Living Paths report, May 2013

The original of this document (a pdf printout) is available for reference at File:Living Paths report, May 2013.pdf. This text version has been created for access purposes. --Fæ (talk) 09:44, 7 May 2013 (UTC)

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Report title

Welsh Living Path project

Author

Jon Davies/with help from Doug Taylor, Richard Symonds and Robin Owain.

Date

May 11th

Status

For decision

Description

Background to Robin Owain's project.

Short summary of the proposal [1] dead link

There are two parts, first WMUK accredited trainers would meet local groups and show them how to add information onto a Wikipedia page! Secondly we show them how their articles can be geotagged. This would enable users of the Path to enjoy walking down the path with a smart phone, with any AR tagged articles shown through the camera, informing the User (tourist or local) about what's around them: history of that unusual building or where's the nearest Young Farmers Club? What's the name of that mountain, and where's the nearest toilet! Take a look at MonmouthpediA on Wikipedia and multiply it by 10!

Details of project and parameters

Here are the actual numbers[2] in the application to the Welsh Government. It envisages matching funding from WMUK.The project aims to train new Wikipedian editors in both Welsh and English. Robin has met the Board over the course of the last year outlining the unique problems they face in Wales and the solutions as outlined in the Development Plan[3] which has been formed by the community on Wici Cymru. This plan noted two weaknesses: lack of editors and lack of high profile publicity. For more detail Doug and Richard S collated the information onto office[4] Our £33.5K contribution would cover the "Wikimedian-in-Residence" salary, for 4 and a half days per week, with some on-costs, so compares our involvement to other projects that have a WiR.

Robin's perspective

It is Robin’s feeling that without our support the project cannot succeed, owing to the essential "match funding" required to make the project work. For every pound contributed by WMUK, the Welsh Government has agreed to contribute £2 (approx) up to £78,000. He recognises that the timetable is very difficult but we came up with the following proposals:

The proposals

That the board consider whether to support the project. That the funding be split between two years, 2013-14 £24K and 2014-15 9.5K or variations therein.

What are the potential benefits?

Apart from travelling costs and a pop-up banner, WMUK has not supported the Welsh Wikipedian community so far; this is an excellent platform to do so

There should be an increase in the number of Wikipedian editors; regular monthly editors at present are at an average of 120-130.

Raised profile through a Partnership with the Welsh Government

WMUK would probably see an increase in membership

We would be seen by Wici Cymru (and her Patrons: the Archbishop of Wales and the actor Rhys Ifans) as well as Welsh Government Ministers as the ‘good guys’ rather than alienating the Welsh community, which could lead to a fracture. Robin has close relationship with Welsh Ministers and has been appointed one of First Minister Leighton Andrew’s advisors.

Expected project outcomes and timelines

• Timeline and expected outcomes[5]

What are the risks?

We are aware from our engagement with Monmouthpedia that enthusiasm is not enough. I would suggest that amongst the factors we need to address are:

• Whether there are commercial considerations that would be at odds with our mission involved. The Project’s outcomes, however, have no commercial attachments. Whether we could fund this in the form of a Wikimedian in Residence to ensure control of the framework of the project – possibly employed directly by WMUK

Whether we are at risk from negative outside perceptions - we would need to ensure that any processes, especially if we fund a WiR are transparent and adhere to good practice. Is this use of our funds in line with our mission? The main purpose of this funding would be to train new editors and create new and improved content, which certainly would seem to be.

What other processes we need to put in place to ensure proper control of the funds. The project is single point sensitive. If the WiR goes under a bus it will be in jeopardy. However, there are, as said, a regular team of 120-130 editors on the Welsh Wikipedia. One option that could be considered is to use part of the Government's funding of trainers to employ a "second in command".

Risks and mitigating steps we can take

Chris and I have spoken to Robin who is happy to accept any conditions we put on the grant including making this a WiR contract. Robin agrees that the post should be open to a proper and fair recruitment process , probably run directly through WMUK but hopefully involving other partners in the project, such as Wici Cymru.

This is a project under close scrutiny from the National Assembly for Wales especially so as European funding is involved. We can expect good reporting standards. Payments can be phased on a monthly or quarterly basis and regular reporting requested to minimise risk.

How would we pay for this?

Finding £24K plus is possible. There are some streams that are under spending: Scotland WiR for instance. Funding could also come from the Welsh budget, technical support for cultural outreach, Project Grants and contingency. If necessary some could also come from reserves.

One option is:

2013-14 Budget

Welsh budget take £5,000

GLAM technical development £5,000

Predicted underspends e.g. GLAMWIKI, Scotland WiR, University outreach £10,000

Contingency £4,000

2014-15 Budget

To be agreed, £9.5K