I think this is a great opportunity to develop international links and to create opportunities to examine differing experiences in different contexts. all the best Fabian User:Leutha > Date: Wed, 18 Dec 2013 13:36:44 + > From: Toni Sant > To: UK Wikimedia mailing list > Subject: Re: [Wikimediauk-l] WWI Memorabilia Roadshow > Message-ID: > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > On the subject of WWI (but off the original topic, sorry): is anyone on > this list interested in working with a small group of undergraduate > students at the University of Hull's Scarborough Campus on a small > wikimedia-related project we're planning to do around the Scarborough > Bombardment, along the Scarborough Maritime Heritage Centre? > > I recently mentioned this to Harry Mitchell and I'll be following up with > him on it as soon as the seasonal merriment is over, but I'm keen to see > whether anyone else would want to join us; particularly anyone who could > easily attend a Scarborough event sometime in springtime. > > Cheers, > > Toni ___ Wikimedia UK mailing list wikimediau...@wikimedia.org http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l WMUK: http://uk.wikimedia.org
[Wikimediauk-l] £20 or $2M
The issue which was raised was the reputation of the charity, not the cost of the vouchers. Bear in mind that WMF received £2M from Google in 2010 which falls within the period covered by the Public Accounts Committee report on Google published this summer: http://www.parliament.uk/business/committees/committees-a-z/commons-select/public-accounts-committee/news/tax-avoidance-google/ The companys highly contrived tax arrangement has no purpose other than to enable the company to avoid UK corporation tax. Googles reputation has been damaged by these revelations of aggressive tax avoidance. That damage will not be repaired until the company arranges to pay its fair share of tax in the country where it earns the profits from the business it conducts." So, the Wikimedia movement in general, through this donation to the WMF can be seen as benefiting from Tax Avoidance. Whilst I do not think WMUK's reputation is necessarily damaged by this historic situation, I do feel that it would be helpful if staff, trustees and members all had a certain sensitivity to this issue, as this still remains a matter for public concern. all the best Fabian User:Leutha > Date: Sun, 1 Dec 2013 03:01:07 + > From: Michael Maggs > To: UK Wikimedia mailing list > Subject: Re: [Wikimediauk-l] Amazon Tax avoidance > Message-ID: > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 > > > On 30 Nov 2013, at 22:01, Charles Matthews > wrote: >> >> Actually, I despair of the entire thread. There is all of £20 at stake >> here. There is every reason to economise on staff time, on this scale. >> The waste of volunteer time and good will that has been generated is >> unconscionable. The object of the exercise has been completely >> forgotten. The objects of the charity hardly enter. >> >> Charles > > Absolutely. After 43 emails all we have learned that the mailing list is > not a remotely efficient way of deciding how the charity should spend > £20. The staff have plenty to go on, and they should be perfectly able > to move ahead now without need for any further commentary. > > I suggest that this thread should be treated as closed. Thank you for your > comments everybody. > > Michael > > > -- > > ___ > Wikimediauk-l mailing list > Wikimediauk-l@lists.wikimedia.org > https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l > > > End of Wikimediauk-l Digest, Vol 101, Issue 1 > * > ___ Wikimedia UK mailing list wikimediau...@wikimedia.org http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l WMUK: http://uk.wikimedia.org
Re: [Wikimediauk-l] Amazon Tax avoidance
Hi all, As Jonathan suggested some time ago, in the publicity we can offer a gift voucher of a given value, and allow the recipient to chose what is easiest for them. This has also been repeated once or twice. I am surprised that we can't reach consensus around this. That way WMUK is not taking a public stance as regards any business, and our private views on this or that company can be discussed elsewhere. Likewise, there would be no need to publicise how any recipient may choose to receive their prize. I would hope people would see this as a suitable solution. all the best Fabian User:Leutha ___ Wikimedia UK mailing list wikimediau...@wikimedia.org http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l WMUK: http://uk.wikimedia.org
[Wikimediauk-l] Amazon Tax avoidance
Hi all, > Can I go ahead and announce that WMUK will provide a Kobo and two Amazon > vouchers? (About £70 worth of prizes in total.) Has the Amazon Tax avoidance been sorted Out? http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-20560359 I am not sure that WMUK would want to be seen endorsing Amazon if this is not the case? all the best Fabian User:Leutha ___ Wikimedia UK mailing list wikimediau...@wikimedia.org http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l WMUK: http://uk.wikimedia.org
Re: [Wikimediauk-l] Wikimediauk-l Digest, Vol 100, Issue 11
Thank You Adam for doing this. Yes indeed, it was Tudor School Boy Life As I said I gave up, and indeed I haven't visited WS since, which is why I neither took it to the help forum, and haven't as yet replied to your question. Perhaps this is an unfortunate attitude on my part, but perhaps I am not the only person to respond in this way when feeling frustrated. Anyway, I'll have another crack at it. all the best Fabian User:Leutha > Date: Sat, 9 Nov 2013 18:02:27 + > From: Adam Morgan > To: wikimediauk-l@lists.wikimedia.org > Subject: Re: [Wikimediauk-l] Fwd: [Wikimedia-l] Preparing a > proofreading > contest for Wikisource's 10th aniversary > Message-ID: > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > On 9 November 2013 02:33:52, fabian wrote: > >> Yes I tried this . . . once. I create the DjVU file and got it onto >> commons but then when I tried to get it on Wikisource, I discovered >> there >> were forbidden characters in the file name which I had not been warned >> about before. After a bit more mucking about I gave up. All a bit >> frustrating really. > > > I've never heard of forbidden characters before, beyond the usual for all > computers. You never did reply to my question, nor take this to the help > forum. > > Assuming you mean "File:Tudorschoolboyl01vivegoog.djvu" (as another user > suggested), I could not reproduce your error. However, while I was > examining it, I took the time to clean it up, replace it with a better > copy > (I try to avoid Google scans, they are frequently extremely poor quality) > and had it renamed, per Commons policy, to "File:Tudor School-boy Life > (1908) by Juan Luis Vives.djvu". (NB: The translator counts for copyright > purposes, so I changed the licence too.) > > There is still a small problem, Proofread Page isn't automatically > recognising it as a DjVu file, but that can be fixed manually. > > If you still want to try, click the wikisource logo on the Commons page, > create and save. (Manual fixes that would be useful: add the > tag to the Pages section; change Scans to "djvu"; and change Progress to > "To be proofread". I have no idea why it isn't doing this automatically at > the moment.) ___ Wikimedia UK mailing list wikimediau...@wikimedia.org http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l WMUK: http://uk.wikimedia.org
[Wikimediauk-l] Fwd: [Wikimedia-l] Preparing a proofreading > contest for Wikisource's 10th aniversary
> Date: Fri, 8 Nov 2013 23:41:14 + > From: Adam Morgan > To: wikimediauk-l@lists.wikimedia.org > Subject: [Wikimediauk-l] Fwd: [Wikimedia-l] Preparing a proofreading > contest for Wikisource's 10th aniversary > Message-ID: > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > (...) > Most users would never need to actually create a DjVu themselves. I've > tried scanning from scratch and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone who > wasn't already committed to the project. Nothing Wikisource or Wikimedia > can do is likely to change that, however. Yes I tried this . . . once. I create the DjVU file and got it onto commons but then when I tried to get it on Wikisource, I discovered there were forbidden characters in the file name which I had not been warned about before. After a bit more mucking about I gave up. All a bit frustrating really. all the best Fabian User:Leutha ___ Wikimedia UK mailing list wikimediau...@wikimedia.org http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l WMUK: http://uk.wikimedia.org
Re: [Wikimediauk-l] Membership recruitment
> I basically agree with Katherine, Gordo I'm not sure what benefits you > think members should get? Why are you a member? (...) > How does that square with the fact other wikimedia chapter memberships > don't really seem to get specific benefits and privileges? Would it be > consistent with what the movement and our chapter in it are trying to > achieve? > I think the answer is 'probably not'. It's not up to me to decide, but I > don't think we can afford to keep getting stuck/vague on this point. It > will harm recruitment. There are several points I would like to make: * As a movement, there is no unified will with single set of goals but a diverse range of people with differing priorities. Wikipedia (and the sister projects) constitutes the manifestation of the aggregation of the diversity of "what we are trying to achieve". * As long as there are enough people to maintain WMUK, why do we need to worry about recruitment? And if there are not enough people, then perhaps there is no need for WMUK? I find it somewhat disappointing that discussions on this list have headed in this direction, instead of focussing on what we think we be good to help develop the family of Wikimedia sites. I was rather hoping the role of the fundraiser would be to look at developing projects to achieve such goals, rather than focusing on WMUK as a self-perpetuating entity. I am really keen that we have a small membership cost (£5 is good) and that this simply empowers the member to vote at AGMs etc. Adding other features is likely to have a financial impact leading some to call for a rise in the membership fee to cover services which not everyone may feel are useful or even suitable. all the best Fabian User:Leutha ___ Wikimedia UK mailing list wikimediau...@wikimedia.org http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l WMUK: http://uk.wikimedia.org
Re: [Wikimediauk-l] If you are interested in the google grants results.
Hi all, I think we need a different approach if we are to put in bids for substantial amounts of money. It is probably best not to simply follow funders objectives, but rather to focus on a goal around which we have already gained consensus, something which would make a real difference and then start seeking out relevant funders. Too often in the past have been involved with groups who have gone into a flurry of activity to come up with a project which fits some funding criteria, when there is not enough time to work up a realistic proposal. Then everything grinds to a halt, until another perceived opportunity arises when a new cycle of frantic activity is initiated, usually with the same result: nothing. I would suggest that if people are serious about going for a substantial slice of funding, then they work up the idea and then see if the concensus of the community is ready to back them. At that stage, it will then be a matter of finding funders interested in the project. all the best fabian (User:Leutha) > Date: Thu, 23 May 2013 10:27:59 +0100 > From: Jon Davies > To: UK Wikimedia mailing list > Subject: Re: [Wikimediauk-l] If you are interested in the google > grants results. > Message-ID: > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="windows-1252" > > We didn't apply this time but thanks for the offer. We probably need to be > more nimble next time. > > On 23 May 2013 10:23, Andy Mabbett wrote: > >> I hadn't heard that we were applying, but I've made a successful >> application in the past, so happy to assist with future bids. >> On May 23, 2013 8:54 AM, "Jon Davies" >> wrote: >> >>> (Certainly something we should consider f they do it again JD) >>> >>> >>> We were blown away by the thoughtfulness and innovation in the hundreds >>> of fantastic submissions we received. We unfortunately had to make some >>> tough decisions in narrowing down the pool and wanted to let you know >>> that >>> the project submitted by your organisation was not selected as a one of >>> the >>> 10 finalists. We want to sincerely thank you for the time, thought and >>> energy you put into your application. >>> >>> >>> >>> While we canât include all projects in the next phase of the Global >>> Impact Challenge, we do want to share information about various >>> resources >>> available to UK non-profits: >>> >>> >>> >>> · *Google Grants* empowers non-profit organisations, through >>> $10,000 per month in in-kind AdWords⢠advertising, to promote their >>> missions and initiatives on Google.co.uk. Get started at >>> http://www.google.co.uk/grants/. >>> >>> · *YouTube for Non-profits* helps you tell your >>> organisationâs >>> story through videos. Benefits include donation buttons that allow >>> viewers >>> to contribute to your cause online right from YouTube videos, >>> Call-to-action overlays that let viewers click to visit your website or >>> learn more, live streaming video footage right onto your YouTube >>> channel, >>> and much more. Get started at >>> https://www.youtube.com/nonprofits?info_mode=worldwide. >>> >>> · *Google Earth Outreach* supports non-profit organizations >>> with >>> software grants for Enterprise versions of our mapping products. >>> Eligible >>> non-profits can apply for a grant of Google Earth Pro, Google Maps >>> Engine, >>> Google Maps API for Business and Google Maps Coordinate. Get started >>> here: >>> http://www.google.co.uk/earth/outreach/grants/software/index.html >>> >>> >>> >>> Also learn more about how video, social media and other online tools >>> can >>> help you do more on a limited budget by checking out the Grow Your >>> Charity Online <http://www.growyourcharityonline.com/uk> resource from >>> Google, Media Trust and Charity Technology Trust. >>> >>> >>> >>> We hope you find the above resources helpful for your organisation - >>> and, >>> once again, thank you for your application to the Global Impact >>> Challenge >>> in the UK. >>> >>> >>> >>> Sincerely, >>> >>> >>> >>> The Global Impact Challenge Team >>> >>> [image: RVC Logo - link to RVC Website] <http://www.rvc.ac.uk> >>> [image: >>> Twitter icon - li
[Wikimediauk-l] FW:
http://reallume.com.br/abreu/nfzscu.php ___ Wikimedia UK mailing list wikimediau...@wikimedia.org http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l WMUK: http://uk.wikimedia.org
[Wikimediauk-l] WMUK Volunteers + WIkimania 2014
I feel we have a very real need for the phrase WMUK volunteer. Firstly, as i have mentioned before, I am not sure that the term "volunteer" is the best generic term for WM editors - I feel amateur bet captures the relationship, although indeed often people volunteer for specific tasks. With WMUK Volunteers I think we can be quite clear about what this means: people who offer to do tasks within the framework of a WMUk programme with out pay. Please check: https://uk.wikimedia.org/wiki/Training_the_Trainers/Agreement_for_trainers which says: "Wikimedia UK will ensure that their trainers are adequately covered for public liability insurance when training, facilitating or attending meetings on behalf of Wikimedia UK." This is quite different from being a WM editor where a person is completely self-directed, not structured in a programme and not protected by insurance - i.e an amateur. That is why I think using different words is useful: to convey different meanings. My own view on Wikimania 2014 is that it should be set up as a separate company, with WMUK as a corporate member on the board. Thought needs to go into what is the best form for it: e.g. Community Interest Company might be the most appropriate. This relates to how it is going to be funded. Having a separate company means that if anything goes wrong, it doesn't take WMUK down with it, nor does it uncontrollably swallow up all WMUK's attention. all the best Fabian (User:Leutha) > Date: Tue, 19 Mar 2013 08:26:56 + > From: Charles Matthews > To: UK Wikimedia mailing list > Subject: Re: [Wikimediauk-l] Wikimania 2014 in London. > Message-ID: > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1 > > On 18 March 2013 23:16, Thomas Dalton wrote: >> On 18 March 2013 23:10, Katie Chan wrote: >>> In this case, the bid isn't being submitted by volunteers and members >>> of >>> Wikimedia UK as part of Wikimedia UK. >> >> The bid is funded by WMUK, the bid team are operating out of the WMUK >> office and the intention is for everything to be booked and paid for >> in the name of WMUK. Explain to me how this isn't a WMUK bid... > > I am unfamiliar with the concept of a "WMUK volunteer". Wikimedian > volunteers who happen to be in the UK may have no connection at all to > WMUK, and throwing the phrase around is unhelpful. > > Charles ___ Wikimedia UK mailing list wikimediau...@wikimedia.org http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l WMUK: http://uk.wikimedia.org
Re: [Wikimediauk-l] Governance review
Hi all, Er . . . actually it went right. I think Jon has made it clear that despite appearances it wasn't simple. Any problems arose from people's expectations that it would be simple. Tom, you have correctly, in my view, raised the problem having an over-ambitious activity plan. I would have hoped that you realised that many issues become more complex in practice and accept this as a case in point all the best Fabian > Message: 5 > Date: Mon, 11 Feb 2013 15:38:04 + > From: Thomas Dalton > To: UK Wikimedia mailing list > Subject: Re: [Wikimediauk-l] Governance review > Message-ID: > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > > On Feb 11, 2013 3:25 PM, "Jon Davies" wrote: >> >> It is so easy to think this was simple and why did it take so long. It > just did. From October 1st 2011, through two legal drafts, the involvement > of staff and trustees over two continents, countless meetings, phone calls > and emails, it all took time. >> >> Let's be happy we got there and toast the success. But please let's move > on and make QRpedia work. > > You're the chief executive, it's your job to review what has happened, > work > out why it went wrong and work out how to do things better in future. "It > just did" is totally unacceptable. > -- next part -- > An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > URL: > <http://lists.wikimedia.org/pipermail/wikimediauk-l/attachments/20130211/0ddabf3b/attachment.html> > > -- > > ___ > Wikimediauk-l mailing list > Wikimediauk-l@lists.wikimedia.org > https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l > > > End of Wikimediauk-l Digest, Vol 91, Issue 37 > * > ___ Wikimedia UK mailing list wikimediau...@wikimedia.org http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l WMUK: http://uk.wikimedia.org
[Wikimediauk-l] Never the Twain shall be misquoted
Hi all, Good news indeed! Perhaps we should appreciate that the negotiations needed to be a bit longer in order to produce such a short statement. "I would have written a shorter letter, but I did not have the time." This has often been attributed to Mark Twain, but not on Wikisource. There it is attributed to Blaise Pascal. http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Blaise_Pascal My little internet search revealed no proper references to Twain, rather some casting doubt that he ever used it. I feel we would do better to thank the board for taking the time and trouble of getting such a short and direct summary of the result. all the best Fabian (User:Leutha) > Date: Sat, 9 Feb 2013 18:19:28 + > From: Thomas Dalton > To: UK Wikimedia mailing list > Subject: Re: [Wikimediauk-l] QRpedia > Message-ID: > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > > On Feb 9, 2013 6:02 PM, "David Gerard" wrote: >> >> On 9 February 2013 17:41, Thomas Dalton wrote: >> >> > This is great news. Well the fuller announcement include an >> explanation > of >> > why this took so long? It sounds like a very straightforward > agreement... >> >> >> You were on the board and don't remember the speed of charities? > > Do you realise just how long this has taken? > -- next part -- > An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > URL: > <http://lists.wikimedia.org/pipermail/wikimediauk-l/attachments/20130209/9f4391cf/attachment.html> > > -- > > ___ > Wikimediauk-l mailing list > Wikimediauk-l@lists.wikimedia.org > https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l > > > End of Wikimediauk-l Digest, Vol 91, Issue 28 > * > ___ Wikimedia UK mailing list wikimediau...@wikimedia.org http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l WMUK: http://uk.wikimedia.org
Re: [Wikimediauk-l] Wikimediauk-l Digest, Vol 91, Issue 18
Hi all, I think it is perhaps part of their rhetorical stance that the WMF is happy to be seen as "withdrawing support" from a new organisation which did not require their support. The WMF may well be happy with its role as a central organisation with power radiating out to the chapters it recognises, and clearly an effective WCA would constitute a rival structure which would create a more federative power structure running parallel to their own, and also parallel to the more distributed networks which exist within the Wikimediasphere. Andrew's question has another aspect: has the WMF's action damaged the Foundation's relation with the chapter? Indeed, we can expect a range of opinions, but the underlying question is do we wish to rely on a centralised network of power based on the WMF, or would we prefer this to be tempered by a federated power linking the chapters in an essentially bi-cameral structure. I think this has serious consequences for the Wikimedia community, even if these may not come to a head for some time. In this context, I am disappointed that the WMF seem to have acted by fiat, and I do not think we should respond with undue deference to them. As the Chapters function within different judicial zones in a context of the globalisation of the knowledge economy, and their organisation runs in a parallel but quite distinct to the organisation of the Wikimedia projects themselves - which are based on language rather than geography, I feel there is a lot to consider. In light of this, I see the decision of the WCA to move forward and develop its own infra-structure as something which can only be beneficial. all the best Fabian (User:Leutha) > -- > > Message: 1 > Date: Wed, 6 Feb 2013 23:08:44 + > From: Andrew Turvey > To: UK Wikimedia mailing list > Subject: Re: [Wikimediauk-l] WMF withdraws support from WCA > Message-ID: > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > > That's an interesting way of putting it! However, now that the WMF has > come > out against, is there any way that the WCA can fulfill its stated aims? > Furthermore, if WMUK continues to support the WCA, will this damage the > chapter's relationship with the Foundation? > On Feb 6, 2013 9:12 PM, "Thomas Dalton" wrote: > >> On 6 February 2013 21:07, Andrew Turvey >> wrote: >> > I see the Foundation has withdrawn their support for the Wikimedia >> Chapters >> > Association, the cross-chapters partnership that WMUK backed. >> >> To be honest, it never really offered any support in the first >> place... they said they liked the idea, but that's as far as it got. >> They haven't withdrawn their support, they've said they aren't going >> to be giving any support - subtly different! >> >> ___ >> Wikimedia UK mailing list >> wikimediau...@wikimedia.org >> http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l >> WMUK: http://uk.wikimedia.org >> > -- next part -- > An HTML attachment was scrubbed... > URL: > <http://lists.wikimedia.org/pipermail/wikimediauk-l/attachments/20130206/84fca52c/attachment-0001.html> > > -- ___ Wikimedia UK mailing list wikimediau...@wikimedia.org http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l WMUK: http://uk.wikimedia.org
Re: [Wikimediauk-l] Governance review (Thomas Dalton)
Hi Tom, I think it is more a matter of what standards "we" (as the membership) should expect from a) the board and b) WMUK the firm (which is undoubtedly what it is). I value you your contributions because you are always pushing "us" (the membership, the board and the staff, i.e. the firm as a whole) to raise our standards. Often what you propose is quite practicable, if it wasn't for the other activities the organisation is doing. It is Jon's job to organise those priorities. You may disagree with how he goes about that, as no doubt we all shall from time to time. However, I am not sure how helpful it is to question his good faith, short of supplying pretty clear evidence to support what your saying. You have drawn certain conclusions from previous experience, but I do not think that is anyway indicative of any lack of good faith. From my own experience of dealing with the office - and indeed as reflected on the list - one problem seems to be we have all been over-ambitious about what we want to achieve. This has lead to the office becoming very hectic, with a certain amount of over work. With current plans to recruit more staff, this should lead a situation when WMUK (the firm) can more closely realise the sort of standards which you advocate. Please don't hold back from raising these issues and advocating more exacting standards - just be a bit more understanding if they are not always met. all the best Fabian (User:Leutha) > Message: 5 > Date: Wed, 6 Feb 2013 09:30:17 + > From: Thomas Dalton > To: UK Wikimedia mailing list > Subject: Re: [Wikimediauk-l] Governance review > Message-ID: > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset="utf-8" > > I don't want background. I want you to publish the report now. You don't > need any more response than "we're looking at it and are beginning > discussions with the community, we'll have a fuller response in a few > weeks". You could have written that months ago. > > Last time you used the "we need to prepare a response" excuse to delay > publishing something you ended up publishing it without any response > anyway and nothing bad happened, so your good faith is very much in doubt. > On Feb 6, 2013 9:16 AM, "Jon Davies" wrote: > >> Tom, It might be sensible to check with us directly before posting. We * >> have* been preparing but need to get a lot of consensus even for a >> 'short >> response'. I think your email was unfair to Chris and a little rude. >> Please assume good faith. >> >> Phone me if you want more background. >> >> Jon >> >> On 6 February 2013 00:58, Thomas Dalton wrote: >> >>> It doesn't take two working days to prepare a short response saying >>> that >>> the charity is now reviewing the report. In fact, that could have been >>> prepared in advance, since it is the same regardless of the contents. >>> It is >>> extremely premature to be commenting on the contents to the press >>> before >>> we've had any discussion about it. >>> >>> Publish the report now. You've had plenty of time. You're supposed to >>> be >>> running an organisation that prides itself on being transparent. >>> On Jan 31, 2013 11:15 AM, "Chris Keating" >>> wrote: >>> >>>> >>>> > 31 January 2013 (target), 15 February 2013 (deadline) - Final report >>>>> > - this is expected by the end of this week and will be published >>>>> promptly >>>>> > (not necessarily immediately) when we get it. >>>>> >>>>> Why won't you publish it immeadiately? >>>>> >>>>> >>>> So that we have a chance to prepare responses for any media inquiries >>>> that might result from it. As I say, we will be prompt about it, and I >>>> also >>>> want to make sure there is a chance for the community to review the >>>> findings before our board meeting on the 9th. Someone from Compass >>>> Partnership will be attending that meeting, so if there are any >>>> questions >>>> or clarifications from the community, we can ask them then. >>>> >>>> Hope this make sense, >>>> >>>> Chris >>>> >>>> ___ >>>> Wikimedia UK mailing list >>>> wikimediau...@wikimedia.org >>>> http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l >>>> WMUK: http://uk.wikimedia.org >>>> >>>> >>>
[Wikimediauk-l] Apologies for linked in request
Hi all, Apologies for sending the linked in request. I did not realise that it had gone through my whole list of e-mail addresses and would send out e-mails everywhere. all the best Fabian (user:Leutha) ___ Wikimedia UK mailing list wikimediau...@wikimedia.org http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l WMUK: http://uk.wikimedia.org
[Wikimediauk-l] Stay in touch with me through LinkedIn
LinkedIn I'd like to include you in my network to share updates and stay in touch. - Fabian Fabian Tompsett Community editor at Wikipedia London, United Kingdom Confirm that you know Fabian Tompsett: https://www.linkedin.com/e/4l4thv-hbfgwz4f-6y/isd/10242563705/E08VXyXn/?hs=false&tok=3K1hZ1BWvS7BA1 -- You are receiving Invitation to Connect emails. Click to unsubscribe: http://www.linkedin.com/e/4l4thv-hbfgwz4f-6y/qsrAHQPw1pjhct92qD60tlMfCh0hXHNEqKFefSImRD/goo/wikimediauk-l%40wikimedia%2Eorg/20061/I3407233111_1/?hs=false&tok=2xjt__FmTS7BA1 (c) 2012 LinkedIn Corporation. 2029 Stierlin Ct, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA. ___ Wikimedia UK mailing list wikimediau...@wikimedia.org http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l WMUK: http://uk.wikimedia.org
[Wikimediauk-l] Two customers!
Hi all, I do not think it is particularly useful to look at these issues of customers and employees with all the vexatious legal hoo-haa that that involves. Wikipedia works as a community gathered around a social goal. A "reader" is an editor who has not made their first edit, a window shopper, a "Man Friday" who has yet to leave a foot print in the sand. A "subject" is a living person. We need suitable processes for ensuring that all biographies of living people are handled appropriately. Companies are legal fictions, and although we do not cover them quite as well as filmic and televisual fictions, this may be because wikipedians find them less interesting. If people find them such dull topics that no-one cares to prioritise updating their information, it is no good PR companies moaning. They should wake up to the fact that one of the reasons no-one does their role gratis is that it is completely thankless. Perhaps they should also remind themselves that Wikipedia became the sixth most popular website on the planet without their help. Then they should cut themselves some slack and edit some pages connected to one of their hobbies. Then they might learn to be less obsessive . . . or perhaps more obsessive, but about something more interesting. all the best User:Leutha -- Message: 6 Date: Thu, 15 Nov 2012 14:10:22 + From: Thomas Morton To: UK Wikimedia mailing list Subject: Re: [Wikimediauk-l] PR industry blames 'cumbersome' Wikipedia (Andreas Kolbe) Message-ID: Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" We have two customers, and one "employee" role, I think. And it should go something like (in order of importance): Reader (Customer) Subject (Customer) Editor (Employee) Or in other words; because the PR company represents the subject of the article, and we rank so highly on Google etc., they should reasonably expect to receive a good service from us. Tom ___ Wikimedia UK mailing list wikimediau...@wikimedia.org http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l WMUK: http://uk.wikimedia.org
[Wikimediauk-l] PR industry blames 'cumbersome' Wikipedia
Hi all, I found this a bit comical: http://www.prweek.com/uk/news/1159206/pr-industry-blames-cumbersome-wikipedia-finsbury-editing-issue/ They don't get it that the COI policy affects everyone. They think that just because they want people to pay them to change the articles they should be allowed to do so! "Ingham added that too many of the people who edit Wikipedia still do not understand PR." "Too many of them continue to have the knee-jerk reaction that information from a PR professional must intrinsically be wrong. Ingham urged Wikipedia to implement radical reform to its editing process." Just because someone does not agree with you, does not mean that they do not understand you. No-one is saying their information is intrinsically wrong, just that they should not edit articles relating to their clients. all the best Leuthe ___ Wikimedia UK mailing list wikimediau...@wikimedia.org http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l WMUK: http://uk.wikimedia.org
[Wikimediauk-l] A message from the Wikimedia UK Board
Tom, Please re-read the statement. The board: a) acknowledges mistakes have been made b) acknowledges that those mistakes have had a damaging impact c) identified a process (the review) which will not only look closely at what went on, but will produce "clear recommendations which will help us follow best practice in every area of governance". I think you bring very important insights which can and should help get WMUK to where it needs to be. However I don't think you help people grasp the importance of what you suggest when you take umbrage where it is not necessary. all the best Fabian (User:Leutha) Tom Dalton wrote: >The board needs to learn how to write a statement that actually says >something... > >Apologising for mistakes is meaningless if you don't acknowledge what >those mistakes are. This statement comes across as defensive and empty >of actual content. > >What have you done wrong? What are you doing about fixing the problems >caused by those mistakes and making sure similar mistakes don't happen >again? That's what people want to know. If you want to wait until the >review is complete before going into details, then say that. Don't .post this kind of meaningless drivel. ___ Wikimedia UK mailing list wikimediau...@wikimedia.org http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l WMUK: http://uk.wikimedia.org
Re: [Wikimediauk-l] Social enterprise
Hi all, Please see my previous e-mail where I suggest that the Wikipedia model does not work on sister sites - such as Wikiversity. Yes, maybe it is not appropriate for Wikipedia, but maybe it could actually help turn Wikiversity into something much more dynamic. Also perhaps it could have a positive impact on Wikisource. These are structures which have a different social dynamic than WP. What matters is how it works in these different communities. I feel that having a range of Open Educational Resources on Wikiversity would help not only WV but also WP. If these good few administrators want to get involved with WV, well, of course they would be welcome. But it is a different environment . . . all the best Fabian (User:Leutah) > It would be... tricky to get the idea past the community on Wikipedia, > though, would it not? I know a good few administrators who delete any paid > articles on sight. > > Richard Symonds > Wikimedia UK > 0207 065 0992 > > Wikimedia UK is a Company Limited by Guarantee registered in England and > Wales, Registered No. 6741827. Registered Charity No.1144513. Registered > Office 4th Floor, Development House, 56-64 Leonard Street, London EC2A 4LT. > United Kingdom. Wikimedia UK is the UK chapter of a global Wikimedia > movement. The Wikimedia projects are run by the Wikimedia Foundation (who > operate Wikipedia, amongst other projects). > > *Wikimedia UK is an independent non-profit charity with no legal control > over Wikipedia nor responsibility for its contents.* ___ Wikimedia UK mailing list wikimediau...@wikimedia.org http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l WMUK: http://uk.wikimedia.org
Re: [Wikimediauk-l] Social enterprise
Hi, There are a variety of ways this can be organised. I have been involved in one initiative in the area of Law Centres. You can have simple subsidiaries, or the one we set up in Tower Hamlets is a co-operative, combining aspects of a consumer co-op and a workers co-op. We would need to discuss how we wanted to handle the various relationships - between WMUK, the Social Enterprise, clients, consultants, trainers all in the context of the wider Wikimedia communities. This might seem a a daunting task, but it's our own fault for making WP so successful! I am particularly interested in developing a service to deliver training in use of Mediawiki technology with reference to specific platforms - i.e.Wikipedia and its sister sites, but also other projects such as Wikivet: http://en.wikivet.net/Veterinary_Education_Online We could develop accredited training which fits in with the National Qualifications Framework. We could also have less formal training available. I think we should be aware that the release of a new user-friendly WSYIWYG interface could make Mediawiki more attractive amongst businesses. My personal preference is the co-operative model - which I feel fits the ethos of Wikipedia very well. There are ways in which this could be set up as a Community Interest Company, giving operational control to those developing the service, while at the same time ensuring an income stream to the charity. We could also include providing trading gratis where the circumstances make this most appropriate. Essentially this would require the Board making a decision that it was interested in looking into the idea and setting up a steering committee to take the matter forward. This could be done with a limited amount of officer time. In fact there may well be sources of funding we could access to help develop clearly defined options which could be presented for general discussion in the community (which might well mean listening to people based outside the UK). all the best Fabian (user:Leutha) >Message: 2 >Date: Mon, 1 Oct 2012 21:41:04 +0100 >From: Andrew Turvey >To: UK Wikimedia mailing list >Subject: Re: [Wikimediauk-l] social enterprise >Message-ID: > >Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1" > >Fabian, > >Thanks for this very interesting idea. I've also thought that there are a >number of opportunities in this space derived from the wikimedia projects >that aren't entirely suited to a registered charity. > >A number of UK charities manage to combine an enterprise through a "trading >subsidiary". Would this idea work through such a vehicle? > >Regards, On Sun, Sep 30, 2012 at 11:24 PM, wrote: > Hi all, > > I would like to thank Thomas Morton for his well thought explanation > addressed to Roger (Sat, 29 Sep 2012 22:51:10 +0100). It covered a number > of points I felt need addressing and Tom put them in a useful and tactful > way - much better than I could have hoped to do. > > However, I would like to address some ramifications of this. > > >This is one reason why charities are often run by older, retired, types > who > >do not need to go out and earn a living. > > Quite so. However, one of the consequences of the phenomenal success of WP > is that the potential development of where we are now has created space > for activity beyond that which WMUK as a charity is best placed to carry > out. > > a) Wikiversity has a great potential, however the development of such a > repository of Open Educational Resources (OERs) will be very slow without > people being paid - not so much for editing but for delivering teaching > which uses WV as a platform, creating OERs free for other people to use. > The dynamic for this is quite different from WP and Wikicommons. > > I have not been involved in all the sister projects, but suspect that they > will each have their own dynamic, which needs to be addressed in its own > terms. > > b) Linked to a) is the delivery of training in how to use WP. It seems to > me very straight forward to see WV as an ideal platform for this. There is > also much to be learnt from WikiEducator, which uses a Mediawiki in > conjunction wit the moodle software. > > c) Another aspect of this is that I have noticed that some of the people > who attend WMUK training sessions are people who are employed by learned > societies as Social Media Officers. While I find volunteering to train > other volunteers quite attractive, when it comes to giving time freely in > order help in the training for paid workers of organisations I am > confident that i am not the only person who finds this a bit awkward. > Likewise as we welcome academics who stipulate that their students achieve > certain goals in order to pass a course, this to me creates a market for > del
[Wikimediauk-l] (no subject)
Hi all, I would like to thank Thomas Morton for his well thought explanation addressed to Roger (Sat, 29 Sep 2012 22:51:10 +0100). It covered a number of points I felt need addressing and Tom put them in a useful and tactful way - much better than I could have hoped to do. However, I would like to address some ramifications of this. >This is one reason why charities are often run by older, retired, types who >do not need to go out and earn a living. Quite so. However, one of the consequences of the phenomenal success of WP is that the potential development of where we are now has created space for activity beyond that which WMUK as a charity is best placed to carry out. a) Wikiversity has a great potential, however the development of such a repository of Open Educational Resources (OERs) will be very slow without people being paid - not so much for editing but for delivering teaching which uses WV as a platform, creating OERs free for other people to use. The dynamic for this is quite different from WP and Wikicommons. I have not been involved in all the sister projects, but suspect that they will each have their own dynamic, which needs to be addressed in its own terms. b) Linked to a) is the delivery of training in how to use WP. It seems to me very straight forward to see WV as an ideal platform for this. There is also much to be learnt from WikiEducator, which uses a Mediawiki in conjunction wit the moodle software. c) Another aspect of this is that I have noticed that some of the people who attend WMUK training sessions are people who are employed by learned societies as Social Media Officers. While I find volunteering to train other volunteers quite attractive, when it comes to giving time freely in order help in the training for paid workers of organisations I am confident that i am not the only person who finds this a bit awkward. Likewise as we welcome academics who stipulate that their students achieve certain goals in order to pass a course, this to me creates a market for delivering training outside a volunteer - to -volunteer framework. Aside from the problems which have arisen from Roger being a trustee, I think the work he has done is amazing and really innovative. I would like to see it continue. However what I feel would really facilitate this is the creation of a not-for-profit social enterprise which would provide a structured way in which innovations like QRpedia could be placed in relation to both WMUK, WMF and the broader community. I feel that our community has an amazing range of diverse talents, and that if the possibilities provoked by WPs success are to be realised, then we need to develop a way in which the ethos of unpaid editing of WP itself can be balanced with other roles which are emerging which are peripheral to editing but which can greatly enhance WP and its sister projects. I hope that the recent experiences at WMUK will stimulate a discussion about how such a social enterprise might be set up, how the ethos of collaborative working and sharing of resources might be taken forward, how this can be done in a way which does not disrupt the very success which WP has enjoyed, and how such a social enterprise can contribute towards fundraising for WMUK to deliver its charitable goals. If such a discussion is got going now, there is some prospect that we could have a concrete proposal which has been mulled over by the community in time for the next AGM. As Tom said: >Bottom line; you (as a board), we even, fucked up. Not maliciously, but >very badly. You lost sight of the wider objective. >But it's not something to beat each other up over. Learn from it, make >improvements, move on. I am proposing this as a way of moving on in a way which keeps people like Roger with their brilliant ideas involved but not as trustees. all the best Fabian (User:Leutha) ___ Wikimedia UK mailing list wikimediau...@wikimedia.org http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l WMUK: http://uk.wikimedia.org
Re: [Wikimediauk-l] Wikipedia training delivery opportunity in Westminster
Hi all, If you check their website you will see why it would not make so much sense for the chapter to co-ordinate this. all the best, Fabian (User:Leutha) > Message: 2 > Date: Wed, 26 Sep 2012 13:18:33 +0100 > From: Thomas Dalton > To: UK Wikimedia mailing list > Subject: Re: [Wikimediauk-l] Wikipedia training delivery opportunity > in Westminster > Message-ID: > > Content-Type: text/plain; charset=UTF-8 > > On 26 September 2012 13:14, Andy Mabbett > wrote: >> Please contact them directly if you're interested. > > Wouldn't it be better if the chapter coordinated this kind of thing? > > > > -- ___ Wikimedia UK mailing list wikimediau...@wikimedia.org http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l WMUK: http://uk.wikimedia.org
[Wikimediauk-l] Supplementing WMUK with a Social Enterprise
Hi all, The GibraltapeidA issue has raised a number of concerns which have led to a number of members spending time on the matter, and indeed staff time will have to spent on clarifying the issues involved as well. While GibraltapeidA has been the occasion of this discussion, and could well benefit materially from any clarity which results from this mental labour, they would not be the sole beneficiary. Indeed, the situation arises from a situation in which WMUK finds itself involved, before having an opportunity for proper consideration. Several months ago I raised with Jon Davies the idea of setting up a trading arm on a co-operative model, primarily with a view to allowing Wikimedians to provide training on a paid basis. This could include Mediawiki coding in general above and beyond immediate Wikimedia sites. This issues - and I suspect there will be more - reinforces my view that some sort of trading arm would be useful. Certainly amongst the first wave Wikimedians, Wikipedia had not become a household name and the prospects of applying skills gained through editing was unlikely to be a significant concern. That situation has changed. Paid editing on Wikipedia is one thing, but the situation on sister projects can be quite different: e.g. making material available on Wikisource. I feel we are at a turning point, and we need to find away of looking at the overall situation above and beyond the circumstances of GibraltapeidA. Perhaps the Board could consider: 1) Organising an effective discussion of what role Board members should play amongst the whole membership. 2) Linked to this could be the establishment of a social enterprise through which Wikimedians could gain paid work in an open and moderated way - including revenue generation for WMUK. 3) Development of a framework to take matters forward, which, in my view, should include balloting the membership about any limitations above and beyond the legal minimum which they might consider appropriate for board members. I realise this is quite a daunting amount of work, but I see it as an inevitable consequence of the success of Wikipedia. This I see as one of the key social challenges which the Wikimedia movement faces as we move into the second decade. all the best Fabian Tompsett (User:Leutha) ___ Wikimedia UK mailing list wikimediau...@wikimedia.org http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l WMUK: http://uk.wikimedia.org
[Wikimediauk-l] Clarification as regards the South Atlantic
Dear all, I would suggest that participants in this public list reflect somewhat before making comments. I have looked through the link which was sent and done some research: 1) I could not find any evidence to show that Wikimedia Argentina (http://www.wikimedia.org.ar) are involved in WLM, or indeed the page http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anexo:Monumentos_de_la_Provincia_de_Tierra_del_Fuego,_Ant%C3%A1rtida_e_Islas_del_Atl%C3%A1ntico_Sur (there is nothing on the talk page) 2) This page was started on the Spanish language version of wikipedia by Usuario:B1mbo, who quite clearly presents themselves as a Chilean. Please look at their editing history: they have been involved in developing a number of lists of monuments across Latin America including Mexico and Columbia as well as Argentina. The other two contributors have simply added geodata. One of them (Usuario:Galio) self-identifies as a member of Wikimedia Argentina. 3) The reference offered is to the Comisión Nacional de Museos y Lugares Históricos, an official Argentinian source. The fact that they chose to administratively categorise monuments in South Atlantic within the Province of Tierra Del Fuego is a simple historical fact. The page simply reflects this. 4) From the above it seems to me that the only "politicising" of the issue has come about on the list, and this could have been avoided if: a) More research ahd been done on the issue before it was raised here. b) Clarification had been sought from the relevant people before stimulating the discussion here. 5) The geographical remit of WMUK outside of the UK, as regards the 14 British Overseas Territories was started as regards Gibraltar. I would suggest that the involvement of WMUK in this broader remit is considered in terms of all 14 territories in principle, rather than responding to issues as they arise. Anyway, I hope this helps clarify the matter. all the best Leutha ___ Wikimedia UK mailing list wikimediau...@wikimedia.org http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l WMUK: http://uk.wikimedia.org
Re: [Wikimediauk-l] Wikimediauk-l Digest, Vol 84, Issue 27
I welcome this initiative and would be prepared to come up from London on the basis of my travel expenses being paid by Wikimedia UK. However, as two people have already said they are unavailable, I would like confirmation that the meeting will take place, preferably by Friday lunchtime. all the best Fabian (User:Leutha) > Message: 1 > Date: Tue, 17 Jul 2012 15:09:08 +0100 > From: Charles Matthews > To: UK Wikimedia mailing list > Subject: [Wikimediauk-l] Cambridge coffee morning this Saturday > > As previously mentioned to the list, I want to do some meetup-lite > events connected with training; and the first will consist of my being > at the CB2 cybercaff in Cambridge from 10 am to 1 pm this Saturday 21 > July. This is the same venue as the normal meetups but I'm relying on > word-of-mouth this time - please pass on the news to anyone who might > be interested in the area (WM training, distance education being the > particular new focus). > > For those who are unfamiliar with CB2: it is at > http://www.cb2bistro.com/ and on Google Maps > > http://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=CB1%2B2LD&ll=52.204674,0.136503&spn=0.011668,0.035836&hl=en > > actually on the corner of East Road and Norfolk Street. Quite possible > to walk from the rail station. I'll get a table _upstairs_ at 10 am. > > Charles ___ Wikimedia UK mailing list wikimediau...@wikimedia.org http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l WMUK: http://uk.wikimedia.org
[Wikimediauk-l] Coaching and mentoring/ Training Meeting in Cambridge
Thanks Charles and Harry for the clarification, As regards coaching and mentoring, there is an interesting summary here: http://www.coachingnetwork.org.uk/resourcecentre/whatarecoachingandmentoring.htm I think the idea of having Training meetings in Cambridge is a great idea. I would be happy to attend on either Saturday 14th/Sunday 15th (preferably Sunday) provided WMUK pay travel expenses. I found the informal discussion we had last Thursday after the Training session delivered at the Mozilla premises very useful. One point I remember in particular was the usefulness of keeping records of who came on training and having a suitable system of follow up and evaluation. I feel that we need more discussion amongst those already involved in the training before incurring additonal expenses by asking people such as Midas to create extra training packages. I think we already have an impressive range of experience amongst those who deliver training and would suggest it would make more sense to develop Team learning (see Wikipedia for a brief description!) This could be an important part of helping WMUK develop as a learning organisation. This involves systems thinking as well as training, with an iterative process which gets around what Martin Poulter calls the Hard Problem. What's more, I think this approach fits so well with the collaborative model which lies at the heart of Wikis. all the best Fabian (User:Leutha) ___ Wikimedia UK mailing list wikimediau...@wikimedia.org http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l WMUK: http://uk.wikimedia.org
Re: [Wikimediauk-l] "open access ethos of Wikimedia UK"
The tender document is at: http://uk.wikimedia.org/wiki/Training_the_Trainers/Tender Yes, I agree that the tender document can be interpreted in that way. This is why I posed the question in terms of the ethos. If it's just one document as Harry suggests, the maybe someone can reproduce something which does the job without having to fork out extra money? Anyway, the other material will be available with a CC license. Does anyone know when? all the best Fabian (user:Leutha) Thomas Dalton wrote: >The tender said materials *produced* would need to be freely licensed. >If they are using pre-existing materials for part of the course, then >not freely licensing those doesn't necessarily contradict the terms of >the tender. It is unfortunate, though. ___ Wikimedia UK mailing list wikimediau...@wikimedia.org http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l WMUK: http://uk.wikimedia.org
[Wikimediauk-l] "open access ethos of Wikimedia UK"
Hi all, I would like to know what other people understand as the "open access ethos of Wikimedia UK". The reason I ask is that I have been informed that Midas - who are delivering the Training for Trainers programme - have been arguing that as they chose to use a process which was not written for WMUK, some of their material is not available under a CC license. They have suggested that WMUK pay an additional fee which they are happy to quote for. As the initial tender specified "An agreement that the training materials produced will be open access under a CC-BY-SA licence" I do not really understand how Midas chose to use non CC material in the process for delivering their course. At first glance it would seem that this is not in compliance with the temrs of the tender. I must admit that I find Open access and open content as being quite fundamental to Wikipedia, the sister projects and WMUK. This is whaqt I understand by "Supporting Free and Open Knowledge". I personally have a strong commitment to developing "Open Educational Resources" and was particularly looking forward to the Eduwiki conference which has this as one of its themes. In this context, I don't really understand why WMUK is having difficulty in making sure that its own training programme sits comfortably into the CC framework. I would welcome any comments which would help explain this? all the best Fabian (User:Leutha) ___ Wikimedia UK mailing list wikimediau...@wikimedia.org http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l WMUK: http://uk.wikimedia.org
Re: [Wikimediauk-l] New Volunteer Contributor
Hi Martin, WMUK is currently developing a variety of resources to provide both a Virtual Learning Environment and face-to-face training sessions. However both of these are still in their infancy at the moment. It would be helpful to know whether you already have some experience editing Mediawikis (the technology behind wikipedia), whether on Wikipedia or elsewhere. It would also be good to know whether you have created a user account. This is the first step. Perhaps you could contact me on my talk page: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_talk:Leutha WMUK is also looking at some activities for Black History Month. Please see: http://uk.wikimedia.org/wiki/Black_History_Month,_2012 Please add your name to the page if you feel you might like to be involved in this initiative. all the best Fabian (User:leutha) >Hi >I wish to develop page articles-Wikipedia: >.Genocide Justice-Rwanda. >-Gacaca Court Justice >-National Courts system on Genocide >-International Justice on Genocide > >Request: -induction training on WMUK processing > system > -Peer Reviewer on research&planning > strategy >Thanks > >-- >Martin Mujyanama >LLB,LLM >co Donegal Town >Ireland ___ Wikimedia UK mailing list wikimediau...@wikimedia.org http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l WMUK: http://uk.wikimedia.org
