First off, I said that about Greg, and I firmly believe it. He's uncovered many controversies at Wikipedia. In fact, his article was the first to be critical of Lila's appointment, and- save the rather petty comment about airline fees at the end- was pretty on-point. That doesn't mean that I agree with everything Greg says, just that I personally am glad someone is saying it. He added *Wil Sinclair*, Partner of Lila Tretikov (Wikimedia Foundation executive director); I'd prefer he just leave it at "Wil Sinclair," but it's really his call on what he puts on his own site.
Now, I don't know what Lila thinks of this- and I don't want to know- but I would really like to understand if there is a chance for any leader to change the concerning aspects of the WP community at this point. I know that if there is, it's likely to be a very strong, charismatic leader like Lila. But if there isn't, then so be it and it's better to know now. And I'm pretty sure that if the community here wants positive change, it has to be ready to talk about the hard problems- no matter who brings them up. Whatever happens, Lila is going to land on her feet; no one need worry about her. But, again, that's all just my opinion.
I know you didn't ask me for a response, but this mail is all about me so I felt justified chiming in. Thanks for (intentionally) taking it to the list this time. :)
,Wil
On Wed, May 28, 2014 at 2:57 PM, Pete Forsyth peteforsyth@gmail.com wrote:
Dear Lila,
I think many of us are interested in how you will engage with the Wikimedia community, what kind of outcomes you will seek, and what kind of tactics you will employ in seeking those outcomes.
Can you please clarify whether you believe it is possible for somebody with a close connection to you to influence public perceptions in disproportionate, and significant, ways? If so, do you consider it a legitimate option for you to (privately) assert your right to establish yourself in your new position, rather than letting them take the lead?
I think what has happened in the last few days is extraordinary. I've never seen anything like it. While I am sure that Wil's intentions are good, frankly, if his desire had been to sabotage your new job, I can't imagine what more effective path he could have chosen.
I'm not sure if this link has any meaning to you, as you are still getting to know the various people and dynamics in the community. But I wonder what others think of it. Does anybody know if the following quote is accurate? And regardless of whether it's accurate or not -- the events of the last week have certainly made it seem plausible, haven't they?
Is this really the best way for the new Executive Director to be introduced to the Wikimedia community and the world?
- *<Wikipedia> is lucky to have people like Greg [Kohs]; even if he
never directly contributes to WP going forward, we're all well aware that he's a very intelligent and eloquent individual with a knack for investigative reporting. He holds WP and the WMF to their word, and I personally thank him for that.* - *Wil Sinclair*, Partner of Lila Tretikov (Wikimedia Foundation executive director) - May 22, 2014
http://mywikibiz.com/index.php?title=Directory%3AGregory_J._Kohs&diff=46...
-Pete [[User:Peteforsyth]]
On Wed, May 28, 2014 at 12:34 AM, Lila Tretikov lila@wikimedia.org wrote:
Hi all,
This is a personal note to clarify a some questions that recently came up, specifically in the context of my role as the incoming ED.
My partner Wil and I are partners in our private lives. We have always both been extremely independent, and we respect that in each other. That said we have different roles: I am the Executive Director with responsibilities towards the Foundation and the movement, and he is an independent community member with his own voice.
I make my decisions using my own professional judgement in conjunction with input from the community and staff. I don’t consult Wil on these matters, ask him to do anything on my behalf or monitor his engagements with the community. When I speak here, it is in my capacity as an ED.
Wil, on the other hand, has a very strong personal interest in the community and agreat deal of curiosity about how the Wikimedia projectswork. It is very important to him that he remains an independent individual able to speak with his own voice and ask his own questions. He does not take direction from me. He will not work for the WMF or engage with the WMF employees.
I hope this addresses some of the questions and draws distinction between my role as ED and Wil’s participation as an independent member. If you have any questions for Wil you can reach him directly. If you have any questions for me or the WMF, you can get a hold of me by email or on my talk page.
Thanks,
Lila _______________________________________________ Wikimedia-l mailing list, guidelines at: https://meta.wikimedia.org/wiki/Mailing_lists/Guidelines Wikimedia-l@lists.wikimedia.org Unsubscribe: https://lists.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimedia-l, mailto:wikimedia-l-request@lists.wikimedia.org?subject=unsubscribe
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