On Sat, Jan 15, 2011 at 11:53 AM, Jon Davis wiki@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