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"WOW!" Will in Other Words

Dr Tom Cheesman and others learning to edit Wikipedia; Swansea Library 21 January 2014.

I'd like your thoughts on how to develop a project based on Shakespearean text.

As part of the Living Paths Project, I recently met Dr. Tom Cheesman and others at Swansea University. I'd like to suggest a WikiProject titled "WOW!" Will in Other Words! which will use crowd sourcing to gather and organise reliable metadata for versions of Shakespeare’s works in languages other than English. I'm not sure if this should be part of the existing w:en:Wikipedia:WikiProject Shakespeare (may kick-start it!) or a brand new one?

Tom Cheesman's website www.delightedbeauty.org crowd-sources Shakespeare translations; it's a self-made Google site which displays around 180 versions, in over 30 languages, of one rhyming couplet from Shakespeare’s Othello (1604). As he told me, "This one couplet is a great challenge for translators, because of its ambiguity, its punning wordplay and its controversial implications regarding race, gender and political power. Each version expresses a different interpretation, making a fascinating study in re-translation-mutation-adaptation … or ‘versioning’. There can be no ‘straight translation’ of Shakespeare’s language."' I do believe that a WikiProject could develop this site in magnificent, way!

The second part of this projectwould be based on www.delightedbeauty.org/vvv demonstrates innovative, experimental interactive tools for exploring collections of comparable texts, working with 37 versions of one scene from Othello. This project was reviewed by Wired in Septemebr 2012. Tools include a time-map showing the historical and geographical spread of German-language Othello versions: at http://othellomap.nand.io/.

The Project would attempt to answer such questions as:

1. How many languages has Shakespeare been translated into?
2. What different cultural forms does translation (or “cross-language versioning”) take, in different times, places and languages? When plays are re-versioned as new playscripts, the texts can be ‘faithful’, full versions of the original, but they can also be adaptations of many different kinds, transposing the action to different times and places, reducing and expanding and revising, turning tragedies into farces, histories into satires, and so on. And plays can also be ‘versioned’ as other genres: prose stories, comic strips, films, radio shows, series of paintings, dance shows, etc etc.
3. What are the trends in popularity of Shakespeare’s different works in different times, places and languages, as measured by publications and performances?
4. When was Hamlet first or most recently translated into Danish? Or Henry V into Welsh?
5. In which African languages has Othello been published or performed?
6. How many Italian versions of Romeo and Juliet have there been, and which are considered the best for reading, or the best for staging?
7. The Merchant of Venice is on the national school curriculum in China today: 22 million 14-year-olds read the trial scene each year (source p.7). Which of the many Chinese versions are read in classes? Which versions are watched on screen (and who does the subtitling?) Do the various versions interpret Shylock in different ways? (You bet they do – but how different?)

Scope of Project

Probably 100+ languages have at least one work of Shakespeare. All of his works have been translated at least once into all the “major” European and Asian languages. In most “major” and some “lesser” languages, all or many of his works have been re-translated, re-adapted or re-versioned several times, even over and over again.

Let's look at one language: German: German has possibly the greatest number of Shakespeare versions, of all languages. Tom guesstimate around 5,000 items, growing by around 50 year on year. A bibliography published in 2003 includes around 2,000 printed items, and does not claim to be complete for the period covered (to 2000). From the past c. 250 years, we have around 70 published versions of the entire set of 154 Sonnets; hundreds of published versions of single sonnets or selections (over 200 versions of Sonnet 66 are collected in a recent anthology); around 60 versions of the Complete Plays (±37 plays); probably 120+ published versions of Hamlet; up to 80 versions of the 10 next most popular plays; numerous revised editions of many versions; hundreds of audiovisual releases (radio, film, tv, audiobooks); dozens of theatrical productions at major public theatres each year (each using a different version); scores more amateur productions each year; production-associated scripts; and assorted other versions. Since 2000, no fewer than eight new German versions (translations/adaptations) of Othello have been added to the theatrical script agencies’ catalogue (www.theatertexte.de).

And that's just one language. I might be wrong, but I do believe this could be one hell of a project! Any takers?

Robin Owain (WMUK) (talk) 23:36, 9 January 2014 (UTC)

Robin, we should consider making this one of the Education activities WMUK supports in 2014-15. As you know, Dr Cheesman has already contacted me about this and he had hoped to come to EduWiki last November to discuss possible developments, but couldn't make the dates in the end. I'll contact him to follow-up and copy you in since it's clear that a substantial amount of constructive discussion has occurred in the interim. I have a feeling that this is something that some members of TaPRA (the Theatre & Performance Research Association) will find interesting. We're supporting a Wikipedia workshop for them soon, so the timing is probably just about right this time. Thanks! --Toni Sant (WMUK) (talk) 14:49, 15 January 2014 (UTC)

Many thanks Toni. Swansea University representatives (including Tom) were trained in Wiki editing skills on the 21 January. The first list was of translations into Welsh. A great start! Robin Owain (WMUK) (talk) 10:35, 5 February 2014 (UTC)

That's great Robin! I look forward to inviting Dr Tom Cheesman and/or colleagues from Swansea University to the Wikimania Fringe/Hack event we're planning for June, so that we can look into ways to take the project forward as discussed. --Toni Sant (WMUK) (talk) 14:12, 13 February 2014 (UTC)

Giant meetup for all UK Wikimedians

Reference above. Definitely give him something. Even better, why not invite every active Wikimedian in the UK to an event of some kind and give them a membership application at the door (or free membership for a year just for turning up?) There are about 2000 who say they are in the UK. Including 83 in N.I., 319 in Scotland and 136 in Wales. Philafrenzy (talk) 11:03, 16 January 2014 (UTC) Add extra ideas here:

Maybe we should have a UK meeting around Wikimania - when people are likely to be down in London anyway? Richard Symonds (WMUK) (talk) 11:00, 13 February 2014 (UTC)

We could let the French in, but only if they salute the flag as they pass - in line with tradition of course! Richard Symonds (WMUK) (talk) 11:10, 13 February 2014 (UTC)

Wikimedia UK has many non-British citizens as voting members, we should remain sensitive to that. Personally I avoid nationalistic jokes unless they are mildly self-deprecating. --Fæ (talk) 11:42, 13 February 2014 (UTC)

Richard did not specify which flag people would be required to salute. Personally I'd choose this one as being particularly worthy of salute. Thryduulf (talk: local | en.wp | en.wikt) 15:58, 13 February 2014 (UTC)

True, though French visitors might struggle to recognize it. A more internationally recognizable one like this might go down well if we expect them to salute it. Alternatively, considering that London is France's sixth city, we would probably do well to put up a Tricolour for us to salute. --Fæ (talk) 16:24, 13 February 2014 (UTC)

I had forgotten I had even made this suggestion. The point, of course, was that there are vast numbers of UK resident editors on Wikipedia, far more than the 2000 who self-identify, almost none of whom are members. As membership growth is stalled, a one-off event could be run specially for them, separate to Wikimania, to celebrate their contribution to all of the projects. This could be combined with a membership drive. To be honest, I don't have the time to organise this and I don't know if anyone else does either, but I think that it's the sort of thing that ought to be happening. Wasn't there some sort of awards system once? We could give awards like at the Oscars - Wikis? As far as flags go, the Severn Cross of Gloucestershire would be my choice, though the design may need updating now that the county is under water. Philafrenzy (talk) 22:05, 13 February 2014 (UTC)

A UK meetup at Wikimania would be a great idea - no flags needed. ;-) Particularly if it can be combined with a membership drive/sharing of information about WMUK. The awards system from last year is described at UK Wikimedian of the Year 2013. Thanks. Mike Peel (talk) 22:32, 13 February 2014 (UTC)

Wikimedia UK and Cancer Research UK to recruit Wikimedian in Residence

Hello everyone. I thought you might like to know that Wikimedia UK has teamed up with Cancer Research UK to recruit a Wikimedian in Residence. The exciting new role will include teaching Cancer Research UK’s scientists to edit the website as well as researching how cancer patients use the site to access information and helping to make information on its pages as easy as possible to understand. They will also support Wikipedians already editing its cancer science pages. You can find more details of the role, including how to apply, on our blog - https://blog.wikimedia.org.uk/2014/01/wikimedia-uk-and-cancer-research-uk-to-take-cancer-information-to-the-next-level/ Stevie Benton (WMUK) (talk) 14:23, 16 January 2014 (UTC)

This is excellent news, and UK-based Wikipedians with a background in science should consider having a look at the job description. Jfdwolff 20:08, 16 January 2014 (UTC)

Excellent news. Well done. Andreas JN 11:24, 23 January 2014 (UTC)

Thanks for your comments folks. We're really excited about this and it will have a great impact on important content. Stevie Benton (WMUK) (talk) 16:02, 24 January 2014 (UTC)

Can I ask why expressions of interest were sought after the closing date had passed? LoopZilla (talk) 11:49, 21 February 2014 (UTC)

Hi Loopzilla. We believe it's because the number of applications has been disappointing. Hope this helps. Stevie Benton (WMUK) (talk) 12:03, 21 February 2014 (UTC)

Thanks. This breaks a standard of recruitment. Opportunity to apply is equal for all (that is the closing date is the same for all candidates). LoopZilla (talk) 12:43, 21 February 2014 (UTC)

Hello LoopZilla. CRUK were managing the recruitment but we will certainly bear in mind your comments for any recruitment that Wikimedia UK manages. I;ve been told that only one person contacted CRUK after the closing date and that they weren't shortlisted. Hope this helps! Stevie Benton (WMUK) (talk) 15:20, 21 February 2014 (UTC)

Yes, but Daria sent out an email after the closing date. LoopZilla (talk) 21:15, 22 February 2014 (UTC)

Hi Loopzilla, the email was sent as there was a concern about whether the recruitment message reached all relevant groups and I was asked to support the effort to spread the message wider. CRUK would have considered extending the deadline if the response to the message was significant -but as we have said, it was low. I am assured though that any application that came in was considered. Daria Cybulska (WMUK) (talk) 10:59, 24 February 2014 (UTC)

This is incorrect, in my book LoopZilla (talk) 11:43, 24 February 2014 (UTC)

CRUK has been made aware of this discussion and will be contacting you directly - I hope it will provide the clarification you are seeking. Daria Cybulska (WMUK) (talk) 13:50, 24 February 2014 (UTC)

OpenSym 2014

WikiSym has changed it's named to OpenSym and this year it will take place on 27th – 29th August in Berlin. It's an annual symposium about open collaboration. The list of tracks includes:

• Open access research
• Open data research
• Open education resources research
• Free, libre, and open source software research
• IT-driven open innovation research
• Wikipedia research
• Wikis and open collaboration

They issued a call for papers last week so if you're interested, the page on their website about submissions has more details including the array of deadlines for different tracks. Richard Nevell (WMUK) (talk) 13:06, 21 January 2014 (UTC)

I'd be interested to know if anyone is planning on going to this, last year had a lot of v interesting looking papers! (Sadly unlikely I'll make it) Sjgknight (talk) 22:08, 13 February 2014 (UTC)

Will WMUK be offering scholarships this year, as per past years? (I can pass on the contact details for the organisers if you don't have them already!) Thanks. Mike Peel (talk) 22:29, 13 February 2014 (UTC)

Yes, scholarships will be available. More details soon. -- Katie Chan (WMUK) (talk) 10:56, 14 February 2014 (UTC)

Spare beds for Wikimania

Something modest like this?

We are thinking about how we can spread our resources for Wikimania 2014 and one way is finding supporters who will offer a bed or even a sofa, to people attending Wikimania this year. The cost of accommodation in London can be a deterrent to people. If you could put up someone in London during the period August 5th to 10th could you let Katie Chan know by emailing katie.chanwikimedia.org.uk. She will start a database with preference e.g. non smokers etc. Thanks Jon Davies (WMUK) (talk) 10:11, 24 January 2014 (UTC)

Individual Engagement Grants - from the Foundation

Some of you may be interested in this Jon Davies (WMUK) (talk) 10:45, 1 March 2014 (UTC)

The Wikimedia Foundation and the Individual Engagement Grants Committee invite you to submit and review proposals for community-led experiments to improve Wikimedia!

Individual Engagement Grants support individuals and small teams to organize projects for 6 months. You can get funding to turn your idea for improving Wikimedia projects into action, with a grant for online community organizing, outreach and partnerships, tool-building, or research. Funding is available for a few hundred dollars up to $30,000.

Proposals for this round are due 31 March 2014:

https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Grants:IEG

We're also seeking new committee members to help review and recommend proposals for funding. Candidates are invited to sign up by 9 March 2014:

https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Grants:IEG/Committee

Some examples of projects we've funded in the past:

• Organizing social media for Chinese Wikipedia ($350 for materials)[1]

• Improving gadgets for Visual Editor ($4500 for developers)[2]

• Coordinating free access to reliable sources for Wikipedians ($7500 for

project management, consultants and materials)[3]

• Building community and strategy for Wikisource (EURO 10000 for organizing and

travel)[4]

You can read more on the WMF blog:

https://blog.wikimedia.org/tag/individual-engagement-grants/

Hope to have your participation in this round!

Best wishes,

Siko Bouterse - Wikimedia Foundation

Shouldn't you be promoting the WMUK's grant scheme, rather than the WMF's? Thanks. Mike Peel (talk) 18:21, 1 March 2014 (UTC)

Anyone interested in applying for a grant form WMUK should check out the green box at the top of this page, if you haven't already seen it. --MichaelMaggs (talk) 03:56, 2 March 2014 (UTC)

Gnome home

I feel the absence of a central cleanup and gnoming place on this site, so I have created gnome home, and a category to go with. Charles Matthews (talk) 09:16, 4 March 2014 (UTC)

Royal Society editathon

My photos from the evening session of yesterday's editathon at the Royal Society are now on Commons at Commons:Category:Wikimedia UK Royal Society Women's editathon 2014. Thryduulf (talk: local | en.wp | en.wikt) 23:06, 5 March 2014 (UTC)

Community consultation on WMUK's Wikimedia in Residence programme

Hi everyone,

As a chapter we have run the Wikimedian in Residence (WIR) programme since May 2012, when Andrew Gray started his residency at the British Library.

We have now agreed to reflect on the programme’s successes and challenges through a review. The WIR programme has been seen as one of the key ways we can engage with external organisations, extending our scale of activities and outreach. These residencies are often a considerable investment for WMUK (£2-8K) and need to deliver a meaningful impact.

We would like to see what the UK community thinks of the programme so far - you are now invited to take part in the survey that will form the first part of the review. Your answers will be an important element of influencing the future of the programme.

If you are not based in the UK, you are still welcome to comment - we are very interested in what our community thinks of the programme.

The deadline for responding is 24 March.

Thank you! Richard Nevell

Thank you seem to be the hardest words

A few months ago I wrote a critical review about a hotel I stayed in for Trip Advisor. I wanted to share my experience and warn off others. I posted and thought no more of it. I was surprised a few weeks later to receive a 'Thank you' email explaining how important by little piece of bile had been, and how many people had read it. I was chuffed. A month after that, and a couple more reviews, I was thanked again, given an update on the surprisingly large number of people who had read the reviews, and was awarded the equivalent of a 'gold star'.

OK, so it was a bot but it occurred to me how sad it was that we don't do something similar for our contributors. Barnstars are great but from what I observe many people never look at their user pages. Wouldn't it be great if every time one of my uploaded photos made it onto a page I got some sort of alert or just a 'thank you' for every twentieth edit?

When I started working for Wikimedia UK I was warnedthat I was entering a culture that didn't 'do thank yous'. I think that we are missing out here and if we want to encourage and retain editors a few words of thanks from time to time would be a powerful tool. Stevie Benton (WMUK) (talk) 18:27, 6 March 2014 (UTC) - on behalf of User:Jon Davies (WMUK)

I received a very nice thank you after doing the work on the membership survey and the UCL editathon. It touched me more than I think I let on at the time, and certainly more than I expected something as simple as that to. So thank you again to Jon, Katherine and Daria.

I'm also reminded of a few years ago when I moved house, I looked up the days for rubbish collection on the council website and was very impressed with how easy it was to find what I was looking for, as my previous council's website made it unnecessarily difficult. So I wrote a quick thank you email. About two days later I got a reply from the manager of the person responsible for that, saying that my note had made their day. So I fully agree with the aim to encourage more thank yous. Thryduulf (talk: local | en.wp | en.wikt) 21:01, 6 March 2014 (UTC)

All good points. I see that WMCH have started a page on Meta to discuss how to encourage new users to stick around by thanking them after the fundraiser. This seems of interest to WMUK as well. --MichaelMaggs (talk) 10:03, 7 March 2014 (UTC)

Free Wiki Loves Monuments calendars 2014 (with 2013 pictures)

Thanks to the WLM International Group we have received some rather nice Wiki Loves Monuments wall calendars for 2014, with photos from the 2013 international contest. I have deposited them at the WMUK offices from where they are available free to anyone who was involved in the 2013 competition, either as an organizer or as an competitor. Although they are a little late, they still have 10 months of useful life in them! If you would like one, please contact the staff. --MichaelMaggs (talk) 17:00, 8 March 2014 (UTC)

[INFO] Scripts in Lua

Hi, I have setup a few days ago the Scribunto extension on our wiki. You are now consequently able to create scripts in Lua on this wiki. Kelson (talk) 10:55, 9 March 2014 (UTC)

Wikimedians in the UK

I've been working on the categorisation of photos into commons:Category:Wikimedians in the United Kingdom (moving files over from commons:Category:Wikipedians in the United Kingdom). I'm curious to know - how many of these users do you recognise? Who's missing? (these are both open questions to anyone that reads this!) Thanks. Mike Peel (talk) 22:30, 9 March 2014 (UTC)

You removed me from both "Wikipedians in the United Kingdom" and "[Commons] User in the United Kingdom". I assure you, I am both. Andy Mabbett (User:Pigsonthewing); Andy's talk; Andy's edits 23:00, 9 March 2014 (UTC)

Yes, as am I. However, people seemed to be split between "Wikipedians in" and "Wikimedians in" for no apparent reason or order, and you were one of only two people that had all of their photos in the User category rather than just their user page... Thanks. Mike Peel (talk) 07:52, 10 March 2014 (UTC)

Open Access Reader

I have come up with an initiative called "Open Access Reader", a project to systematically have every piece of notable open access research cited in Wikipedia. I'd like to develop this into a grant proposal, and I welcome comments and suggestions, both on the project itself and where best to get grant funding: https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Grants:IdeaLab/Open_Access_Reader EdSaperia (talk) 00:37, 12 March 2014 (UTC)

Just linking to the prelim discussion on your userpage https://wikimedia.org.uk/wiki/User_talk:EdSaperia/Wikimedia_UK%27s_2014_Strategy#Open%20access%20reader Sjgknight (talk) 11:55, 10 March 2014 (UTC)

West Midlands Police Museum editathon

Just a reminder that the West Midlands Police Museum editathon is this Saturday, in Birmingham; some places remain! Andy Mabbett (User:Pigsonthewing); Andy's talk; Andy's edits 13:53, 10 March 2014 (UTC)

I couldn't make this, Andy - much though I wanted to! I was stuck in London doing training. How did it go? Richard Symonds (WMUK) (talk) 16:51, 21 March 2014 (UTC)

Letter to UK MEPs

Hello everyone. You may be interested to note that Wikimedia UK is writing to all 73 UK MEPs regarding copyright. In line with the work we've done with the Free Knowledge Advocacy Group EU (group of European Wikimedia chapters) we are looking for support for change in three areas: freedom of panorama; public domain of publicly-funded works; and use of orphan works. If you'd like to see the letter, it's here. It will be going out next week (with a couple of minor modifications) in the post and also by email. Stevie Benton (WMUK) (talk) 17:07, 14 March 2014 (UTC)

Following this up, after some discussion with UK and international community members some minor changes were made. The final version of the letter was sent out yesterday and can be seen in pdf format by clicking here. Stevie Benton (WMUK) (talk) 16:10, 21 March 2014 (UTC)

Talking Wikipedia In Ghana

This event is listed to be in 4 days time (28th March) but there are no details of what this is about, and the registration page (BritishBlackMusic.com in assn with BTWSC/Wikimedia UK) is not yet created. This is such short notice would it be better to move it to a later date? --Fæ (talk) 08:05, 24 March 2014 (UTC)

A search on Google reveals that registration is possible at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/talking-wikipedia-in-ghana-tickets-10971368659?aff=es2, which also provides further details. (I have nothing to do with the event, was just interested in if (and what) details were available. TheOverflow (talk) 22:58, 24 March 2014 (UTC)

The advert on the eventbrite page claims to be a Wikimedia UK event, but it is scheduled for a different day. It is reasonable to assume that the lack of any engagement from employees on the Water cooler over several working days, seems to indicate that Wikimedia UK is lending out the name of the charity for events it has no hand in organizing, nor has agreed basic logistics for, such as the date. The are now only 3 days left before the event as per the Wikimedia UK calendar of events. I doubt this is sufficient notice for this to be considered a charity supported event that members and volunteers have been invited to attend.

I hope that no money or staff time from the UK charity is supporting this talk, considering how poorly organized it appears to be.

Could an employee or a Trustee please confirm that is the case, or if not, then how much money is being spent on this? --Fæ (talk) 13:40, 25 March 2014 (UTC)

What's the problem? The eventbrite page only says "with support from Wikimedia UK" and it looks like a basic introduction to Wikipedia event. The calendar on the main page isn't limited to Wikimedia UK run events; it currently includes two independent meet ups and Wikimedia Conference 2014 for example. Perhaps there could have been a link but I don't see that as a critical failure. - AdamBMorgan (talk) 14:50, 25 March 2014 (UTC)

We (WMUK members) have confidence that we understand who is arranging Wikimedia Conference events and the nature of the relationship with Wikimedia UK is a public affair. The eventbrite page linked above was only found by TheOverflow searching on Google, not because Wikimedia UK knew about it or recommends that as a source of agreed information. Members and volunteers neither knowing where or when this event will be is a critical problem for any Wikimedian that would like to actually attend or may want to help. Three days notice is insufficient and (bizarrely) the Wikimedia UK advertized date is different to the eventbrite published date.

When a UK national charity provides support to other organizations, volunteers and members should be free to ask where and when the events are, expect transparency and accountability for support (money, paid employee time?) and a published definition of joint arrangements, even if just a brief statement.

I hope my basic questions above are welcome and fit the Watercooler which is supposed to be a place for questions about events. However I am aware that under the new working practices on the Watercooler my assumption may be wrong.

Every support commitment or partnership Wikimedia UK enters, needs basic understanding of what the support/partnership is, who the relationship is with, and why it fits the mission of the charity. Without a documented understanding between all parties, there is a risk that misunderstanding and confusion may waste our donor's money or lead to damaging the reputation of the charity. --Fæ (talk) 15:06, 25 March 2014 (UTC)

Surely there is a proportionality issue here. It's just an introduction/editathon level event. I would expect WMUK to be generally in favour of, and provide at least some support for, any and all such events (and, by extension, would have no reputational risk because of that ubiquity). Unless it is something more significant thatn this, I'd say any "published definition of joint arrangements" would be excessive. - AdamBMorgan (talk) 15:33, 26 March 2014 (UTC)

By that I mean any credible explanation in public. I agree that in this case, something like two clear sentences would be sufficient and proportional.

At the moment members of the charity have no idea if WMUK is footing the bill for any expenses or funding anything else. Employees, trustees have been strangely reticent to clarify anything.

It is the charity's name against an event that is advertized as in 2 days time, but puzzlingly, we are unsure of the date or if the presenter has the skills and experience the members would expect for someone to make a presentation about the project while officially using Wikimedia UK's banner on their promotional material. --Fæ (talk) 17:32, 26 March 2014 (UTC)

British cartoons 1780—1830 available in very high resolution

Example parody of George IV and his desire for divorce, 1820.
7,068 × 4,638px, 93MB

There may be some UK Wikipedians interested in helping with 18th/19th century articles on British society, so I thought it worth highlighting my current batch upload to Wikimedia Commons of the Library of Congress British Cartoon Prints Collection. Many of these are notable political parodies that are either worth including on Wikipedia articles of the artists, their unfortunate subjects, or some may be notable enough for their own article. Alternatively, you may find some of the recently uploaded (complete) books, manuscripts and maps at World Digital Library an untapped resource for an article or a new Wikisource project.

The Library of Congress has other collections with a connection to UK history or there may be different on-line public domain collections that you would like to see uploaded. Drop me a note on Commons if you have an idea for future batch upload projects. --Fæ (talk) 14:14, 21 March 2014 (UTC)

Day of the week of events

There's been no reply to my message at Talk:Women in Science Wikipedia edit-a-thon 13 May 2014 - University of Liverpool. Does anyone know why it is happening on that day? I'd hate to think that we'd do an event on a day that is convenient for someone in a partner institution but results in us reaching very few people. Yaris678 (talk) 19:42, 23 March 2014 (UTC)

Hi Yaris, I have passed this on to my colleagues so hopefully someone who is able to answer your question will be in touch soon. Thank you. Stevie Benton (WMUK) (talk) 12:19, 24 March 2014 (UTC)

Replied on the event page - hope it helps. If you are interested in being a trainer for this event, do note your interest on the event page. Thanks! Daria Cybulska (WMUK) (talk) 09:45, 25 March 2014 (UTC)

Wikidata workshop

Do you want to learn more about Wikidata? On Saturday 26 April, Wikimedia UK is organising a one day workshop focusing on Wikidata, its tools ecosystem, and what you can do with it. More details and registration can be found here. -- Katie Chan (WMUK) (talk) 14:50, 24 March 2014 (UTC)

Wikimania delegate packs

Hello everyone. It's time to start preparing delegate packs for Wikimania. What materials would be useful to include in a perfect world? What information would be useful to visitors to the conference, and to London? Things like Tube maps and guides to using Oyster cards of course, emergency contact details, directions to the Barbican and Wikimedia UK office... but what else do you think would be helpful? Any suggestions greatly appreciated. Note: While it seems like Wikimania is a long way away still, if we want new materials they need to be written, designed and printed so the sooner we start, the better. Thanks very much. Stevie Benton (WMUK) (talk) 11:12, 25 March 2014 (UTC)

• Wikivoyage:Wikimania 2014 London Guidebook is intended to cover a lot of things like this. Some of it doesn't work well offline (the URLs mainly) but that project's page are designed to be printed off and used manually. (At one point I was thinking of useing QRpedia to create a quick QR link from a printed page to the website but that doesn't seem to work any more for non-pedias.) - AdamBMorgan (talk) 11:39, 25 March 2014 (UTC)
• A Wikimedia branded memory stick. --MichaelMaggs (talk) 12:50, 25 March 2014 (UTC)
• An A4 local map showing the venue, the locations of the evening events, the accommodation and the public transport links
• the Wikimania schedule
• A list of friendly dos and don't such as "on tube escalators stand on the right, walk on the left".
• A wikimedia UK sticker and coaster
• Re the emergency contact details, there is a draft already started on the Wikimania wiki.
• a Weather forecast for the 8-11 August. We would need to print this on the 7th and add it to the delegate bags.

Jonathan Cardy (WMUK) (talk) 13:23, 25 March 2014 (UTC)