[Foundation-l] Since Egypt has shutdown internet, should we too?

[Marc Riddell]

> On Sat, Jan 29, 2011 at 15:34, Ting Chen <wing.philopp at gmx.de> wrote:
>> the Wikimedia movement is like a big family. Even though we sometimes
>> quarry with each other but especially in time like this we are all with
>> you. In the last days I often think back of the hospitality from all of
>> you to so many Wikimedians from all around the world back in Alexandria.
>> Read your line about following TV ans Twitter also reminds me of June
>> 1989 when I followed radio news hour after hour for every news through
>> sleepless nights. Back then, very alone, without the community that
>> gathered here.

on 1/29/11 12:09 PM, Milos Rancic at millosh at gmail.com wrote:

> I have similar feelings...
> 
> It is not the same when you are worried about people which you don't
> know personally; and people which you know. For the most of my life,
> the most of people which I know were living in Belgrade, but Wikimedia
> movement has changed my perspective.
> 
> For the first time I've realized that people which I know may be in
> problem after L'Aquila earthquake. Then, a number of other events
> followed: Iranian protests and present Egyptian protests, but also big
> smoke in Moscow and recent Brisbane floods. Even financial crisis in
> Ireland makes me to think about my Wikimedian friend there. And
> whenever I hear about severe weather conditions somewhere in US, I am
> thinking do I know anyone there. I mean, it is not the same to me to
> hear about protests in Tunisia, Jordan, Egypt or Iran. I know
> Wikimedians from Egypt and Iran.
> 
> From one point, it is burdensome. I don't care just about my close
> surroundings, but about thousands of people all over the world. But
> from the other, it makes happy to know that I have friends all over
> the world and that we care for each other.
> 
> But, I would like that we don't stop here. I would like to see
> Wikimedia movement (WMF, chapters, Wikimedians) to be able to give
> real help to Wikimedians -- but not just Wikimedians -- all over the
> world in such circumstances. It is not just about keeping information
> free. Wikimedia movement has enough resources now to give some real
> help: it could be about organizing donations of laptops with Wikipedia
> on itself with OLPC; it could be about food.
> 
> Mido, please, keep us informed!
> 
Ting and Milos, wonderfully said, and very warmly received. Thank you.

Marc