Oh, I agree that thanking someone for their service to WMF projects is important, too. We need to do more to recognize the invaluable contributions that we people make to keep the various projects going.
But, in addition to giving encouragement though thanks and recognition, I support introducing social features into our projects. The main benefit and focus for the on site features would be the ability for people with similar interests to connect with each other as they work together on site.
See the list of ideas from the strategic planning process.
http://strategy.wikimedia.org/wiki/Task_force/Recommendations/Community_heal... recognition
http://strategy.wikimedia.org/wiki/Task_force/Recommendations/Community_heal... features
Sydney
On Sat, Jun 19, 2010 at 6:15 PM, Marc Riddell michaeldavid86@comcast.netwrote:
Sydney,
I agree with your thoughts here. But you are talking about activities community members can participate in. I am talking about how those community members interact with each other.
Marc
on 6/19/10 5:58 PM, Sydney Poore at sydney.poore@gmail.com wrote:
English Wikipedia has numerous contests during the year. Some people regularly participate in them and enjoy them.
Wikipedia:WikiProject Military history/Contest is an example of one that
is
ongoing.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:MILCON
Picture of the year is popular with some people on Commons.
While everyone does not want to be involved in contests, they appeal to
some
people and I see no problem with us introducing more of them in WMF
projects
to see if they will draw people into the movement.
I feel the same way about encouraging new ways to get different groups of people involved with WMF projects.
If gaming can be used to promote an interest in WMF then that is
goodness.
Puzzles, board games, and even more complex fantasy games using content might be a draw for some people. If someone wants to develop them I would not stand in there way.
Combining community service and socializing is very common in community organizations, and is appealing to many people. By adding more social components to WMF projects, we will most likely draw in people that otherwise would not volunteer. I see this as an important tool and one
that
should not be dismissed if we are going to broaden the base of our volunteers.
Sydney Poore (FloNight)
On Sat, Jun 19, 2010 at 5:29 PM, Marc Riddell michaeldavid86@comcast.netwrote:
on 6/19/10 4:58 PM, Keegan Peterzell at keegan.wiki@gmail.com wrote:
<snip>.
There was a great TED speech that I need to look up but don't have the
time
for at the moment. The premise of the presentation is that studies
have
shown time and time again that things like games, prizes, awards and
other
measures of gratitude are only temporary measures to increase
motivation.
The folks that work for you that are the truly motivated ones and
believers
in the process do not ask for these rewards. A pat on the back and a
"good
job, thanks for your work because I value it very much" occasionally is
the
only true recognition that is needed. The other fluff only inspires distraction from the goal because it's creating other little goals
which,
in
turn, become more important than the end result.
Yes! Prizes denote direct competition as in sports or, more subtly, with the science & arts awards.
Person-to-person affirmation goes a very long way; and is what collaboration & community should be based upon. Give them the climate, and they will
give
you the culture.
Marc Riddell
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