Hi Wikimedia-l and Wikitech-l,
Keeping in mind the large numbers of subscribers on some Wikimedia email lists, the endless valuable uses for the time of knowledgeable volunteer Wikimedians, the significant financial costs for the time of many of the staff and contractors on these mailing lists, and how packed calendars can be, I propose that we implement a few social norms/guidelines for Wikimedia-l and Wikitech-l in particular.
1. When planning to have a one-time public meeting, announce it at least 14 days in advance to give everyone who might like to participate that much lead time to clear space on their calendars. Rarely is a one-time public meeting so urgent that it cannot wait 14 days from the day that it is announced.
2. Send a maximum of one reminder email regarding a one-time public meeting, and also send a maximum of one reminder email regarding events with deadlines such as Wikimania scholarship submissions or conference presentation proposals. More than one reminder about a meeting or deadline is excessive.
3. If extending a deadline, send only an announcement of the extension with no additional reminder.
4. Send only one email to announce a recurring weekly meeting, with no additional reminders. Meetings which recur less often, such as biweekly or monthly, may continue to be announced with one additional reminder.
At this time these are proposals only. Comments are welcome. If the comments become extensive then I may request that we move the conversation to Meta.
Thank you,