See Steve's reply, below, which didn't make it to this list. I agree with the promotion point - this isn't the place to push unrelated events, although it's always good to mention them if they are related (e.g. as in the 5 million Commons files release). Andrew did make a number of other points as well as this one, though.
Thanks, Mike
Begin forwarded message:
From: "Steve Virgin" steve@mediafocusuk.com Date: 29 December 2009 16:57:27 GMT To: charles.r.matthews@ntlworld.com Cc: Wikimedia UK Board mailing list board@wikimedia.org.uk Subject: Re: [WMUK Board] [Wikimediauk-l] Press release (Public Domain Day) Reply-To: Wikimedia UK Board mailing list board@wikimedia.org.uk
Charles is quite right that we have been in touch
He was aware that we needed to run this through the Board Meeting tonight as I pointed this out last week
I think he was aware I might have some reservations (albeit minor) about the text so I doubt anyone thought it would be issued prematurely
Any promotion of Britain Loves Wikipedia should be in a section at the bottom called 'Editor's Notes' that comes at the end of the press release - it should not come in the main body text as this will mean more than one single message is being conveyed and this will be confusing
I'd certainly promote it in the Editor's Notes - but nowhere else. Or, simply write a new press release all about Britain Loves Wikipedia and issue that to secure the same
I had a few minor and small doubts about the 70 year rule so on phrases in the text suggesting 'copyright free on anything' which I simply modified to sound less harsh. But our collective Board knowledge on the copyright matter would no doubt be of interest
Hope this helps
Best Steve
From: "Charles Matthews" charles.r.matthews@ntlworld.com Sent: Tuesday, December 29, 2009 4:36 PM To: "Michael Peel" email@mikepeel.net Cc: wikimediauk-l@lists.wikimedia.org; "Steve Virgin" steve@mediafocusuk.com Subject: Re: [Wikimediauk-l] Press release (Public Domain Day)
Michael Peel wrote:
In terms of the content of the press release, there still seem to be some outstanding questions. Andrew posted on the talk page 5 days ago, pointing out a few things, which it would be good to discuss. The central point is: are we absolutely positive that the facts are completely accurate? Also, note that the press release as it stands is lacking a headline and a date.
I don't agree with the Talk page comment "release should promote WMUK and its activities, e.g. Britain Loves Wikipedia, as much as possible". My views on press releases are probably known to readers of the list by now. I would go so far as to say that "corporate identity" material is dead weight in getting media attention. To put it another way, promotion through simply contacting the media has to earn its keep.
On the issue of handling, I have been in contact with a Board member, and I imagine my views will be represented to the Board. I'll pass on second-guessing the detailed drafting. 70 years is correct for the UK, that much is clear, and _in the press release_ nothing else should be brought in.
Charles
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