On Fri, Feb 3, 2017 at 11:11 AM, Pax Ahimsa Gethen list-wikimedia@funcrunch.org wrote:
I don't think this mailing list should be open to just any and all discussion of politics, regardless of viewpoint. What is and isn't appropriate to post is a delicate judgment call
Again, the Wikimedia-l list Charter says "potential new Wikimedia projects and initiatives" are on topic. While there is no mention in the Charter of political discussion. Presumably discussion of facts and opinions pertaining to proposed initiatives should be encouraged.
More than ten proposals for new initiatives have been made in the past weeks:
* make international backups of complete Foundation data (seconded, no opposition, task created)
* relocate the foundation (seconded, controversial)
* assist Wikimedia staff with travel difficulties (no second or opposition yet)
* correct systemic bias said to be responsible for underlying issues (seconded; unclear whether this is controversial)
* turn our culture toward more generative and constructive forms of public discourse (no second or opposition yet; clarification questions were asked but have yet been answered)
* issue a statement condemning the travel ban (seconded, controversial, statement issued by ED)
* call for a general strike (no second yet, controversial)
* improve Wikimedia content on pertinent issues (no second or opposition yet)
* require community discussion and consensus as a precondition of action (seconded, controversial)
* create an alternative mailing list where discussion topics are restricted (no second yet)
* add the names of "a certain country's top political leaders" to this list's spam filter (no second yet, controversial)
It is clear that there are multiple people on both sides of the political issue, so it might be helpful to focus discussion on support or opposition to proposed initiatives. (Did I miss any?)
I would like to see something more substantial than a blog post but less extreme than calling for a general strike. Usually when political issues impacting Wikimedia come up someone usually proposes banners.
I have no suggestion for what a banner might say, but I would like to see such proposals from others.
-Will