From: Yaroslav M. Blanter <putevod(a)mccme.ru>
To: Wikimedia Foundation Mailing List <foundation-l(a)lists.wikimedia.org>
Cc:
Sent: Tuesday, August 9, 2011 10:48 AM
Subject: Re: [Foundation-l] Chapters
It is true however that many chapters do
important work for the local
projects, and serve their local needs in the sense of activities, press
contacts and fundraising in a more effective way (less culturally
challanging, more sensitive to what works locally and better in touch
with
other activities and situations). Not all
chapters do this in the same
extent, and not all do it similarly good. But that is the idea of a
chapter
- it is not a fanclub organizing beer events
only to have fun.
Best regards,
Lodewijk
Right, I know that the Chapters are doing some very useful stuff (in fact,
I even want to help the Dutch chapter with the project on taking pictures
of State Monuments - it would be very helpful if someone mails me offlist
or indicates on my Wiki page if there is any information on what is
needed), but I believe that to say, as Brigitte does, that the Chapters
should lead the movement is to stretch it way over the limits.
It is not so much that I believe chapters should lead the movement as that I am
certain WMF cannot successfully lead the movement.
It seems to me that these changes are about making chapters more into franchises. Which I
find to be exactly backwards. Chapters in my mind should be diverse entities. Embracing
whatever is most effective in their little slice of the world. I think they should be
ambitious in seeking out what inspires local population to embrace our movement. The way
to encourage innovation is to push self-direction and refrain from being too judgmental so
long as there is trending improvement. I believe that franchises will not be well received
and will by and large fail. Maybe I am wrong about the direction people are pushing, maybe
I am right about the direction but wrong about the poor outcome. I certainly can't
have much of an effect on things.
I have really tried to share the underlying basis that leads me to think this is a poor
idea so people can consider the information and comes to their own conclusions. Although I
know some of it is hard for me to articulate clearly. If you think my conclusion is
stretches way over the limits I would like to understand which underlying concept I have
drawn on is the poorest foundation. I sincerely would like to correct my understanding if
I have the wrong idea or placed a disproportionate amount of importance on something.
Really I am open to changing my opinion if someone has convincing information.
BirgitteSB