News from the Office/Posts

News from the Office Posts

10th August

Busy last day before going on holiday for a couple of weeks - my first real break since starting at Wikimedia on October 10th. Isabelle, one of the two interns we are taking on over the summer, came in to meet us and didn't seem too scared. Had lunch with en:Nick Barratt fascinating guy with a wealth of knowledge about genealogy and a bringing desire to keep it ll open access. Any one interested in the area please contact Daria in the office as we need good liaison people. Lessons to be learnt from his community - 10,000 volunteer transcribers 50%women and most of whom are 60+, a part of the population we could do well to attract. Back the end of the month but hope to keep half an eye on what everyone gets up to. No broadband where I am going so will be reliant on old technology. 188.223.85.48 13:59, 10 August 2012 (UTC)

7th August

Interesting meeting today with Gemma Griffiths and Philip Sheldrake, both of whom are friends of Wikipedia and were involved in shaping the first round of guidelines for PR representatives on engaging with Wikipedia. We discussed the second phase of this project and how we work together to develop version two. Plenty of other positive work taking place too, particularly around Edu-Wiki, the development of some wider work in the education field and our publications. Exciting to be moving forwards with some excellent projects. Plenty of media enquiries this week about Wikipedia being down. I wanted to blame chipmunk for chewing through the cables but couldn't confirm that. BBC Wales interested to learn that BBC Welsh language services get so little traffic, especially when compared with Wicipedia Cymru. Put the journalist in touch with the marvellous Robin Owain. - Stevie Benton, Communications Organiser

3rd August

Not really a quiet week (!) but one where people have kept their good humour and manners despite dealing with some very tricky issues. The changing of our chair was difficult and involved a great deal of careful thought. In the end the board came through it united and we have kept people on board that the Charity needs. Particular thanks to the members who had to put up with a small wave of emails. Especial thanks to those who sent me their comments. We are all human and so thanks to the board who voted the staff a cake to say thanks for their work during a tough week. Much appreciated. -Jon Davies, Chief Executive.

27th July

My mum never told me there would be weeks like this. Just as well really. Such a lot of balls to juggle. Simultaneous conversations with about thirty people across twelve time zones make sleeping difficult. But out on the streets relative calm prevails. The Olympic lanes have actually improved my cycle journey to work and with Bradley Wiggins for inspiration I cycle just the same speed as before but feel good, added to which we now have covered cycle parking at Wikimedia UK thanks to a grant from Transport for London.

Richard S. now back from the states - everyone soooooo relieved. He is our own one-man helpline.

The year's plans are starting to come together and the proposals for 2013 re sitting there waiting for you all to comment: 2013 Activity Plan
— Jon Davies, Chief Executive

23rd July

A week ago I was being blasted by the heat of Washington and the joys of Wikimania. Now back to the more moderate climate of London. The Olympic Torch will be coming past our building later this week so we all got out our dustpans to clear the rubbish from the back car-park. Five sacks of various pieces of nastiness.

On a personal note feel amazed that I have made it to 1001 edits on wikis. Chose two obscure but close to heart wikis to edit on for this amazing moment. Will Jimmy Wales be round with a cake?

And despite that number still yearn for the Visual Editor.
— Jon Davies, Chief Executive

19th July

Coming to the end of my third week in post as Fundraising Organiser, and things are starting to pick up! I had a great time yesterday being taught how to edit more with one of Wikimedia UK's volunteers, WSC, and have already put my lessons into practice by posting up a review page to encourage discussions about what our donor newsletters could be like...

However, most of today has been spent 'adjusting' to our fundraising database and running a number of searches - I'm trying to get together some detailed reporting on our results for various contacts from last year's fundraiser to make sure we learn any lessons they offer us, hopefully to make 2012 even better for donors, and of course for Wikimedia UK. Any questions - get in touch!
— Katherine Bavage, Fundraiser

18th July

Second day back in office after the extraordinary Wikimania conference in Washington. What a privilege to be there and meet such a great bunch of enthusiasts. One of the best things was to meet the real people behind the emails. When all is said and done emails are very poor when it comes to anything subtle, like human relationships. Therein lies a real challenge for our community. Too many assumptions and assertions in emails, not nearly enough 'assuming good faith'. We are the National Council for Voluntary Organisation's Charity of the Day! http://www.ncvo-vol.org.uk/
— Jon Davies, Chief Executive

13th July

Long day yesterday, lots happening around Gibraltarpedia. Didn't stop when I got home - fielding calls until 11pm from BBC Radio Wales looking to speak with Mr Monmouth, John Cummings. Very impressed that Monmouthpedia was seen as the coolest Wikimedia project of the last year!
— Stevie Benton, Communications Organiser

11th July

Plunged into the world of wiki world politics sitting in a committee room in Washington discussing how to create a sort of WikiUN with staff, exec etc.. Our own Chair has been selected to chair and bring peace and harmony. He is doing a good job but people very risk averse and unwilling to move too quickly. Kudos to the Russian rep who despite some sceptisism has proposed a solution based on the Russian political system.

Bottom line trying to decide on chicken or egg is always impossible. Danger of doing nothing. Too many people sitting quietly.
— Jon Davies, Chief Executive

10th July

The Russian language Wikipedia is blacked out today in protest at a piece of legislation making its way through the Russian Duma. Details can be found here (in Russian and English). I arranged a TV appearance for a Russian Wikipedian to discuss the issue on BBC World News channel. The interview appeared to go well.
— Stevie Benton, Communications Organiser

5th July

It's fun, yet nail-biting, to be working with a printer overseas. Different paper sizes (and weights), different conventions for artwork and so on... Perhaps the most unusual thing is not being able to see and hold a full proof of the work. Here's hoping that 1,000 copies of a booklet on how to create a Wiki town arrive safe and sound at the Wikimania venue on Monday so the hardy event team can pop them into the delegate packs. Not sure whether I'm excited or nervy about the end product...
— Stevie Benton, Communications Organiser

4th July

Daria, our events organiser, has arrived safely in New York and will no doubt have a great day celebrating US Independence. Personally I think they made a mistake and have lost out on having cricket as a national sport. On the other hand they would probably thrash us. The follow up from the board meeting at the weekend led to pages of actions for staff and trustees. I have now posted three major pieces of work on the wiki for comment. Hope the community has the energy to contribute. And as I approach my 1000's edit on wikis I have asked for suggestions as to what it should be. Fae came up with what looks like a week's work. Hmmm. something simpler perhaps?
— Jon Davies, CE, WMUK

29th June 2012

Build up to board meeting and the sound of whole Norwegian woods being felled for the paper almost audible. Taking sage advice we have done our office shopping well in advance of the Olympics. Visions of stationary stationery vans haunting office managers all over London. Panic buying of toilet paper only weeks away. Sandra, the new CE of Wikimedia Netherlands spends the day with us. The first time ever for an excuse for the whole office to go for a pizza together. Nobody brave/stupid enough to drink anything but water; members be proud of us!
— Jon Davies, CE, WMUK

22nd June 2012

A busy, busy week but much achieved.

Our events organiser got her visa on second attempt to go to to the states to Wikimania. Everyone very happy and a certain amount of fizzy wine supped to celebrate.

Tom Watson MP, famous Murdoch baiter but more crucially champion of open access, agreed to come into the office. Board meeting next week and masses to do to prepare crucial report. Need to have next year's programme in draft very soon. Trying to pin down the whole Developer issue. EVERYONE has an opinion but in the meantime we really need technical support. The trustee dealing with it is a saint.
— Jon Davies, CE, WMUK

15th June 2012

Job Description for Developer agreed but lots of discussion still. Running out of time if we are to have someone in post for fundraiser. Build up to WW1 editathon. All seems to be running very smoothly. Staff have mobile phones at last. Very important so that they are not subsidising the charity and can hand the phone over to colleagues when on holiday or if they leave. Androids so lots of learning to do. Many recommendations for apps coming in. Round Table with Jimmy Wales over his government work goes very well with 100% attendance, mostly thanks to Diane from Creative Commons. First Train the Trainers seems to have gone well - received positive feedback from trainers and trainees.
— Jon Davies, CE, WMUK

8th June 2012

After much legal and small 'p' political discussion we are close to signing this year's fundraiser agreement with the Foundation. Much of the debate involves getting the balance of the relationship right. Lots of goodwill on both sides helps. GLAM camp at Mozilla's swanky new London HQ in Charing Cross Road. A laptop and a serious look gets you admission and access to their kitchen! Popped in on Norwegian Wikimedians during private visit to Oslo. They have big ambitions and two languages to work with apart from English which they all speak fluently and edit on.
— Jon Davies, CE, WMUK

1st June 2012

Five year plan discussion have died down - will publish soon for board. Long discussions about how to support new board, especially around issues of governance. Fundraiser chosen and references proved good. She will start July 1st. October 1st when I was sitting alone seems a long time ago.
— Jon Davies, CE, WMUK

25th May 2012

Very slow progress on Developer post/contract. So many things to consider. Mike Peel working hard at trying to come up with a solution. Fundraiser interviews at weekend. Fingers crossed for good outcome. Met British Library and Creative Commons people. Agreed to get Jimmy Wales to a round table to brief him about issues regarding the work he is doing on open access to academic work for the government. Six weekly call with other CE's of European chapters. Fun and useful.
— Jon Davies, CE, WMUK

18th May 2012

At rapid pace we re-publish copies of 'how to edit' booklet. Almost daily requests for copies. Office admin a very patient guy but now we have a written version so he doesn't have to explain edits down the phone. AGM passes smoothly - no big hassles and elections held in good spirit despite inevitable casualties as so many standing for the seven places. Big potential to make it more successful next year with more events and activities. Advertising for fundraiser post - not many enquiries - disappointing as other jobs attracted lots of interest. London Wikimeet full of interesting charaters. Gave James tin of beans to celebrate its 57th meeting. He eventually understood although possibly unfamiliar with baked beans in his part of Islington.
— Jon Davies, CE, WMUK

11th May 2012

Prepared five year plan for AGM Carried the Train the Trainers actions forward. Annual report looks good and is something we can give to people to explain our role. New bank account working really well. Some progress on Pensions. Utube channel completely revised by one special volunteer.
— Jon Davies, CE, WMUK

4th May 2012

Updated this year's plan on Wiki - a major piece of work and lateral thinking. Training the Trainers tender deadline came with five applicants. Annual report at printers - Comms organiser's first publication. Fingers crossed we spelt Wikimedia right! Panel evaluated the Train the trainers and came to a sophisticated set of decisions that should offer a lot of scope for rapid and sustainable development. Working with a key volunteer to develop work in Wales. Jimmy Wales came in to visit staff on his wy from the Vatican to Mexico!
— Jon Davies, CE, WMUK

20th April 2012

Exec in office Preparations for AGM continue Financial information and archives coming together. Our grant to Foundation received at last after issues around a misdirected code.
— Jon Davies, CE, WMUK

13th April 2012

Drafting a Five Year plan for everyone to look at (and tear to shreds). Ne Bank Account with proper charity style procedures on point of starting. Will be great relief. Events Organiser away but her work carries on with almost daily deliveries of badges, t-shirts etc. Even Monmouthpedia beer mats.
— Jon Davies, CE, WMUK

4th April 2012

Attended Berlin Chapters meeting - great to meet so many people Events Organiser off on pre-booked holiday - we will miss her but she has left a list of things for us to do! Began to pay outstanding invoices after financial delays owing to handover from old system.
— Jon Davies, CE, WMUK

30th March 2012

Lots of preparation for board meeting. Payroll worked, now for setting up a pension. Lots of visitors - curious to see what we look like on earth. Comms organiser and events organiser eating the work. Feels so good to have support.
— Jon Davies, CE, WMUK

23rd March 2012

Comms Organiser starts - dump shedload of work on him - much more than I would usually but it seems to have motivated him! Charity Commission have rejected the complaint and will file our reply for future use. Assembling PQASSO (Charity evaluation)evidence for review of Charity. IRC session with community - not a huge take-up but fun. AGM notices sent out. Organising payroll from the office for the first time - fingers crossed. Trying to pin down the numbers for Monmouthpedia budget. Set up visitors desks for volunteers etc in office.
— Jon Davies, CE, WMUK

16th March 2012

Google apps, calendar etc working. Not open source (alas) but very useful. Complaint received about us from Charity Commission. Liaised with Foundation. Predictable issue but must be treated professionally.
— Jon Davies, CE, WMUK

9th March 2012

ASA satisfied with our explanation. No action. Started organising the AGM in earnest. Exec meeting in Manchester. Lots to discuss but lots of volunteer time involved and two staff days time taken up. Much of this could be done my phone or email? Listened in to Foundation staff 'Metrics' meeting. Quite inspirational. Lots of energy , very little politics with a samll 'p'
— Jon Davies, CE, WMUK

2nd March 2012

ASA complaint. Finalised reply and sent in. Response within two weeks. Comms post: provided feedback to thirty applicants and interviewed candidates who requested it. Events Organiser started on Thursday. Oozes enthusiasm and efficiency.
— Jon Davies, CE, WMUK

27th February 2012

Communications organiser appointed and so from March 19th we will have our core staff of four in place supporting ll the activities of our volunteers and trustees. Great news that there will be four Wikimeets between now and the end of April, London (natch) Monmouth, Liverpool and Manchester. I really enjoyed the one in Cambridge. A great place for Wikimedians to meet and enjoy each other's company.
— Jon Davies, CE, WMUK

31st January 2012

January swept past and even involved working over the Christmas and new Year to get everything done. We appointed an Events organiser who will soon become familiar to the community, Daria Cybulska, and planned for recruiting the Comms organiser. Hundreds of people interested with a lot of applications to plough through. Sadly despite all our efforts, few Wikipedians applying. I suspect most have established careers or enjoy being volunteers. I could not get to the Finance meeting but has a quick day trip to meet colleagues at Wikimedia France. We have a great deal in common and lots of experiences to share
— Jon Davies, CE, WMUK

2nd December 2011

This week has been dominated by being at The Foundation offices in San Francisco meeting dozens of key staffers and building relationships for the future. I am writing a report on this that I shared. The final part of the month was occupied with creating systems to ensure the charity works efficiently and properly. I also instituted the employment of the Events and Communications Oragnisers.
— Jon Davies, CE, WMUK

24th November 2011 - November

• A very busy week. The office has attracted quite a few visitors already and Arne Klempert dropped by today.
• But it isn't all glamour - have spent two weeks on and off ensuring that we are completely insured for any probability. As of 4.30 today we are, just in time for a visit to the Foundation tomorrow.
• Arriving the day after Thanksgiving so expect lots of Turkey soup and sandwiches.
• Will report back from the mother ship.

— Jon Davies, CE, WMUK

11th November 2011 - November

• Almost half way through and a lot more has happened.
• On the 14th the fund raiser started. First reports are good despite the world's stock markets crashing in flames all around us. In difficult times people obviously need us even more.
• And a UK office opens at last that is more than a few cardboard boxes in someone's front room.
• Small first steps but we have four desks, four phones and four ethernet cables plus a large supply of tea and coffee. Wireless router imminent.
• Over the next three months this will become the dynamo for all the WMUK activities, supporting volunteers and making the 2012 programme reality.
• Visitors are welcome but email before you want to come in as I am often in other places meeting people.
• And today I am meeting Sue for the first time in a week of activities that should see me completely exhausted by Sunday night.
• Meanwhile in Coventry Richard is holding the fort in the face of the piles of work generated by the fundraiser. Not sure he will be able to sleep for a while.

— Jon Davies, CE, WMUK

2 November 2011 - My October

I have now been in post a whole month and wanted to share with you some of the highlights and bring you up to date with our plans and activities:

• Met loads of you at The Herbert in Coventry and also helped Fiona and Richard retain their sanity by running the Wikipedia stall at the Warwick University Fresher's Fair for a while.

• Have met all the trustees and a few ex-trustees to talk about our hopes and plans for 2012. Trip to Brisle next Monday.

• Found us four desks in a charity sharing office from November 14th. Working from home is all very well but my family want their living room back! The address will be:

Wikimedia UK,

Development House,

56-64 Leonard Street,

London

EC2A 4LT

• There will be wireless and hopefully room for people to drop in. Watch this space.

• Enjoyed the EGM - thanks to the stranger who bought me a drink - I owe you.

• Witnessed John training curators at the British Museum

• Spent three days in Berlin being looked after by Wikimedia Deutschland. A lot to learn from them. They have 20 staff and have already outgrown their offices. In their next one they hope to have space for the community with technical resources to help.

• Now planning for budgets, the fundraiser, the next board meeting and Sue Gardner's visit to London.

• ...and spent a few days as a guest of our wonderful NHS - no details but not riding my bike for another week!

— Jon Davies, CE, WMUK