[Wikimedia-l] Editor retention (was Re: "Big data" benefits and limitations (relevance: WMF editor engagement, fundraising, and HR practices))

[Fred Bauder]

> On 4 January 2013 13:03, Fred Bauder <fredbaud at fairpoint.net> wrote:
>
>> With respect to welcoming and assisting new users on the English
>> Wikipedia where there is a bewildering volume of varied activity by new
>> and experienced users it might be helpful if we had a recent changes
>> options that showed only edit by new editors with less than say 100
>> edits
>> that could be monitored. Newbie helpers could then welcome, comment,
>> compliment, or otherwise assist the new user. Obviously access to such
>> a
>> recent changes option by those looking for trouble could also be used
>> in
>> ways that would discourage the new user. Perhaps access could be
>> limited
>> to only flagged newbie helpers.
>
>
> How would we stop Twinkle/Huggle users from using such a feed as a
> shooting gallery?
>
>
> - d.
>

That is covered above under "Obviously access to such a recent changes
option by those looking for trouble could also be used in ways that would
discourage the new user." Access to that option would probably have to be
limited to administrators or a new class of "newbie helpers".

I'm afraid the shooting gallery is already coded into Twinkle/Huggle. It
is the use of that coding that is at issue. It could be used to
encourage, reward and advise as well as to enforce.

Fred