Talk:Main Page/Archive1

Video

In general, I steer away from videos. Since I've left Windows XP for Ubuntu Linux, videos sometimes kill my Firefox. Also, I like to know what I'm getting into; this video didn't indicate how long the video was, so I wasn't sure how long it would take. But the Bookshelf Project itself is a great idea. I have a Wiki account but I don't use it much and I'm sure I don't understand all about how it's done right; I'm probably making tons of mistakes right now. =Isk713 20:38, 4 November 2009 (UTC)

Thanks a lot. I've added both how long the video is and how much megabytes it takes to download it. --Frank Schulenburg 22:10, 4 November 2009 (UTC)

The video is helpful, in that it's more fun to watch than a textual explanation would be. The background noises are a little distracting; a more quiet location would be better. -Kotra 00:49, 31 October 2009 (UTC)

Thanks a lot for your feedback! I totally agree with you on the background noises – I was so happy about the new shotgun microphone I bought earlier this week that I forgot to bring my small clip-on microphone ;-) --Frank Schulenburg 01:44, 31 October 2009 (UTC)

I agree with Kotra: A video is definitely more fun. But it would be a good idea to have always a text-version/transcription for the handicapped. --Theredmonkey 20:51, 4 November 2009 (UTC)

Hi Theredmonkey, thanks a lot for your feedback. Getting the videos online took me about one hour and adding a text-version would certainly add another hour of work. I don't know if we will be able to do this in the future, but every feedback on how to improve this wiki is highly appreciated. --Frank Schulenburg 22:06, 4 November 2009 (UTC)

Doing transcripts could be easily passed to the community, probably. ;) --Kozuch 11:00, 6 November 2009 (UTC)

Tech to do that is in the pipeline. Mike.lifeguard 06:54, 11 November 2009 (UTC)

Accessibility for deaf users is fairly important. If not a transcription, adding subtitles into videos during production would do the trick. A transcription, however, would also have the added benefit of being indexable/searchable. -kotra 23:06, 12 November 2009 (UTC)

I would love if we could get ASL translations. I wonder if we have any interpreters editing our wikis who could help...  — Mike.lifeguard | ^@meta 00:44, 17 November 2009 (UTC)

Lovely!

if that's going to become a popular place for vids, some different backlighting would be good too. 75.147.59.54 04:01, 5 November 2009 (UTC)

Doesn't say what it is

Something like this should say, on the front page, what exactly the project is, and will do.

I don't see anything telling me what the "Bookshelf Project" is, on this page, and while a video is useful and interesting, I'm not going to watch a 10 minute movie as my only way and first step, to find out.

Can a short actual explanation be added?

FT2 19:06, 5 November 2009 (UTC)

Gestures

Hello, Sue's hands are gesturing mostly out of the frame. :-) I find it a great idea to use the new globe for those vids, please go on with that.--83.189.234.3 22:43, 5 November 2009 (UTC)

General feedback

While I appreciate creation of this project, there is a bigger picture to be seen. You can really achieve more people editing Wikimedia projects (which Sue Gardner is complaining about in the video) just by making the interface better (Usability wiki) or by implementing new features (Strategy wiki). This implies that Outreach is not a blessing sollution that will make everything work alone. This really is more complicated and I really want to see all these projects team up and cooperate. Yet am I missing a connecting point between all these let us say "servicing projects" - probably Meta or Foundations' website have to become this point.

Regarding Bookshelf Project alone, it seems like you want to do a lot of leaflet-style promotion materials (guessig from the Scribus position offering). I think you should go to video too. While video might not be technically the best platform (translating, remixing) to work with, short promotional clips featuring various interesting points of the movement could easily become viral and do a lot of marketing. I wonder what happened to the German chapters' tutorial videos, were they made at all? I think completing them would be a good point for the Outreach project! --Kozuch 17:26, 6 November 2009 (UTC)

Strategywiki is not about "implementing new features" - that is a major mistake perpetuated by the strategy team.

I agree, video is a great idea, in particular when we can get decent production like the videos you mention, or the one on the main page. It's really necessary if we want to include outreach to the Deaf communities which use visuospatial languages like ASL and BSL. I hope we can attract new contributors from those groups, but 'localization' in that context means using video primarily.  — Mike.lifeguard | ^@meta 03:47, 7 December 2009 (UTC)

Wikipedia

Is this project about Wikipedia? Or Wikimedia? Mike.lifeguard 07:17, 11 November 2009 (UTC)

I think it is about Wikimedia.--Kozuch 07:00, 24 November 2009 (UTC)

Nope, get the distinct impression from the materials that this wiki should be renamed "Wikipedia Outreach". Wikipedia's already the largest project but where are the efforts focused? Growing Wikipedia and not Wikimedia. On theOverview of Deliverables (Bookshelf) page, "Lesson Plan for Schools" says "Give teachers examples of how to integrate Wikipedia in their lessons" (emphasis mine) rather than, say, Wikibooks. "Lesson Plan for Universities" says "Give university instructors examples of how to integrate Wikipedia in their courses" rather than, say, Wikiversity. -- Adrignola 06:20, 6 December 2009 (UTC)

You are wrong. For example, the Usability Initiative has been renamed from Wikipedia Usability to Wikimedia Usability, because it starts to deal with more projects now (initially it was the Wikipedia usability grant only). This project is just the same - it is about more projects, not only Wikipedia.--Kozuch 12:13, 6 December 2009 (UTC)

Sorry, you must not be looking at the same pages we are. Despite the declared project scope, users can see clearly where emphasis lies. As usual. The proof is in the pudding, and saying sentences like "it is about more projects, not only Wikipedia" does not make those sentences true.  — Mike.lifeguard | ^@meta 03:43, 7 December 2009 (UTC)

Adminship request

Can adminship be requested on this wiki? Are there any rules for getting it? Thanks for info! --Kozuch 21:34, 23 November 2009 (UTC)

Hi Kozuch, the work on this wiki is based on the general assumption of "assume good faith". So far, I've given the admin flag to users (1) who are involved in public outreach projects or (2) who want to help on this wiki and (3) who are trusted to know what they are doing with these technical features. The most important point is that I expect everyone on this wiki to behave in a respectful, civil and friendly manner in interactions with others. Please let me know if that makes sense to you. --Frank Schulenburg 17:53, 27 November 2009 (UTC)

Favicon

Seems like there is a "Wikipedia" favicon set up instead of the Outreach icon.--Kozuch 15:21, 13 December 2009 (UTC)

Good point. I'll ask one of our server administrators to change it. --Frank Schulenburg 17:51, 22 December 2009 (UTC)

Bookshelf - name

For me the name "Bookshelf" is a problem. I am a librarian and watched the video because of the name. I thought it would focus on an effort to add books or access to digital book content. I was surprised to learn that it was really about creating user-friendly materials on how to get started as a contributor - which I think is definitely needed. And I can visualize why the name "bookshelf" was chosen, but it could be misleading. I recommend thinking about another name.

The video format for explanations and introductions like this is excellent.

--Jstephen 12:52, 18 December 2009 (UTC)

Well, I too do not understand the difference between Bookshelf Project and the rest of Outreach wiki... sometimes people are creative too much and create stuff that is complicated and not effective. In the video Sue is talking about Outreach as a whole and the Bookshelf project should most likely be seen as core of all outreach.--Kozuch 18:33, 21 December 2009 (UTC)

Hi Jstephen, "Bookshelf Project" is our internal name that's used by the Foundation and its chapters. It's a metaphor for all the educational materials we're creating (including videos, online and print materials). --Frank Schulenburg 18:00, 22 December 2009 (UTC)

Kozuch, the outreach wiki is our work platform and the Bookshelf Project is one of the projects we're currently working on. And you're right: creating educational materials is a precondition to most of our outreach initiatives. That's why it is our first bigger project. --Frank Schulenburg 18:00, 22 December 2009 (UTC)

Video explanation is the future

First I agree with previous writer that the name bookshelf is not clear enough. My assosciation was that you could make a collection of books... About the video: great, that's the way to go. I even think that 1 minute explaining video's will be the future even as a part of wikipedia. So explain the essence in 1 minute, for more detailt analysis you will read a whole article. Dz 12:53, 20 December 2009 (UTC)

Thanks a lot for your feedback! --Frank Schulenburg 18:00, 22 December 2009 (UTC)

Use of the Sue Gardner video, and general structure of the main page

Recently, there have been several reversions on the main page, mostly involving the video of Sue Gardner introducing the Bookshelf Project.

I just spoke with Frank about this; we realized that it likely results from a more general lack of clarity in how we initially set up the page.

So, I've just made a rather substantial edit. I hope this does a good job of meeting everyone's concerns, and makes the page more useful/informative to outreach-oriented Wikimedians.

Essentially, we want to be clear about the role of the Wikimedia Outreach team (and we'll fill in that redlink shortly), and that we exist mainly to facilitate outreach work by volunteers (not just to do it).

Also, while the Bookshelf video of Sue is great, we need to be clear that Bookshelf is only one of many Outreach projects, not the entire focus of this wiki. I believe my edit to the caption captures that adequately.

What do you guys think -- is this an improvement? Are there further issues with the main page to address? -Pete F 23:24, 29 December 2009 (UTC)

Here's a link to the diff of my recent edits -Pete F

I appriciate this discussion. However, the point is Sue SHOULD NOT have mentioned Bookself project in her video because Marlita explains that on her own in a separate video. She should rather have mentioned Outreach as a whole. I know you probably did not realize where the Sue's video will be placed at the time of shooting, but now we ended up having two videos about the same subject from two persons. Very confusing for a newbie, even for me. Maybe someone (I am a shy boy, maybe Frank is not? :D) can record a new video clearly distinguishing this? I like this video messages a lot, it is a pitty we dont use more of these. Recording a shord video featuring an Outreach news item would be so cool. What about an official Wikimedia YouTube channel? I think it would be successfull, at lease I would subscribe immediatelly.--Kozuch 16:49, 30 December 2009 (UTC)

Kozuch, I'm not aware of any budget set aside for producing a new video. Even if we were to do so, it would not be immediate.

So, assuming that at minimum, there will be some time before there's a video matching your expectations, what do you think is the best way of presenting outreach on the main page in the meantime? Short of producing a new video, are there any further changes that need to be made? -Pete F 17:50, 30 December 2009 (UTC)

You need a "budget" to produce a video? Dont make me laugh... I dont mind the current video at Main page, I was just giving some feedback.--Kozuch 19:56, 30 December 2009 (UTC)

And your feedback has been very helpful, thanks! As you can see, we seem to be reaching consensus around the current prominent featuring of the video, which is an idea that came from you. Glad to contribute a laugh. Please say something if you'd ever like to discuss the merits of different approaches to producing videos. -Pete F 22:09, 30 December 2009 (UTC)

<I turned Pete's redlink blue above, and will drop a note in to him to try and help with momentum :-) Privatemusings 00:15, 29 March 2010 (UTC)

Removed Facebook and Twitter links

I think this wiki is a best place for them since they are not "published" anywhere else on Wikimedia websites and the Communicatins department does not have its own site/wiki.--Kozuch 16:53, 30 December 2009 (UTC)

I think this has some merit, as it's useful for anyone doing outreach to have an up-to-date awareness of what's going on in the Communications department. However, if they are included, it's important that it be done in a way that makes it clear they reflect the work of a different department. -Pete F 17:50, 30 December 2009 (UTC)

Well, sometimes I really wonder why things are "slow" at Wikimedia (at least from my perspective). If you feel like you are "stealing" work of your colleague(s) by actually helping them, I dont really get a point here. I thought the foundation actually had a "vision" and a "mission" statements, anything that complies with these is good in my opinion... even if your office bro does not know about you doing it. We really would get nowhere with your strict attitude towards doing things.--Kozuch 20:01, 30 December 2009 (UTC)

"Stealing?" Not sure what you mean by that. Please keep in mind that this wiki needs to serve a number of audiences; for some of them, having a clear understanding of how the different departments of the Foundation divide up their work, and work together, is very important. -Pete F 22:10, 30 December 2009 (UTC)

I just meant I really dont understand why you can not include the links here... thats all.--Kozuch 11:00, 9 February 2010 (UTC)

bookshelfing :-)

G'day all - I've dropped a few questions in to various pages in the past (and another just now) about the bookshelf project, and how it's progressing - I'm interested to hear if it's a going concern, because it looks pretty interesting :-) I'm hoping that this page may have a wee bit more visibility, so please do let me know if anyone has any info about whether or not it's currently being project managed, and how it's going generally :-) best, Privatemusings 00:27, 25 March 2010 (UTC)

following up - is there any foundation support currently active for bookshelf? - if anyone could point me in the direction of who's best to chat to, it'd be appreciated :-) cheers, Privatemusings 03:37, 5 May 2010 (UTC)

Village Pump

This wiki could use a place to ask questions and have discussions like a Village Pump. Its usually a good point to gather interested volunteers, direct new users and post queries etc..--Theo10011 20:35, 28 August 2010 (UTC)

Agreed! It's hard to get a sense of the latest work -- though the main page talk can be used for that as well... it just needs to be linked from the sidebar. I've also been wondering about how to cross-pollinate work here better with work on Meta (which also covers ambassador networks, translations, opportunities, events, language skills, and how-tos). Sj 18:36, 11 September 2010 (UTC)

I would recommend using LiquidThreads Discussion system for a Village Pump, its keeps all the discussions well organized especially handy for a Village pump. And it definitely should be linked from the sidebar. Theo10011 02:07, 16 September 2010 (UTC)

Here we are, see Village pump. How can we add a link to it on the sidebar? Arbitrarily0 ^(talk) 02:57, 19 September 2010 (UTC)

Nevermind, see change to sidebar - all set! Arbitrarily0 ^(talk) 05:24, 19 September 2010 (UTC)

From the main page

Evolution of an article

Did you ever wonder what the history of a Wikipedia article was? The page Life of an Article (Celilo Falls) tells the story of how a Wikipedia article evolves, from initial creation to recognition as one of the better examples of our work. It is intended to serve as a case study, using the article Celilo Falls on the English Wikipedia. Please see Life of an Article for examples based on other articles, and feel free to create a page for another article if you like.

Spanish

There is no version in Spanish :-( Diamondland (talk) 09:13, 6 April 2011 (UTC)

My Spanish isn't that good, so if your's better, Sé valiente editando páginas! ;-) axp_de^Hello! 20:06, 6 April 2011 (UTC)

Global Education Program

Since it doesn't exist anymore, shouldn't someone make the correction on the Main page? MathewTownsend (talk) 00:06, 21 April 2012 (UTC)

Apparently the Global Education Program and the Wikipedia Education Program are now the same thing. I've updated the name. Pine^(talk) 08:16, 21 April 2012 (UTC)

Wikimedia Indigenous Languages

Good day, I'd like to invite interested people to join Wikimedia Indigenous Languages, an international body to share best practices and lessons learned for projects to outreach smaller language communities. If you want more details or have question, come on the talk page or use our mailing list: languages@lists.wikimedia.org. Thanks, Amqui (talk) 20:09, 4 September 2012 (UTC)

P.S. If someone involved with the Outreach-Wiki could point me where would be the good place to insert that link in the existing outreach projects that would be nice, the goal being to gather potential interested people, thanks, Amqui (talk) 20:10, 4 September 2012 (UTC)

Thanks for your interest. The main page of this wiki has links for projects that are hosted on this wiki but not on other wikis like Meta. Your project looks like it could be appropriate for this wiki. I don't think we have a central place on Outreach to discuss the possibility of adding entire projects to the Outreach wiki but I will ask WMF staff. It may be that we will first add a place for central discussion here on Outreach and then decide at the central discussion location if we want to add this link to the main page or host it on Outreach. I will post more information here when I have it. Pine^✉ 07:15, 5 September 2012 (UTC)

I have found a place to discuss your proposal. Please post at the Outreach Village pump. Pine^✉ 06:48, 6 September 2012 (UTC)

Logo on page - edit request

Could someone please update the .png logo on the page to be .svg so it scales up? The name is the same (File:Wikimedia Outreach.svg). Thanks. -— Isarra ༆ 00:59, 26 November 2012 (UTC)

Y Done thanks. --Pine^✉ 20:43, 26 November 2012 (UTC)

Education teaser- edit, please!

The teaser under "Education" states: "This project brings Wikipedia editing into the classroom at universities across the world." Once you enter the page, the more detailed description says: "The Wikimedia Education Portal is a hub for people around the world who are interested in the use of Wikipedia and its sister projects in education", which is a lot more accurate in my opinion. Why not use this introductory sentence as a teaser instead? Not all educational efforts of the different chapters focus exclusively on "the classroom" or "universities". I would appreciate if someone slightly adapted the teaser. Thanks! --Cornelia Trefflich (WMDE) (talk) 11:25, 5 December 2012 (UTC)

I appreciate the tone of your suggestion. I would like to suggest something that's more concise. Would you agree with using "The Wikimedia Education Portal connects people who use Wikipedia and related projects in education" as the teaser? --Pine^✉ 21:58, 5 December 2012 (UTC)

Thanks for your quick reply. I was hoping that someone would "wrap up" that long sentence nicely :-) So, yes, I agree with the sentence you suggested.--Cornelia Trefflich (WMDE) (talk) 15:02, 6 December 2012 (UTC)

Y Done. Also, user:Rock drum has given you administrator permissions here on Outreach. --Pine^✉ 18:37, 6 December 2012 (UTC)

The teaser is looking much better now. Thanks to both of you :-) --Cornelia Trefflich (WMDE) (talk) 13:19, 7 December 2012 (UTC)

Translations

Well, I marked it for thranslation. I see that it allready had some translations that now rewriten by fuzzybot after the marking. But since they all was outated I hope nobody will be angry with me :) --Base (talk) 19:25, 8 May 2013 (UTC)

• I added some fixes (tvar, Special:MyLanguage). Please mark my changes to translation. --Kaganer (talk) 22:26, 8 July 2013 (UTC)

Call for feedback on Welcome to Wikipedia brochure

(Please excuse cross-posting) Over the next few months, I will be overhauling the Welcome to Wikipedia brochure to better reflect what new editors need to know when learning how to contribute to Wikipedia. I'm hoping to get a wide variety of feedback on what people like and do not like about the current brochure so I can create a new version that reflects the best knowledge we collectively have about outreach to newbies. Please see more details and add your feedback here. -- LiAnna Davis (WMF) (talk) 17:49, 30 September 2013 (UTC)

No spam template for email added

Because I didn't see it. So I copied it over from meta. Perhaps something like it already exists, but, that's ok. YOu can find it here: Template:NoSpam. SarahStierch (talk) 00:01, 11 December 2013 (UTC)