Hi,
I hope I'm not treading on any toes, but as one of my emails about this Saturday's talk in Accra was reposted, I thought it might help if I dropped by. :-)
Saturday's event is posted at http://www.eventbrite.com/e/talking-wikipedia-in-ghana-tickets-10971368659?aff=es2 and I do not know that much more than is posted on the Eventbrite listing.
I encourage local Wikimedians to join in with the workshop and discussion. I am sure it will be fun, and it is always interesting to meet with members of the public who are not aware of the policies and complexities involved with creating Wikipedia articles or how open collaboration works on Wikimedia projects. The UK is paying for refreshments and providing some freebies, so make use of it. :-)
I have raised questions about the event on the Wikimedia UK wiki and email list as why the UK chapter has officially supported "British Black Music" or the London based BTWSC group, has remained unclear to me, and I have been unable to find independent information such as company registration or published accounts for what they do. It does seem that the organizer, Kwaku is an enthusiastic supporter of Wikimedia, but has limited experience editing Wikipedia and may need some help if he makes mistakes with Wikipedia policy or best practice; please do contribute your experience.
I am sorry that coordination between the Wikimedia UK chapter and the local group in Ghana was not better managed in advance of this event. I suggest those that do go along take time to pen down some feedback afterwards so that everyone involved can learn to do this better next time.
I would be happy to answer any question on this list. For those that are not aware, I am very active on Wikimedia Commons, but I'm also an ex-trustee of the chapter so know everyone if you want to email me or leave a note on my talk page (link below), or you can always email volunteering@wikimedia.org.uk to independently contact the UK volunteer coordinator, who is one of the full time chapter employees.
Thanks, Fae
Thank you for the details. Its good to know.
Please let us in as per any more information you might have in relation to the relationship between Wikimedia UK and Kwaku and to what extent.
I personally find it surprising that the Wikimedia UK clearly aware (for more than 1 and a half year now) of a local active group in Ghana but at least doesn't relay any bit of information as to this and that they are giving to a Ghanaian to organize an event like this in Ghana.
Its really shocking. If Kwaku doesn't have up to even 50 edits, how come a whole complete Wikimedia UK empowers him with freebies or goodies to do a training in a country infested with an active local group? Can you imagine?
What does he know then? What will he be talking? Can he have enough freeness of speech to encourage someone to edit if he's got not more than 50 edits? Can he be exemplary in this manner? Who knows his username? What even is his full name? All I know is Kwaku, but in Ghana the name Kwaku is like food, anything eatable is 'food'. Kwaku is just a generic name given to someone born on a particular day of the week. Thus, I don't know his *name*. Do the Wikimedia UK know his full name.
Since Wikipedia believes in meritocracy, I expected such an opportunity to have been offered to well-immersed ones already knowledgeable about what they'll be talking about.
I'm not being jealous or envious here for the Wikimedia UK 'empowering' Kwaku, but the question is, on what basis was he given such a privilege? The less than 50 edits? Or because he's black-skinned and says verbally he comes from Ghana?
And besides, he's 'everywhere' saying he's being one way or the other funded by the Wikimedia UK.
I don't blame Kwaku alone. I blame the whole Wikimedia UK. As per details I have now, that's what I can say.
I really will appreciate if my questions above are answered.
Extend ma greetings to Mr. Kwaku.
rexford | google.com/+nkansahrexford | sent from tab On Mar 27, 2014 9:24 PM, "Fæ" faewik@gmail.com wrote:
Hi,
I hope I'm not treading on any toes, but as one of my emails about this Saturday's talk in Accra was reposted, I thought it might help if I dropped by. :-)
Saturday's event is posted at < http://www.eventbrite.com/e/talking-wikipedia-in-ghana-tickets-10971368659?a...
and I do not know that much more than is posted on the Eventbrite listing.
I encourage local Wikimedians to join in with the workshop and discussion. I am sure it will be fun, and it is always interesting to meet with members of the public who are not aware of the policies and complexities involved with creating Wikipedia articles or how open collaboration works on Wikimedia projects. The UK is paying for refreshments and providing some freebies, so make use of it. :-)
I have raised questions about the event on the Wikimedia UK wiki and email list as why the UK chapter has officially supported "British Black Music" or the London based BTWSC group, has remained unclear to me, and I have been unable to find independent information such as company registration or published accounts for what they do. It does seem that the organizer, Kwaku is an enthusiastic supporter of Wikimedia, but has limited experience editing Wikipedia and may need some help if he makes mistakes with Wikipedia policy or best practice; please do contribute your experience.
I am sorry that coordination between the Wikimedia UK chapter and the local group in Ghana was not better managed in advance of this event. I suggest those that do go along take time to pen down some feedback afterwards so that everyone involved can learn to do this better next time.
I would be happy to answer any question on this list. For those that are not aware, I am very active on Wikimedia Commons, but I'm also an ex-trustee of the chapter so know everyone if you want to email me or leave a note on my talk page (link below), or you can always email volunteering@wikimedia.org.uk to independently contact the UK volunteer coordinator, who is one of the full time chapter employees.
Thanks, Fae -- faewik@gmail.com https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Fae
Wikimedia-GH mailing list Wikimedia-GH@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-gh
Some responses and information inline below.
On 27 March 2014 20:36, Nkansah Rexford nkansahrexford@gmail.com wrote:
Thank you for the details. Its good to know.
Please let us in as per any more information you might have in relation to the relationship between Wikimedia UK and Kwaku and to what extent.
No problem. I have posted some information at the public email thread at http://lists.wikimedia.org/pipermail/wikimediauk-l/2014-March/011965.html. If I find out more verifiable information I will copy this list in as well as the UK list.
I personally find it surprising that the Wikimedia UK clearly aware (for more than 1 and a half year now) of a local active group in Ghana but at least doesn't relay any bit of information as to this and that they are giving to a Ghanaian to organize an event like this in Ghana.
I agree, coordination was lacking and there was no chance for experienced Wikimedians in the UK to ask about this event more than a week ago when it was added to the official UK events list. Perhaps as a group in Ghana, those that do attend the event or have a view could respond to the UK chapter board with feedback and a rough consensus view? This would help ensure that international supported events are more carefully communicated and coordinated.
Its really shocking. If Kwaku doesn't have up to even 50 edits, how come a whole complete Wikimedia UK empowers him with freebies or goodies to do a training in a country infested with an active local group? Can you imagine?
What does he know then? What will he be talking? Can he have enough freeness of speech to encourage someone to edit if he's got not more than 50 edits? Can he be exemplary in this manner? Who knows his username? What even is his full name? All I know is Kwaku, but in Ghana the name Kwaku is like food, anything eatable is 'food'. Kwaku is just a generic name given to someone born on a particular day of the week. Thus, I don't know his *name*. Do the Wikimedia UK know his full name.
I have been happy to assume good faith with regard to Kwaku's identity, there are no secrets in that regard. You can check his website at http://www.britishblackmusic.com and the official registration record with his contact details at http://whois.domaintools.com/britishblackmusic.com. I am sure he will be happy to answer questions about his organization at the workshop.
Since Wikipedia believes in meritocracy, I expected such an opportunity to have been offered to well-immersed ones already knowledgeable about what they'll be talking about.
I'm not being jealous or envious here for the Wikimedia UK 'empowering' Kwaku, but the question is, on what basis was he given such a privilege? The less than 50 edits? Or because he's black-skinned and says verbally he comes from Ghana?
And besides, he's 'everywhere' saying he's being one way or the other funded by the Wikimedia UK.
I don't blame Kwaku alone. I blame the whole Wikimedia UK. As per details I have now, that's what I can say.
I agree, there is an issue of merit and I have no idea why the Wikimedia UK CEO (Jon Davies) has persisted with his support of an inexperienced editor in this way rather than checking for local groups or equally passionate experience volunteers.
I also find the apparent use of the Wikimedia brand name to promote the britishblackmusic.com website disturbing due to the potential for conflict of interest. I hope that some experienced local Wikimedians do make it to the workshop in Accra to ensure that what is presented is accurate and can assist if the workshop is misleading in any way. As I said before, these types of workshops are normally interesting and fun, so regardless of these questions about how this was agreed or authorized, it would be good to ensure the workshop is a positive experience even when there are lessons to learn.
I really will appreciate if my questions above are answered.
There is no harm in emailing the board of Wikimedia UK with specific concerns, they can be emailed privately on board@wikimedia.org.uk (I no longer see that list as I am not a trustee any more) or you could copy in the UK community by cross-posting to the public list wikimediauk-l@lists.wikimedia.org. I suggest waiting until the event is held as there may be positive things to add about how it works out on the day and it is good to ensure any feedback is well founded.
Extend ma greetings to Mr. Kwaku.
No worries, good faith is always a useful start. :-)
Fae
Well said,
Thanks Fæ and Rex all noted,
Rex you've picked up all I wanted to touch on. :D
We wait for the event then. I definitely know is going to be fun :-). Cheers!
Regards.
- Enock
On Thu, Mar 27, 2014 at 9:03 PM, Fæ faewik@gmail.com wrote:
Some responses and information inline below.
On 27 March 2014 20:36, Nkansah Rexford nkansahrexford@gmail.com wrote:
Thank you for the details. Its good to know.
Please let us in as per any more information you might have in relation
to
the relationship between Wikimedia UK and Kwaku and to what extent.
No problem. I have posted some information at the public email thread at < http://lists.wikimedia.org/pipermail/wikimediauk-l/2014-March/011965.html
.
If I find out more verifiable information I will copy this list in as well as the UK list.
I personally find it surprising that the Wikimedia UK clearly aware (for more than 1 and a half year now) of a local active group in Ghana but at least doesn't relay any bit of information as to this and that they are giving to a Ghanaian to organize an event like this in Ghana.
I agree, coordination was lacking and there was no chance for experienced Wikimedians in the UK to ask about this event more than a week ago when it was added to the official UK events list. Perhaps as a group in Ghana, those that do attend the event or have a view could respond to the UK chapter board with feedback and a rough consensus view? This would help ensure that international supported events are more carefully communicated and coordinated.
Its really shocking. If Kwaku doesn't have up to even 50 edits, how come
a
whole complete Wikimedia UK empowers him with freebies or goodies to do a training in a country infested with an active local group? Can you
imagine?
What does he know then? What will he be talking? Can he have enough
freeness
of speech to encourage someone to edit if he's got not more than 50
edits?
Can he be exemplary in this manner? Who knows his username? What even is
his
full name? All I know is Kwaku, but in Ghana the name Kwaku is like food, anything eatable is 'food'. Kwaku is just a generic name given to someone born on a particular day of the week. Thus, I don't know his *name*. Do
the
Wikimedia UK know his full name.
I have been happy to assume good faith with regard to Kwaku's identity, there are no secrets in that regard. You can check his website at http://www.britishblackmusic.com and the official registration record with his contact details at http://whois.domaintools.com/britishblackmusic.com. I am sure he will be happy to answer questions about his organization at the workshop.
Since Wikipedia believes in meritocracy, I expected such an opportunity
to
have been offered to well-immersed ones already knowledgeable about what they'll be talking about.
I'm not being jealous or envious here for the Wikimedia UK 'empowering' Kwaku, but the question is, on what basis was he given such a privilege?
The
less than 50 edits? Or because he's black-skinned and says verbally he
comes
from Ghana?
And besides, he's 'everywhere' saying he's being one way or the other
funded
by the Wikimedia UK.
I don't blame Kwaku alone. I blame the whole Wikimedia UK. As per
details I
have now, that's what I can say.
I agree, there is an issue of merit and I have no idea why the Wikimedia UK CEO (Jon Davies) has persisted with his support of an inexperienced editor in this way rather than checking for local groups or equally passionate experience volunteers.
I also find the apparent use of the Wikimedia brand name to promote the britishblackmusic.com website disturbing due to the potential for conflict of interest. I hope that some experienced local Wikimedians do make it to the workshop in Accra to ensure that what is presented is accurate and can assist if the workshop is misleading in any way. As I said before, these types of workshops are normally interesting and fun, so regardless of these questions about how this was agreed or authorized, it would be good to ensure the workshop is a positive experience even when there are lessons to learn.
I really will appreciate if my questions above are answered.
There is no harm in emailing the board of Wikimedia UK with specific concerns, they can be emailed privately on board@wikimedia.org.uk (I no longer see that list as I am not a trustee any more) or you could copy in the UK community by cross-posting to the public list wikimediauk-l@lists.wikimedia.org. I suggest waiting until the event is held as there may be positive things to add about how it works out on the day and it is good to ensure any feedback is well founded.
Extend ma greetings to Mr. Kwaku.
No worries, good faith is always a useful start. :-)
Fae
faewik@gmail.com https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Fae
Wikimedia-GH mailing list Wikimedia-GH@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-gh
No wonder, as you say, everything was and perhaps still a mess.
The funders, Wikimedia UK says the event is on 28th: https://wikimedia.org.uk/wiki/Events
Mr Kwaku says 29th: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/talking-wikipedia-in-ghana-tickets-10971368659?...
So which is which? Well, they're confused.
By the way, 5 active local Wikipedians will be there on the day. They wont be lost in the crowd as they will be wearing their brand new Wikipedia T-Shirts. Myself in ZA, Oral in USA and Sandister in UK will also likely tune in via the internet on voice or video call.
I personally won't wanna miss a thing that day. I'm also excited to see such an event happen, thanks to Mr Kwaku. Eventually.
Note: I personally don't think contacting the board of wmuk is necessary at this stage, because they know me or oral or sandister, and have left us of the equation in terms of the event's organization. If they really considered us to exist, they would have dropped in an email saying something. Even after your asking, none email has *officially* come in from them. We're just negligible in their eyes. Thats fine.
rexford | google.com/+nkansahrexford | sent from tab On Mar 27, 2014 11:03 PM, "Fæ" faewik@gmail.com wrote:
Some responses and information inline below.
On 27 March 2014 20:36, Nkansah Rexford nkansahrexford@gmail.com wrote:
Thank you for the details. Its good to know.
Please let us in as per any more information you might have in relation
to
the relationship between Wikimedia UK and Kwaku and to what extent.
No problem. I have posted some information at the public email thread at < http://lists.wikimedia.org/pipermail/wikimediauk-l/2014-March/011965.html
.
If I find out more verifiable information I will copy this list in as well as the UK list.
I personally find it surprising that the Wikimedia UK clearly aware (for more than 1 and a half year now) of a local active group in Ghana but at least doesn't relay any bit of information as to this and that they are giving to a Ghanaian to organize an event like this in Ghana.
I agree, coordination was lacking and there was no chance for experienced Wikimedians in the UK to ask about this event more than a week ago when it was added to the official UK events list. Perhaps as a group in Ghana, those that do attend the event or have a view could respond to the UK chapter board with feedback and a rough consensus view? This would help ensure that international supported events are more carefully communicated and coordinated.
Its really shocking. If Kwaku doesn't have up to even 50 edits, how come
a
whole complete Wikimedia UK empowers him with freebies or goodies to do a training in a country infested with an active local group? Can you
imagine?
What does he know then? What will he be talking? Can he have enough
freeness
of speech to encourage someone to edit if he's got not more than 50
edits?
Can he be exemplary in this manner? Who knows his username? What even is
his
full name? All I know is Kwaku, but in Ghana the name Kwaku is like food, anything eatable is 'food'. Kwaku is just a generic name given to someone born on a particular day of the week. Thus, I don't know his *name*. Do
the
Wikimedia UK know his full name.
I have been happy to assume good faith with regard to Kwaku's identity, there are no secrets in that regard. You can check his website at http://www.britishblackmusic.com and the official registration record with his contact details at http://whois.domaintools.com/britishblackmusic.com. I am sure he will be happy to answer questions about his organization at the workshop.
Since Wikipedia believes in meritocracy, I expected such an opportunity
to
have been offered to well-immersed ones already knowledgeable about what they'll be talking about.
I'm not being jealous or envious here for the Wikimedia UK 'empowering' Kwaku, but the question is, on what basis was he given such a privilege?
The
less than 50 edits? Or because he's black-skinned and says verbally he
comes
from Ghana?
And besides, he's 'everywhere' saying he's being one way or the other
funded
by the Wikimedia UK.
I don't blame Kwaku alone. I blame the whole Wikimedia UK. As per
details I
have now, that's what I can say.
I agree, there is an issue of merit and I have no idea why the Wikimedia UK CEO (Jon Davies) has persisted with his support of an inexperienced editor in this way rather than checking for local groups or equally passionate experience volunteers.
I also find the apparent use of the Wikimedia brand name to promote the britishblackmusic.com website disturbing due to the potential for conflict of interest. I hope that some experienced local Wikimedians do make it to the workshop in Accra to ensure that what is presented is accurate and can assist if the workshop is misleading in any way. As I said before, these types of workshops are normally interesting and fun, so regardless of these questions about how this was agreed or authorized, it would be good to ensure the workshop is a positive experience even when there are lessons to learn.
I really will appreciate if my questions above are answered.
There is no harm in emailing the board of Wikimedia UK with specific concerns, they can be emailed privately on board@wikimedia.org.uk (I no longer see that list as I am not a trustee any more) or you could copy in the UK community by cross-posting to the public list wikimediauk-l@lists.wikimedia.org. I suggest waiting until the event is held as there may be positive things to add about how it works out on the day and it is good to ensure any feedback is well founded.
Extend ma greetings to Mr. Kwaku.
No worries, good faith is always a useful start. :-)
Fae
faewik@gmail.com https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Fae
Wikimedia-GH mailing list Wikimedia-GH@lists.wikimedia.org https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-gh
wikimedia-gh@lists.wikimedia.org