Hi everyone,
We just wrapped up an amazing GLAMcamp DC. Not only was the weekend
productive and inspiring, but we were able to solidify some solid
plans for this year's WLM. Here is a brief yet disorganized summary:
- Kaldari gave a brief explanation to the group about how the
tech side works. This was to give us a better idea of what it
would entail to have the United States participate, and how he
can help. (Thanks Kaldari for volunteering!)
- Kippelboy gave a great explanation of how WLM worked
(Catalonia/Spain?) in his area and it was really really
valuable. He also was great at calming us all down - especially
me!
- On that note, Benoit, myself, and a few other folks decided to
be BOLD! First, I'm working on the Commons page for the WLM US
page, more to come with that, I've been traveling and really
really busy. That will reflect these updates in an organized
way.
- We have decided once we can gain access to the WLM.us website
(Aude purchased) we are going to translate, copy and paste a WLM
site that is similar to others. Benoit is helping me with this,
as I am not a tech genius but I want to get it done since we are
a bit behind schedule.
- We are going to translate WLM US into Spanish, hoping to get
more Spanish speaking communities involved. (Spanish speaking
communities are the fastest growing in the US)
- We have decided to focus specifically on ONLY the National
Register of Historic Places. Not only is this easier for us to
digest the data (since most of the data for state specific
content isn't easily organized on Wikipedia at this point), but
it's also less overwhelming for first time participants. Next
year we can expand. Besides, over 1 million properties are on
NHRP - I think we'll be just fine :)
- Templates will be modified so that each state can have it's
own - it'll just show the flag and name of that state. I'm not
sure how all that works, but, Jarek, Kaldari and Benoit are
going to be on top of it.
- We will of course reach out to NHRP for a partnership
opportunity and we need to get a game plan together for other
sponsors. Right now we just need to get a web presence.
- We haven't quite solidified a judging process for the US
winner, however, we did agree that the public will vote on the
winner(s). I'm thinking it'll run something like the Commons
Picture of the Day contest with some assistance from volunteers
to weed out just plain bad images (blurry, rainy, ideally not
helpful for WM projects). Not more details on that at this
time.
- We figure that since the US is so large, Wikimedians can
organize their own Wiki takes and road trip events, mixed with
encouraging national participation. All 50 states and US
territories will be involved in the NHRP data.
- Flickr will be used, we might have some special groups
organized, contests, we're not sure yet. I'm a big Flickr
person, so, I've offered to lend a big hand with this.
Other details are rather unimportant right now, but we've got the
ball rolling. Short term goal right now:
I am seeking help, because I am not savvy with graphic design, to
modify the WLM logo to feature "United States" someplace in the
logo. Please let me know if you can help (or be bold and do it ;-)
).
This week I have other priorities, but I hope when I'm back in DC
I can get the website content started. Benoit and I will be
speaking with each other. I also know we want to have a meeting at
Wikimania about this. Perhaps after we get the web presence part
started, a Skype can be arranged or an IRC talk for those
interested in volunteering for the US/Canada events. We also are
going to have cross-border events too :)
I hope the US people don't mind me being bold about this, I just
want to get the ball rolling, and I know that myself, Kaldari,
Benoit and Pharos have agreed that "let's do this and get it
started now," is the best policy. Time is ticking!
-Sarah
--
Sarah Stierch
Wikimedia Foundation Community Fellow
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