We have a new installer project in development, which
we hope to
release in 1.17. It includes a feature which encourages users to sign
up for our release announcements mailing list. But maybe we need to do
more. Should we take a leaf from WordPress's book, and nag
administrators with a prominent notice when they are not using the
latest version? Such a feature would require MediaWiki to "dial home",
which is controversial in our developer community.
If MediaWiki dials home, it should be configurable in such a way that
it can be turned off. There are instances in use in places that would
prefer not to their presence known. Enterprise use in general fits
this category.
Respectfully,
Ryan Lane