Water cooler

Welcome to the water cooler This is a place to find out what is happening and to discuss our external projects and activities. Feel free to suggest ideas that could help our charitable mission or ask questions about how you can help. To discuss the inner workings of the charity, head over to the engine room.

WMUK Grants programme - a piece of cake?

Applying for a grant is easy.

If Wikimedia UK can help you improve Wikimedia projects, check out our grants page.

2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014

Tools for identifying Wikimedians at press events, etc

Albin with Wikipedia microphone

Copied from a post I made to the UK mailing list at Michael Maggs's request:

Reading about the making of videos at Eurovison I was stuck by the positive response to the "Wikipedia representative", not least engendered by his use of a branded microphone windshield (see third picture in the above post; that windshield is far too big for use on the Zoom H1 which I use for the voice project, but something smaller would be useful).

Similarly, my local branch of OpenStreetMap issues mappers with branded high-viz vests; these often reassure the public (or at least facilitate the opening of a discussion), when someone is walking down their road noting house numbers and other features.

I suggest some thought is given to providing WMUK volunteers who are likely to attend press calls and related events with something to identify them in a crowd; this could include microphone windshields, tabards, baseball caps, or perhaps something else.

I strongly suggest that the primary brand used should be Wikipedia, with Wikimedia and WMUK (or WikiNews or whatever) beings secondary, as it is the former which the lay public recognise most readily; and which elicits the positive response referred to above.

On a related note, are we ever going to get the promised business cards?

Michael asked:

perhaps you could kick off a discussion there by summarising the sort of recognition and/or materials that you would find it helpful for the charity to supply?

I've mentioned some items above; I welcome suggestions from others. Andy Mabbett (User:Pigsonthewing); Andy's talk; Andy's edits 20:57, 15 May 2014 (BST)

I sent an email yesterday to the UK list and it has not been posted. If any one wishes to read my summary of the background, please email me for a copy. There seems little point in re-sending emails to the list as I have been given no explanation. Be aware that any emails I send may misleadingly appear in the list archives as if it was posted at the time I sent it. Thanks --Fæ (talk) 14:04, 16 May 2014 (BST)

Or maybe the list admins haven't got round to dealing with it yet. Probably best not to speculate on motives. Richard Nevell (WMUK) (talk) 14:30, 16 May 2014 (BST)

(edit conflict) I have removed anything from my comment here that was more than bald facts, to make sure it is now extremely hard to read bad faith into it. The email of concern was posted on 15 May 2014 @14:16. If it does get posted, it will appear as if it were posted before six other emails in that thread that in practice were written afterwards. --Fæ (talk) 15:20, 16 May 2014 (BST)

Thank you. Richard Nevell (WMUK) (talk) 15:23, 16 May 2014 (BST)

Business cards

I would hope that we can make the best possible use of this excellent suggestion to increase the range and scope of our charitable work.

If we were to supply business cards or other items implying accreditation, what should be on them? Something like "Volunteer Photographer, Wikimedia UK" or the equivalent, with the globe logo if we can persuade the WMF to allow us to use their trademark in that way? The wording "Wikipedia representative" may not be possible as we are not legally allowed to speak for the "Wikipedia community" as a whole, in the same way that we cannot control what goes into the encyclopedia. Just thinking aloud here; of course we will have to look into the legal issues of representation before we can be absolutely certain about what is safe. Ideally, it would be best if we can avoid having to print disclaimers, as any sort of legalise will tend to undermine the member and will scare people off.

What would members find useful, in practice?--MichaelMaggs (talk) 23:01, 15 May 2014 (BST)

Why the word "volunteer"? from comments on the mailing list there seems to be an assumption that it offers some form of legal indemnity to WMUK, or WMF; I remain to be convinced that that's the case. I've used my (voluntary) work with the RSPB as a yardstick before; when I appear in public alongside their paid staff, I have the same type of badge, and the same branded clothing, as they do. The voluntary nature of my participation is nowhere made apparent. [I've split this as a subsection of the above, lest that get bogged down]. Andy Mabbett (User:Pigsonthewing); Andy's talk; Andy's edits 00:04, 16 May 2014 (BST)

That was just my suggestion. I suspect that the term, or something equivalent, might be needed on a formal business card, but as you say would seem unnecessary on clothing, badges and so on.--MichaelMaggs (talk) 07:39, 16 May 2014 (BST)

as far as I'm aware Andy is right and defining someone as a volunteer does not limit the charity's liability. My view is that if we want to be a volunteer led organisation we should provide volunteers with cards. The charity would need to consider and take steps to limit any liability which might arise as a result. This would however possibly open up a distinction between 'officially-approved' volunteers and others doing the same kind of work on their own initiative. How would everyone feel about that? Any suggestions for the basis on which cards should/should not be issued? Mccapra (talk) 17:06, 17 May 2014 (BST)

As I understand the logic of the previous debate, it was essentially that if we gave volunteers business cards, they would be representing WMUK. The board, in their infinite wisdom, thought that was an inherently bad thing, but there was also the small risk that somebody "representing" WMUK might say something silly, that somebody might take them seriously, and that WMUK's reputation might suffer as a consequence. That's a lot of ifs buts and maybes if you ask me. Volunteers representing WMUK should be seen as a Good Thing™, and the advantages of business cards to people like Andy and me (who talk to a lot of people and often need to follow up, or give others a way of following up should they wish) far outweigh the hypothetical drawbacks based on an overly conservative approach to risk. On a list of most useful things the chapter could d for its volunteers, business cards would be pretty high up on my list. If it's really necessary, we can sign some sort of agreement. Harry Mitchell (talk) 10:58, 24 May 2014 (BST)

Bear in mind that the composition of the board was almost totally different during that 'previous debate'. I can't speak for past boards, but I can say that the current board is more than open to discussing ideas such as this which could help volunteers be more effective in the work they want to do in association with the charity.--MichaelMaggs (talk) 13:32, 24 May 2014 (BST)

I can speak with personal recall of board discussions (for goodness sake, it was hardly that long ago and plenty of discussion was publicly on this wiki), the issue was volunteers making up fantasy titles rather than being an "inherently bad thing", however the trustees wanted to care not to hurt anyone's feelings. Being open to discussing ideas with volunteers is not an invention of the "new" board of trustees, giving out that perception is unhelpful and truly smacks of damnatio memoriae, in most measurable ways past boards were far more engaged in discussion with volunteers than the current set. --Fæ (talk) 14:16, 24 May 2014 (BST)

Your last sentence is accurate, Fae, certainly. It wasn't the volunteers who made up the vanity titles, though (indeed, I Tip-Ex'd it out on my cards), but the phrase used for getting us replacements was "within a week"... Harry Mitchell (talk) 17:18, 24 May 2014 (BST)

This is now on the agenda for the next Board meetingMccapra (talk) 18:54, 24 May 2014 (BST)

Thanks Harry. I have no idea why anyone promised to get replacements within a week. I doubt it was me, based on my personal experience of it taking almost a year to be supplied with replacement business cards, and by the time I actually had them in my possession I was on my way out the door, so they became an extremely expensive notepad. I never found out how much they cost, but I think it would have been in the region of £140? Enough to provide lunch and travel for a modest edit-a-thon. It's been said before, but I hope the board actually ask about costs this time around, as it seems fair to make these costs a matter of public record. --Fæ (talk) 20:17, 24 May 2014 (BST)

I'm not sure I'd go along with the logic that the business cards would be a replacement for an editahon (nor, even, that the editathon would be the better investment, even if it has more tangible results), but I do take your point on costs. It seems reasonable for people to know how much they cost and weigh that up against the benefits for themselves, I agree. "Within a week" was the phrase used (just one of those things that sticks in the mind, I guess) but I guess recrimination for the events of yesteryear isn't really helpful, and I take Alistair's comment to mean that the board will consider the issue carefully, which is progress at least. Harry Mitchell (talk) 22:37, 24 May 2014 (BST)

Clothing

Anything visible, like t-shirts/hoodies (perhaps with writing on the back, rather than the front?), baseball caps, camera cases/straps, and other props that people would use anyway lends itself to being branded, which makes it visible. I do agree that the Wikipedia logo is the one that people recognise; if I have to spend ten minutes explaining the difference between Wikimedia and Wikipedia, we've defeated the point (which is to be recognisable, and to catch people's eye with something they immediately recognise and have positive thoughts about). Harry Mitchell (talk) 11:34, 24 May 2014 (BST)

Camera straps would be good idea, if the brand is very prominent. Clothing would need a logo (perhaps breast-pocket sized) on the front, if the purpose is to identify the wearer to someone facing them. Andy Mabbett (User:Pigsonthewing); Andy's talk; Andy's edits 19:49, 28 May 2014 (BST)

Wikimedian in Residence - review of the programme

Hi All, over the last couple of months I've been working on reviewing the Wikimedian in Residence programme run by Wikimedia UK. I will be promoting it more widely later this week and further on in July, but it would be great to hear your early thoughts. Please see the report here. One possible space for comments could be here.

Many thanks! Daria Cybulska (WMUK) (talk) 17:14, 30 June 2014 (BST)

NB I would like to get the report printed, and to be able to do so for Wikimania I would need to introduce any changes to the content itself by Friday 4th July. Daria Cybulska (WMUK) (talk) 17:15, 30 June 2014 (BST)

WMUK sponsored project image on the front page of Wikipedia today

Airliners project image of a Canadair Challenger 604

The image on the right is one of the Airliners uploads that I have been running as a Commons project. The photograph is the primary image on the the main page of Wikipedia today, as it illustrates the Featured Article[1] No. 34 Squadron RAAF. I uploaded this image in July 2013, and WMUK started supporting uploads of this project in February 2014 after supplying me with a macmini (a more powerful version of my 7 years old one). You can read more about my active upload projects on my Commons user page. Over 82,000 images of aircraft have been uploaded using my tools as part of the project, though the total is larger as a variety of methods have been used by volunteers.

In a similar vein, my upload of a Royal Canadian Air Force CC-150 Polaris aircraft during aerial refueling from the US Department of Defense was a featured picture on the Persian Wikipedia last month.[2] My semi-automated uploads to Commons of DoD photographs started in 2012. --Fæ (talk) 13:51, 7 July 2014 (BST)

Thank you for your work on these uploads. Thryduulf (talk: local | en.wp | en.wikt) 22:14, 7 July 2014 (BST)

Campus Ambassadors workshop on 6 August

Wikipedia Campus Ambassadors logo

WMUK is co-hosting a Campus Ambassadors workshop as part of the Education Pre-Conference at Wikimania on Wednesday 6 August 2014. This is part of the chapter's renewed efforts to organise a Campus Ambassadors Programme in the UK.

Are you interested in using Wikipedia as a teaching tool? Do you want to support the use of Wikipedia on a university campus? Whether you're a student, a teacher, a policymaker or just a curious individual, come along to our free training session at the Barbican. Registration is required and, if you're an educator, you may also attend the Educator training workshops on Thursday 7 August 2014 using the same registration form.

Please register now! --Toni Sant (WMUK) (talk) 14:50, 17 July 2014 (BST)

Celtic Meet-up at Wikimania

Celtic cross - Ireland

There's a welcome to all those directly involved with all Celtic langauage wikis at Wikimania here, or anyone who wishes to support in any way eg AWB, infoboxes, databases, dbpedia, or just making the tea. Robin Owain (WMUK) (talk) 12:08, 18 July 2014 (BST)

Applications for a Fundraising Assistant

Wikimedia UK are now accepting applications for a Fundraising Assistant to support the delivery of the charity's fundraising programme in particular working with our donors and undertaking the essential administrative tasks involved with donor stewardship. If you are interested in applying, more details can be found here. The deadline for applications is 5pm BST on Friday 1st August 2014. Richard Nevell (WMUK) (talk) 14:24, 18 July 2014 (BST)

GLAM-Wiki 2013 Conference - long term survey

The memories of attending the GLAM-Wiki Conference in London last year may have faded for many of us, but a year after the conference we wanted to see what impact it made on the participants. For this reason in Spring 2014 we have run a 'long term effects' survey that was circulated to all the attendees and answered by 34 people. The full results - only a couple of pages - can be seen here. Particularly inspiring is the 'Action' section, which shows what a great effect the event had on the participants. Enjoy reading the report! Daria Cybulska (WMUK) (talk) 15:29, 21 July 2014 (BST)

New outreach publications

We have three new booklets for outreach and our annual review, due to arrive at the office at the end of the month. If you think they'd be useful in your work, drop me an email at richard.nevellwikimedia.org.uk Richard Nevell (WMUK) (talk) 11:45, 22 July 2014 (BST)

• 

  How to use Wikipedia as a teaching tool

• 

  Wikimedian in Residence Programme Review (2014)

• 

  GLAM booklet

• 

  2013–14 Annual Review

NIACE calls for evidence on implementation of new GCSEs for post-16 education

Hello everyone. National Institute of Continuing Adult Education (NIACE) are calling for submissions to a consultation about new GCSEs and their implementation in the world of post-16 education. Could be a fair amount of work but equally a really good opportunity to make the case for the Wikimedia projects and open knowledge more generally. The basics of the call are here and the full details are here. Wikimania is coming, but the submissions aren't due until 30 September so time shouldn't be a factor. Thanks for any and all suggestions. Stevie Benton (WMUK) (talk) 11:31, 23 July 2014 (BST)

Conference about communicating research, 25-26 September 2014, London - anyone interested?

Hi All,

I recently read about the 1:AM Altmetrics conference (http://www.altmetricsconference.com/). The event focuses on new trends in scholarly publishing and measuring its impact . Where Wikimedia UK becomes relevant is when the debate focuses on how research could be used on Wikimedia projects, how could that be measured, and why it is important to do. Delegates will be invited to share their ideas and experiences in communicating research - Wikimedia UK could add an interesting perspective to that.

Is anyone interested in attending and representing Wikimedia UK? Reasonable expenses would be covered.

Get in touch - daria.cybulskawikimedia.org.uk.

Thanks! Daria Cybulska (WMUK) (talk) 09:36, 24 July 2014 (BST)

House of Lords Digital Skills Committee calls for evidence

Hello everyone. The House of Lords has established a Digital Skills Committee and has called for evidence. The investigation will explore how the UK can be prepared to compete in a global digital economy, examining issues such as whether we're developing a workforce that is appropriately skilled for the future in jobs that may not yet exist, and how we are encouraging people of all ages to choose careers which will benefit the future digital era. The call for evidence can be found here. Wikimedia UK should consider making a submission to this committee on this issue. Among the many groups they are asking to submit, they include four that are of relevance: technology companies [or charities], digital literacy groups, civil society and lifelong learning organisations. There is plenty of time for us to make a submission as the consultation closes on 5 September. Perhaps a burst of activity after Wikimania? Stevie Benton (WMUK) (talk) 12:52, 24 July 2014 (BST)

If anyone has any preliminary thoughts, I've started a drafting page here. I wouldn't be in the least offended if nothing there at the moment remains obviously! If anyone wants an impromptu hack at this over Wikimania I'm sure we could self-organise something Sjgknight (talk) 13:08, 24 July 2014 (BST)

Right to be forgotten - Google consultation

Google are seeking comments in a consultation on the right to be forgotten, and will be asking some of those submitting to in-person meetings in the future. From the page:

To further its understanding of the issues raised by the ruling, the Council seeks input on these topics among others that may arise:

• Are there any procedural issues raised by the case (e.g., responsibilities of search engines, data protection authorities,, publishers, individuals)?
• What is the nature and delineation of a public figure’s right to
• How should we differentiate content in the public interest from content that is not?
• Does the public have a right to information about the nature, volume, and outcome of removal requests made to search engines?
• What is the public’s right to information when it comes to reviews of professional or consumer services? Or criminal histories?
• Should individuals be able to request removal of links to information published by a government?
• Do publishers of content have a right to information about requests to remove it from search?

August 11th deadline for the public meetings (they say they'll read ones after) with a list of meetings on the site (London, October 16th). I imagine this will be of interest to some individuals, I don't know if it's something Wikimedia UK should submit something collectively on. Sjgknight (talk) 11:55, 26 July 2014 (BST)

I would expect a collective process, that were to include interested Wikimedia volunteers as well as the charity's board members and employees, would result in a mix of opinions. However it would be interesting to see an engaging collective submission attempted. --Fæ (talk) 16:13, 26 July 2014 (BST)

Agreed, it'd be interesting to see if we can show an interesting range of opinions perhaps alongside what insight we think the Wikimedia context has to offer on the issue (e.g. BLP policy). I've created the start of a page here anyway if people want to collate ideas/start working. Time scale is relatively short unfortunately. Sjgknight (talk) 17:48, 26 July 2014 (BST)

Clean-up of old wiki

Because this concerns everyone who was an admin on the old wiki, I'm letting you know of this. When the old wiki was redirected to the new one, the advanced rights were not cleared up.--Jasper Deng (talk) 05:11, 28 July 2014 (BST)

Apparently, this requires your endorsement, even though no-one has physical control of the wiki anymore.--Jasper Deng (talk) 07:41, 28 July 2014 (BST)

Thank you Jasper, I have replied on meta wiki. Richard Nevell (WMUK) (talk) 11:06, 28 July 2014 (BST)

Applications open for a Wikipedian in Residence at the Royal Society of Chemistry

The Royal Society of Chemistry, an organisation based in Cambridge and London, is looking for a Wikipedian in Residence to deliver a six-month full-time project. The deadline for applications is 17th August. If you or someone you know would be interested in applying, details can be found here. Richard Nevell (WMUK) (talk) 12:19, 30 July 2014 (BST)

Wikimania Future of Education Workshop - feedback from attendees

Future of Education Workshop attendees

WMUK volunteers Raya Sharbain and Hannah Jones have assisted Richard Nevell, Fabian Tompsett, and me in gathering feedback from attendees to the recent Future of Education Workshop, presented as part of the Wikimania Fringe. Here are the final reports from this feedback:

• Feedback from the first day
• Feedback from the second day

Further comments are welcome, either here or on the event talk page. Thank you. --Toni Sant (WMUK) (talk) 13:40, 30 July 2014 (BST)

Visual Editor

Hello all! I am currently typing this message on the Visual Editor, which has been rolled out across this wiki thanks to Emmanuel, our resident magician. Do let us know if there are any issues - there shouldn't be, but just in case. The first issue is that I can't sign this post. Otherwise, everything works so far. Richard Symonds, WMUK, 16:22, 31/07/2014

Celebrations at the National Library of Scotland - one year anniversary!

Ally Crockford, the Wikimedian in Residence at the NLS, has completed her first year in post, making her the longest standing WIR in the UK. To celebrate... she wrote a great 12 month summary report - click here to enjoy. Congratulations Ally!

-- Daria Cybulska (WMUK) (talk) 17:25, 31 July 2014 (BST)

Bravo! Kelson (talk) 18:12, 31 July 2014 (BST)

Armenian citizens encouraged to write WP articles in new campaign

Hello everyone. The BBC is reporting on a new campaign called "One Armenian, One Article" in a bid to encourage Armenian citizens to write articles on Wikipedia. This seems to be a part of a drive to encourage preservation and acknowledgement of Armenian culture. You can read the article here - and thanks to User:Richard Symonds (WMUK) for the spot! Stevie Benton (WMUK) (talk) 11:01, 1 August 2014 (BST)

We're recruiting a Programme Intern (paid)

Hello everyone, Wikimedia UK has just begun recruiting for a paid intern to join our programme team for three months. The main focus of the role will be to organise and support the delivery of Wikimedia gender gap related events, particularly Women in Science editathons, focusing on Ada Lovelace October celebrations. We would particularly welcome applicants with an understanding of, and experience of, our mission. You can see full details of the role here and the closing date is 5pm on Monday 18 August. We do hope that you will apply, or share the details with your networks. Thank you. Stevie Benton (WMUK) (talk) 15:04, 1 August 2014 (BST)

Shaping our programme 2014-19

Dear community,

We are now preparing for plans for next year. This is a complicated task with many viewpoints and factors to consider. Your view are an important part of this and I am publishing today a discussion paper with suggestions for how the chapter can develop over the next year and beyond.

It is based on previous year's work and interviews with trustees, community members and staff.

You can access it here

Please comment on the discussion page.

Thanks and hope to see many of you at Wikimania. Jon Davies (WMUK) (talk) 12:16, 6 August 2014 (BST)

New overlaying website is live

Hello everyone, I'm very happy to report that our new overlay website is live. Just to reiterate that this is intended for people new to our work and encountering us for the first time. Experienced Wikimedians and our community are not the primary audience for this. But I'd like to know what you think, so please do take a look. It's here. I expect there are refinements needed and I have spotted a couple myself but on the whole I am happy with it. I hope you like it. Stevie Benton (WMUK) (talk) 09:14, 8 August 2014 (BST)

Voting at the AGM

Yesterday a number of concerns were raised about expired membership and voting at the AGM. Evidently this year a number of people’s memberships have expired without their realising. We adopted a new procedure this year on AGM voting in response to concerns about security, and sent out voting forms in the post. It was obviously not clear to everyone that they needed the form posted to them in order to vote. After Wikimania I’ll start a discussion on the wiki about whether we should continue to post voting forms in future years – unless anyone else wants to start it sooner. As far as voting at this year’s AGM is concerned the Board has asked me to say the following:

1. If you are a member and for any reason have not received/forgotten to bring your voting paper, you can ask for a new voting paper shortly before the AGM. Papers will be available for any member who needs them. There will be a check to confirm that your membership is current.

2. As in previous years, it will be possible for applications for membership to be considered in advance of the AGM, and for the Board to have oversight when it holds a meeting just before the AGM. If you have come to Wikimania believing that you are a member and just discovered that you aren’t any more, and you want to rejoin and vote: you can apply to rejoin up to noon tomorrow using the online form at https://donate.wikimedia.org.uk/civicrm/contribute/transact?reset=1&id=4

If you are readmitted you will be given voting papers and may vote.

Apologies for any difficulty caused this year. I hope this answers the concerns raised.

Thanks

Alastair McCapra WMUK Secretary

2014 AGM

In all the hubbub of Wikimania it could be easy to forget that we held our 2014 AGM! Unless I am mistaken we had 72 people through the door making it our best attended ever. The minutes are being written up and will be published as soon as possible. Holding it in the middle of Wikimania meant that an unusually large number of people could attend. For instance volunteers who had received WMUK or Foundation scholarships. We also attracted a number of observers from other countries.

It is important to put on record my thanks to:

• The volunteer tellers, Richard Symonds and James Farrar.
• Michael Maggs for calmly chairing despite time restrictions and a packed agenda.
• Greyham Dawes for a concise and authoritative Treasurer's report.
• The Wikimania Team for accommodating us.
• Everyone who turned up, and those that were unable to who cast their votes by post or proxy.
• Those who contributed to the discussions and debates.

Next year's will be on September 13th, venue to be decided. Jon Davies (WMUK) (talk) 10:10, 12 August 2014 (BST)

Could someone add a link here to the parallel Facebook discussion that informed so many members and interested Wikimedians about events throughout the AGM? Unfortunately I was unaware that this was a feature of the AGM either beforehand, or at the time. Thanks --Fæ (talk) 11:05, 12 August 2014 (BST)