On Mon, Jan 17, 2011 at 8:37 PM, Eugene Eric Kim <eekim(a)blueoxen.com> wrote:
On Sat, Jan 15, 2011 at 11:53 AM, Jon Davis
<wiki(a)konsoletek.com> wrote:
We (the SF group) have actually talked about
doing before, we just wanted to
have a dry run for it first. That dry run just so happens to be today and
is the West Coast Wikiconference [1].
Seeing is how this "little" shindig oversold by 30% or so, and was really
done in a month by Phoebe & Eugene, I think we could do a Wikimania
Thanks for the confidence, Jon. :-)
I think the conference went really well, and I'm deeply appreciative
for everyone who stepped up. There were a few things that worked in
our favor, and I think it's important to acknowledge them as we
consider doing a Wikimania bid.
We got a lot of free publicity/energy thanks to the 10th anniversary
landmark. I think that greatly contributed to the ease with which we
oversold. That also enabled us to leverage the great work that the
Foundation was already doing for the the anniversary -- schwag, the
party, etc. If we do a Wikimania bid, we won't have that.
The other thing we'll need for a Wikimania bid is for others to step
up early. We had a lot of help the day-of, which was absolutely
critical, but that won't be enough for a Wikimania bid, Phoebe and I
won't be able to shoulder the load. It's too much work, and frankly,
we're too busy. I think I speak for both of us when I say that we can
absolutely support a bid and help make it the best Wikimania _ever_,
bar none. But other folks need to step up early and assume leadership
roles.
I hope people will do so. Wikimania is one of the best things since
sliced bread. It's super great, and it would be wonderful to bring it
here. And despite what I said earlier, we also have some built-in
advantages that other places don't have. For example, even though this
needs to be a volunteer event, having the Foundation close by makes a
world of difference.
I think the biggest advantage is that we have a whole lot of
experienced, connected people here who know how to pull this off:
logistics, fundraising, programs, facilitation, etc. And I know these
folks would gladly lend a hand and share their wisdom. So not only
would it be amazingly gratifying to bring Wikimania here -- a feather
in your cap, as it were -- it would also be an amazing learning
opportunity.
I would love it if some folks would step up and take this on as a
challenge! And I will gladly lend a hand.
=Eugene
I agree totally with what Eugene said. Wikimania is amazing, but it
takes lots of people. As I said last year (and still firmly believe)
the team is by far the most important part of Wikimania bidding --
much more than having a great venue or elaborate plans. The conference
requires a cohesive group of people willing to do the work and follow
through. But that team can be built!
If folks are interested in exploring the possibilities, my suggestion
would be to call a meetup relatively soon (and ideally start having
regular meetups again in the new year!) Anyone can plan a meetup; the
wiki page is at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Meetup/San_Francisco. A
possible agenda might be to look at the bidding requirements, look at
local venues, and brainstorm about conference possibilities.
Alternatively we might start a conference discussion on the wiki so
more people can participate. I hope that someone will volunteer to do
this.
That said, I am super grateful to everyone who helped out with and
participated in the West Coast WikiConference -- it was a blast, and
it got a lot of praise from all the attendees I talked to. Thanks!
Now I am off on another trip, which will include participating in
D.C.'s Wikipedia10 event next weekend :)
cheers,
Phoebe