Andre-
I think the effect will rather be opposite. By
introducing many things
at once, it is likely that some will not be used that would be if
presented separately.
I find it difficult to believe that we would generate a lot of interest
with an announcement that we have now a shared media repository, but that
it isn't possible to use images from there anywhere without re-uploading
them, that there is no improved upload form, no transparent inclusion of
images, etc. I think it would generate about the same interest that
Wikisource did, with a few people like yourself starting to put up what
they've been wanting to put somewhere for a long time and creating the
basic structure (with the associated problems I have described below).
On the other hand, when we launch the Commons in one fell swoop, with all
the changes - the brandnew upload form, the single login, the transparent
inclusion if images, perhaps a "Move to commons" button on image pages -
that will certainly generate a lot of interest in "What's going on over
there?" and thanks to single sign-on, people can try it out immediately
without having to set up yet another account.
Also, I think we can diide the users of Wikicommons in
two groups - those
directly interested, and those who are interested because it helps them
with another project. The first group can be got without extra features.
The second group will more likely be caught with content than with
features.
I think the first group is very small, and I think the second group will
be initially interested, but turned away by the samll things like having
to create a new account, having to re-upload files, etc. Most people have
a very low tolerance of frustration, especially when working on hobby
projects. That's why usability is so essential, and the features we want
are really usability features. For example, I also think that
participation on Meta would be much greater if we had single sign-on.
> - The initial edits on a wiki lay the foundation
of what that wiki will
> become. If just a few people get involved in this project, because it
> offers no really cool, exciting possibilities, then the project foundation
> may well not be as solid as it could be. For example, people may decide to
> create image categories and upload requirements in the first two weeks.
> This structure will then become harder and harder to change as it seeps
> in, and when we add all the new cool features which attract more people --
> a better upload form, transparent use of commons media from all wikis,
> single sign-on -- it may already be too late to quickly and effectively
> fix certain problems. Too much may have grown into the structure already.
Again, the cool, exciting features are I think not
what draws people to the
project. Their own wish for a project like this, and the content of the
project are the more likely elements.
See above.
Problems like you describe will definitely happen, but
I think they will
happen just as much if we wait as when we don't.
Why do you think that?
Regards,
Erik