Kirill, Thank you for your clearing this up. I would suggest that the document could use a careful review. For example, it says "over 1800 individuals in the active community of Wikipedia contributors recognized the need to act in order to confront these dangerous legislations." The largest vote was 736, not 1800. Also, I think the sentence puts words in the mouths of those voters, many who would not use a word like "dangerous" to describe the legislation. What basis do we have for the claim that SOPA would be on the "backs of millions of innocent online users."
Regardless of whether one is for or against SOPA or PIPA, there is the larger question of whether Wikipedia, WMF and WikiDC should be involved in advocating legislation and whether a blackout "protest" is ever an appropriate step. I would prefer a more neutral role with WikiDC hosting a pro vs con SOPA debate at one of its meetings.
The claim, "Wikimedia District of Columbia (Wikimedia DC) stands firmly with the decision of Wikipedia editors and administrators to shut down the English Wikipedia" is disputed within the membership of the Society. The Board owes it to the membership to schedule a meeting and engage in a discussion with any interested members present *before* making such a policy decision. There were hundreds of editors who did not favor a shutdown and many who opposed any action whatsoever.
Instead of endorsing the shutdown, I would hope that going forward WMF and the chapters would draw a firm line saying that we are never going to do a blackout again. Otherwise, activitists will seek shutdowns for a variety of causes. For example, if Wikipedia were around in 2002, would people demand a shutdown to protest the start of the Iraq and Afganistan millitary conflicts? Those decisions cost many more lives than SOPA, but is that Wikipedia/WMF/WikiDC's role? Thanks, -- Bob
To clarify the procedural aspects of this a bit, the current press release has been authorized by the President of Wikimedia DC. The Board will be formally endorsing the President's statements at our next regularly scheduled meeting.
Cheers, Kirill
-- Kirill Lokshin Secretary | Wikimedia District of Columbia http://wikimediadc.org | @wikimediadc
On Wed, Jan 18, 2012 at 3:58 PM, bob@racepacket.com wrote:
Why were the Board's deliberations on this press release hidden from the view of members? Was it done by unanimous written consent? I did not see any notice of a special meeting regarding it. I am curious. Thanks, -- Bob Platt
Dear all,
Wikimedia District of Columbia Board of Directors has released its position on SOPA and PIPA in a press release[1] and blog post[2].
http://wikimediadc.org/wiki/Press#Official_statement_of_Wikimedia_DC_on_SOPA...
http://blog.wikimediadc.org/2012/01/the-fundemental-flaws-of-sopa-and-pipa/
Sincerely,
Nicholas Michael Bashour Vice President Wikimedia District of Columbia Washington, DC, USA
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