Mike Godwin wrote:
Greg Maxwell writes:
In the message I responded to you stated that
the collection of
emergency contact information would present considerable privacy
concerns. Here you seem to be suggesting that the foundation would
instead prefer to pass off the collection to a volunteer driven
project. This seems like a completely inconsistent position, but
perhaps I just do not understand.
I guess I'm both callous and inconsistent. Next thing you know I'll be
downright evil. (That's where you going, isn't it? Just admit it.)
It should be noted that the concerns that have been raised to me, both
publicly and privately, are themselves inconsistent. Some people are
concerned about their privacy. Some are concerned about security. Some
are concerned about both privacy and security. Some are concerned
about neither. Some are concerned about wholly separate matters. Some
feel that they can't post publicly to this list without themselves
being criticized.
So don't be surprised if you hear from me representations of
inconsistent concerns. This is not exactly a consistent crowd. (News
flash!)
I'm at a bit of a loss as to what means could
possibly be more
efficient and effective than simply adding a single additional field
to the official Wikimania registration form. Could you please
elaborate?
I can elaborate by saying that I think you have spent more time
responding to me than it might have taken you to come up with a
solution that addresses the concerns you state here. This strikes me
as callous.
Is there a registration form somewhere that the Foundation has access
to, Greg, that you don't? I don't know of one. Have you considered
making your concerns known to those who are actually organizing the
conference, such as Delphine and the local team? (The Foundation is
only paying for it.)
I... no... I totally disagree here. The Foundation is not ONLY paying
for it.
Actually, it is really hardly *paying*, because the past three
Wikimanias have been a zero sum cost, or even made a tiny benefit (used
for following Wikimanias).
The costs of Wikimania are supported by sponsors, participants,
sometimes chapters, and lots' of good will (free work by wikipedians or
by local organizations).
The major real costs for the Foundation are to pay for the participation
of board members/staff members.
The Foundation is simply NOT paying for the conference. It is helping
money to come in, and helping the money to come out.
However, paying is not really the issue.
It is probably boosting to say that Wikimedia Foundation is organizing
Wikimania. This is not really true, most events have been organized by
the Wikimania teams.
What Wikimedia Foundation is really doing is facilitation.
It facilitates in providing the right to use the brand.
It facilitates in providing access to a bank account and means to pay.
It facilitates in "lending" staff or contractors (be it Delphine to help
coordinate, or Jay to help with Press and communication, or Mike for the
security assessment etc....)
It facilitates in providing reassurance to sponsors
etc...
Facilitation is an important role. Probably essential. The Conference of
the America was cancelled precisely because the Foundation could not
(would not) play this role of facilitator.
I would also largely say that facilitating should be the ONLY role of
the Foundation.
Ant
The Foundation's role is a little less passive than this. It is
ultimately responsible for choosing the winning bid/city...
At least, the jury is composed of WF board members and people
involved with past Wikimanias. Am I wrong in thinking the jury falls
under the WF?
WF doesn't merely facilitate these events, it has an active role in
saying "go" or "no".