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

[Kim Bruning]

On Fri, Jan 04, 2013 at 03:51:42PM -0800, George Herbert wrote:
> Along the lines of noneuclidian geometry...
> 
> What if we experiment (at least conceptually) with inverting that
> instruction?  Encourage people to write on subjects they know...
> 
> Normal people won't be so much of an expert that using their own
> professional or academic work as a reference is even applicable.
> 
> Actual experts, we can include a "Please cite your sources, rather
> than your own work, thanks!" and leave it at that.
> 
> Actual experts who fail to heed that are a problem, but a much smaller
> and easier to communicate with and explain problem than the no-newbies
> one.

You know, this is starting to sound like we're the 2001 wikipedia to provide
input to the nascent Nupedia? ;-)

My proposal would be to replace AFC with an "unstable branch wikipedia".
(And cherry-pick from there). This proposal has the upside that it uses proven
technology and processes ;-)

sincerely,
	Kim bruning