On 22 November 2010 07:26, MZMcBride z@mzmcbride.com wrote:
David Gerard wrote:
What are some examples of particular current problems that you feel this position would fix?
I'm not sure I agree that this position is designed to fix any current problems. The task of fixing the problems lies with those currently in power at the Wikimedia Foundation. However, in order to address problems, problems must be clearly defined. That can be the role of an ombudsman. Like most ombudsman positions, the task inside the Wikimedia Foundation would be to point out the problems and encourage discussion of them (cf. National Public Radio Ombudsman's blog).
OK, no particular current problems, but you think that it might be worth putting into place in general.
I was thinking in terms of "if there's no particular problems in need of solving, then there's no reason to create a new position." But as you point out, there are working examples in other nonprofits that make media, which does make the idea seem more likely to be a useful one.
Why is this particular proposed position the tool to fix them?
Sometimes it's best to look at how other organizations have addressed an issue and take lessons away from them. There isn't a need to always reinvent the wheel, so to speak. It seems like an accepted practice among reputable organizations to implement an ombudsman position.
That's a plausible purpose, yes.
Is there a reason you think an ombudsman position would not work at Wikimedia?
Not that springs to mind.
How do you envision this tool working in your example problems?
One proposed idea is to have a "Wikimedia fellow" fill the position. There are other solutions for implementing this idea, but there are issues of cart and horse order, I think.
Looking at existing models would probably be the first thing to do. MOVED: Mzmcbride to assemble report. ;-p
The original e-mail was asking if there had been past discussion about this idea or if there any virtue to it. You seem to have not answered either question. :-)
I couldn't think of any and I didn't know of any, hence asking for more detail on what you were thinking of.