Dear all,
We are excited to announce the establishment of Wikimedians of the Asia
Pacific User Group. Our goal is to preserve endangered languages, cultures,
folklore, and traditional knowledge of the Asia-Pacific region through
Wikimedia projects.
We are dedicated to fostering regional connections and supporting local
Wikimedia communities across Asia and the Asia-Pacific. Through
collaboration, advocacy, and knowledge-sharing, we aim to empower these
communities to effectively serve their regions and promote the values of
free knowledge, open access, and community engagement.
We invite you to join us in our mission. For more information about our
user group, please visit our Meta-Wiki page *¹*.
Thank you for your attention.
Best regards,
Aishik Rehman
Volunteer, Wikimedians of the Asia Pacific User Group
¹: https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/WAP
Hello all,
I'm a bit uncertain if it's the right avenue to ask. I apologize if it's
not the appropriate place and I will refrain from using this platform
in the future for similar reasons. I'm asking here to invite a broader
community perspective in this RfC[1] since this issue needs opinions from
different viewpoints coming from a broader audience.
I would request you to take some time to go through this RfC and drop your
observations if possible. I'm specifically concerned with my safety now
centering on this incident.
Best,
Rafi
[1]
https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Requests_for_comment/Block_without_any_proo…
This story made some headlines in Russian-language media, and I guess it
could be of general interest here.
Vladimir Medeyko, who has been the president of Wikimedia.ru, the Russian
chapter of WMF, since its foundation in the 2000s, announced yesterday that
he is starting a Russian Wikipedia fork [1]. The media on the payroll of
the Russian government, which for a long time were saying that Wikipedia is
an anti-government and anti-Russian project and must be blocked in Russia,
supported the initiative, commenting that this is exactly the start of a
pro-government encyclopedia which would replace the Russian Wikipedia.
Wikimedia.ru, whose main (or even exclusive) activity was to raise money to
pay salaries to the functionaries including Mr. Medeyko was suddenly pissed
off and held a meeting yesterday. Before the meeting, Mr. Medeyko said he
does not see a problem with his actions, however, being in danger of
getting expelled from the chapter he resigned and quit the chapter.
The Russian Wikipedia community, which knew that Mr. Medeyko supported the
Russian invasion of Ukraine, and which was critical against his activity on
advocacy for his paid editor friends, was pissed off as well.[2] He first
responded that he has taken the only correct decision, and everybody else
eventually would understand why the decision was correct. However, later he
resigned his admin flag, was blocked indef, and now has an arbitration case
pending against him. The discussions are ongoing whether having a chapter
in Russia at all is now beneficial, however, the chapter was for many years
totally disconnected from the community anyway.
I could add my personal perspective, since on- and off-wiki activity of Mr.
Medeyko was one of the reasons why I stopped editing the Russian Wikipedia
in 2011, after having served two terms as an arbitrator, and never came
back, but I do not think this is important at the moment.
Best
Yaroslav
[1] https://habr.com/ru/companies/ruwiki/articles/737260/
[2]
https://ru.wikipedia.org/wiki/%D0%92%D0%B8%D0%BA%D0%B8%D0%BF%D0%B5%D0%B4%D0…
FYI, OpenAI's nonprofit parent has launched a new grant program for
responsible AI:
https://openai.com/blog/democratic-inputs-to-ai
This is not concerned with the problem that's probably of highest
concern to Wikimedians (AI as bullshit generators) but with the longer
term steering of AI as it becomes more capable. I expect critics will
see it as more evidence that OpenAI is deflecting from the harm their
systems are doing today by focusing attention on long-term
hypotheticals. In typical OpenAI fashion, they speak of AGI
(human-level intelligence) and superintelligence.
Wikipedia is the very first example they cite for "creative approaches
that inspire us". The example in their mockup, of deciding on whether
an AI should provide advice on recreational drug use, is also the kind
of thing that should be familiar to folks who've been part of content
policy discussions. Their mockup also reminded me a bit of NPOV in its
attempt to arrive at a formulation that is widely agreeable.
Individuals and orgs can apply; I did not see any country exclusions
but I didn't see a way to get to the fineprint without applying.
Deadline is June 24.
I don't intend to apply but if there are any applicants from
Wikimedia-land, I'd be happy to help with suggestions/input/review, if
wanted :).
Warmly,
Erik
Dear Wikimedians,
The 2022 Picture of the Year competition has ended and we are pleased to
announce the results:
In both rounds, people voted for their favorite pictures.
* In the first round, there were 1102 candidate images.
* In the second round, people voted for the 56 finalists (the R1 top
30 overall and top 2 in each category).
In the second round eligible users could vote for up to 3 finalists –
each of these 3 votes counted equal. There were 2,386 eligible voters in
R1, and 2,860 in round R2.
Congratulations to the winners of the contest and thanks for creating
these beautiful pictures and sharing them as freely licensed content:
1. 335 people voted for the winner, File:Phalacrocorax carbo, Egretta
garzetta and Mareca strepera in Taudha Lake.jpg
<https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Phalacrocorax_carbo,_Egretta_garzet…>
by Prasan Shrestha
<https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Prasan_Shrestha>
2. In second place, 299 people voted for File:Etipoia Banna tribe
kids.jpg
<https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Etipoia_Banna_tribe_kids.jpg>
by WAVRIK <https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User_talk:WAVRIK>
3. In third place, 292 people voted for File:Pillars of Creation
(NIRCam Image).jpg
<https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Pillars_of_Creation_(NIRCam_Image).…>
taken by the James Webb Space Telescope (NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI);
image processing by Joseph DePasquale (STScI), Anton M. Koekemoer
(STScI), Alyssa Pagan (STScI)
View those pictures and remaining results on-wiki
<https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Commons:Picture_of_the_Year/2022/Results>.
Thanks as well to all the voters that participated the process.
- The Commons Picture of the Year committee
<https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Special:MyLanguage/Commons:Picture_of_th…>
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Dear Bodhisattwa and Butch Bustria,
Thank you for your responses and expressing your concerns regarding the establishment of WAP User Group. I appreciate your input and would like to provide further clarification on the matter.
Firstly, I want to emphasize that we have acknowledged the significance of engaging with the Wikimedia Affiliations Committee (AffCom) and have initiated contact with them to seek guidance and ensure that we align with established processes and protocols. We understand the importance of following the correct procedures and conducting thorough evaluations.
It is crucial to note that at this stage, our user group has not been officially recognized by AffCom. We are currently in the initial stages of establishing our presence and are actively seeking guidance and support from relevant committees to ensure a collaborative and harmonious approach within the Wikimedia ecosystem.
We recognize the existing user groups and chapters operating in Asian countries and understand the need for coordination, consensus, and collaboration with them. Our aim is to complement and work alongside these affiliations, rather than duplicate or create conflicts. We are committed to fostering positive relationships and avoiding any misunderstandings or overlaps.
To provide clarity and transparency, we have shared relevant links to our project page on Meta-Wiki, which outlines our goals, mission, and activities as a potential user group. It is essential to note that the project page serves as a platform to present our intentions and engage in constructive discussions with the community. We are committed to addressing any concerns and ensuring that all perspectives are heard and considered.
We appreciate your concerns and valuable insights and assure you that we are actively engaging with AffCom to seek their guidance and expertise. Our intention is to align ourselves with established processes and work collaboratively with existing affiliations in the region.
We invite you to participate in the ongoing discussions and provide your valuable feedback. We are open to further dialogue and are committed to finding common ground and fostering regional cooperation.
Thank you for your attention and understanding. We look forward to continued engagement and productive discussions.
Best regards,
Aishik Rehman
Volunteer, Wikimedians of the Asia Pacific User Group
Hello,
As follow-up to the message about the Universal Code of Conduct Enforcement
Guidelines
<https://lists.wikimedia.org/hyperkitty/list/wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org…>
by Wikimedia Foundation Board of Trustees Vice Chair, Shani Evenstein
Sigalov, I am reaching out about the next steps. I want to bring your
attention to the next stage of the Universal Code of Conduct process, which
is forming a building committee for the Universal Code of Conduct
Coordinating Committee (U4C). Community members with experience and deep
interest in community health and governance are invited to nominate
themselves to be part of the U4C building committee, which needs people who
are:
-
Community members in good standing
-
Knowledgeable about movement community processes, such as, but not
limited to, policy drafting, participatory decision making, and application
of existing rules and policies on Wikimedia projects.
-
Aware and appreciative of the diversity of the movement, such as, but
not limited to, languages spoken, identity, geography, and project type
-
Committed to participate for the entire U4C Building Committee period
from mid-May - December 2023
-
Comfortable with engaging in difficult, but productive conversations
-
Confidently able to communicate in English
The Building Committee shall consist of volunteer community members,
affiliate board or staff, and Wikimedia Foundation staff.
The Universal Code of Conduct has been a process strengthened by the skills
and knowledge of the community and we look forward to what the U4C Building
Committee creates. If you are interested in joining the Building Committee,
please either sign up on the Meta-wiki page
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Universal_Code_of_Conduct/U4C_Building_Comm…>,
or contact ucocproject(a)wikimedia.org by May 12, 2023. Read more about the
Building Committee on Meta-wiki.
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Universal_Code_of_Conduct/U4C_Building_Comm…>
Best,
Patrick
--
Patrick Earley
Lead Trust & Safety Policy Manager
Wikimedia Foundation
pearley(a)wikimedia.org
Dear all,
As a result of the multiple requests and questions regarding the
possibility to submit proposals after the closure of the call for
submissions
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_CEE_Meeting_2023/Submissions>
for Wikimedia CEE Meeting 2023
<https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Wikimedia_CEE_Meeting_2023>, which will
take place in the period 15–17 September, the programme committee decided
to extend it until 31 May.
Best regards,
Kiril Simeonovski
Chair of the Wikimedia CEE Meeting 2023 programme committee
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